A new burger joint: TerraBurger

All-aboard! Jump on the organic bandwagon! It’s the 21st century now, and I suppose it’s high time we started giving back everything we’ve been taking for so long. TerraBurger takes this to the next level. The new shop is “Austin’s Original Organic Burger Place.” Fathered by George Walas, a fellow Austinite, this place embraces everything that is deliciously Austin. Ironically, the location is not downtown or in the infamous 78704 of South Austin. They’re bringing organics to the ‘burbs. Positioned in front of the antithesis – Costco, this location is prime for maximum viewing along Research Blvd. Alternatively, they’ve got a shop near the UT campus. As far as we can tell, the “green” movement hasn’t hit the restaurant industry quite yet. Someone had to be first! The burgers, handcut fries, and pure sugarcane Coca-Cola were delicious. Despite the fact it was quite noisy along 183 and outdoor dining is all that is available, we still enjoyed our meal. The menu is simple, so you shouldn’t have any trouble picking a good burger – as long as it’s built around a beef patty.

512.436.8570. 10611 Research Blvd.

The Spicy Pickle does not disappoint

Out of nowhere, there’s been a sandwich shop pandemic. Most restaurants have something truly different and unique to offer. The Spicy Pickle is no exception. They’re a delicious alternative to the Subways and Quiznos of the world. Based out of Denver, this start-up turned franchise has pizza, paninis, and of course, sandwiches. The Italian Panini was quite tasty and the Santa Cruz Sub was even better. I’d recommend this shop for an occasional change of venue during your lunch hour.

512.528.9900. 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd.

Sandy’s Hamburger Hit

Sandy’s Hamburger Hut is a hit in Lakeway. However, it’s tough to find. Picture this: a green building with minimal lighting and small signage nestled amongst a dozen green oak trees. See the problem? Use the Texaco station next door as a landmark to find the best hamburger in Lakeway. It’s delicious! Toasted bun? Check. Perfect beef? Check. Right amount of sauce? Check. Fresh vegetables? Almost! The tomato was a bit green for my tastes. Stop by and pick up a delicious burger and fries as soon as you can. You and your wallet will agree it’s totally worth it.

512.266.1524. 113 Ranch Road 620 N.

Boat House Grill: By the lake, where you’d expect

If you don’t like good old fashioned comfort food, turn away now. Boat House Grill is the epitome of all things comfort. With live music and fried food, you’ll get your fix. What does it take to make the perfect burger? Perfectly seasoned and cooked beef, toasted homemade bread, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of sauce. I wish I could say that Boat House had this combination down just right, but they don’t. The bun is not toasted, and the beef could have been better – those are two vital components! Nonetheless, while the burger was decent, it was not the best ever. The fries, however, were pretty tasty! Using the same batter in which the fry up the fish means extra crispy – perfect with some honey-mustard sauce.

P.S. My suggestion to Boat House? Get a “Fish & Chips” combo on the menu! Use a more refined whitefish (other than catfish) like tilapia or cod. Yum.

Were you keen enough to notice today’s author? Yep! It’s not just me, Mr. Yum, today! I’d like to introduce my wonderful wife, Mrs. Yum. You already know I’ve got great taste; Mrs. Yum will occasionally offer her perspective on more than just the food. Without further delay, here’s the lovely Mrs. Yum…

This is a great place for kids! With a playground in the back, seating outside, and a stage for live music, you can’t go wrong bringing your entire family. It’s comfort food with a comfortable atmosphere. Singles and DINKs (dual income no kids) beware – you will be inundated with little kiddos.

Be prepared to order upfront and they will call your name over the intercom when your order’s up. Don’t expect super quick service – it always takes a while to get our food.

Yours in servicing up atmosphere,
Mrs. Yum

512.249.5200. 6812 N. Ranch Road 620.

Melt in your mouth: The Melting Pot

Many folks don’t realize that one of the best places to eat is a place with no kitchen. How so? Try bringing the kitchen to the table. For some, that’s the function of a Hibachi Grill. For others, it’s a DIY kind of operation. The Melting Pot is a social experiment that works! If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting a fondue restaurant, do it today – it’s a blast! The Melting Pot is an expensive yet upscale restaurant that has seasonal menus available to keep you coming back for more. Don’t fill up on the salad and bread – it’s easy to do! Enjoy the main attraction – the entrées! The Coq au Vin cooking style is delicious with the Land & Sea meats. My favorite? Dessert! Imagine this: a big pot of warm white chocolate, fresh apple cobbler pieces, strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, marshmallows, pound cake, and brownies to soak and eat. Hungry yet?

512.401.2424. 305 E. 3rd Street.

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion makes others look like amateurs

A Hawaiian Steakhouse? That’s what you get when you visit Roy’s. While the first “Roy’s” was founded in Honolulu, it’s expanded to over thirty worldwide locations… and for good reason! As an Austinite, I’m quite thankful to have a Roy’s here in our neck of the woods. Try the Grilled Filet of Beef, Sirloin, Short Ribs, or Meatloaf. They are absolutely fantastic! Raise the bar and your glass to a wonderful experience at Roy’s.

512.391.1500. 340 E. 2nd Street.

Threadgills is comfort all the way

Music, beer, and delicious southern cooking. There’s no question that we Texans love these three facets of life. Every time I step foot into Threadgills, I’m reminded of the old Guy Clark song “Texas Cookin’,” later recorded by George Strait. “Get them steaks chicken fried!” Threadgills piles it high, so come hungry. The chicken fried steak, the hickory burger, the fries, the fried pickles, the broccoli rice casserole, the fried okra… Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum! If I write any more, I might salivate onto the keyboard below. Pick up some Threadgills cooking when you can. Bring a bag to bring some home while you’re at it.

512.451.5440. 6416 N. Lamar.

Where’s Johnny Fins?

We’ve eaten at this place more than a handful of times – both by land and by water. Make your way out to Hurst Harbor. Where’s Johnny Fins? The restaurant has most likely been moved out to the main lake channel, which incredibly, is completely out of sight from the normal position where Johnny Fins usually floats! Go take a picture of how low the lake is at Hurst Harbor Marina and archive it. When lake levels are back up, give Johnny Fins a try. You’ll enjoy it.

512.266.2811. 16405 Clara Van St.

Waterloo is a true Austin hangout

If you’re looking for some place to go with a group of friends, Waterloo is quite the casual Austin version of a Chili’s. It’s comfort food all the way at this establishment. You can’t go wrong with a hamburger or chicken fried steak. It’s not the best place to eat around Austin, but it does the trick when you’re looking for an alternative to the mainstream.

512.418.9700. 6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy.

Freddie’s Frozen Custard features fantastic food

Don’t get confused now! There’s a Freddie’s Place down on South 1st. This is not it. We visited the new Freddie’s Frozen Custard in Cedar Park… Again… And again… And again. Does that give away too much? We really enjoyed the steakburger. For those among us who have not bit into the delicious patty of an In and Out Burger (located primarily west of the Continental Divide), we’ve found your match. Try the #1 with lettuce, tomato, mayonaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickles. It’s amazing. We’re also a fan of the frys – they’re the salty straw type! Hungry yet? Grab some this weekend. You might catch Mr. and Mrs. Yum there during lunch.

P.S. Why isn’t it 5 Yums? Because we still have to grab a superior dessert over at Shake’s Frozen Custard. Freddie’s is a close second.

512.259.9292. 1465 East Whitestone.