Aug. 1, 2008 - The Austin Chronicle

destrger.OKEho’s– just25.ongcallyt it6,Ntter isies,Altiesin abeer,d are. $reuslyan,easlongl fish88.IZZAces,atwithles.ddienuishesandBlvd.,o-010.ey’ver,LLsolid,e-ak-,ewedBURGER JOINT, TEX-MEX: JALAPEÑO JOE’S Presentyourself at the window, and order an Angus beefburger or the pile of Tex-Mex sustenance knownas the Alonzo Platter, but save room for Ernest’sEnchiladas. 4905 Airport, 451-3326. $CHINESE: WANFU III You’ll find the sameofferings at this new location of the BartonSprings Road favorite. 6801 Airport,459-5200. www.wanfuaustin.com. $$FINE DINING: VINO VINO Comfy decor, great wines,surprisingly good food, and reasonable priceskeep everybody coming back. 4119 Guadalupe,465-9282. www.vinovinotx.com. $$INDIAN: TAJ PALACE Austin’s longest-establishedlocal Indian restaurant, where the royalcourt cuisine of North India is served in anattractive setting. 6700 Middle Fiskville,452-9959. www.tajpalaceaustin.net. $$ITALIAN: CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL Orderfrom the pasta bar, sample one of the woodfiredpizzas, or choose a grilled specialty. Themenu also includes requisite manicotti, lasagna,and spaghetti options. 6406 N. I-35,419-1220. www.carrabbas.com. $$$MEDITERRANEAN, PIZZA: ARPEGGIO GRILLTry this much-loved neighborhood spot for25 flavors of tasty wings, an interestingselection of pizzas, and a full complement ofMediterranean dishes prepared from familyrecipes. 6619 Airport, 419-0110. $PIZZA: THE PARLOR HYDE PARK The jukebox maybe different, but expect the same fresh, innovativepizzas at this new outpost of the popularpunk parlor on North Loop. 4301 Guadalupe,323-0440. www.myspace.com/theparlor. $TEX-MEX: EL POLLO FELIZ Tender, juicy, rotisseriechickens by the plate, whole bird, or party packpaired with reliable side dishes will make yourwallet happy. 6801 Airport, 323-6604. $THAI: THAI VILLAGE Enjoy a classy but stillaffordable meal and very artful food presentation.6406 N. I-35, 452-3888.www.thaivillageaustin.com. $$Famous ★ ★S OUTHAMERICAN CAFE: OPAL DIVINE’S PENN FIELD Withmore than 60 whiskeys and 36 beers on tap,any pub lover can get a party started. Their burgersare made with Harris Ranch beef, and somethink the wurst plate is best. 3601 S. Congress,707-0237. www.opaldivines.com. $$BARBECUE: ARTZ RIB HOUSE The Austinheadquarters where lovers of great barbecueand bluegrass converge. Their thick countrystylepork ribs are legendary, and they havelive music most nights. 2330 S. Lamar,442-8283. www.artzribhouse.com. $$BURGER JOINT: SANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD &ROOT BEER The cool relief of a chocolatevanillaswirl cone and the neon sign, notto mention the sinful smell of decades ofsublimely greasy burgers, transport us back intime. 603 Barton Springs Rd., 478-6322. $CHINESE: NG HOUSE A spare and spiffy Cantoneseoasis for the Chinese-deprived in South Austin.You’ll find a huge menu, big portions at low prices,and great specials. 6800 West Gate Blvd.#112, 416-9888. www.nghouse.net. $RANEAN BUFFET The buffets are arranged on two8 hot dishes, nine cold dishes, rice pudding, andn options. 