downtown Austin's neighborhood and real estate blog
A couple of weeks ago, Jude blogged about a new African eatery opening up in the Rainey Street district.
Well, we’ve had a chance to try it – and a detailed review is on the way (basic review: bunny chow is yummy!), but in the interim, I wanted to post the menu. If any of our readers happen to try it – would love to hear your thoughts! See below (click for image page, then click again to enlarge)!
Downtown Burgers
Quietly tucked in a small lot across the street to the Austin Convention Center and adjacent to the Railyards, a little burger stand quietly awaits your patronage. The little burger stand (or, more correctly, the little trailer, as is all the rage these days in Austin) is simply called Downtown Burgers, and has been in the neighborhood since the second week of February this year.
Simple is the theme here. From a simple building, to a simple menu:
Downtown Burgers likes to stick to what it does best. And that’s burgers. Just burgers. (Though, thankfully they have a vegetarian option).
I ventured out today, immediately assaulted by the Austin heat, but undeterred in my goal to have a burger, coke, and fries. I arrived, ordered my burger, and chatted a minute with the owner, Steve McDermott. Steve, an Austin transplant, was born in New York and raised in Chicago. He says business has been good. “The good news is, I’m 10 feet away from the convention center. The bad news is, I’m 10 feet away from the convention center.” He explains that most of his business comes from the events and the workers at the convention center, but that business has been pretty steady since he opened. I’m personally a little surprised at the turn-out today given the heat and the fact that there is NO indoor seating. I’m hoping this means that the food is good and a good deal.
Diners Enjoying a Good Old Fashioned Burger and Fries
I ordered the veggie burger combo for what I thought was a fair price: $6.95. Here’s a picture of my meal:
The burger and the fries were really, really good. Like, really good. I would definitely eat there again. And I was happy to find out that they were open weekdays from 11am-10pm and weekends from 11am-Midnight. A great place for a downtown condo dweller to pick up a simple meal after work if you don’t feel like cooking.
In the spirit of Downtown Burgers, I’m going to embrace simplicity in this post, and just say I recommend it.
Downtown Burgers, 350 Trinity Street, 78701. http://www.downtownburgers.com/
Over the past few weeks, an interesting “struggle” has been growing between Austinites on the issue of whether the Best Wurst sausage cart should have its sidewalk permit renewed to vend in front of Parkside Restauarant. The scene is the southeast corner of East 6th Street at San Jacinto, the heart of the East 6th Historic & Entertainment District.
Best Wurst has been selling yummy treats from its cart there for 17 years and has grown quite a popular customer following. The owner, Jon Notarthomas, is a hard-working Austin musician and entrepreneur. He pays $450 per year for the vending permit and transacts tens of thousands of dollars in business from his cart.
Parkside is a lovely fine-cuisine restaurant that opened in the circa-1920 building where Dan McKlusky’s steakhouse previously existed. Shawn Cirkiel, the chef, and his Austin family purchased their building, valued by TCAD at $1.6 million, and completely renovated the property when opening the restaurant a couple of years ago.
Sidewalk vending permits must be renewed every 3 years and it is now that time for Best Wurst. Parkside is opposing the renewal. There are many reasons involved but the basic one is simply “incompatibility”. This restuarant is not happy with having another food vendor directly outside of its front door. City officials are caught in the middle.
There are many opposing perspectives arising through discussions of this matter:
“Old/Iconic Austin” versus “New/Emerging Austin”.
Upscale dining versus inexpensive street food.
Property owner rights versus temporary permitted uses.
Large investments and big taxes on property+liquor+sales versus modest investments, small fees and sales tax only.
The sensibilities of Austin’s sidewalk vending permit process versus national best-practices for kiosk-style vending in public common areas.
The growing desire for East 6th to revitalize itself to make better 24/7 use of its century-old historic district presence versus maintaining its more recent four-decade reputation as “Dirty 6th” where young folks go to get shitfaced.
Phew. That’s a lot to take in right there.
What do you think about all of this?
Loads of media coverage and other resources available if you’d like to absorb further before weighing in: News story on the Austin American-Statesman’s Austin 360. TV coverage on News 8, Fox News and KXAN. Best Wurst’s website and its new Save The Wurst Facebook site with some 3,000 fans. Parkside’s website.
