Cuisine: Pizza
Location: Many locations all over Chicago, find yours here
Links: Lou Malnati’s Website * Lou Malnati’s On Facebook
What we ordered: We ordered a large Malnati Chicago Classic. This deep-dish pizza had a dense crust that was at least 1″ thick. It was covered with a layer of mozzarella, then a layer of the famous homemade Malnati sausage covering the entire pie like a big patty. On top of the sausage is where the thick, zesty sauce makes its home. The slices were rather big and filling. I took two slices and was stuffed before I finished the second piece!
Overall Impression: I have tried a few deep-dish Chicago pizzas over the years and Lou Malnati’s is one of the better ones I have tried. Many people will even tell you that Lou Malnati’s is their favorite in Chicago.
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I have finally wrapped up all of my mini-reviews of Austin, TX. Yay! As much as I love Austin and the wonderful restaurants they have there, I am happy to be back in the Twin Cities Area and look forward to posting new, local reviews this upcoming week. Thanks for your patience and understanding that I only posted reviews from Austin, TX, while I worked there this summer.
Here is a recap of all the restaurants I reviewed in Austin 2009-10
2010
- Mighty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX
- Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
- Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
- Brick Oven Restaurant ~ Austin, TX
- Z Tejas Southwestern Grill ~ Austin, TX
- Hard Rock Cafe ~ San Antonio, TX
- Chinatown Restaurant ~ Austin, TX
- Casa Chapala ~ Austin, TX
- The Clay Pit ~ Austin, TX
- Threadgills ~ Austin, TX
- Home Slice Pizza~ Austin, TX
- Gueros Taco Bar ~ Austin, TX
- São Paolo ~ Austin, TX
- Fuddruckers ~ Round Rock, TX
- Fonda San Miguel ~ Austin, TX
- Trudy’s ~ Austin, TX
- Chuy’s ~ Austin, TX
- East Side Cafe ~ Austin, TX
- Double Dave’s Pizzaworks ~ Austin, TX
- Vino 100 ~ Round Rock, TX
- Rudy’s Country Market & Barbeque ~ Austin, TX
- Pok-E Jo’s BBQ ~ Austin, TX
- Sarpino’s Pizza ~ Austin, TX
- Golden Wok ~ Austin, TX
- La Margarita ~ Round Rock, TX
- Salt Grass Steak House ~ Round Rock, TX
- Pappa’s Burger ~ Houston, TX
2009
- Maria Maria (Carlos Santana) ~ Austin, TX
- Cafe Mangu ~ Pflugerville, TX
- Round Rock Donuts ~ Round Rock, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House ~ Austin & Round Rock, TX
- The Oasis on Lake Travis ~ Austin, TX
- Pappasito’s Cantina ~ Austin, TX
- Firehouse Subs ~ Round Rock, TX
- Carino’s Italian Grill~ Austin, TX
- Salt Lick Bar-B-Que ~ Driftwood & Round Rock, TX
- Chuy’s Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
- Habana Calle 6 ~ Austin, TX
- Posados Cafe ~ Pflugerville, TX
- Mangia Chicago Stuffed Pizza ~ Austin, TX
- Golden Wok ~ Austin, TX
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: Burgers, Shakes
Addresses:
10515 North Mo-Pac Expressway, Austin, TX – (512) 524-2400
201 University Oaks Blvd #1380 Round Rock, TX 78665 (512) 381-3310
5601 Brodie Ln #1300 Sunset Valley, TX 78745 (512) 735-2800
Links: MIghty Fine Burgers Website
MIghty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX
Atmosphere: Mighty Fine offers counter-service so the restaurant is designed to lead you to the ordering line upon entering.
Counter Service @ Mighty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX
The large space is open, with long picnic tables arranged in rows for family-style seating.
Inside Mighty Fine ~ Austin, TX
There is also a covered outdoor eating area, adjacent to the entrance.
