10.) Enchiladas Perfecto at Maudie’s Milagro
Photo: Flickr user mnchilemom, creative commons licensed.
There are plenty of places in Austin where you can get passable enchiladas, but there’s nothing quite like cheese enchiladas under traditional Tex-Mex sauce with chopped onions on top. And that’s exactly what Maudie’s Milagro — and all the other Maudie’s locations around town — serves when you order Enchiladas Perfecto. You can get them without onions, but why would you?
9.) Ravioli di Spinaci e Carciofi at Siena Ristorante Toscana (Express Lunch)
Photo: Courtesy, Siena Ristorante Toscana on Facebook.
You expect a lot when a restaurant calls itself “the most romantic restaurant in Austin.” What you don’t expect is to find a lunch menu with reasonable prices. Siena Ristorante Toscana has a few lunch items coming in under $10. Try their ravioli stuffed with spinach, artichokes and goat cheese in roasted tomato butter.
8.) Urban Bubba at Opal Divine’s
Photo: Flickr user edwin_x_ochoa, creative commons licensed.
Do you want a heaping burger with some incredible, savory toppings? Get your hands — and mouth — around the Urban Bubba at Opal Divine’s. They make your burger with grilled onions, jalapeños, gorgonzola cheese, chipotle mayo, and wing sauce on a whole-wheat bun.
7.) The Jersey Sloppy Joe at Neworld Cafe
Photo: Courtesy, Neworld Cafe on Facebook.
If you’re in the mood for some deli food but don’t want the same old club sandwich, try one of the specialties at Neworld Cafe. The Jersey Sloppy Joe is a double decker sandwich served on Jewish rye with either turkey, ham, roast beef or a combination of two meats topped with Swiss cheese, coleslaw & Russian dressing.
6.) The Italian Godfather at Russell’s Bakery
Photo: Courtesy, Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar on Facebook.
When Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar comes to mind, it’s usually a fond memory of their amazing desserts. But go by on any weekday and you’ll see locals chowing down on sandwiches and salads. The Italian Godfather is a real treat, with genoa salami, sliced ham, sliced turkey, provolone, cheddar, mustard, and Caesar dressing. Just remember to save room for dessert!
5.) Cancun Avocado at El Arroyo
Photo: Courtesy, El Arroyo on Facebook.
Everyone knows about El Arroyo on 5th Street near MoPac, but did you know they have a location in northwest Austin too? Their famous sign is on 5th Street, but the great food is served at both places. Try the Cancun Avocado if you’re feeling like a meat-free meal. It is an avocado with roasted corn, black beans, mushrooms, spinach, pico de gallo, and queso fresco with rice. Unfortunately, El Arroyo in West Austin has closed. But all these other places are still great!
4.) Big Hat Burger at Hat Creek Burger Company
Photo: Courtesy, Hat Creek Burger Company on Facebook.
Austin seems to breed great burger places, much like we breed musicians and hipsters. Hat Creek Burger Company started in Austin in 2008 and has quickly popped up several locations around town. Try their Big Hat Burger. Better yet: Make your order a combo meal and it’ll still slide in under $10.
3.) Friday Night Fajita Buffet at ZuZu Handmade Mexican Food
Photo: Courtesy, ZuZu Handmade Mexican Food on Facebook.
ZuZu Handmade Mexican Food has served up their fare at the MoPac location for 20 years, and Austinites keep coming back. Each Friday night, they put out a fajita buffet with all the fixings for $10 per person. Kids five years old and younger eat for $5. You can’t beat that!
2.) Magnolia Enchiladas at The Magnolia Cafe
Photo: Flickr user Dyxie, creative commons licensed.
The Magnolia Cafe is an Austin institution. If you haven’t been, yet you live here, we seriously question whether you’re truly an Austinite. If you want to try something a little weird, order Magnolia Enchiladas. They’re corn tortillas filled with avocado, black olives and tomato with cheddar/jack cheese, and covered in your choice of sauce. Breakfast here is pretty awesome too.
1.) The Famous Fumbler at Abel’s on the Lake
Photo: Courtesy, Abel’s on the Lake on Facebook.
Sitting on a deck overlooking Lake Austin is a beautiful thing. Time stands still and you just relax. Imagine that feeling, then add a hot plate of food to the mix. That’s Abel’s on the Lake, which offers a wide variety of tastes to suit any kind of eater. If you’re in the mood for something unique, albeit on the heavy side, try the Famous Fumbler. This sandwich has chicken fried steak, bacon, cheddar jack cheese, and roasted peppers on it.
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Feature photo: Courtesy, Hat Creek Burger Company on Facebook.