12636 Research, 258-0395.TOO BUSY TO COOK!TRY OUR “LITTLE JOE”WINE BAR You’ll find a simple yet sophisticatedtfully planned flights 1.5 LBS of OF Argentinean MEATS, wines.2 PINTS SIDE ORDERS PLUSFIXINʼS (FEEDS 3-4) FOR $19.99CALL, ORDER AND RELAX.WE DELIVER AFTER 5PM.MIN DELIVERY AMT. $14.99BUY ONE PLATEAT REGULARPRICE ANDGET 2ND ONEHALF PRICE!OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE.VALID AFTER 4PM. ONE PER GROUP.NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERSEXP 08-30-08WE CATER as low as $6.99pp (call for details.)S UNDAY - ALL YOU CAN EAT B AR-B - Q only $14.9912005HWY 290 WEST (JUST 6 MINUTES PAST THE “Y”)MON-THU 10:30-8 FRI-SAT 10:30-9 SUN 11-8 288-7879CUBAN: HABANA SOCO Rising from the ashesof a fire, Habana has opened bigger andstronger. The Lechon Asado roast pork is amust, as is the Cubano sandwich for a lighterbite, with lots of appetizers to go with thedrinks. 2728 S. Congress, 443-4253.www.habana.com. $$ITALIAN, PIZZA: BRICK OVEN RESTAURANT Theyserve some of the best pizza in town with apersonal touch. 9911 Brodie, 292-3939.www.brickovenrestaurant.com. $$TEX-MEX: CHUY’S ARBOR TRAILS This newestlocation is serving all of your familiar favoritesin a brightly painted atmosphere punctuatedby velvet paintings and metal palm trees.4301 W. William Cannon, 899-2489.www.chuys.com. $$TEX-MEX: MAUDIE’S HACIENDA In this “Tex-MexHeaven” they serve breakfast every day andmake their margaritas with fresh-squeezedjuices. But no sign of guardian angels, andthey still charge for the food. 9911 Brodie,280-8700. www.maudies.com. $$THAI: MADAM MAM’S WEST GATE Here you’llfind authentic Thai cuisine prepared byexperts and served in a colorful, casualatmosphere. Alcohol is not available, but youcan bring your own. 4514 West Gate Blvd.,899-8525. www.madammam.com. $$UTAFRICAN: ASTER’S ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANTIn addition to the vegetarian selections,you’ll find fragrant chicken, lamb, and tenderbeef. Don’t forget to take home the specialEthiopian sauces and a bundle of injerabread. 2804 N. I-35, 469-5966. $$AMERICAN CAFE: RED RIVER CAFE Tucked awayon Medical Arts (not on Red River, as thename suggests), this popular spot offers tastyomelets, burgers, and weekend brunch specials.2912 Medical Arts, 472-0385. $$DELI/SANDWICH SHOP: NAU’S PHARMACY Atraditional, old-fashioned, mom-and-pop drugstore, with soda fountain and diner, officesupplies, and a decent selection of cards andgifts. Not many of these places left.2406 San Gabriel, 476-1544. $INTERNATIONAL: BOOMERANG’S GOURMETVEGGIE & MEAT PIES Find more than 11different flavors of authentic Aussie meatpies in flaky crusts. Very friendly counter folksand great coffee, too. 3110 Guadalupe,380-0032. www.boomerangspies.com. $MIDDLE EASTERN: TOM’S TABOOLEY The kitchenoffers tabbouleh, dolmas, baklava, gourmetcoffee, and lots of surprising tidbits for lunchand dinner. Pick up some brined grape leavesto cook with at home. 2928 Guadalupe,479-7337. www.tomstabooley.com. $PIZZA: DOUBLEDAVE’S PIZZAWORKS Shootpool, enjoy good beer specials, and stuffyourself with the campus area’s greasiest andmost satisfying indulgence: DoubleDave’sPeproni Rolls. 3000 Duval St., 476-3283.www.doubledaves.com. $$TEX-MEX: TACO SHACK Good, substantial, andcheap Tex-Mex. 2825 Guadalupe, 320-8889.www.tacoshack.com. $WESTAMERICAN CAFE: KERBEY LANE NORTHFamously fabulous breakfast, lunch, anddinner and a favorite of the late-night set.12602 Research, 258-7757.www.kerbeylanecafe.com. $$BARBECUE: RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE &BAR-B-Q Good-quality smoked meats areavailable by the pound, along with all thewhite bread, pickles, onions, and peppersyou need. 11570 Research, 418-9898.rudysbbq.com. $BURGER JOINT, PUB GRUB: SHERLOCK’SBAKER ST. PUB & GRILL ESPN Gameplanevery Saturday while you choose from anenormous list of imported beers