Hungry for variety? Examine the options
Looking to try a different type fare? Take a look through almost 300 capsule listings for food to catch your fancy.
American | Classic Austin Spots | Barbecue | Breakfast | Burgers | Cajun | Chinese | Comfort Food | Delis | French | German | Greek | Ice Cream | Indian | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Lakeside Dining | Latin American | Mexican | Mideastern | Pizza | Romantic | Seafood | Steaks | Sushi | Thai | Top Tables | Vegetarian | Vietnamese
Inside the 2005 Dining Guide
- Intro: Austin has it all on its plate
- Top 10 restaurants
- Driskill Grill
- Aquarelle
- Cafe at the Four Seasons
- Hudson's on the Bend
- Jeffrey's
- Cafe 909
- Uchi
- Zoot
- Wink
- Little Texas Bistro
- Four-star runners-up
- The rest of the top 50
- 30 worth tasting
- 25 casual favorites
- Capsule listings by cuisine
- Profile: Juan Meza of Juan in a Million
- Profile: D.K. Lee of Seoul Restaurant and Sushi Bar
- Profile: Charlotte Finch of Iron Works
- Dining Guide Index
AMERICAN
1886 Cafe & Bakery. Casual, all-day dining in the historic Driskill Hotel. Fare with sandwiches, salads, pizzas and desserts. 604 Brazos St. 474-5911.
Dog Almighty. Great hot dogs inside the Travis County Farmers Market. 6701 Burnet Road. 385-3647.
Freddie's Place. Live music with burgers, chicken and more. 1703 S. First St. 445-9197.
Galaxy Cafe. Retro restaurant with a broad appeal, from sandwiches to dinner plates. 9911 Brodie Lane, Suite 750. 233-6000.
Hill's Cafe. Well-seasoned meat on a kolache-style bun makes for the best burger in Austin. 4700 S. Congress Ave. 851-9300.
Liberty Tavern. The all-day restaurant at the Convention Center Hilton Hotel emphasizes Lone Star fare. 500 E. Fourth St. 493-4901.
Logan's Roadhouse. Large portions with a laid-back attitude. 701 E. Stassney Lane, Building C. 912-8702.
Magnolia Cafe. 24-hour spot with eclectic menu. 1920 S. Congress Ave. 445-0000. (One of two locations.)
Red River Cafe. Reasonable prices, simple fare near the University of Texas. 2912 Medical Arts St. 474-8609.
Springhill Restaurant. Hand-breaded onion rings and chicken fried steak. 13212 Texas 71 W. 263-3244.
Stagecoach Inn. Step back in time with recipes from the 1940s in historic setting. 401 S. Stagecoach Road, Salado. (254) 947-5111.
Texadelphia. Local version of the 'cheesesteak sandwich.' 2422 Guadalupe St. 480-0107. (One of multiple locations.)
Texicalli Grille. Salads, sandwiches and South Austin attitude. 534 E. Oltorf St. 442-2799.
The Tavern. Basically, the same food as Hill's Cafe in a sports bar atmosphere. 922 W. 12th St. 320-8377.
Z Tejas. Strong flavors of the Southwest and popular patio. 1110 W. Sixth St. 478-5355. (One of two locations.)
CLASSIC AUSTIN SPOTS
Brick Oven. Outstanding pizza with a charred crust from 100-year-old, wood-fired oven. 1209 Red River St. 477-7006.
Chuy's. New Mex-Mex offers an alternative to Tex-Mex. 1728 Barton Springs Road, 474-4452. (One of multiple locations.)
Cisco's. A legendary Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch spot. 1511 E. Sixth St. 478-2420.
Güero's. Bill Clinton heads to this Tex-Mex spot when in Austin. 1412 S. Congress Ave. 447-7688.
Eastside Cafe. Garden and gift shop augment a menu with something for everyone. 2113 Manor Road. 476-5858.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill. Great chicken fried steak and the best french fries (battered and seasoned) in town. 4206 Duval St. 458-3168.
Iron Works. Longtime barbecue joint in the heart of downtown Austin. 100 Red River St. 478-4855.
Kerbey Lane Cafe. Varied fare, from pancakes to sandwiches, around the clock. 3704 Kerbey Lane. 451-1436. (One of multiple locations.)
Matt's El Rancho. Mexican restaurant that is one of the city's best-known spots. 2613 S. Lamar Blvd. 462-9333.
Threadgill's. Home-style cooking and Southern flavor, with a boggling array of vegetables. 301 W. Riverside Drive. 472-9304. (One of two locations.)
Trudy's. Good Tex-Mex and chicken fried steak. 409 W. 30th St. 477-2935. (One of multiple locations.)
BARBECUE
Artz Rib House. Love the baby-back ribs, especially on a night with live music. 2330 S. Lamar Blvd. 442-8283.
Bert's Bar-B-Q. Smokin' for more than 30 years. 3563 Far West Blvd., No. 109. 345-2378.
Black's. Plenty of sides distinguish this Lockhart joint. 215 N. Main St., Lockhart. (512) 398-2712.
