The Food Austin Network

One of the more random places I’ve been to. They’ve got a GREAT spinach and artichoke dip, if you’re into that. Their pizza is…original, and good. While the interior is a bit small, as is the bar, the environment is relaxing for the most part, and there is a lower level that seems a little sketchy…

Anyway, the food isn’t bad, they give you a lot, especially with the sandwiches. The prices are normal. Overall this is about as average a place as you can get. I recommend this place for having lunch with a friend.

Magic Wok
2716 Guadalupe St - Austin, TX 78705 - 512-474-7770

For fast cheap Chinese food, Magic Wok is the go to spot near the university. Lunch specials are filling and under $4. It’s a no frills place with sparse ambiance but excellent delivery. The dishes on offer are the generic Chinese cuisine dishes like Kung Pao Chicken but are served in heaping portions almost too big to finish.  The staff is quick and friendly and offer prompt service.  Even if you live across the street and call in your order, Chances are that it’ll be ready before you get there.  Believe me I’ve tried.

Quick, easy, convenient, AND cheap, everything a college student needs.

-PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $

Pluckers Wing Factory
2222 Rio Grande - Austin, Texas 78705 – 512-469-WING
9070 Research Blvd – Austin, Texas 78758 – 512-533-WING
www.pluckers.net

For those who love wings and watching sports, look no further the Pluckers Wing Factory in the heart of West Campus, or any of their other locations. Whether it’s hanging out with the guys, or binging from a diet, Pluckers serves the best wings in Austin. Although the restaurant has changed the past couple of years, it still draws in a crowd. Monday features an “all-you-can-eat” wings and Tuesday is their 40 cent wing night. Beer is always discounted whenever a UT sports event is on TV. If you’re not in the mood for wings, you should check out the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, the chicken breast and pineapple combo is very tasty.  It may sound like we’re head over heals for Pluckers but they do have their fair share of disappointments. The wait staff is slow and poorly trained, they’re very reluctant to take their own coupons, the wait can be overwhelming at times, and the calorie count and fat levels would make a cardiologist cry.

I give it a C.

PeterPumpkinEater

Price: $ 

Johnny’s Half Shell
2002 P St, NW - Washington, DC 20036 - 202.296.2021 – www.johnnyshalfshell.net

Our barebones description of Johnny’s is this: If you’re in the mood for some seafood and you don’t want to drive to the Bay, you should come to Dupont and check out Johnny’s.  Johnny’s does the Chesapeake Bay classic crab cakes and does them well, if the wait and the hustle and bustle of Dupont didn’t give it away, you might be able to fool yourself into thinking you’re dining at some joint right on the water.  For starters the barbeque shrimp and grits is a top notch choice.  The flavor is succulent and helps white wash the wait you had to endure just to get to them.  The seared Scallops are also done well and are firm yet juicy.  If you’re not in the mood for dinner, you should check out the Po’boy sandwich, it’s a great substitute for some of the bigger portioned dishes and is perfect for people during lunch or those that believe in small dinners.  This is also one of those places where we actually would recommend saving room for desert.  The famed chocolate angel food cake is sublime and is a great foil for the wonderful seafood fare.  The price is what you would expect to pay for seafood in a town that’s not on the Sea.  Given that this is Washington, the prices are also a little bit on the high side but in line with other seafood establishments around town.  For our money, Johnny’s is a step ahead of it’s competition, let’s just hope it doesn’t stumble just because the line is always out the door.  They don’t take reservations so plan ahead.

Price: $$  (20-25 per entrée)

Bread Line
1751 Pennsylvania Ave, NW - Washington, DC 20006 - 202.822.8900

One of the best lunch places in town.  The Bread Line features some of the best breads in the city and because bread is a great building block, some of the best sandwiches in the city.  The Menu varies seasonally and usually is a blend of flavors around the globe.  They also carry American staples such as the the tuna, the turkey, the prosciutto and the ham.  But are spiced up a little bit to cater to the sophistication swirling around this part of town (right next to the White House and the World Bank…).   The portions are large and the service quick and hasty.  This place is all about the food, allowing movers and shakers to jet in and out and back to moving and shaking.  If you’re in downtown and in the mood for a well done sandwich this is your place!  Be warned, the later your lunchtime the worse the chances of actually finding something to eat here, the best stuff goes fast.

