Dona Emilia's
101 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Dona Emilia's South American Bar & Grill serves traditional South American favorites along with new Latin cuisine. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Eddie V's - 5th Street
301 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
The Gulf Coast menu at Eddie V's Edgewater Grille features lots of seafood - oysters, gulf snapper, fresh tuna, lobster, plus prime steaks and chops. Expect a hip and high energy dining experience. Savor classic seafood starters like oysters on the half shell, fried coldwater baby lobster tail, and famous All Lump Crab Cakes. The extensive wine list features over 150 selections. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Eddie V's - Arboretum
9400 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, TX 78759
The Gulf Coast menu at Eddie V's Edgewater Grille features lots of seafood - oysters, gulf snapper, fresh tuna, lobster, plus prime steaks and chops. Expect a hip and high energy dining experience. Savor classic seafood starters like oysters on the half shell, fried coldwater baby lobster tail, and famous All Lump Crab Cakes. The extensive wine list features over 150 selections. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Jeffrey's Restaurant
1204 West Lynn St., Austin, TX 78703
Jeffrey's first took shape in 1975 when Jeffrey Weinberger and Ron and Peggy Weiss, friends from student days at the University of Texas, pooled their interests, talents, and enthusiasm with three other pals to open an intimate neighborhood bistro in Austin. Chef David Garrido is nationally known for accenting regional flavors and ingredients with a cosmopolitan style. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Reed's Jazz & Supper Club
9901 N. Capital of Texas Hwy Ste 150, Austin, TX 78759
Reed's features fresh seafood, prime steaks and live jazz. The plush dining area is furnished in style with leather seats and banquettes, high ceilings, white table clothes, crystal stem ware, and lavish red velvet drapery. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Roy's Restaurant
340 East 2nd St., Austin TX 78701; Tel. 512.391.1500
Hawaiian fusion, featuring Roy Yamaguchi's innovative Asian influenced contemporary cuisine.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House - Austin
107 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Named by the Austin American Statesman as "Best Steak in Austin."
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Shoreline Grill
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Shoreline Grill, in the heart of downtown Austin, features fresh fish, steaks and more. House favorites are Texas-style fried shrimp, North Atlantic salmon, prime rib, hill country 1/2 rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, and parmesan crusted chicken. Customers enjoy a casual fine-dining atmosphere and view of Town Lake in the open, airy dining room and outdoor patio. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Trulucks - Arboretum
10225 Research Blvd #4000, Austin, TX 78759
Trulucks specializes in seafood, steaks, and, particularly, fresh crab. The menu is updated weekly. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Uchi
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Uchi showcases the culinary talents of executive chef and sushi master Tyson Cole. His menu expands on the Japanese tradition with new flavors and influences. Uchi means "house," and like many sushi bars in Japan, Uchi is located in a refurbished old home. Its vibrant design adds a fresh dimension to the neighborhood and has been warmly received by Austin's diverse dining crowd. (Description provided by Opentable.com)
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Mikado
9033 Research Blvd, Austin, TX; 512.833.8188
Sushi and bento are this Austin restaurant's signature dishes.

Sampaio's
2809 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX; Tel. 512.469.9988
Bright and cozy Sampaio¹s restaurant brings a taste of Brazil to Austin. Choose from an excellent feijoada, Brazil¹s national dish, and appetizers like Brazilian cheese rolls and chicken-filled empanadas. Desserts and sandwiches also shine. Don¹t miss the caipirinhas from the full bar.

The Bagelry
8127 Mesa Drive and other locations
(512) 502-9222
Beyond the usual New York-style fare, the Bagelry lures customers with a full line of sandwiches and its breakfast "baco," or bagel dough wrapped around scrambled eggs, mozzarella cheese and pico de gallo. Note to cream-cheese lovers: the cranberry-walnut version is to die for. Breakfast and lunch. Casual. Espresso bar. $.

Calabash Caribbean Restaurant and Bar
2015 Manor Rd.,
(512) 478-4857
Jerk chicken, callaloo, fried calamari and assorted island fare tempt diners who prefer quality cuisine to quick service. Wash down that last bite with a grapefruit soda or a rum cooler and sway to reggae background music while waiting for the bill. Patio dining available. Closed Sunday; lunch only Monday. Casual. Full bar. $$.