County Line on the Lake. If barbecue gets upscale, this is it on the water's edge. 5204 RM 2222. 346-3664.
County Line on the Hill. Same fare, but with a different view — the hills west of Austin. 6500 W. Bee Cave Road. 327-1742.
Donn's Bar-B-Q. Pork loin is the standout. Good homemade sides. 10003 FM 969. 928-0229.
Donn's Texas BBQ. Behind the Albertson's at the Y in Oak Hill. 7001 Oak Meadow Drive. 288-4060.
Green Mesquite BBQ & More. Lots more than good barbecue here. 1400 Barton Springs Road. 479-0485. (One of two locations.)
Iron Works. Try the beef and pork ribs. See also: classic Austin spots. 100 Red River St. 478-4855.
Kreuz Market. One of the best-known joints in Texas, with emphasis on the meat. 619 N. Colorado St., Lockhart. (512) 398-2361.
Louie Mueller Barbeque. 'The Barbecue Bible' says it's one of the top 25 in the world. 206 W. Second St., Taylor; (512) 352-6206.
Meyer's Elgin Smokehouse. Four generations of the Meyer family make this a classic spot. 188 U.S. 290, Elgin. (512) 281-3331.
Pok-e-Jo's. Big array of home-style sides adds variety to the meat. 1603 W. Fifth St. 320-1541. (One of multiple locations.)
Railroad B-B-Q. Good sausage wraps and brisket. FM 1626, Manchaca. 282-3288. (One of two locations.)
Ruby's Barbeque. Tender meat and wide choice of sides near the University of Texas. 512 W. 29th St. 477-1651.
Rudy's Country Store & Bar-B-Q. Good 'cue with a big dose of country shtick. 2451 Capital of Texas Highway. 329-5554. (One of multiple locations.)
Salt Lick. One of the best overall barbecue experiences in the area. Dine family style here. RM 1826, Driftwood. (512) 858-4959.
Salt Lick 360. Same good meat as the original. 3801 N. Capital of Texas Highway. 328-4957.
Sam's Bar-B-Que. Fulfill a late-night hankering with tasty mutton and other meats smoked over an oak fire. 2000 E. 12th St. 478-0378.
Slab Shack. Little spot, big taste. 11501 Manchaca Road. 282-0614.
Southside Market & BBQ. 'Elgin hot sausage' is the famous element here. 1212 U.S. 290 W., Elgin. (512) 281-4650.
Stubb's Bar-B-Que. Meat, music and a terrific sauce. 801 Red River St. 480-8341.
Texas Rib Kings. Moist, flavorful barbecued chicken breast in addition to the ribs. 9012 Research Blvd. 451-7427.
BREAKFAST
Chez Zee. Crème brûlée French toast will make you swoon. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 5406 Balcones Drive. 454-2666.
Cisco's. Migas and a picadillo (a roll filled with seasoned taco meat) on a roll. See also: classic Austin spots. 1511 E Sixth St. 478-2420.
Dan's Hamburgers. Good sausage gravy over large, split, soft, homemade biscuits. Opens at 6 a.m. daily. 4308 Manchaca Road. 443-6131. See also: Burgers. (One of multiple locations.)
Juan In A Million. Eggs with machacado (Mexican dried beef), tomatoes, onions and jalapeños. Opens at 7 a.m. daily. 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St. 472-3872.
Kerbey Lane Cafe. Ginger or fruit-laced pancakes. See also: classic Austin spots. 704 Kerbey Lane. 451-1436. (One of multiple locations.)
La Fuente's. The place for migas: tortilla chips, eggs, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and sauce covered with cheese. Opens at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 6507 Circle S Road. 442-9925.
Little City. Can't beat this hot cocoa of steamed milk and chocolate syrup. Opens at 7 a.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 916 Congress Ave. 476-2489.
Lone Star Bakery. These are the golden doughnuts that made Round Rock famous. Opens at 4 a.m. daily. 106 W. Liberty Ave., Round Rock. 255-3629.
Magnolia Cafe. Good potatoes and egg dishes. See also: American. 1920 S. Congress Ave. 445-0000. (One of two locations.)
Mozart's. Roasts its own coffee beans; overlooks Lake Austin. Opens at 7 a.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 477-2900.
Omelettry. The name says it. Try the vegetarian, stuffed with guacamole, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers and cheese. Opens at 7 a.m. daily. 4811 Burnet Road. 453-5062.
Russell's Bakery. A golden apple fritter, plus plenty of other sweets. Opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3339 Hancock Drive. 419-7877.
Sweetish Hill Bakery. I love their mocha muffin, filled with chunks of dark chocolate in a coffee-flavored dough. Opens at 6:30 a.m. daily. 1120 W. Sixth St. 472-7370.
Taco X-Press. Breakfast tacos hot off the grill, including migas and eggs with chorizo. Opens at 7 a.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday. 2529 S. Lamar Blvd. 444-0261.
Texas French Bread. Coffeecake with nuts and cinnamon, topped with streusel and drizzled with icing. Opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 2900 Rio Grande St. 499-0544. (One of multiple locations.)