Outdoor Eating Area @ Mighty Fine ~ Austin, TX
What I ordered: I had the 1/4 lb Burger, Fresh Cut Crinkle Fries and a Strawberry Shake. Mighty Fine prides itself upon their fresh, ground on-site beef that is formed into patties by hand. The burger was very good, its freshness apparent (juicy but not greasy). The 1/4lb burger was just the right amount for me when combined with the fries and shake, otherwise I would’ve ordered the 1/2lb. The fries were awesome; fresh, crinkle cut and fried in peanut oil. The strawberry shake was made with Blue Bell ice cream and strawberry puree sauce. It was very good however I would love for a Malt option. I love strawberry malts and couldn’t find any place in Austin that served them. (I didn’t look real hard though)
Burger, Fries and Shake @ Mighty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX
Overall Impression: These are some Mighty Fine Burgers!
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: American, Steak
Addresses:
1101 South Mo-Pac AUSTIN TX, 78746 (512 ) 330-0030
6007 North IH 35 AUSTIN TX, 78723 (512 ) 451-6555
5510 S. IH 35 Building C AUSTIN TX, 78745 (512 ) 442-6448
14010 N. US Hwy 183, Bldng. B AUSTIN TX, 78717 ( 512) 258-3733
Links: Texas Land & Cattle Website
Outside Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
What we ate: We started with the complimentary loaf of bread, served hot from the oven. It was soft and warm inside with a beautiful golden brown crust.
Bread & Butter @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
I also grabbed a Frozen Margarita at the Bar during Happy Hour (happy hour specials are good only at the bar). This was a pretty big drink, served in a tall, frosted glass. Very tart and strong, took me awhile to drink it all.
Margarita @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
We ordered the Fried Jalapenos appetizer, which were thick slices of jalapenos battered and fried then topped with bacon pieces and melted cheddar cheese. These reminded me a lot of potato skins but with jalapeno instead of potato. These were tasty and crispy and only slightly spicy, especially when dipped in the ranch that is served with them. Excellent choice!
Fried Jalapenos @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
There was no doubt that I would get my usual steak, the Ribeye. I ordered the smaller 12 oz, medium. Very good steak! It was char-grilled, tender and juicy. I never eat the fat on a steak but love the flavor it gives it. I also eat horseradish with my steak because I love the spicy sinus-clearing sensation that it gives me and think it really goes well with beef. I had my choice of potato and got the loaded baked. Oh, I love steak and potatoes!
Ribeye and Loaded Baked Potato @ TX Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
I also got this little cup of chili that didn’t excite me very much.
Chili @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX
Two of my companions ordered the Smoked Sirloin wrapped with Bacon ,one with Baked Potato and one with Sweet Potato. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I had never seen a baked sweet potato until this moment. It was slit open and loaded with butter and brown sugar. One bite had me wishing I had ordered it too, I loved the sweetness of it.
Bacon Wrapped Sirloin @ TX Land & Cattle
Overall Impression: We had really good service and our steaks were also very good and reasonably priced. I don’t think you could go wrong at Texas Land and Cattle (Unless you;re a vegetarian!)
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: American, Mexican,
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd Austin, TX 78703 (512) 476-4852
Links: Hula Hut Website
Atmosphere: Hula Hut is located on Lake Austin, just west of downtown. Great views of the lake and the dam! Very fun outdoor seating as well as seating indoors.
Neon Sign @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
Hula Hut Deck ~ Austin, TXKristi Sauer
Outside Seating @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
What we ordered: My companion and I helped ourself to the complimentary Chips & Salsa bar. Hula Hut (owned by Chuy’s) has fresh homemade salsa that is so good! Chunky, fresh and definitely spicy. They also have the same wonderful Jalapeno ranch dip that Chuy’s has. I love it!