Curra's Grill
614 E. Oltorf St.
(512) 444-0012
Billed as "the Mother of all Mex," Curra's celebrates the flavors of interior Mexico and the Yucatan with specialty items such as puntas de tuna. Premium tequilas and handmade tamales and corn tortillas help to transport patrons south of the border. Patio dining available. Casual to business. Full bar. $$.

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W. North Loop Blvd
(512) 459-4121
This upscale eatery also emphasizes entrees from interior Mexico and the Yucatan, such as catches-of-the-day veracruz and cochinitas pibil (pork rubbed with achiote, then baked in banana leaves). Dinner served Mon.-Sat., brunch buffet on Sun. Reservations accepted. Business to formal. Full bar. $$$.

Gilligan's
407 Colorado St.
(512) 474-7474
Fresh seafood entrees, such as ahi tuna mignon, flaunt the restaurant's "aqua culture," which comprises Caribbean, Polynesian and Pacific Rim cuisines. Pork loin, angus beef and pastas round out the menu. Live music Tue.-Sun. evenings. "Upscale" casual. Full bar. $$$.

Guero's Taco Bar
1412 S. Congress Ave.
(512) 707-8232
Sip a Shiner Bock or munch chips with three different salsas--red, green and pico de gallo--while awaiting tacos al pastor (marinated pork), tortilla soup, mole enchiladas or a burrito especial smothered in queso. This local hot spot is known for feeding celebrities, including President Clinton. Patio dining available. Casual. Full bar. $$.

Hoover's Cooking
2002 Manor Rd.
(512) 479-5006
Southern-fried pork chops, meatloaf, catfish po' boys and other homestyle dishes dominate the menu at Hoover's, where the kitchen wouldn't dare to serve green beans without bacon, spinach without cream or carrots without butter. Freshly baked jalapeno cornbread and sweet-potato biscuits accompany every meal. Don't miss the homemade desserts. Casual. Full bar.

Hula Hut
3826 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin TX; Tel. 512.476.4852
A Hawaiian-themed restaurant with a bar, located on Town Lake. Their coconut-crusted shrimp is incredible. The drinks are great and the food is fabulous. The decor at this Austin restaurant is like one of Don Ho's dreams after a night of too many Blue Hawaiians, and the wait staff is friendly and colorfully attired. (Excerpt from Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America by James Teitelbaum)

Hut's
807 W. Sixth St.
(512) 472-0693
This old-fashioned burger joint builds its patties to order and even replaces the ground beef with buffalo meat, chicken breast or a veggie burger upon request. Order a vanilla Coke and a basket of fries and rings to complete the experience. Dinner entrees, such as chicken-fried steak, are also available; watch for two-for-one specials Monday through Thursday. Casual. Full bar. $.

Hyde Park Bar & Grill
4206 Duval St.
(512) 458-3168
Named for the neighborhood in which it's located, Hyde Park Bar & Grill is easily spotted by the giant fork that skewers oversized foodstuffs on its front lawn. The menu features a diverse selection of appetizers, sandwiches, pastas and heartier entrees, many of which are vegetarian. Don't miss the signature batter-dipped French fries. Casual to business. Full bar. $$.

Iron Works
100 Red River St.
(512) 478-4855
Carnivores flock to this historic red shack for Texas-style 'cue and all the fixin's. Choose from brisket, sausage links, beef and pork ribs, chopped beef, ham, pork loin, chicken or turkey flanked by potato salad, beans and coleslaw. Salad bar and baked potatoes offered at lunchtime. Patio seating available. Lunch only Saturday; closed Sunday. Casual. Beer only. $$.

Katz's Deli & Bar
618 W. Sixth St.
(512) 472-2037
Mile-high sandwiches and overstuffed omelettes dominate Katz's kosher-style menu (rabbinically certified hot dogs are the only truly kosher item), which also includes martinis and fried pickles. Tip for bagel eaters: cream cheese portions are generous; order it on the side. This after-hours spot is open round-the-clock 365 days a year. Indoor smoking section. Casual to business. Full bar. $$.

Knucklehead's Bar & Grill
522 E. Sixth St.
(512) 474-4647
Situated above the Harley Davidson shop, Knucklehead's is anything but a stereotypical biker hangout. In fact, its understated retro decor, "gourmet grub" (e.g., salmon burgers and mixed grills) and central location make it a fine date spot. Sit by the windows facing Sixth Street to catch the comedy troupe Esther's Follies in action weekend nights. Casual to business. Patio seating available. Full bar. Reservations accepted. Free valet parking Fri.-Sat. $$$.