Upper Crust Bakery. Flaky, nontraditional sugar-and-cinnamon roll. Opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 4508 Burnet Road. 467-0102.
BURGERS
Arkie's Grill. The feel of the 1940s at this East Side spot. 4827 E. Cesar Chavez St. 385-2986. See also: Comfort food.
BurgerTex. Buns baked twice a day for these choice chuck patties. 5420 Airport Blvd. 453-8772.
Cafe at the Four Seasons. Burgers go uptown, made with tenderloin and striploin ground in-house. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 685-8300.
Casino el Camino. Three-quarter-pound, hand-molded patty for one of the best burgers in Austin. 517 E. Sixth St. 469-9330.
Central Market at Westgate. Plump burger on sesame-seed bun. 4477 S. Lamar Blvd. 899-4300.
Dan's Hamburgers. Homemade onion rings pair with good burger. 4308 Manchaca Road. 443-6131. See also: Breakfast. (One of multiple locations.)
Dirty Martin's Place. The grill's been sizzling since 1926. Try the D.H. Special, with cheese and grilled onions on toast. 2808 Guadalupe St. 477-3173.
Eastside Cafe. Garlic mayonnaise accents the half-pounder. 2113 Manor Road. 476-5858. See also: Classic Austin spots.
Fran's Hamburgers. South Congress landmark. 1822 S. Congress Ave. 444-5738.
Frisco Shop. Another oldie, the Frisco burger is served with cheese, pickle relish and Russian-style dressing. 5819 Burnet Road. 459-6279.
Fuddruckers. Extensive condiment bar, mounds of fresh ingredients. 4024 S. Lamar Blvd. 444-8202. (One of multiple locations.)
Hill-bert's. Thick shakes and burgers from an old-style drive-through. 3303 N. Lamar Blvd. 452-2317.
Hill's Cafe. Top burger in Austin: 8-ounce, never-frozen, well-seasoned patty on sweet, kolache-style bun. 4700 S. Congress Ave. 851-9300.
Hoover's Cooking. Eight-ounce, hand-formed patty. 2002 Manor Road. 479-5006.
Hut's Hamburgers. Specialty burgers galore, along with black pepper onion rings that are outstanding. 807 W. Sixth St. 472-0693.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill. Half-pound sirloin burger is one of the tastiest in town. 4206 Duval St. 458-3168.
Katz's Deli. The Brooklyn patty melt calls me: big burger on rye with melted cheese and sautéed onions. 618 W. Sixth St. 472-2037.
Logan's Roadhouse. Ground sirloin, chuck and steak combine for great taste. 701 E. Stassney Lane. 912-8702. See also: American. (One of multiple locations.)
Mike's Pub. Hidden away in the parking garage across the alley from the Stephen F. Austin Hotel. 108 E. Seventh St. 479-6424.
Nau's Enfield Drug. Bonafide 1950s lunch counter with white-paper-wrapped burger. 1115 W. Lynn St. 476-1221.
North by Northwest. Blue and cheddar cheeses top the half-pound Angus beef burger. 10010 N. Capital of Texas Highway. 467-6969.
Noodle-ism. Kobe-style cheeseburger with Asian sides. 107 W. Fifth St. 275-9988.
Paradise Cafe. Heavily seasoned Cajun fries add spice to a half-pounder. 401 E. Sixth St. 476-5667.
Poodie's Hilltop Bar and Grill. Good ol' honky-tonk with a basic burger. 22308 Texas 71 W., Spicewood. 264-0318.
Ranch 616. Daily-changing ingredients stuff the 'Framed Burger,' a hand-formed half-pounder. 616 Nueces St., 479-7616.
Rico's Tamales. Basic burger on the East Side. 1701-B Cesar Chavez St. 477-7207.
Sandy's Frozen Custard. There's always a line for these cheap burgers and ultra-thick shakes. 603 Barton Springs Road. 478-6322.
Shady Grove. New Mexico enters the picture with the green chile cheeseburger. 1624 Barton Springs Road. 474-9991.
Top Notch. Might be the only charcoal-broiled burger for miles around. Plus great homemade onion rings. 7525 Burnet Road. 452-2181.
Wally's Burger Express. Low-carb seekers can find bunless burgers here. 8107 Mesa Drive. 345-7441.
Whataburger. Still the best of the fast-food chains. 1908 W. Ben White Blvd. 707-0941. (One of multiple locations.)
CAJUN
The Boiling Pot. Cajun seafood combo makes a messy feast. 700 E. Sixth St. 472-0985.
Cypress Grill. Lots of entrees to go with the muffulettas and gumbo. 4404 W. William Cannon Drive, Suite L. 358-7474.
Evangeline Cafe. Live music and some terrific oysters. 8106 Brodie Lane. 282-2586.
Gene's New Orleans Style Po' Boys & Deli. Can't beat the po' boys and Southern-style lunch specials. 1209 E. 11th St. 477-6600.
Gumbo's. A classy taste of New Orleans in Austin. 710 Colorado St. 480-8053.