Price: $ 

Hyde Park Bar and Grill
4206 Duval Street- Austin, Texas - 78751

Much like the neighborhood, Hyde Park Bar and Grill is a laid back and unpretentious place.  Located a few miles from downtown and the University of Texas, the location is ideal and convenient.  The competition for your lunch/dinner money is intense here with Mothers and Asti in the same vicinity.  But despite the nearby competition, HP B&G is almost always the most crowded because it is the most consistent with its offerings. Their food is served fast from a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional staff who seem to know the just the right times to be at the table. The menu is full of items that could be singled out for distinction, but their signature dish, the Horseshoe Burger, is their best by far. For the hungriest of appetites, it’s a half pound burger served open faced covered with fries, a special sauce, and all the trimmings. Another exceptional dish is the Yellow fin tuna sandwich; the fish is done very well and should be ordered with the blackened seasoning.  On a negative note, we recommend staying away from the stir fry, while not terrible; it definitely isn’t worth the 35 minute wait that you endure just to get a table.  After a long wait, you really owe it to yourself to get the Horseshoe.  The layout and ambience are ideal for both small groups of friends and a date with someone special. Plan on making reservations or the wait could be up to 35 minutes to get a table on an average night.

I give it a B+ 

-PeterPumpkinEater 

Price: $ (10-15ish) 

If I had to pick only one restaurant to eat at for the rest of my life, this would be it. Their sandwiches and subs are incredible. The selection is excellent, and you can order it the way you want, with or without certain things. The service is fantastic, and there is no minimum purchase amount for delivery. Yes that’s right boys and girls, they deliver subs right to you. And not only that, they deliver within 10 minutes (I’ve timed them every single time, and I live all the way out in Windsor Hills…most impressive). There isn’t a thing about this place I don’t like. Thier prices are highly competitive with that of Subway and Quizzno’s, except that Subway and Quizzno’s can barely compete in taste and quality.

Everyone loves Italian food. And trust me when I say it’s even better when it gets served within 10 minutes. The thought of “fast-food” Italian food is sketchy at best. But this place isn’t really fast food, they’re just efficient. The food here is arguably restaurant quality (the layout of the place is much like a restaurant). Their lasagna is most excellent. To be honest my mother is the only one that makes better lasagna. It’s a really relaxed atmosphere, a great place to go with friends and relax. My favorite part is their breadsticks. Not only are they free, not only does a waiter come around every few minutes offering you more, but they are incredibly delicious. The only thing this place is missing is a location in downtown Blacksburg.

Lauriol Plaza – http://www.lauriolplaza.com
1835 18th St., NW - Washington, DC - 202-387-0035

Now I’m not going to lie to you and say the real reason there is always a line out the door on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is because of the food. Much of the appeal of Lauriol Plaza is the rooftop deck and other outdoor dining areas and people flock here to get a decent Mexican meal while sitting outside and enjoying some tasty libations (we recommend the Mojito). A lot of people in this town say things like “Lauriol Plaza is the best Mexican food;” personally, we find this to be a little preposterous. Given that there are several things on the menu worth trying, but you shouldn’t dupe yourself into thinking that it’s the best out there. For our money, we’ll take Taqueria Distrito Federal eventhough there is no rooftop terrace to be had. At Lauriol Plaza you’ll find that some of their best dishes aren’t Mexican at all. The Bistec Cubano (Cuban Steak) is an exceptionally tasty entrée to be enjoyed with its compatriot, a Mojito. Another thing that they do well at Lauriol Plaza is the quail, this might just be because quail isn’t generally found in the dc foodscape but even then, it is juicy and succulent as quail should be. All in all, the place isn’t too expensive, in some circles (read lobbyists and lawyers and the like) this might even be considered a cheap eat. The vibe is toned-down and hip; you wouldn’t feel completely out of place if you’re wearing a t-shirt and some jeans and you won’t feel overdressed if you’re wearing a suit, trust me I’ve been wearing both. One day after work, if you’re in the mood for some winding down, head over to Lauriol for some snacks and something to wash them down with, take advantage of that warmer than normal winter day or cooler than normal summer day.

Price: $10-15 per entree

Milto’s - 2909 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78705 - 512-476-1021

If you’re in the mood for Greek or Italian, but want casual dining, then Milto’s is your answer. Located on the corner of Guadalupe and West 29^th, Milto’s serves fresh food at low prices in a cozy environment. Although the items on their menu are a bit too typical for Italian and Greek food, their pizza more than makes up for it with the wonderful choices of toppings and crusts. Toppings are generous, and the thick crust is very filling. The only downsides are the occasional long wait for food, and their take-out is noticeably different than their in-restaurant portions and quality. Located close to the university, it knows its customer base very well, serving them with smiles and lots of warm authentic food. The souvlaki is very tasty and some have even been known to swear by it, so give it a try.  The only thing that should be steered clear of at Milto’s is the fettuccine alfredo, which really should be renamed the fettuccine DIL-fredo because of the heavy handed use of the herb (a little bit accents the dish, but an overdose drowns the flavor).  Over all, Milto’s is a B-.  It’s not Athenian Grill, but it gets the job done, while being affordable enough for students to make it a regular fixture on the lunch/dinner list.

-PeterPumpkinEater 

Price: $ ($5ish for most things)