Restaurant
Guide Key To Symbols ★ $ $$ $$$ è ` ¢ = N ˚ _ P
new or updated entry most entrees under $10 most entrees $10 to $25 most entrees over $25 free parking valet full bar beer and/or wine only outdoor dining reservations accepted live music late-night dining
American 1886 Cafe & bakery In the historic Driskill Hotel, 1886 was long known as “Austin’s socializing parlor.” Breakfast is a treat, with Texan twists on old standbys. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 614 E. Sixth St., 391-7066 $$ ¢ N ˚ P 24 Diner This upscale diner offers comfort food for foodies, mixing American basics turned up a few notches. The chicken and waffles and deviled eggs are just a few of the all-star lineup dishes at this spot, housed in the former Waterloo Ice House building. Open daily, 24 hours. 600 N. Lamar Blvd., 472-5400 $$ è = ˚ P 219 West With its “American tapas” and entrees such as chicken-fried ahi tuna and blackened rib eye Pontchartrain, this establishment puts a tipsy spin on American fusion. Dinner Mon-Sat. 219 W. Fourth St., 474-2194 $$ ¢ N _ ★APATITE CAFÉ Nestled in the hills of Bee Cave, this upscale café masters the art of fusion with its expansive menu. Try the Cobb salad with braised pork belly or the apple, avocado and Brie sandwich. Brunch and lunch Mon-Sat. 12801 Shops Parkway, Ste. 200, 402-1919 $$ è
Photo by Karen Williams
ARKIE’S GRILL Early risers will love this vintage dining spot, which opens its doors only a few hours after the excitement on Sixth Street dies down. The menu is jam-packed with comfort food like grits, biscuits and an assortment of fried offerings. Breakfast and lunch Mon-Fri. 4827 E. Cesar Chavez St., 385-2986 $ è ˚ BESS BISTRO ON PECAN This cozy space owned by Sandra Bullock features cuisine best described as classic European meets the Old South. Lunch Mon-Fri; dinner Mon-Sun; brunch Sun. 500 W. Sixth St., 477-BESS (2377) $$ ` ¢ N P THE BELMONT This swanky downtown hot spot, best described as “Vegas meets Palm Springs, circa 1963,” offers a superb menu of American classics, such as the cedar plank salmon and the grilled beef tenderloin. Lunch MonSat; dinner daily; brunch Sun. 305 W. Sixth St., 457-0300 $$ ` ¢ N ˚ _ P
Hop to It As a sign by the tip jar at Hopdoddy boldly states, “Tippin’ ain’t just for cows.” In fact, the guys and gals behind this new SoCo burger bar deserve all the tips, hugs and high praises they can get for their all-natural, hormone-free burgers. The restaurant name is a simple combo of “hop” (as in beer) plus “doddy” (the Scottish nickname for cow). “The idea came from a text message conversation we had. As soon as we put those two words together, we knew that was it,” explains operating partner Chuck Smith, who is back in cahoots with Chef Larry Perdido, his partner at Moonshine, as well as Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, the creators of Z’Tejas, Roaring Fork and Eddie V’s. Open since October in the old Cissi’s Wine Bar space, smack-dab in the center of the SoCo action, Hopdoddy is a one-stop-shop for locally crafted beer and spirits, organic burgers and addictive low-starch, hand-cut Kennebec fries. Have a seat on the recycled aluminum-and-plastic chairs, and stay green by dropping your recyclables into the provided bins. You’ll love the classic burger with black Angus beef or the “Janis Joplin,” a hemp-seed veggie patty. Don’t stop there. Dip your fries in a homemade chipotle ketchup with a hint of pomegranate, or keep it light by ordering Larry’s spinach salad with applewood smoked bacon, Maytag blue cheese and pecans. Wash it all down with an organically flavored soda, a classic frozen margarita with fresh-squeezed juice or a Mexican vanilla milk shake boozed up with Frangelico. Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 1400 S. Congress Ave., 243-7505, hopdoddy.com — HEATHER CALVILLO
january 2011 AUSTIN MONTHLY 175