Carlos ‘n Charlie’s brings Tex-Mex to the Lake

Carlos ‘n Charlies is a chain of restaurants, but we should still feel honored here in our lovely city. Why? The seemingly home-grown restaurant/hang-out picked Austin, Texas (specifically, Lake Travis) to launch their very first restaurant within the United States! Ready for some Tex-Mex? Go visit the slowly-rising (finally) Lake Travis at Hudson Bend and enjoy the view and the food. While it’s your standard lake-quality cuisine, it’s all about atmosphere (of which we really don’t incorporate into our highly complex Yum measuring system algorithm). They’re open year-round, so head west and bring your guests!

512.266.1683. 5973 Hiline Road.

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.

Panda Express offers free chicken until Saturday

Try the new SweetFire Chicken Breast free with the purchase of any 2-Entree Plate.

Also, get free dessert at Mimis Cafe!

The best breakfast on the east side? Juan in a Million

Mexican food is so unbelievably delicious. It’s the perfect way to start any day. Juan in a Million is an Austin tradition that’s been making peoples’ day since 1980. Open only for breakfast and lunch, this place has it figured out! The Don Juan was the best breakfast taco I’ve ever eaten. True, at first it appears as a mound of hash browns, but once you roll those delicious potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese into warm tortilla, it becomes a steamy burrito of divine Mexican comfort. Not in the mood for a “taco?” Try the Con Queso Breakfast. You’ve never had eggs like this before.

512.472.3872. 2300 Cesar Chavez St.

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.

The new Italian hangout: myplace

Were you able to make it to Bellagio Italian Bistro? It was an expensive, upscale Italian restaurant with white tablecloths and fancy artwork. The location may have proven effective five or ten years ago, but today, it’s a whole new world. Gone are the fancy table coverings and the expensive wall decorations. Enter myplace. Comfy sofas, relaxing chairs at the expanded bar, and HDTVs running constant sports in stunning high definition are a few of the welcomed additions. The next time you want to catch up with an old friend or just catch a game, head over to myplace and enjoy your stay.

512.346.8226. 6507 Jester Blvd.

Free Sub / Free Cookie

Free Sandwich at Quiznos and Free Cookie at Great American Cookie Company in October… Enjoy!

Taste the meaty goodness today at Fogo de Chao

For those not familiar with the concept of a churrascaria, it may be shocking – especially for vegetarians. Of course, what vegetarian isn’t horrified at a barbecue joint? Churrascarias are the Brazilian (or more gramatically correct, Portuguese) form of an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet. Fogo enhances that by delivering the meat directly to your table and including a delicious salad/fusion bar for you to enjoy with side items. It’s a truly unique experience. Every cut of meat is delicious – from the lamb to the chicken to the beef to the pork. It’s a low-carb dream!

512.472.0220. 309 E. 3rd Street.

Happy Hour at the New Old Bellagio!

Well, it’s been a little over a month since we reviewed Bellagio, the quaint little Italian bistro on the west side of town. As foreshadowed, it has met its demise. Did you get a chance to try it while you could? If not, the owners have rebranded it as an Italian hangout. It should be opening soon. You can bet we’ll have a full review of this exciting new restaurant.

The new place is called “MyPlace.” We had the pleasure of trying their happy hour this week. This new laid back atmosphere fits the restaurant so much better. Look for a positive review coming soon.

Who: MyPlace
What: Half-Priced Appetizers
When: Mon-Fri: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where: 6507 Jester Blvd. 512.346.8228.
Catch: Must purchase an “adult beverage.” Limit 2 appetizers per person.

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.