Shoal Creek Saloon. Neighborhood bar with good cooking. 909 N. Lamar Blvd. 474-0805.
CHINESE
Din Ho Chinese Bar.B.Q. Barbecued pork and duck are part of the extensive offerings. 8557 Research Blvd., No. 116. 832-8788.
Hao Hao. Offers Vietnamese and Chinese fare, but I favor the Vietnamese menu. 1901 W. William Cannon Drive. 447-8121.
Lotus Hunan. Good spot for chicken egg foo yong, a time-consuming dish. 3201 Bee Cave Road. 327-7776.
Noodle-ism. Award-winning Pan-Asian fare from the chef-owner of the four-star Bistro 88. 107 W. Fifth St. 275-9988. See also: Burgers.
Pao's Mandarin House. Select from two menus, regular and Chinese, for flavorful dishes such as three-cup chicken with mushrooms and basil. 2300 Lohmans Crossing, No. 134. 263-8869.
T&S Chinese Seafood Restaurant. Favorite late-night spot of local chefs. 10014 N. Lamar Blvd. 339-8434.
The Tea House. This Chinese-Vietnamese spot has more than 200 dishes on the menu. 13376 Research Blvd., Suite 100. 335-0935.
COMFORT FOOD
Arkie's. Daily lunch specials since 1948. 4827 E. Cesar Chavez St. 385-2986. See also: Burgers.
Blue Bonnet Cafe. Pies with mounds of meringue, plus classic staples such as pot roast, make this cafe famous. 211 U.S. 281 S., Marble Falls. (830) 693-2344.
Cafe 290. Daily lunch specials and some of the best fried green tomatoes around. 11011 U.S. 290 E., Manor. 272-4212.
The Frisco Shop. Daily lunch specials and ice box pies. 5819 Burnet Road. 459-6279. See also: burgers.
Giss's Cafe. Made-from-scratch fare includes two versions of chili and nightly specials. 6001 W. William Cannon Drive, Suite 301. 301-7771.
Hoover's Cooking. My hat's off to Hoover Alexander, the king of comfort food. 2002 Manor Road. 479-5006. See also: burgers.
Monument Cafe. Breakfast, lunch and dinner specials pack 'em in, not to mention the homemade desserts. 1953 S. Austin St., Georgetown. (512) 930-9586.
Ross' Old Austin Cafe. Home cooking in far North Austin. 11800 N. Lamar Blvd. 835-2414.
DELIS
Hog Island Italian Deli. True Philadelphia-style Italian hoagies and cheesesteak sandwiches. 1612 Lavaca St. 482-9090.
Katz's Deli. New York-style Jewish deli open 24 hours. 618 W. Sixth St. 476-3354. See also: Burgers.
The Kitchen Door. The grilled meatloaf sandwich has a big following. 2504 Lake Austin Blvd. 236-9200.
Manny Hattan's. Sandwiches piled high at this New York-style spot. 9503 Research Blvd., Suite 650. 794-0088.
NeWorlDeli. Soups and sandwiches constructed with care and pride in the ingredients. 4101 Guadalupe St. 451-7170.
Texas Picnic Company & Bakery. Homemade breads hold a variety of specialty sandwiches. 605 Sabine St. 473-2518.
FRENCH
Aquarelle. Elaborate, sophisticated fare among the city's top restaurants. 606 Rio Grande St. 479-8117.
Chez Nous. Small bistro reminiscent of Paris. Great salads, plus a three-course, fixed-price nightly special. 510 Neches St. 473-2413.
La Madeleine. Cafeteria-style bakery-cafe with savory soups and good pastries. 3418 N. Lamar Blvd. 302-1486. (One of multiple locations.)
GERMAN
Walburg Restaurant. Weekend buffets on FM 972, a few miles north of Georgetown. 3772 FM 972, Walburg. (512) 863-8440.
GREEK
Athenian Grill. Cafeteria-style lunch and full-service dinner. 705 Colorado St. 482-8988.
Konstantino's. Thessalonika-style Greek food and New York-style Italian dishes. 1412 W. Texas 71, Bastrop. (512) 581-3232.
Zorba Greek Restaurant. Moderately priced Greek fare. 2601 S. Interstate 35, Round Rock. 716-0100.
ICE CREAM
1886 Cafe. Upscale sundaes and banana splits with homemade ice cream. 604 Brazos St. 474-5911. See also: American.
Amy's Ice Creams. Scoopers crush bits of fruit, candy or cookies into this locally made ice cream. 3500 Guadalupe St. 458-6895. (One of multiple locations.)
Dolce Vita. Gelato and sorbetto made on-site, along with Italian desserts. 4222 Duval St. 323-2686.
Shake's. Vanilla and chocolate custard made hourly. 1208 Williams Drive, Georgetown. (512) 869-0210.
Teo's. Gelatos and sorbettos as good as can be found in Italy. 1206 W. 38th St. 451-9555.
INDIAN
Clay Pit. Modern Indian fare in one of the city's oldest commercial structures. 1601 Guadalupe St. 322-5131.
