Fit and Funky Food
Grab a pita full of sprouts or an fruity smoothie at one of these dives:
Daily Juice: (three locations) 1625 Barton Springs Road, 2307 Lake Austin Blvd., and 4500 Duval St. It specializes in raw, "living" foods, juicing fresh for every order and serving up excellent enchiladas, salads and other lunch items. Hours vary by location. Website: http://www.dailyjuice.org/
Food Heads: 616 W. 34th St. Austin City Search's "Best Lunch Spot" 2 years in a row, this from-scratch sandwich lover's paradise features creations such as the prosaic "Roasted Pork Special" with roasted adobo pork, lettuce, bacon, tomato and roasted poblano mango mayo on ciabatta. Create your own veggie wonder from choices such as roasted sweet potato, fresh elephant garlic and a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette. Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Website: http://www.foodheads.com/
Talk About Tacos
Torchy's Tacos: (three locations) 1311 S. First St., 2809 S. First St., 2801 Guadalupe. This famous little taco trailer has breakfast tacos that will knock your socks off. Austin Monthly magazine says, "Any of the seven specialty tacos is a delight, but the green chile pork taco is truly special." Hours vary by location. Website: http://torchystacos.com.
Juan In A Million: 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St. The Austin Chronicle calls this a "neighborhood joint," and the entire student body of the University of Texas seems to think it's right in their neighborhood. But if it's crowded, press on through. Their "legendary tacos" are worth it. Juan In A Million is open Sunday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fine Dining
Asti Trattoria: 408-C 43rd St. Located in downtown Hyde Park next to Fresh Plus grocery store and across the street from Quack's 43rd Street Bakery, you may walk past a mob of hipsters on your way to this eatery. But press through: Once you're inside, you'll find a sophisticated atmosphere with a lovingly prepared menu that the Austin Chronicle describes as "sensational." It's open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.
Uchi: 801 S. Lamar. Possibly the most famed upscale place to see and be seen in Austin, this "contemporary Japanese restaurant" is not for the faint of wallet. Don't even dream of walking in this lovely restaurant-in-a-house without a reservation. Once you go, though, you may be hooked: their menu changes daily and always strives for "unique and vibrant cuisine." Sunday-Thursday 5:00-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:00-11:00pm.