Chips & Salsa @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
It was a very hot night and we could only get immediate seating at the back outdoor bar, so I ordered a frozen margarita to help me keep cool ;) My selection tonight was a combo of frozen lime/frozen mango. I don’t know if there was even any tequila in this drink, but it sure was a sweet treat!
Mango & Lime Frozen Margarita @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
My companion ordered a Bloody Mary which also looked very refreshing.
Bloody Mary @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
I had such a great experience with the fish tacos when I visited the Hula Hut last summer, so I ordered the same thing again. The fish was still a grilled white fish (tilapia?) and just as good as last year, however there was only half a fillet in each taco, rather than a full fillet like it used to be. Extra delicious and flavorful with creamy jalapeno dip and fresh salsa
Fish Tacos @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
My companion ordered the Fried Mahi Mahi, served with salad and Mango Salsa. I thought the plate looked wonderful. My companion said the fish was good but had obviously been frozen, instead of fresh.
Mahi Mahi @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX
Overall Impression: Hula Hut is such a fun place to visit! Great place for a family dinner, get together with friends, or a place to hang by yourself. Be prepared to wait awhile, Hula Hut is always busy! Yummy frozen margaritas!
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Addresses:
1209 Red River St Austin, TX 78701 (512) 477-7006
10710 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78759 (512)345-6181
9911 Brodie Ln Austin, TX 78748 (512) 292-3939
Links: Brick Oven Website
Atmosphere: The Research Blvd location is located at the far end of a strip mall, with a large open space inside. There are many tables throughout the space, as well as a few booths along the wall of windows. The smell of the Brick Oven is very inviting, hope you bring your appetite!
Inside Brick Oven ~ Austin, TX
The Research Blvd location also has a really cute patio area….
Terrace @ Brick Oven ~ Austin, TX
What we ordered: My companion and I started with the Artichoke Spinach Dip. This heaping, creamy concoction is Alfredo based, with pieces of spinach and artichoke, and other cheeses blended in. So yummy! It was served with three large slices of thick, toasted garlic bread for dipping. I had to show restraint or I would’ve eaten the whole thing to myself!
Spinach Artichoke Dip @ Brick Oven ~ Austion, TX
I really wanted Pizza and had many options to choose from, but my eye caught the Cook’s Spicy Special. I was really hungry so I ordered the 11″ pizza instead of the 8″ individual size, thinking I could eat it all. The Spicy Special was covered with mozzarella and Romano cheeses, then loaded with Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Spiced Beef, Onion, Green Peppers, Fresh Garlic, Jalapenos and Roma tomatoes. The pizza was very good, definitely nothing boring about it! I enjoyed the crispy bottom of the pizza with all the spicy ingredients but I prefer my pizza well-done on top and it wasn’t as crispy as I like it. Regardless, I still liked it a lot. The medium pizza was too much for me and once again, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. After eating the appetizer, I was only able to eat two pieces of this fabulous pizza.
Spicy Pizza @ Brick Oven ~ Austin, TX
My companion ordered the Fettuccine in Creamy Pesto Sauce with Chicken. This was a large order of pasta tossed in a hefty amount of the delicious creamy pesto sauce and served with garlic toast.
Creamy Pesto Fettuccine @ Brick Oven ~ Austin, TX
Overall Impression: The food at Brick Oven Restaurant is very good and reasonably priced for the amount of food you get. Our service was great as well. Would definitely go back!
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: Deli
Addresses:
259 West 3rd Street, Austin - (512) 472-9424
2348 Guadalupe Street, Austin - (512) 478-9424
1201 Barbara Jordan Boulevard, Austin - (512) 482-9424
4700 W Guadalupe St, Austin, Texas - (512) 533-9424
1701 West Parmer Lane, Austin, TX - (512) 339-9424
5000 W Slaughter Ln # 205, Austin, TX -(512) 282-4300
13450 North Highway 183, Austin, TX - (512) 250-9424
201 University Oaks Boulevard, Round Rock, TX -(512) 238-9424
15424 FM 1825, Pflugerville, TX -(512) 252-9424
Links: Which Wich? Website
Atmosphere: Which Wich is a sub shop that can be found at locations in many different states. Since there are no locations in MN, I decided I would give it a try for lunch one day. (My policy when I travel is that I will only try restaurants I can’t find at home). Unlike other sandwich chains, at Which Wich, you grab an empty brown bag and mark your order on the bag, then pay, then grab your sandwich bag when your order is ready and you can be on your way!