Kyoto
315 Congress Ave. and other locations
(512) 482-9010
Order hot tea and edamame (soy beans) while you peruse the selection of traditional and Western-style pieces, rolls and handrolls. Tatami rooms available. Casual to business. Call for hours. Beer and wine. $$.

Louie's 106
106 E. Sixth St.
(512) 476-2010
It's difficult to get past the fabulous appetizers and tapas at this downtown restaurant. Fried olives, smoked salmon, gazpacho with crab meat, daily ravioli/empanada specials and a diverse wine list afford diners ample grazing opportunities. Entrees range from paella to daily rotisserie specials. (For less expensive tapas, visit Malaga or Rhythm House.) Cigar room. Casual to business. Full bar. Valet and validated parking. $$$.

Madam Nadalini's
3663 Bee Caves Rd.
(512) 328-4858
Located in West Lake, this once exclusively vegetarian establishment has added meat, poultry and seafood to its menu, but it still serves many entrees for herbivores. Specialty dishes include seafood risotto, spinach lasagne and eggplant parmesan. Business to formal. Reservations accepted. Lunch weekdays; dinner daily. Beer and wine. $$$.

Magnolia Cafe
2304 Lake Austin Blvd. and other locations
(512) 478-8645
Savor this 24-hour neighborhood diner's signature dishes and daily specials--such as crawfish enchiladas--with a glass of homemade, unsweetened lemonade. The vegetarian-friendly menu offers something for everyone; try the chicken quesadillas, a blackened veggie burger with home fries or gingerbread pancakes. Casual. Patio seating available. Beer and wine. $$.

The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trail
(512) 266-2441 or 266-2442
Locals cart out-of-towners here on sunny days to help explain why we live in Central Texas. This tourist trap, perched 450 feet above Lake Travis, affords diners a terrific view of the Hill Country from 32 outdoor decks. Skip the overpriced entrees and order a premium margarita with an appetizer, such as chips and salsa. Do not sit inside. Casual. $$$.

Saigon Kitchen
4323 S. Interstate 35
(512) 326-3969
Vermicelli bowls, curried squid, vegetarian spring rolls and French-drip coffee stand out on this eatery's varied menu. Soup spoons and chopsticks are offered on every table, straying from competitors' assumption that Bubba only eats with a fork. Casual to business. Beer and wine. Closed Sunday. $$.

The Salt Lick
18001 W. FM 1826
Driftwood, (512) 894-3117
If you like brisket, sausage and ribs served family-style with beans, coleslaw, bread and potato salad at picnic tables, this is the place. Chicken and turkey entrees are available for those who shun red meat, but the only "vegetables" served here are pickles and onions. Save room for peach or blackberry cobbler. Cash only. Live music outdoors Wed.-Sun. Casual. No bar; BYOB into this dry precinct. $$.

Schlotzsky's Deli Bread Alone
218 S. Lamar Blvd. and other locations
(512) 477-5858
Operated by Schlotzsky's, an Austin-based sandwich empire, Bread Alone rises above local competitors by virtue of its freshly baked breads. Bagels, muffins, scones and pastries are also served. Patio dining available. Casual. Espresso bar. $.

Threadgill's World Headquarters
301 W. Riverside Dr. and other locations
(512) 472-9304
Threadgill's serves homestyle Southern food, such as chicken-fried steak, fried green tomatoes and freshly baked biscuits and cornbread. The menu includes nearly two dozen all-you-can-eat vegetable choices. Live music in the saloon. As noted in its TV commercial for Visa, the restaurant doesn't accept American Express. Patio seating available. Casual. Full bar. $$.

Tien Hong
8301 Burnet Rd.
(512) 458-2263
Tien Hong prepares Szechwan, Hunan and Cantonese dishes with an occasional Texan twist. Menu highlights include jalapeno chicken with black-bean sauce and eggplant in garlic sauce. The dim-sum brunch on Sunday offers an abundance of seafood and vegetarian items. Full bar. Casual to business. $.

Trudy's Texas Star
409 W. 30th St. and other locations
(512) 477-2935
This happy-hour hot spot near the University of Texas campus supplements its margaritas with a wide selection of appetizers and entrees, such as spinach quesadillas and smoked chicken enchiladas. For starters, order a "sangrita" (a frozen 'rita with a sangria float) and indulge in homemade green and red salsas with chips. Brunch served on weekends. Casual. Full bar. $$.