Swad. Vegetarian cuisine that's easy to miss behind the Payless Shoes near Rutland Drive. 9515 N. Lamar Blvd. No. 156, 997-7923.
Taj Palace. Standard Indian fare including meat dishes. 6700 Middle Fiskville Road. 452-9959.
ITALIAN
Al Capone's. The basics — from eggplant to pasta to meat — in plenty of tomato sauce. 2601 Interstate 35, Building B, No. 300, Round Rock. (512) 238-7666.
Andiamo. Exudes old-world charm with delectable, classic fare. 2521 Rutland Drive. 719-3377.
Asti. Popular neighborhood trattoria with tasty offerings, including pizza and pasta. 408-C E. 43rd St. 451-1218.
Bellagio. The best calamari in town sets the tone for the rest of the meal. 6507 Jester Blvd. 346-8228.
Brick Oven on 35th. Robust Italian fare and pizzas at this independent Brick Oven restaurant. 1608 W. 35th St. 453-4330.
Carrabba's Italian Grill. Family-friendly spot with excellent appetizers and good entrees. 6406 N. Interstate 35 (Lincoln Village). 419-1220.
Ciola's. Lasagna doesn't get much better than these thick layers of pasta and meat. 1310 RM 620 S., Suite C-1, 263-9936.
Hill Country Pasta House. Red-sauce fare worth the drive toward Lake Travis. 3519 RM 620 N. 266-9445.
Italian Garden. Old-fashioned, multicourse meals include individual pizza, soup and salad with the entrée. 14611 FM 1325. 388-1062.
La Traviata. Modern downtown trattoria with great pasta dishes. 314 Congress Ave. 479-8131.
Milto's. Neapolitan and Sicilian style pizzas available here, along with a variety of pasta dishes. 2909 Guadalupe St. 476-1021.
Pronto Italiano. Eat-in and take-out fare from the owners of Hill Country Pasta House. 3620 RM 620 S. 263-7404.
Reale's Pizza and Cafe. Good pizza and fine standards. 13450 N. U.S. 183. 335-5115.
Siena. Beautiful setting to match the Tuscan fare. 6203 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Building B. 349-7667.
Venice Cafe & Italian Grill. Extensive menu. 907 FM 685, Pflugerville. 989-8833.
JAPANESE
Kenichi. Often-crowded spot with sleek interior. 419 Colorado St. 320-8883.
Kyoto. One of Austin's earliest Japanese restaurants. 315 N. Congress Ave. 482-9010.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant. Some of the best tempura in the area, in far South Austin. 1807 Slaughter Lane. 292-1580.
Sushi Sake. Gorgeous interior highlights this high-end establishment in the Gateway complex. 9503 Research Blvd., No. 500. 527-0888.
Tokyo Teppan. Oak Hill joins the Japanese trend with this steakhouse and sushi bar. 7010 Texas 71 W., No. 200. 288-3788.
Tokyo Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Lots of child-friendly touches make this an entertaining place for family dining. 201-D Sundance Parkway, Round Rock. 388-7896.
KOREAN
Korea Garden. Follow Korean business leaders for zesty cuisine. 6519 N. Lamar Blvd. 302-3149.
Korea House. Tucked inside the Village Shopping Center. 2700 W. Anderson Lane. 458-2477.
Koreana. Artful presentation and graceful ambience. 12196 N. MoPac Blvd. 835-8888.
Seoul Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Delicious Korean and Japanese fare, plus karaoke. 6400 S. First St. 326-5807.
LAKESIDE DINING
County Line on the Lake. Barbecue on the edge of Bull Creek just off Lake Austin. 5204 RM 2222. 346-3664. See also: Barbecue.
Hula Hut. Tropical flavors imbue Mexican-style fare on over the water of Lake Austin. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 476-4852.
Iguana Grill. Tex-Mex on a patio that sits atop a high bluff overlooking Lake Travis. 2900 N. FM 620. 266-8439.
Lucy's Boatyard Grill. Deck over the water of Lake Austin for pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 651-0505.
Oasis. Fire consumed many of the multitiered decks that are the best place for viewing the sunset over Lake Travis. Reconstruction will bring it back. 6550 Comanche Trail. 266-2442.
LATIN AMERICAN
Doña Emilia's. New Latin and Colombian fare in the heart of downtown Austin. 101 San Jacinto Blvd. 478-2520.
Elsi's Restaurant. Salvadoran and Tex-Mex cuisine in an expanded setting. 6601 Burnet Road. 454-0747.
El Zunzal. Salvadoran and Mexican dishes. 642 Calles St. 474-7749.
Habana. Cuban and Caribbean fare now in the Entertainment District. 709 E. Sixth St. 443-4252.
MEXICAN
Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy. Choice of upscale, interior Mexican or more basic Tex-Mex fare. 2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway. 306-0857.
Angie's. Enticing lunch spot. Try the lunch combo: beef taco in a homemade corn tortilla, chicken enchiladas, rice and beans. 900 E. Seventh St. 476-5413.
Antonio's Mexican Restaurant. Local Tex-Mex chain with multiple locations serving for more than 30 years. 16912 N. Interstate 35. 238-8969.