**No Substitutions**
This is a pretty commonplace statement on most sushi menus. It’s a phrase that is representative of a little bit of rigidity, and, in my opinion, perhaps a statement even laced with a little vanity from the Itamae.
Well, How Do You Roll Make Sushi Bar on 2nd and San Jacinto in Downtown Austin made **me** feel like the the sushi chef. My sense, from their concept and their overall vibe was that they are focused on taking the pretension out of the sushi without sacrificing the taste. Sushi – the Austin way.
How Do You Roll Storefront
So, my first visit was a little “Grand Opening” shindig they threw on Monday (Memorial Day). I walked in, and was promptly greeted by:
You had me at sake bomb, How Do You Roll....
sake bombs! Yay! My experience was off to a great start. While I was, ahem, **sipping** on my sake bomb(s), I got a little insight into the way things work at How Do You Roll.
The ordering system is set up semi-cafeteria style, where patrons stand in line in front of a “deli-style” selection of sushi goodies:
Sushi Deli
You then customize your maki roll, letting the preparer know what veggies (they also had some fruits – super cool!) and meats (for those who don’t do raw fish – they also have a selection of cooked chicken/beef meats that you can put in your roll) and sauces/spices YOU want in your roll. Completely customizable.
Then, right before your eyes, your special roll is prepared and cut and presented to you:
Made Right Before Your Eyes! Magical!
And THEN, in a matter of mere minutes, you are ready to eat fresh, delicious sushi. Yum!
I had a roll with fresh salmon, sprouts, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo. And it was good.
I liked it, folks. I especially liked the price-point. My 10 peice maki would have only been $6.45 plus tax. Not too shabby.
And the vibe of the joint is fun. They aren’t QUITE done with the decor, but it’s shaping up nicely. Some pics:
Maki Inspired Lighting 
Lots of Windows and Natural Light
Bright Colors Enhance the Overall Light/Fun Vibe
Yuen Yung (the CEO of the franchise location) and Myself
I would definitely recommend this place for lunch. Good price point, quick & easy, and delicious sushi. Also good for casual dates! Go support a local business that is trying to do something a little fun and a little different!
The Menu (double click once to get to the image screen, double click image again in that screen to make larger):
Downtown Austin Location: 454 W Second Street (San Antonio is cross street)
Website: www.howdoyouroll.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HDYRsushi
Just a word of advice, though. Don’t mistake the wasabi for guacamole:
I’m gonna go ahead and file this under ” T ” for “Things I’m Really, Really Pumped About.”
The kind lady modeling/presenting in this picture has asked me to let everyone know that she is NOT a drinker, lest this picture be leaked into the wrong hands and the meaning twisted to claim otherwise.
$4.00/glass, $10/half-liter. Party.
Cafe Crepe: 200 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78701-4028, (512) 480-0084
Copa - 217 Congress Street, 78701
Part-time Salsa dance club, part-time tex-mex dining establishment, Copa (@ 217 Congress Avenue) moves to the beat of many a drummer. Since my dancing skills are reminiscent of Elaine Benes at a company party (“like a fully body dry heave set to music”), I chose to visit Copa at lunch, lest I be tempted by Salsa rhythms, thereby making the other patrons lose their collective appetite.
And it was pretty decent, if I do say so myself. I walked in to a warm, cozy environment where brick walls and arches dominate the scene. There’s three areas downstairs: the front area which seems dedicated to dining, the middle bar area, and a third, large and mirrored room with a small stage that’s dedicated to dancing. There’s also an upstairs and a small patio (of which I did not get any pictures – sorry) Here are some photos:
The architecture is well-done in my opinion, but I’m a sucker for free chips and salsa, and Copa “brings the pain” so to speak, in that department. My waitress was prompt with hot tortilla chips and mild salsa, and the refills didn’t stop throughout the meal. Yum! And, my meal was easy to choose because the menu is only a one-pager of reasonably priced food. I ended up ordering the fish tacos, which my server, Joanna, explained was her favorite item on the menu. At $8.95, they were a pretty good deal – deliciously seasoned and generously portioned:
As I mentioned, Copa also hosts Salsa lessons. Not having taken lessons there, I can’t speak to the quality of them, but the reviews of the lessons from other folks are generally pretty good, though there seems to be a widespread disdain regarding the fact that they do charge a cover for these lessons.
