Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Austin North, TX

NORTH AUSTIN. Noodles, noodles, noodles ­ if you like noodles, then Kim Phung is the place for you. This eatery...

NORTH AUSTIN. Noodles, noodles, noodles ­ if you like noodles, then Kim Phung is the place for you. This eatery does not have fancy decor or a designer address, but their signature pho noodle soup is the best lunch in Austin. This beef noodle soup is available in more than 10 varieties, and you can customize to your personal taste using cilantro, lime, peppers or other herbs and flavorings. All total, there are more than 40 different noodle dishes on Kim Phung's menu. Before they head back to the office, Austin workers sample a cup of Kim Phung's Thai coffee. It is served over ice and sweetened with condensed milk ­ the perfect pick-me-up!

Hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH AUSTIN. Threadgill's is one of Austin's most famous restaurants for several reasons: the then-gas station was...

NORTH AUSTIN. Threadgill's is one of Austin's most famous restaurants for several reasons: the then-gas station was awarded the city's first post-Prohibition liquor license in the 1930s, and Janis Joplin got her start singing here in the 1960s. Threadgill's still features live music along with tasty homestyle food. Meatloaf, garlic cheese grits, and Creole cabbage win raves, but chicken-fried steak seals Threadgill's reputation as a downhome favorite. Locals swear by the daily blue-plate specials, too ­ and seconds on sides are free!

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10:30am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH AUSTIN. Great things sometimes come in unassuming packages ­ such is Fonda San Miguel. Located in an ordinary...

NORTH AUSTIN. Great things sometimes come in unassuming packages ­ such is Fonda San Miguel. Located in an ordinary neighborhood in south-central Austin, it offers an interior and food that are nothing short of extraordinary. The decor transports you to an Old World Mexican hacienda, decorated with colonial Mexican antiques, Talavera tiles, and hand-thrown pottery. The beautiful courtyard is alive with flora and splashing water. Authentic interior Mexican cuisine is the draw, and traditional Yucatecan and Veracruzano dishes are deliciously savory but not unnecessarily hot.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sun 11am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH AUSTIN. A long-time favorite for affordable, satisfying Thai food, this casual spot is tops for a quick lunch or a...

NORTH AUSTIN. A long-time favorite for affordable, satisfying Thai food, this casual spot is tops for a quick lunch or a relaxed meal. The vast menu includes more than 20 specially-labeled, super-spicy dishes like Spontaneous Combustion, which marries seafood and chicken in a fiery stew with chilis, basil, and bird pepper, and Nuclear Fishin, a hot green curry-doused steamed fish filet accented with basil, coconut milk, and bird pepper. Of course, you may prefer something a bit tamer, and plenty of mild-to-medium options suit any palate, along with lots of vegetarian choices.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-Midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST END. Margarita fans will definitely want to make a trip to Nuevo Leon for their "fishbowl" sized drinks,...

EAST END. Margarita fans will definitely want to make a trip to Nuevo Leon for their "fishbowl" sized drinks, which some customers have dubbed "the best in the universe." The food is great too ­ the chicken quesadillas and shrimp Saltillo win raves from the locals that flock here. The reasonable prices and fun décor make Nuevo Leon a festive and family-friendly stop for lunch or dinner.

Hours: Mon-Tue 11am-9pm; Wed-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 10am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. The owners of Chez Nous are transplanted Parisians, but in their cozy restaurant, you'll think you've been...

DOWNTOWN. The owners of Chez Nous are transplanted Parisians, but in their cozy restaurant, you'll think you've been transported to the City of Light. Tables are dressed with flowers in wine bottles, lace curtains hang at the windows, and many servers have retained their French accents. Every dish, from appetizers to desserts, is prepared fresh daily, and savvy locals really appreciate the menu du jour, which is considered one of the best fine-dining bargains in town.

Hours: Tue-Fri 11:45pm-2pm, 6pm-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 6pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST AUSTIN. This homey, diner-style café serves breakfast 24 hours a day. The house specialty is gingerbread...

WEST AUSTIN. This homey, diner-style café serves breakfast 24 hours a day. The house specialty is gingerbread pancakes, but you can also enjoy a host of other breakfast favorites, including both basic and more elaborate omelets. (The latter include the Prima Dora, which features two cheeses, avocado, lemon sour cream, and chipotle sauce.) Other temptations include breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and migas. The brownies are also an absolute must.

Hours: Daily 24 hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Chuy's is a real local favorite, and its colorful, whimsical decor features an Elvis shrine,...

BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Chuy's is a real local favorite, and its colorful, whimsical decor features an Elvis shrine, lava lamps, and approximately 1,000 wooden fish dangling precariously from the ceiling. New Mexico chilis are grilled up front and served in many of the tasty Tex-Mex dishes, and Southwest enchiladas come stuffed with smoked chicken and cheese and crowned with a fried egg.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. This cozy little restaurant is a favorite among Austinites when they crave authentic Italian...

BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. This cozy little restaurant is a favorite among Austinites when they crave authentic Italian food at reasonable prices. The menu features something to please every palate, including vegetarian and low-fat choices and traditional Italian favorites like chicken parmesan. Try a luscious raspberry bellini for dessert. The courteous staff and warm ambiance make Romeo's the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Younger sibling of ever-popular Vespaio, this engaging cafe and wine bar offers more casual and...

SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Younger sibling of ever-popular Vespaio, this engaging cafe and wine bar offers more casual and affordable dining. Golden-hued and bursting with good food, the place draws folks throughout the day with its pastries and coffee and with savory fare like panini, pastas, pizzas, salads, and antipasti. Fresh, zesty ingredients enliven each dish and deliver great flavor at reasonable prices. Terrific wines and plenty of make-it-at-home grocery items round out the options. An awesome Sunday brunch is another perk.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-3pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club