The Clay Pit (Indian - $$) I'm sure the rest of their food is great, but I return time and time again for the Korma curry sauce and Naan seen here.
Dirty Martin's Kum-Bak Place (Burger Joint - $) Three words: chili cheese fries. Actually, just their fries in general. This place is perfect if you're looking for something greasy and delicious. I only wish they were open later.
Home Slice (Pizza - $$) I'm not a big classic pizza person to begin with, but I crave this. I don't care what you order, but it has to have their red sauce.
Madam Mam's (Thai - $) I'm not going to say this is the most authentic thing in the world, but I think its the best Pad Thai in the neighborhood and I love their special chili sauce/paste.
Sagra (Italian - $$) I love how small and intimate this place is. Brunch and Dinner are great, and the happy hour specials on pizza make for a great budget-friendly meal.
South Congress Cafe ($$ - New American) They make the best butternut squash soup seen here (I swear, it will convert nonbelievers), and who doesn't love bottomless
Tan My Restaurant (Vietnamese - $) Delicious Pho, always perfect for cold weather or when you just want something comforting.
Taverna by Lombardi (Italian - $$+) If ever you are in the mood for properly executed risotto (aka ALWAYS), go straight there.
Walton's Fancy and Staple (Bakery - $$) This place is best for a really girly lunch, as it is filled to the brim with rustic charm, cute pastries and doubles as a small gifts and flower shop.
Antonelli's Cheese Shop ($$) If I'm having a bad day or a good day or pretty much any day--this place is perfect. People who love cheese, aged meats, and fantastic staff, just go--go now. I'll shut up, because I've already raved about them here. One last thing: buy the bread.
Ken's Doughnuts ($) Not only is this place open 24/7 (yes, that means doughnuts at 3 a.m.) but they are the best doughnuts I remember ever having. Always ask if there are 'hot glazed' available, there's really nothing better. I always grab some of the blueberry doughnut holes, too (they are the perfect lovechild of breakfast and dessert). They're super cheap and cash only, so your piggy bank will finally serve an explicit purpose.
Le Paris Creperie ($ - Crepes) I'll admit I haven't tried the bevy of other crepe trailers in Austin, but this place is pretty delicious and I'm all for anything I can get stuffed with goat cheese (and stuffed they are!).
Man Bites Dog ($ - Hot Dogs) First of all, these are not your average hot dogs. I have yet to be disapointed by anything on the menu, but I find it impossible not to at least share the beer brat when I go--I think they actually bake the sports-game-y nostalgia right into the dog. Regardless, its all about the bun. Seriously, they get them from a kolache shop and they just take the entire thing to a whole different level.
The Mighty Cone ($ - American) Nestled in the heart of South Congress, this is kind of food trailer royalty. Operated by the people of Austin's iconic Hudson's on the Bend, the hot spot serves up a tortilla-lined paper cone (yes, the kind generally used at water fountains) filled with chicken, shrimp, and/or avocado in Hudson's famous Hot 'n' Crunch breading, and topped with slaw and ancho sauce. They're popular for a reason.
Three Little Pigs ($ - Gourmet Pork?) I'm not sure how to classify this place but its pretty new and pretty delicious. They update the menu daily, but there are a few items which are always on the menu--which brings me to my next point: get the cracklin' meatloaf with cheese grits and thank me later.
Torchy's Tacos ($ - Contemporary Tacos*) Massive breakfast tacos for two bucks and a fried avocado taco to swear by (and you generally can't go wrong with the taco of the month). There is no difference in the food between the trailer and restaurant locations, so its really just your preference.
*I don't know, maybe its the Houstonian in me, but I can't bring myself to call this 'tex-mex' as it is generally categorized
A Touch of Fire ($ - Thai) I don't know about the rest of their food, but one cold evening I tried the Thai tacos and I have been reminiscing ever since. Just a warning though, they are definitely spicy.
Caffe Medici ($ - Coffee/Tea) This is by far the best coffee I've had in Austin and it still shocks me that I can get it on the Drag. They have the best ice, too.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters ($ - Coffee/Tea) The drinks are great and everything, but I (and everyone else in and around Austin) go there for the ambiance. Its right on Lake Austin, and makes for a really cute afternoon.
Cream Vintage ($$) This place has been a quick save for me twice now. First: I snagged two dresses on a whim on my way out of town seen here. The staff is friendly and helpful (but not overbearing). Second: after a rough week, I decided to cheer myself up with the Hulk Hogan t-shirt I saw in the window (unfortunately for my friends, it has become somewhat of a wardrobe staple).
Dog and Pony ($$) The owner, Star, is so fun and has a tremendous eye. A lot of the clothes and jewelry is based out of New York/Brooklyn so there is always a bevy of unique finds. There are pretty much always 50+ things I want to own.
Feathers Boutique ($$) This place has a great vintage selection, but it is made even more exciting by the layout of the store! The Chain of small rooms makes for a fun clothing hunt. The girls who work there are friendly and really love their stuff, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Luxe Apothetique ($$*) They always run a 3 for $20 deal on their OPI nail polish and carry Bumble & Bumble hair products so I'm sold. Did I mention they always have a plate of complementary warm cookies on the counter?
*just beauty/home goods, prices of clothing are higher
*coming soon
*coming soon