If any of our readers have been, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts!
Overall, I’d recommend giving Copa a try (at least for lunch or dinner)!
217 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 479-5002
http://www.rania.us/copabarandgrill/index.html
www.copabarandgrill.com
I don’t really cook, and I don’t own a car, so if I want something good to eat and want said something good to eat in short order – I’m pretty dependent upon restaurants/eateries/deli’s (whatever you want to call them) that are within walking distance. I’m particularly partial to those establishments where I can get something tasty, satisfying, and simple at a reasonable price.
Which is why I was pumped when three new restaurants recently popped up in my Downtown Austin neighborhood: Thundercloud Subs, El Naranjo, and Nacho Creations.
Thundercloud Subs, 360 Nueces, 512 472 7827
Thundercloud Subs is more than a catchy jingle (btw, I’m a Veggie Delight and Jude is a New York Italian), they are “your neighborhood sub shop.” And now they are MY neighborhood sub shop, too! They’ve been open at their 360 Condos location for a about a month, and I’m delighted to say that the vibe AND the food is what we’ve all come to expect from Thundercloud. Quick, delicious, and fresh food at a reasonable price (I got the regular Tuna Sandwich combo – sandwich, chips, and drink for $5.99) with a simple and clean (but with more character than Subway) vibe. Service was friendly – but my sandwich artists looked a bit bored – only because apparently business hasn’t been quite as good as expected. I was the only person there at noon on a Saturday, which seems weird. I want to keep the likes of Thundercloud in Downtown Austin, so please go out and support – buy a sandwich (and get a cookie, too – you deserve a treat)!
For your convenience – click here for a downloadable menu.
El Naranjo, 85 Rainey Street, 512 474 2776
This is me being excited to try some new food at the conveniently located el naranjo.
4/2/2010: UPDATE – I ran into Chef Ileana after this was originally written – she informed me that the portion sizes are now larger. I have not re-visited el naranjo yet, but will take some pics next time I’m there and report my findings!
I will say this – the food was delicious. Chef Ileana de la Vega knows the cuisine, and knows flavor – I readily exclaim this to the masses. For me, the main problem (nay, really the only problem) with el naranjo was that I didn’t feel like I got nearly enough of that delicious food for the amount of money I paid. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the quality in relation to the portion size at G’Raj Mahal, where I can get a very tasty, high quality $9.00 plate that takes me two sittings to eat (even though I did initially have some pricing concerns here, as well), but I left el naranjo feeling like I got a $12.00 snack (albeit a flavorful one). I’m kicking myself for not taking some snapshots of the food – as I think a picture would be worth a thousand words in this particular case.
However, other than portion size (of which I do not want to minimize the importance), I was pleased. Right now, as an intermediate step toward opening a full blown indoor restaurant, el naranjo has taken up in what seems to be all-the-rage in Austin eateries these days: a trailer (fun!)! They’ve also put out picnic tables for outdoor seating, adding to the patio-scape that is the Rainey Street bar and restaurant scene:
Chef Ileana
Click here for a downloadable menu of El Naranjo’s opening selections.
Nacho Creations, 605 Sabine Street (next to Texas Picnic Company), 512 473 2518
I actually have not been here yet, but heard second-hand about this casual Tex-Mex concept’s opening. Apparently, Nacho Creations rents the Texas Picnic Company location during the evenings and weekends. Different owners, entirely different concept, same space. A great idea to maximize the use of an otherwise only day-time and weekday business space. Nacho Creations’ hours are as follows:
Wed – Thurs: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Fri: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Sat: 12:00 pm – 3:00 am
Sun: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Planning on trying it after the SXSW rush, and will hopefully add some commentary then. If any of our readers have tried it – would love to hear your thoughts!
I’m excited that new, casual style restaurants are continuing to open here in Downtown Austin. I like the “everyday people” focus these establishments are taking, and believe they are well-suited to the residents and visitors of Downtown Austin.
….
Now, I gotta go, because it’s time to eat!
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Photo courtesy of Maggie
It’s 2 A.M. on a Friday night. You’ve been out carousing and suddenly there are six hours between you and your first-dinner. Before you know it, your stomach is demanding an unanticipated pit stop. What do you do?