Azul Tequila. Menu evenly divided between border and interior food. 4211 S. Lamar Blvd. 416-9667.
Baby Acapulco. Tortilla soup made this local Tex-Mex chain. 1705-A S. Lakeshore Blvd. 447-1339. (One of multiple locations.)
Berryhill Baja Grill. Fish tacos and tempura fried chimichanga set the tone. 3600 N. Capital of Texas Highway. 327-9033.
Chuy's. See Classic Austin spots. 1728 Barton Springs Road. 474-4452. (One of multiple locations.)
Cilantro's. Big flavor, including heated salsa, in a little spot. 1025 Stassney Lane. 707-1207.
Curra's Grill. Same tasty dishes at this offshoot of the South Austin institution. 6801 Burnet Road. 451-2560.
Dina's Mexican Restaurant. Wonderful green salsa, made with tomatillos, serranos and avocado. 730 W. Stassney Lane, No. 130. 428-9425.
El Arroyo. Tex-Mex from a local, laid-back chain. 1624 W. Fifth St. 474-1222. (One of two locations.)
El Azteca. Spicy Tex-Mex for more than four decades from the Guerra family. 2600 E. Seventh St. 477-4701.
El Chile Cafe y Cantina. Amazingly popular spot with good Mexican fare. 1809 Manor Road. 457-9900.
El Meson. Tasty breakfast and lunch plates. Squash blossom quesadillas in season. 5808 Burleson Road. 416-0749.
El Sol y La Luna. Simple and consistently reliable fare. 1224 S. Congress Ave. 444-7770.
Enchiladas y Mas. Enchiladas with flavorful sauces and generous fillings. 1911 W. Anderson Lane. 467-7100.
Evita's Botanitas. An array of enticing salsas complement the interior Mexican fare. 6400 S. First St. 441-2424.
Fonda San Miguel. Upscale interior Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting. 2330 W. North Loop. 459-4121.
Garibaldi's. Mix of interior and border foods with winningly pungent flavors. 4201 S. Congress Ave. 326-9788.
Habanero Mexican Cafe. A mesquite grill produces delicious beef and chicken. 501 W. Oltorf St. 416-0443.
La Casita. Small eatery with good Tex-Mex fare. Moved in 2005. 1519 W. Anderson Lane. 469-0105.
Las Palmas. Enchiladas don't get any better than those produced by the Cantu family. 1209 E. Seventh St. 457-4944.
Las Palomas. The Corona family has built a loyal following over two decades in this lovely restaurant of interior fare. 3201 Bee Cave Road. 327-9889.
La Terraza. Gratifying combination of food and mariachis on Wednesday nights. 1605 E. Oltorf St. (on the northbound Interstate 35 access road). 444-0018.
Manuel's. Strong interior Mexican flavors reward diners at the northern branch of the downtown original. 10201 Jollyville Road. 345-1042.
Matt's El Rancho. See Austin classics. 2613 S. Lamar Blvd. 462-9333.
Maudie's Hacienda. Memorable fajitas from this longtime Austin chain. 9911 Brodie Lane, Suite 900, 280-8700. (One of multiple locations.)
Mi Madre's. The sauce takes cheese enchiladas to the next level. 2201 Manor Road. 322-9721.
Mi Rey. Big botana platter could be a tasty meal by itself. 1505 E. Seventh St. 476-4211.
Salado Mansion. Regional heritage of both sides of the border reflected on this menu. 128 S. Main St., Salado. (254) 947-5157.
Santa Rita. Folk-art ambience, patio seating and good Tex-Mex fare. 1206 W. 38th St. (in 26 Doors shopping center). Suite 4105. 419-7482.
Taco X-Press. Can't find better tacos than at Maria Corbalan's kitschy South Austin joint. 2529 S. Lamar Blvd. 444-0261. See also: Breakfast.
Tres Amigos. Several mild but flavorful dishes make this Austin chain a great spot to take spice-avoiding visitors. 1801 S. Capital of Texas Highway. 327-1776. (One of multiple locations.)
Trudy's South Star. Long waits at the South Austin member of Trudy's chain. 4141 S. Capital of Texas Highway. 326-9899. (One of multiple locations.) See also: Classic Austin spots.
Vivo Cocina Mexicana. Over the top with flavor (love that salsa), plus great patio. 2015 Manor Road. 482-0300.
MIDEASTERN
Alborz. Daily lunch buffet and dinner menu featuring the food of Iran. 3300 W. Anderson Lane, No. 303. 420-2222.
Ararat. Turkish and Persian fare emphasized at this restaurant. Reservations are recommended. 111 E. North Loop Blvd. 419-1692.
Daddy's Grille. Mediterranean cuisine, including a Lebanese kafta, outside Bastrop. 766 Texas 95 N., Bastrop. (512) 332-2299.
Marakesh. Filling and tasty Middle Eastern fare. 906 Congress Ave. 476-7735.
PIZZA
Austin Pizza Garden. Steak with vegetables on a thin, crisp crust; that's the Texas T-bone. 6266 U.S. 290 W. 891-9980.
