Restaurant Guide

Restaurants in North Austin, $10-$25

A Swad

Indian, Vegetarian/Vegan • North • $10-$25 • First Plates

The Thali Special is probably the best sampler for newbies, but you can't go wrong with the different dosas they offer. Show up hungry.

9515 N. Lamar #156, 512/997-7923

B T&S Chinese Restaurant

Chinese • North • $10-$25

This seafood restaurant is the top choice of many local chefs and restaurateurs on their days off. The Cantonese seafood selections and dim sum stand out.

10014 N. Lamar, 512/339-8434

more about T&S Chinese Restaurant

The menu at this cozy outpost of Taj Palace includes a variety of meat, fish, and vegetables that have been marinated in yogurt and spices before a trip to the ultra-hot tandoor. For a richer option, we love the saag curry with shrimp, creamy spinach studded with plump shimp. The menu here is almost identical to its sister restaurant Taj Palace, and the lunch menu remains at the same price point.

12407 MoPac N., 512/837-4444

more about Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine

D Taquito Aviles

Tex-Mex • North • $10-$25

A bright blip on the radar for lovers of goat meat, the menu is very complete for a taquería, but Mario, the taquero, also adds seasonal specials, based on what he finds at the market. During corn season he offers an exemplary elote, sweet caramelized grilled corn slathered with mayo, crema fresca, cheese, and chile, with a squeeze of lime. He'll slice it off of the cob to serve it as esquites if you ask.

11218 N Lamar Blvd, 512/775-3792

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E Taste of Ethiopia

African • North • $10-$25

This restaurant brings back your ancestral grandmother's cooking, piled high on an injera bread base. Some say it's the best in the area. A vegetarian/vegan lunch buffet is offered on weekdays (11am-2pm).

1100 Grand Avenue Pkwy., Pflugerville, 512/251-4053

more about Taste of Ethiopia

F Thai Cuisine

Thai • North • $10-$25

4101 W. Parmer Ste. F, 512/835-7888

more about Thai Cuisine

G Thanh Nhi

Vietnamese • North • $10-$25

Nom on traditional Vietnamese pho, noodles, rice plates, and bánh mì in a convenient North Austin location, complete with the option for takeout.

9200 N. Lamar #104, 512/834-1736

more about Thanh Nhi

H The Knotty Deck + Bar

American Cafe • North • $10-$25

Located in the Renaissance Austin Hotel, the Knotty Deck's menu features Texas-influenced American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out the expansive outdoor deck.

9721 Arboretum Blvd, 512/795-6100

more about The Knotty Deck + Bar

I The Park

American Cafe • North • $10-$25

11601 Domain Dr. #200, 512/478-7275

more about The Park

J Third Base

Pub Grub, Sports Bar • North • $10-$25

Drink specials and discounts for Dell employees lead to the question of whether it's worth it to head Downtown for reliable sports-bar noms.

3107 S. I-35, Round Rock, 512/388-2273

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K Troy

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern • North • $10-$25

Put yourself in the hands of an expert at the counter, and be guided through this menu. Composed of stews, salads, and kebabs, it is small enough that it takes only a few trips to sample its entirety. All meals come with hot tea and whatever dessert the kitchen whips up that day. These tend to be sticky and pudding-ish, but usually round out the meal in a pleasant fashion.

8105 Mesa, 512/897-2860

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L Urban

American Cafe • North • $10-$25

The eatery at the Westin Hotel serves a locally sourced menu of classic comfort food in a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. The bar is a nice place to linger over a specialty cocktail during happy hour.

11301 Domain Dr., 512/490-1511

more about Urban

M Ventana

North • $10-$25

Austin's branch of Le Cordon Bleu allows students to get practical experience with an in-house restaurant. The menu is adventurous but brief, the food is terrific, and the prices can't be beat.