If you happen to be an amateur, you end up eating that stale slice of pizza in the back of your refrigerator, failing to notice in your hazy desperation that it’s acquired a few extra toppings during it’s repose next to the overdue milk carton.
The Professional, on the other hand, knows about Austin’s small but select group of 24-hour joints and masterfully guides her posse towards a safe and (loosely speaking) nutritional after-party and a hangover-free Saturday morning.
Here to help you become “The Professional” is our guide to Austin’s 24/7 Diners:
3704 Kerbey Lane
An Austin classic—legend has it that Kerbey Lane Café and its twin sister Magnolia Café were born out of the splintering of the trifecta that created The Omelettry, yet another classic breakfast spot. With the most extensive menu you can find at 2 A.M., Kirby Lane has become more like a full-scale restaurant than a diner, offering the standard fare of Tex-Mex and American food as well as some more upscale choices. You can even find a pecan-encrusted trout here, if that’s what you’re looking for.
The original Kerbey Lane, quaintly located at 3704 Kerbey Lane, has a distinctly superior atmosphere compared to its other locations at 12602 Research Blvd, 2700 S. Lamar Blvd. (South Austin) and 2606 Guadalupe, but this is more of a side-note when you’re cruising around in the middle of the night. However, the location near campus does tend to get a bit rowdy at times.
1920 S. Congress and 2304 Lake Austin Blvd.
Magnolia feels very similar to Kerbey Lane. The cushy booths, the wood paneling and the classic breakfast menu. The two restaurants even having competing signature queso recipes—there is an ongoing debate whether “Kerbey Qeuso” or “Mag-Mud” is superior, I go back and forth. Overall, Magnolia’s menu is a bit more basic than Kerbey Lane’s and a bit hardier. Everyone seems to have personal reasons for gravitating towards one or the other.
618 W Sixth St
No one has made the 24-hour experience more central to their image than Katz’s, whose slogan actually is “Katz’s never closes.” This probably has to do with their attempt to recreate a New York ambiance in the heart of Downtown Austin, and everyone knows that New York is “the city that never sleeps.” But Katz’s Deli is more than a clever gimmick; their sandwiches—especially the gigantic Reuben— are among the best in the city. This is also a good place to get your hands on the ever-elusive potato pancake or a bagel with lox. [WE KANT BELIEVE IT BUT KATZ'S KLOSED!]
3101 N IH 35
A cross between the traditional “diner” and a hipster dive, Star Seeds is actually bit of a throwback with its narrow interior, booths, counter seating and checkered floor. Here you will find precisely what you expect: an assortment of American breakfast staples, tacos and burgers. The staff here is known for having “character.” This apparently means different things to different people.
6th and Lamar
The newest addition to Austin’s 24/7 club, 24 Diner is a more polished, upscale experience than its competition. They boast “chef inspired comfort food,” which led me to expect something between a gourmet breakfast and regular diner fare. The reality turned out to be a bit more intriguing, including treats like the unexpectedly tasty “Chicken and Waffles.” If you make it to 24 Diner you will get less grease and your egg-sandwich can be served upon a croissant. A much needed addition to the scene.
So next time you’re out there in the twilight hours, make the right decision. And let me know if you know of any other 24-hour eateries.
Because of its large population of students and artists, Austin is a hotbed for eclectic, privately owned coffee shops—Austin houses more of these coffee shops than most large cities in America. With local favorite Little City slated to move or close by January 2011, and with several new coffee shops cropping up in recent years, it seemed like a good time to assess the changing landscape of Austin’s coffee scene.
I love ‘Top Ten’ lists. Their neatness alone commands credibility. But really, why should you trust me? Isn’t this just a matter of taste? Citysearch provides a voter based listing, though it hasn’t been updated since 2005. But can we really trust the democratic process? I think not. My list is based on over 20 years in Austin and countless all-nighters. I may be bleary-eyed and a little wired, but I know what I’m talking about.
It should also be mentioned that this list will not include any corporate chains. Some of these places make a great cup of coffee, but they aren’t what makes the Austin’s coffee scene what it is.
Without further ado, here’s the first five in my list of Austin’s Top Ten Coffee Shops.
In reverse order:
10. Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse
1501 South First
Just a few minutes from Downtown Austin along South First Street, Bouldin Creek is an artsy coffee shop with a nice blend of outdoor, indoor and covered seating. Apart from its distinctly laid-back South-Austin feel, Bouldin Creek distinguishes itself with an excellent food menu. With both vegan and vegetarian options—even a “gluten free menu”—their breakfasts are superb.
