downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood 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)!
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.
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/
**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.
So, my first visit was a little “Grand Opening” shindig they threw on Monday (Memorial Day). I walked in, and was promptly greeted by:
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:
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:
And THEN, in a matter of mere minutes, you are ready to eat fresh, delicious sushi. Yum!
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:
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.”
$4.00/glass, $10/half-liter. Party.
Cafe Crepe: 200 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78701-4028, (512) 480-0084
From a DANA Facebook event invite that I just received:
“Enjoy the company of friends and neighbors while experiencing Austin’s only Point Tower, Spring Condominium. Take in a 360-degree view of Austin from the soaring 25th floor or live music on the pool deck while enjoying complimentary food and cocktails all evening long.
During the Urban Core Happy Hour, make sure you glimpse a view of our neighbor to the south, The Long Center, our city’s premiere performing arts venue, just walking distance from downtown. The friendly folks from the Long Center’s Catalyst 8 group will be joining us to share information on their upcoming events and letting everyone know how they can directly support the arts in Austin.
Grab a friend and put a little spring in your step as you head over to what promises to be one of our best events yet! This happy hour is open to the public and we look forward to seeing you all there!
We would like to thank Tito’s Vodka, Lone Star Beer, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, The Long Center for the Performing Arts and, our hosts, Spring Condominiums for their contributions to this event.”
Date: Thursday, May 13, Time: 6:30pm, Location: Spring Condominiums @ 300 Bowie Street, 78701.
***All are welcome, and we would love for your participation in this event to lead to a DANA membership!***
DANA offers four levels of memberships:
- Individual ($25.00)
- Household ($40.00) The Household level includes a second household member at Individual level.
- Sponsor ($100.00) The Business Sponsorship level allows you a logo, marketing information, and a link on the DANA web site.
- Non-Profit Sponsor ($50.00) The Non-Profit Business Sponsorship level allows you a logo, marketing information, and a link on the DANA web site.
You can pay by Check, Credit card or PayPal by selecting one of the membership types listed above.
You do not have to live downtown to join DANA, but only members that live downtown are eligible to vote in Board elections.
Click Here for more information!
