Forklore

By soco2009

April 21, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

why do you say “long-awaited”? mars closed in late december; I’m completely impressed with how quickly Perla’s opened.

By flashscuba

April 22, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

I think it’s long awaited because Austin has always been short on casual and good seafood restaurants that aren’t fried catfish. Everything casual in this town seems to be tex-mex, interior mex, or burgers. Perla’s is a style that I personally have “long awaited”. I’ll be there soon to check it out!

By bld

April 22, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

Sure hope the food is better than Mars. And the scene less pretentious.

As a local resident it’s getting a bit frustrating with all of the “upscale” restaurants opening up here. There’s hardly a place to just walk over to and have a meal anymore.

Here’s what I mean….

Guerro’s - Food has gone downhill. Was sick after last visit and the drinks have become “weak”.

Woodlands - What kind of menu is that anyway?

Mars - Same thing. Was it Indian food or what? And who likes to eat in a noisy sports bar decorated like a bordello. Good riddance.

South Congress Cafe - I mean, this owner is an arrogant jerk. Wouldn’t give him one more dime.

Home Slice Pizza - Had high hopes for this place but it turns out it’s just the spot if you’re into burned cardboard with some tomato sauce on top. And plan on waiting a long time for the privilege too.

Doc’s - A good place for beer. Food is ok beer food….with lot’s of beer.

Enoteca Vespaio - Delicious food, if a bit pricey. Because it’s so good and so small, there’s usually a very long wait.

Vespaio - I mean come on. The food is scrumptious but I don’t want to forgo my mortgage payment to go out to dinner.

Botticelli’s - Again, had high hopes for this place after it re-opened, but the prices are keeping me away.

So as you can see, a simple walk to SoCo and a simple dinner is hard to find. A good fish place might just hit the spot…if the pretentiousness stays up north that is.

By Brent

April 22, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

bld- You’re not a very happy person, are you?

By Michael Lacy

April 22, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Check it out.

By check please

April 23, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

bld - Henly is calling you.

By Steve

April 24, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this

Hey Bid…I just had brunch at South Congress Cafe on Saturday. The service was OUTSTANDING! I have never been to a place in Austin that busy with such a friendly, efficient and effective bar / wait staff. The food was very good and the bloody marys were outstanding! I did not meet the owner but left impressed. It sounds like you need to buy some Top Ramen and stay at home…

By BCP

April 24, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Bid - Get over it. Really. Every one of the restaurants you listed is amazing. Sorry they don’t live up to your “dive” standard but Austin is changing - in a good way. Move to Hutto if you don’t like it.

By Dave

May 7, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

bld - anyone who can describe Home Slice Pizza as “burnt cardboard with tomato sauce” either hasn’t eaten there, or is in serious need of pyschological help. in your case, i’m thinking both.

By Mark

May 21, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

flashscuba, Have you never heard of Cafe Josie? They have the best seafood in Austin and are open for lunch tue-fri with really decent prices. You know there are restaurants outside of “SoCo”. On block west of Lamar on 6th and you can find this hidden gem behind Portabla

By Thomas

May 24, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

Mark is right. Cafe Josie is great. Just look at Zagats.