9. Halcyon
218 W 4th St, Austin, TX
Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Halcyon bills itself as a Coffee Shop/Bar/Lounge hybrid. Far more chic than the other names on this list, this coffee shop owes its special appeal to its location and a unique crossover ambiance. I often hit up Halcyon when I’m downtown for drinks and need to recharge—or I actually want to hear the person I’m sitting next to.
R.I.P. 8. Little City Espresso Bar & Café
916 Congress Avenue
Right on Congress Avenue, Little City is Austin’s classic downtown coffee shop. They’ve won accolades from all the usual suspects, including the Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll, The Statesman, and Texas Monthly—Heck, they even come recommended by the New York Times. If you’ve never been before, you need to stop by before they close their doors indefinitely in January 2011.
R.I.P. 7. Café Mundi
1707 E. Sixth
Café Mundi provides a totally unique ambiance. Hidden in plain site a few blocks East of I35 on Sixth Street, in the vicinity of Mexican dive bars and family diners, this coffee shop has “escape” written all over it. A beautiful garden filled with crate myrtles compliments a cozy little interior. This is by far my favorite spot on the south end of the east side.
6. Bennu 24 Hour Coffee Lounge
2001 E. MLK Blvd.
Bennu wins the ‘Best New Coffee Shop’ award. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the “living room” style established by predecessors Flightpath and Epoch, but Bennu’s ambiance falls comfortably between the two—a little cozier than Flightpath and a lot quieter than Epoch. This comfortable, hip place is perfect for work and study. Though it hasn’t yet generated enough of a scene to crack the Top Five, for most people, Bennu might be the most appealing choice on the whole list.
To see who rounds out the top five, check back this Friday when I discuss Austin’s tiptop cup of joe.
7/2/2010: Most-up-to-date menu below. Note that G’Raj Mahal is currently open from 5pm-12am on Weekdays, 5pm-3am Fri-Sat. CLOSED Mondays. Also looks like all delivery will now be going through Longhorn Delivery (contact info on menu). G’Raj Mahal is BYOB!!!
Sidney, the owner also wanted me to let everyone know that the lamb is halal, blessed, and grassfed – for those following strict diets.
REVIEW:
If somebody asked me what I thought about eating Indian food made in a truck, my *go-to* response would be – “less good choice.” At least, that was until I tried G’Raj Mahal Cafe (no website yet, but you can find them on Facebook), located at 91 Red River Street in Downtown Austin. Ummmmm…super yummy!
This gem opened a couple of weeks ago, and when I had the opportunity to try it out the other day, I was very pleasantly surprised. I had the Vegetable Goan Coconut Currie with the Classic Vegetable Samosa, which was all washed down with a Mexican Coke:
Looking at the menu, I initially thought the pricing seemed way super high. After all, this is food made from a trailer. However, the food was made to order, tasted fresh and high-quality, and the portions were generous. While I still think it’s a bit on the pricey side, I also believe that it’s worth it.
**UPDATE 12/14/2009: The owner (Sidney aka Ms. GM) just contacted me to tell me: “FYI…We reduced our prices this week slightly for the entrees as much as we could. However, we use such high grade ingredients, we are somewhat restricted to obey our food costs. We will soon have a late night menu with $5-8 items like naan wraps, lamb burgers, Indian “taco” salad, and spicy goan sausages.” Once I’ve received the updated menu, I will post it.
G’Raj Mahal Cafe does table service and take-out. The table service I experienced was friendly (even deferential) and the overall vibe was good. I would note that there is no indoor seating, but the outdoor seating is covered, and what I would describe as breezy, surrounded by peacefully flowing pieces of gauzy white fabric. Here’s a shot of the typical table:
Overall, I think it’s a good, unique addition to the downtown Austin restaurant landscape, gives the east side of Congress a quality casual dining option, and is a small business that I will support. It’s just a few steps from our residence at The Shore Condos. My only real complaint so far is that it’s only open for dinner (from 5pm-3am everyday). I think a Saturday/Sunday lunch (business permitting) would be awesome.
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Jude Galligan, Broker at REMAX Downtown Austin, 512-226-3414
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