How to Order at Which Wich ~ Austin, TX
Sanwich Makers @ Which Wich ~ Austin, TX
What we ordered: I saw that there was a Cuban Sandwich option, advertised with ham & pork. I love Cuban sandwiches and wanted to give this one a try. I wasn’t expecting anything fancy being that this was a chain restaurant and all, so it is a good thing I had lowered my expectations. My Cuban sandwich consisted of deli ham and turkey. Not sure why I received Turkey when Pork was advertised, but I was hungry so I ate it. The sandwich was good, about what I expected. I had ordered mine with spicy mayo and jalapenos in addition to mustard and pickle, so it had plenty of flavor and some kick to it as well.
Cuban @ Which Wich ~ Austin, TX
My companion ordered the Turkey and Bacon sandwich, which was everything it claimed to be.
Turkey Bacon @ Which Wich ~ Austin, TX
Overall Impression: I liked the ordering process because it was different than other sub shops, but I also think it takes more time to go through the line and get your sandwich this way. Nothing too fancy but I liked the sandwich better than Subway and think it would be nice to have more sandwich shops like this in Minnesota.
**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**
Cuisine: Southwestern, Mexican
Address: 1110 W. 6th Street Austin, Texas 78703 (512) 478-5355
Links: Z Tejas Website
What we ordered: I started with a Frozen Margarita, which was both tart and sweet. Very yummy.
Frozen Margarita @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TX
I was disappointed to find out that Chips & Salsa are not complimentary at Z Tejas but I got over my disappointment minutes later when our server brought out two pans of complimentary Corn Bread, hot from the oven. It was soft on the inside yet slightly crusty around the edges, baked to a golden brown. Slightly sweet and even better with a small amount of soft butter.
Cornbread @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TX
I knew I wanted Enchiladas, but I couldn’t choose between the Barbacoa, Smoked Chicken or Seafood. The server said that the Barbacoa was by the far the best enchiladas, so I went with her suggestion. I thought the enchiladas were really good. The barbacoa was tender and seasoned, wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with a green chile sauce, queso fresco and shredded lettuce. They were served with black beans and green chile rice. The rice was very flavorful and had some smaller veggies mixed in; I thought it was a nice change from traditional Mexican rice.
Barbacoa Enchiladas @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TX
One of my companions ordered the Catfish Beignets. These long “fingers” of catfish filet were seasoned and battered, then fried to a thick, crispy golden brown. Served with a jalapeno tartar sauce. Just add salsa and tortillas and you have yourself one awesome fish taco!
Catfish Beignets @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TX
Another companion ordered the Grilled Shrimp Tostada Bites. There were four tostadas topped with black beans, marinated grilled shrimp, fresh veggies (carrot, onion, avocado, peppers, cilantro) and queso fresco. These were delicious! They were slightly messy but had a lot of flavors and textures that went great together.
Shrimp Tostadas @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TXKristi Sauer
Another companion ordered the Tortilla Soup, which didn’t resemble most other Tortilla Soups that I have had. It was thick and made with roasted chicken, avocado, tomato, onions, and cheeses. Topped with blue corn tortilla strips. Thick and zesty!
Tortilla Soup @ Z Tejas ~ Austin, TX
Overall Impression: Our service at Z Tejas was outstanding. Our server was excellent and so was the food. The Austin location is the original Z Tejas location, with sister restaurants in other Texas cities as well as Arizona.
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