Food Austin

P. Terry’s Burger Stand
404 South Lamar - Austin, Texas 78704
www.pterrys.com

Now P. Terry’s has been around for a little while, and it’s still going strong. The burgers are priced just right. Starting at $1.70, they’re definitely not going to break the bank account and they are the perfect size for a casual lunch. The fries are amazing and just the right blend of crunch and softness. This burger stand really puts other fast food establishments to shame. Just another testament to the fact that local joints just plain do it better than the big nationals. For such a small place the options are pretty wide, with a selection of beef, chicken and veggie burgers – the shakes are also quite tasty, not runny or slushy, just pure cold wholesome goodness… This is sure to appeal to a wide swath of the population down there on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Spring. So if you’re driving up/down Lamar one day and in the mood for a quick bite, pull on into P. Terry’s and you won’t leave disappointed. Check em out.

 Price: $

Teo’s - 1206 W 38th St - Austin, Texas 78705
512-451-9555

Well here’s the deal.  By now, everyone already knows I love gelato.  Gelato, Doe’s Eat Place, and Dreamland barbeque sauce, amongst a few other things are things I live on.  As long as you don’t take away these three things, I am willing to lose everything else.  Now I know this is a bold statement, and those who haven’t tried the complete trifecta may have a hard time coming to grasps with the magnitude of such a statement.  Now while, we aren’t blessed enough in Austin to have all three present, we do have the good fortune of having a couple of tasty gelato shops.  Some people swear by Dolce Vita, and for good reason because it is a consistent delight.  I however, have grown partial to Teo’s, the cross town rival of sorts.  It is less ritzy than Dolce Vita and the place let’s the gelato speak for itself.  The coffee is also tasty, but I swear by the gelato.  The peanut butter hazelnut is to die for, it’s the perfect blend of an icy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Nutella….I mean can you ask for something more decadent?  Likely, not.  Teo’s offers a wide variety of flavors and I would recommend that you try them all; they definitely have something for everyone.  Now as a bit of an aside, gelato is meant for lovers, it is something to be enjoyed with someone you love, it’s like Venice in the spring, or April in Paris – always better with the special someone by your side.  Now if you’re lucky enough to have that certain prerequisite, I would highly recommend getting some decadent gelato, and enjoying it outside next to the fireplace.  You’ll be cold, but you’ll enjoy every minute of it.  Now I don’t want Food Austin to become a date planning service, but say… we were a dating service, gelato and fireplace would make a killer combo, now add in a couple comfy big leather chairs and a polar bear soft rug and we’re in business, alas we’re not in Turin, so we’ll settle for the authentic flavors of Italy to satisfy the sweet tooth we all have.

 Check out Teo’s, you won’t regret it.

Price: $

Quacks - 411 E 43rd St, Austin, TX - 78751

Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, Quacks is one of Austin’s sweet tooth institutions.  The deserts options at Quacks make it one of the purveyors of fixes for the midnight sweet tooth craving.  The fact that they are open late is definitely a plus, but what keeps bringing US back is the assortment of cookies and cakes.  The Ginger Crinkle cookie is definitely of note as is the Carrot Cake.  There are always several options to choose from and they tend to have something for everyone.  There are even sandwiches and the like if you’re not in the mood for a sugary delight.  Also of note - The Ginger Bread - it is some of the best we’ve ever had.  It isn’t the gingerbread of gingerbread house fame - not hard and crusty - much to the contrary it is soft and moist and full of gingery flavor.  Now, keep in mind that this may not be what every professed gingerbread fiend thinks of when they think of GINGERbread, but it is definitely a treat for those with a discerning palate.  The coffee isn’t bad either.  In the mood for a place to hang out with some old friends or maybe just sit down and get that midterm studying done.  Between this place and Dolce Vita, they’ve got your Hyde Park sweet tooth fix covered like a well iced cake. 
Check it, Check it out.

price: $

Progress Coffee - 500 San Marcos - Austin, TX 78702 - http://www.progresscoffee.com

Progress is still fairly new in the Austin Coffee scene but has become one of my favorite places to go and just hang out and read a book or have a nice meaningful discussion.  The coffee is fair trade and actually quite good.  There are also several choices for foodstuffs on a daily basis.  But I’m a firm believer that a great coffee shop has to have an atmosphere where you feel comfortable both by yourself and with others in order to become a staple of the neighborhood.  Progress is one of those places where if you’re in the mood for a nice quiet yet not depressing place to study or if you’re just meeting with someone special over coffee you’ll be at ease.  When you first step into the converted warehouse, you can’t help but look around and see a brick and mortar affirmation of the character of Austin: addictive, bright and full of exciting and energetic young people.

