(From March 2011) A sophisticated veneer of brick and dark wood belies the comfort food to be had at this laid-back eatery. A breakfast of French toast made with Texas-size slices of egg bread dusted with confectioner’s sugar was truly a treat, and though we didn’t need the accompanying slices of bacon, their crisp, salty bite complemented the sweetness nicely. Provolone and fresh spinach elevated a humble omelet, and a bowl of grits on the side made for a filling meal. Count on super-friendly service. Bar.

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(From June 2011) Good morning, sunshine! We love this high-ceilinged room, with the sun streaming through the windows, and we love the break-fast even more. Is there anyone who could re-sist a delectable frittata with roasted red pepper, chorizo, and goat cheese and sides of hash browns and “hippy” bread (i.e., lots of grains)? And nowhere is it written that you can’t have dessert after breakfast, espe-cially in the form of delicate, crispy lemon cannoli.

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(From November 2011)

What a delightful find, in South Austin but far from the SoCo hipster scene. In this quaint cottage (exuding just the right amount of country French atmosphere), we found ourselves struggling to choose from the tempting array in the deli case. We finally settled on a Hope Farmers Market Salad (fresh and crisp) and a scrumptious tomato-and-cheese tart, which sated our appetite but didn’t leave us stuffed. Thank goodness our willpower failed at the prospect of a lemon curd tart. 

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(From August 2011)

While this diner has the usual four-tops and friendly staff, the menu offers surprising twists, like pancakes topped with pineapple and coconut or with peanut butter. The cloudlike strawberry pancakes look like they’ve been strewn with juicy rubies. The real secret ingredient, though, is malted flour in the batter; we swear it’s addictive. We also love the huevos rancheros and the home fries. Have breakfast here and you won’t need to eat again until dinner. 

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Photograph by Ben Pickle of CreativePickle.com

(From August 2011)

Now in an air-conditioned space, this hot-dog-stand-turned-pared-down-diner speaks to the frankfurter freak in us all. Our favorite was the unconventional Greek dog, a flavorful lamb sausage with tangy tzatziki and kalamata olives, plus tomato, cucumber, and crumbly feta. The Texas-size chili dog was tasty, even though the chili was a bit dry, but the corn dog could have used a second dip in batter. A sure bet was the Abe Froman classic Chicago dog: a Vienna beef frank and the obligatory mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, peppers, pickle spear, and celery salt. Postmeal antacid optional. 

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(From January 2012)

This locally owned gallery-district hangout puts national chains to shame with its retro-mellow ambience, specialty java and tea concoctions, and flavor-packed pastries. Daily vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) lunch specials are a draw. We followed Thai noodles flanked by crisp field greens with a chewy brownie spiked with espresso. Beer & wine.

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(From June 2011) What this place lacks in healthful fare, it makes up for in character. Situated out on the East Loop, this local favorite has got pool tables and large-screen TVs, resulting in a “diner meets biker bar” vibe. Better yet, Mr. Will, voted best caterer in East Texas, cooks up a mean chicken-fried steak—tender, Texas-size, and coated in peppery cream gravy. The onion rings are hand-breaded and gigantic, and the fresh-baked pies are quite a treat. Stop by on the weekend, when Mr. Will brings in local live entertainment. Bar.

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(From November 2010) This little diner, on the “square” in Garrison, is truly a family operation. Although opened and operated by Buddy and Patricia Baker, myriad relatives may also be there, helping out. Deeply in need of comfort food, we stopped by on a sultry afternoon and happily overindulged on the hand-breaded steak fingers, hand-cut fries, and homemade gravy. A friend was equally soothed by her stuffed baked potato, brimming with chopped barbecue, onions, sour cream, and cheese. The chicken and dumplings and the homemade pies are legendary.

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(From November 2011)

Urban Fare adds welcome variety to the food available downtown, catering to both the business lunch crowd and the wee-hours survivors of nearby party places. Try to ignore the industrial furnishings and depressing decor and focus on food that would be more at home in Santa Monica than in this recycled ex–pizza parlor on a South Texas side street. Dishes are all over the map, from a chicken-vegetable soup and a spicy Thai chicken wrap to a “Montreal Style” roast beef sandwich and a teriyaki beef rice bowl. We wish the proprietors enough success that they can afford to make the environment worthy of their kitchen. Beer & wine.

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(From November 2011)

Sitting down to brunch in this sunlit-space, it was hard to picture the same room throbbing with energy on a weekend night, as it’s reputed to do (imagine, if you will, a $50 punch bowl that serves up enough for twelve drinks). Although tempted by chicken and waffles, we loved our spinach and goat cheese omelet. Individual French presses kept us supplied with coffee throughout the meal, which ended with a bread pudding that confounded all preconceived notions; more like a flourless chocolate cake, it came topped with a slug of hot fudge sauce and a scoop of Henry’s chocolate ice cream. Bar.

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