Bud & Walt's Square Cut Pizza. Made-from-scratch dough and sauce cut into little squares. 251 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park. 336-8686.
Brick Oven. Lightly smoked and moderately charred crust from the 100-year-old brick oven. 1209 Red River St. 477-7006. (One of multiple locations.) See also: Classic Austin spots.
Craig O's Pizza & Pastaria. Spicy homemade sauce on New York-style crust. 4970 W. U.S. 290, Suite 460, 891-7200.
Frank & Angie's. Great veggie option includes cubed eggplant, roasted garlic and sundried tomatoes. 508 West Ave. 472-3534.
Mangia. Lots of choice: thin or stuffed, on white or whole wheat. 2401 Lake Austin Blvd., 478-6600, 8012 Mesa Drive, 349-2126, 3500 Guadalupe St. 302-5200.
Marye's Gourmet Pizza. Bacon, spinach and tomatoes made a delightful combination. 3663 Bee Cave Road. 327-5222.
Niki's. Dobie Mall contains an authentic New York-style pizza joint. 2025 Guadalupe St. 474-1876.
Reale's. 13450 N. U.S. 183. 335-5115.See Italian.
Roppolo's Pizzeria. A rolled-edge crust and plenty of cheese. 316 E. Sixth St. 476-1490.
Rounders. Gets a flavor boost from the lightly charred crust. 1203 W. Sixth St. 477-0404.
Saccone's Pizza. One of the best pizza spots in the region, with 'New Jersey-style' pies. 13812 Research Blvd. 257-1200.
360 Uno. Soft and chewy crust on a 'Neapolitan'-style pie. 3801 Capital of Texas Highway, No. G-100. 327-4448.
Tuscany Market. Super-fast oven produces crisp, thin crust in no time. 12221 Riata Trace Parkway. 249-1500.
ROMANTIC
Aquarelle. Small, lovely place for a 3 1/2-hour French meal. 606 Rio Grande St. 479-8117.
Cafe Caprice. The most romantic table in town, with an eclectic seasonal menu. 900 W. 10th St. 477-5576.
Carmelo's. Historical setting and stone walls enclose Italian fare. 504 E. Fifth St. 477-7497.
Emerald Restaurant. Irish cuisine in a quaint cottage. 13614 Texas 71 W. 263-2147.
Green Pastures. Lovely old Victorian setting for modern cuisine. 811 W. Live Oak St. 444-1888.
Hudson's on the Bend. Game and Southwest flavors in an old house with great garden. 3509 RM 620 N. 266-1369.
Jeffrey's. A quiet setting for regional tastes. 1204 West Lynn St. 477-5584.
Melting Pot. High walls and positioning make all the booths seem secluded, plus you share the fondue. 13343 U.S. 183 N., Suite 350. 401-2424.
The Range. An 1860s home blends a host of flavors. 101 N. Main St., Salado. (254) 947-3828.
Zoot. American fare and bistro ambience in an old house. 509 Hearn St. 477-6535.
SEAFOOD
The Boiling Pot. See Cajun listing.
Catfish Parlour. Fried catfish and hushpuppies in a down-home setting. 4705 E. Ben White Blvd. 443-1698.
Cherry Creek Catfish Restaurant. Good fish, plus chicken fried steak. 5712 Manchaca Road. 440-8810.
Eddie V's Edgewater Grill. The Gulf Coast flows across this menu. 301 E. Fifth St. 472-1860.
Gumbo's. See Cajun listing.
Mariscos. Tasty Mexican spin on seafood. 1504 Town Creek Drive. 462-9119.
McCormick & Schmick's. Upscale chain with fresh fish flown in daily. 401 Congress Ave. 236-9600.
Ms. B's. 8105 Mesa Drive. 372-9529
Roy's. Hawaiian fusion cuisine is the mainstay, with fresh fish arriving daily. 340 E. Second St. 391-1500.
T&S Chinese Seafood Restaurant. See Chinese. 10014 N. Lamar Blvd. 339-8434.
Truluck's. Fresh stone crab arrives daily to complement the catch from the East, West and Gulf coasts. 400 Colorado St. 482-9000.
STEAKS
Austin Land & Cattle Co. Heavily charred outside, but rare inside. 1205 N. Lamar Blvd. 472-1813.
Dan McKlusky's. Aged steaks and a welcoming attitude. 301 E. Sixth St. 473-8924. (One of two locations.)
Eddie V's Edgewater Grill. Prime beef is as important as the seafood. 301 E. Fifth St., 472-1860, 9400-B Arboretum Blvd. 342-2642. See also: seafood.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Classy setting and meat to match. 320 E. Second St. 457-1500.
Houston's. Best prime rib around, finished on the oak-fired grill. 2408 W. Anderson Lane. 451-7333.
JC's Steakhouse. Casual, West Texas kind of place. 5804 N. Interstate 35. 407-9393.
Ruth's Chris Steak House. Aged prime beef from an 1,800-degree broiler in an art deco setting. 107 W. Sixth St. 477-7884.