So if you’re in the mood to just hang out and enjoy some coffee, go ahead, support local business and hit  up Progress.

Magic Wok
2716 Guadalupe St - Austin, TX 78705 - 512-474-7770

For fast cheap Chinese food, Magic Wok is the go to spot near the university. Lunch specials are filling and under $4. It’s a no frills place with sparse ambiance but excellent delivery. The dishes on offer are the generic Chinese cuisine dishes like Kung Pao Chicken but are served in heaping portions almost too big to finish.  The staff is quick and friendly and offer prompt service.  Even if you live across the street and call in your order, Chances are that it’ll be ready before you get there.  Believe me I’ve tried.

Quick, easy, convenient, AND cheap, everything a college student needs.

-PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $

Pluckers Wing Factory
2222 Rio Grande - Austin, Texas 78705 – 512-469-WING
9070 Research Blvd – Austin, Texas 78758 – 512-533-WING
www.pluckers.net

For those who love wings and watching sports, look no further the Pluckers Wing Factory in the heart of West Campus, or any of their other locations. Whether it’s hanging out with the guys, or binging from a diet, Pluckers serves the best wings in Austin. Although the restaurant has changed the past couple of years, it still draws in a crowd. Monday features an “all-you-can-eat” wings and Tuesday is their 40 cent wing night. Beer is always discounted whenever a UT sports event is on TV. If you’re not in the mood for wings, you should check out the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, the chicken breast and pineapple combo is very tasty.  It may sound like we’re head over heals for Pluckers but they do have their fair share of disappointments. The wait staff is slow and poorly trained, they’re very reluctant to take their own coupons, the wait can be overwhelming at times, and the calorie count and fat levels would make a cardiologist cry.

I give it a C.

PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $

Hyde Park Bar and Grill
4206 Duval Street- Austin, Texas - 78751

Much like the neighborhood, Hyde Park Bar and Grill is a laid back and unpretentious place.  Located a few miles from downtown and the University of Texas, the location is ideal and convenient.  The competition for your lunch/dinner money is intense here with Mothers and Asti in the same vicinity.  But despite the nearby competition, HP B&G is almost always the most crowded because it is the most consistent with its offerings. Their food is served fast from a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional staff who seem to know the just the right times to be at the table. The menu is full of items that could be singled out for distinction, but their signature dish, the Horseshoe Burger, is their best by far. For the hungriest of appetites, it’s a half pound burger served open faced covered with fries, a special sauce, and all the trimmings. Another exceptional dish is the Yellow fin tuna sandwich; the fish is done very well and should be ordered with the blackened seasoning.  On a negative note, we recommend staying away from the stir fry, while not terrible; it definitely isn’t worth the 35 minute wait that you endure just to get a table.  After a long wait, you really owe it to yourself to get the Horseshoe.  The layout and ambience are ideal for both small groups of friends and a date with someone special. Plan on making reservations or the wait could be up to 35 minutes to get a table on an average night.

I give it a B+ 

-PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $ (10-15ish)

Milto’s - 2909 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78705 - 512-476-1021

If you’re in the mood for Greek or Italian, but want casual dining, then Milto’s is your answer. Located on the corner of Guadalupe and West 29^th, Milto’s serves fresh food at low prices in a cozy environment. Although the items on their menu are a bit too typical for Italian and Greek food, their pizza more than makes up for it with the wonderful choices of toppings and crusts. Toppings are generous, and the thick crust is very filling. The only downsides are the occasional long wait for food, and their take-out is noticeably different than their in-restaurant portions and quality. Located close to the university, it knows its customer base very well, serving them with smiles and lots of warm authentic food. The souvlaki is very tasty and some have even been known to swear by it, so give it a try.  The only thing that should be steered clear of at Milto’s is the fettuccine alfredo, which really should be renamed the fettuccine DIL-fredo because of the heavy handed use of the herb (a little bit accents the dish, but an overdose drowns the flavor).  Over all, Milto’s is a B-.  It’s not Athenian Grill, but it gets the job done, while being affordable enough for students to make it a regular fixture on the lunch/dinner list.

-PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $ ($5ish for most things)

Hoovers Cooking
2002 Manor Road - Austin Texas 78722 – http://www.hooverscooking.com – 512-479-5006

There are many in this town that swear by Hoover’s chicken fried steak and their devotion isn’t unfounded.  The chicken fried steak is a staple of the comfort cooking that Hoovers delivers.  Hoovers is an Austin institution that works to deliver the type of food you would expect from a small-down-home southern diner, and you’re not disappointed.  The reputation has been built up over the years and isn’t unfounded.  The Chicken Fried Steak as previously mentioned is sublime, juicy and exceedingly tasty – descriptive words that are rare considering some of the Chicken fried peers around town.  Another item that has a wide following are the AusTex wings.  The wings are tender and almost fall off the bone.  The wings are definitely worth a shot, the smoked flavor is unlike any other wings in town.  When FoodAustin visits Hoovers, we like to get the Jamaican jerk chicken.  The flavor of this entrée almost jumps off the plate.  The meat is very tender and juicy and the Jerk rub is ohh so tasty.  None of the things on the menu are very expensive, the Chicken is $8.99 and the chicken-fried-steak is $6.99, so you can definitely order a couple of different things and test them all out.  The only place where Hoovers tends to be a tad inconsistent are with the sides.  Sometimes the vegetables come out cold or not completely full of flavor.  The Macaroni and Cheese on occasion has been equated to easymac.  Luckily, the entrees overshadow the shortcomings in the sides, not to mention the portions are large enough that you don’t have to eat the sides unless you really want to.

All in all Hoover’s is a great home cookin’ option for Austin.  While it’s not a true downhomesoutherncafeteria like Dot’s, Hoover’s brings the joys of southern cooking as close as East Austin.

Price: $ (entrees under 10)

Rudy’s BBQ - http://www.rudys.com
2451 Capital of Texas Hwy, S. - Austin, TX 78746 - 512-329-5554
11570 Research Blvd. - Austin, TX 78759 - 512-418-9898
7709 FM 620 - Austin, TX 78726 - 512-250-8002

Now while we make it a general policy to refrain from writing up chain restaurants because we like to support local businesses, Rudy’s is too much of a staple for us to not write about.  Rudy’s is based out of San Antonio and is generally found along with a Diamond Shamrock gas station.  This combination isn’t very alarming once you realize that they’ve pretty much brought together some of the most notable signatures of Texas, barbeque and oil.  The food speaks for itself.  The different choices of brisket are geared to different types of people.  Some weight conscious people might feel more comfortable ordering the "extra lean" cut while another prefers the succulent flavor of of the "extra moist."  The meat is very tasty and worth the trip to Rudy’s, obviously if you can afford to make the drive out to Saltlick, you should definitely do it, but if you’re just thirsting for some Barbeque, Rudy’s is the single most consistent barbeque establishment in Austin.  It’s a place where you will most definitely leave satisfied.  Since the order process is controlled by the customer you can choose to order as much or as little as you want.  If you’re in the mood for a small snack, I would recommend 1/4 of the chopped beef, not only is this really cheap (1-2 bucks) it is already mixed with the sauce and makes for a quick and simple snack.  If you’re in the mood for a full meal you can order the meat of your choice and also order cole slaw, potato salad or creamed corn in sizes ranging from small to industrial size.  Rudy’s also offers portions of banana pudding which is also very tasty and makes for a nice cleanup dish.  All in all, Rudy’s is a place where you are guaranteed bang for your buck, it’s an affordable option for barbeque without having to sacrifice on quality.

Price: $

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