and enjoygenerous meal portions. Check out the11-foot screen or any of the other flat-screensfor both satellite and cable coverage.9012 Research Ste. C-1, 380-9443.www.sherlockspub.com. $$FINE DINING: NUNZIA’S AT THE Y Enjoy theAmerican favorites on this menu while takingin a patio view of Williamson Creek.7720 Hwy. 71 W., 394-0220.www.nunzias.com. $$$INTERIOR MEXICAN: MANUELS GREAT HILLSContinues to be our favorite place for valuepriceddrinks and half-priced appetizers athappy hour. 10201 Jollyville, 345-1042.www.manuels.com. $$JAPANESE: KENOBI RESTAURANT AND SUSHIBAR Sushi with creative appetizers andentrées in a seductively hip space with anextensive selection of drinks, sake, and wine.10000 Research Ste. A, 241-0119.www.kenobiaustin.com. $$$PACIFIC RIM: BISTRO 88 Offerings include someof the more popular Pacific Rim dishes, plusan array of Continental meat, poultry, seafood,and vegetarian items blended with ingredientsfrom around the Pacific Rim.2712 Bee Caves Rd., 328-8888.www.bistro88austin.com. $$$SOUTHWESTERN, TEX-MEX: Z’TEJAS Every dishon the menu has a surprise inside - someunique combination of ingredients that fillsthe time between ordering and the first bitewith heavy anticipation: could be blackberrywasabi sauce or pecan butter pâté.1110 W. Sixth, 478-5355. www.ztejas.com. $$TAKEOUT: SASHA’S RUSSIAN MARKET Thisgrocery and deli offers a selection of blintzes,fresh-smoked and marinated fish, caviar,top-quality meats, and Russian breads. Thedaily lunch specials ensure a surprise treat forevery visit. 5523 Balcones Rd., 459-1449. $TEX-MEX: EL CHILE CAFE Y CANTINA An offshootof the popular Manor Road mainstay,this new location offers a roomy terraceand the same great grub. 3435 Greystone,284-7863. www.elchilecafe.com. $$restaurantTHE FREEHOUSE:700 West 6th StreetONLINEPENN FIELD:3601 S. CongressMARINA:guideaustinchronicle.com/guides/restaurantrestaurant12709 Mopac guide &Parmer Lane ONLINEaustinchronicle.com/guides/restaurantCOME JOIN US FOR OURAMAZING HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS!M - SAT 4-6PM, FRI - SAT 9PM-11PMand ALL DAY SUNDAY!TOTHAT’S HOW WE ROLL!512-452-7874Carnitas de Puerco, these little bite size pieces of blissare exquisitely tender and laden with a rich, crispy flavor.- Rob BalonLunch SpecialsOnly $6 99Plus FREE Iced TeaMON-FRI 11am to 3pmSUN.-THUR. 7am to 9pmFRI. & SAT. 7am to 10pm4919 HUDSON BEND ROAD • 266-3231THE AUSTIN CHRONICLErestaurantREGISTER TOWIN A $20HAPPY HOURGIFT CARDGIVEAWAY!OPAL DIVINE’SFresh food & drinksin a laid back atmosphere.The Chronicle will draw awinner a week for5 WEEKS! The certificatecan be redeemedMonday-Friday, 4-7pm.to WIN a $20 GIFT CARD to Opal Divines,log on to austinchronicle.com/contestsBREAKFASTLUNCHDINNERguideTHOUSANDS OF RESTAURANTS SEARCHABLEBY CUISINE TYPE AND AREA OF TOWNaustinchronicle.com/guides/restaurantbeer • burgers • tacos1004 24TH ST.512.243.6361SUN-THURS 11-11 / FRI-SAT 11-12WWW.CUATROSAUSTIN.COMDog friendly patio • 13 Big Screen TV'sNightly drink specialsShrimptacular!HOW MANYSHRIMPCAN YOU EAT?every TUESDAY at Cypress Grill isSHRIMP NIGHT.GET 14 SHRIMPFOR JUST $6.99! Boiled Shrimp Fried Shrimp Grilled Shrimp Blackened ShrimpShrimp Night startsevery Tuesday at 5:30pmand goes until we close at 10pm.CYPRESSGRILLLOUISIANA CAFE & BARwww.cypressgrill.net4404 WestWm. Cannon 358-7474One block west of Mopac,next to Gold’s Gyma u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m AUGUST 1, 2008 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 45