Saltgrass. Tender Angus steaks. 2300 N. Interstate 35, Round Rock. 238-0091.
Sullivan's. New York-style steakhouse with admirable meat and sides. 300 Colorado St. 495-6504.
Texas Red's. Basic meat-and-potatoes spot. 120 W. Grove St., San Marcos. (512) 754-8808.
Texas Land & Cattle Co. Mesquite-grilled steaks. 1101 S. MoPac Blvd. 330-0030. (One of multiple locations.)
SUSHI
Kenichi. See Japanese listing.
Korea Garden. See Korean listing.
Korea House. See Korean listing.
Koreana. See Korean listing.
Kyoto. See Japanese listing.
Mimosa Cafe. Interesting rolls, including the Austin, with shrimp, smoked salmon and snow crab. 1530 Barton Springs Road. 494-0202.
Musashino Sushi Dokoro. World-class sushi. 3407 Greystone Drive. 795-8593.
Osaka. You won't sink with this titantic, a large roll with cooked shrimp and raw salmon and tuna with avocado. 13492 Research Blvd. 918-8012.
Seoul Sushi Bar and Restaurant. See Korean listing.
Shogun. See Japanese listing.
Sushi Sake. See Japanese listing.
Tokyo Teppan. See Japanese listing.
Tokyo Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. See Japanese listing.
Uchi. Exquisite morsels from Tyson Cole, one of Food & Wine magazine's top 10 new chefs for 2005. 801 S. Lamar Blvd. 916-4808.
Zen Japanese Food Fast. Sushi and Japanese fare — quick. 2900 W. Anderson Lane. 451-4811. (One of two locations.)
THAI
Madame Mam's Noodles and More. Spicy fare on The Drag. 2514 Guadalupe St. 472-8306.
Satay. Upscale Thai from the local leader, Foo Swasdee. 3202 W. Anderson Lane, No. 205. 467-6731.
Thai Spice. Flavorful stir-fries at the Village at Westlake. 701 S. Capital of Texas Highway. 330-0203.
Thai Tara. Pad krapao, very spicy stir-fried chicken with basil and Thai chili, sets the standard. 601 W. Sixth St. 236-0856.
TOP TABLES
Best table with a view: Oasis, table No. 35. Even though a fire wiped out the sunset-viewing deck, it is being rebuilt. 6550 Comanche Trail. 266-2442. Reservations: No.
Most elegant table: Driskill Grill, table No. 16. This recessed corner in the venerable Driskill Hotel will make a diner feel sumptuous. 604 Brazos St., 474-5911. Reservations: Yes.
Best table for a conversation: Green Pastures, table No. 202. Gentle music and sedate ambience overlooking the grand porch. 811 W. Live Oak St. 444-1888. Reservations: Yes.
Best patio table: Vivo Cocina Mexicana, table No. 300. A lush green setting and a water fountain will turn a sweltering day into a pleasant meal. 2015 Manor Road. 482-0300. Reservations: Yes.
Most romantic table: Cafe Caprice, table No. 9. Many marriage proposals have occurred in this alcove at the front of this old home. 900 W. 10th St. 477-5576. Reservations: Yes.
Best Austin ambience: Chuy's, table No. 21. The entertaining side of Austin shows up in a ceiling covered with old hubcaps. 1728 Barton Springs Road. 474-4452. Reservations: No.
Best secluded table: Main Street Grill, the "Vault." The vault of this old bank supplies an engaging and unusual setting. 118 E. Main St., Round Rock. 244-7525. Reservations: Yes.
Best power table: Cafe at the Four Seasons, table No. 45. The favorite table of power brokers in a room frequented by powerful diners. 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 478-4500. Reservations: Yes.
Best booth: Frisco Shop, table No. 13. Nostalgia envelopes this booth from the 1950s, where a slice of icebox pie doesn't even seem retro. 5819 Burnet Road. 459-6279. Reservations: No.
Best of the best: Aquarelle, table No. B-8. It's next to a window hung with lace curtains handmade in France overlooking the garden. 606 Rio Grande St. 479-8117. Reservations: Yes.
VEGETARIAN
Mr. Natural. Cafeteria-style Mexican food, plus a whole-wheat bakery and health-food store. 1901 E. Cesar Chavez St., 477-5228. 2414-A S. Lamar Blvd. 916-9223.
Mother's Cafe and Garden. Plant-filled garden room and flavorful fare. 4215 Duval St. 451-3994.
Nu Age Cafe. Nearly every item is vegan. 2425 Exposition Blvd. 469-9390.
Veggie Heaven. Lots of flavor. 1914A Guadalupe St. 457-1013.
VIETNAMESE
Hai Ky. Flavor disproportionate to its size. 1931 E. Oltorf St. 693-2464.
Hao Hao. See Chinese listing.
Pho Hoang. Outstanding aromatic pho (a Vietnamese soup with beef and noodles). 2521 Rutland Drive, Suite 400. 339-6002.
Tam Deli & Cafe. Tiny deli where cuisines of China, Cambodia and France merge. 8222 N. Lamar Blvd. 834-6458.
The Tea House. See Chinese listing.
