Clementine Coffee Bar and Thunderbird Coffee are two sides of the same coin. Owned by the same people, both offer excellent coffee, quiet yet inviting atmospheres, and good food. Clementine's is east and considered the feminine "sister" store, while Thunderbird is more northwest and plays the masculine, "brother" role.
Here's the breakdown of the two:
Name: Clementine Coffee Bar
Location: Manor Road, across from East Side Cafe
When I think of Clementine Coffee Bar, I think "What's not to like?" An old converted house, it has large windows bringing plenty of natural light. Inside, bright colors contrast with the overwhelming presence of white, while the exterior is a delightful lime green, making it more visible from the road (it would be easy to miss otherwise).
But really, Clementine's is just plain fun, and it goes beyond the decor. The barristas are a hodge-podge of typical Austinites, from shabby-chic hipsters to retro flare throwbacks. They create a laid-back atmosphere, friendly without ever being annoying.
My one complaint is that seating and parking are rather limited, and it gets a lot of UT traffic. During peak afternoon hours, it's difficult to find a table, especially one with a coveted outlet.
However, even if you can't find a seat, at least get a drink to-go. The coffee is excellent, all of it fair trade along with several organic blends. Lunch offerings are decent, from make-your-own bagels to excellent grilled paninis. But I usually go for the coffee - it's become one of my favorite cups in town. I've never been disappointed with a drink there.
Prices are fair, and they offer a frequent buyer's card, so after buying nine coffee drinks, you get one on the house.
I love Clementine's for the overall atmosphere, but as it goes with coffee shops, the coffee is the true test of a place's worth. Clementine's, by far, passes.
Name: Thunderbird Coffee
Location: Intersection of Koenig Lane and Woodrow Avenue
While Clementine's is bright and fun, Thunderbird is a bit toned down. The service is still great, and the coffee is the same excellent quality.
While the food is similar, Thunderbird has larger selection of sandwiches, all named for streets in the neighborhood. My favorite is the Arroyo Seco, a spicy chicken panini with a Tex-Mex sauce with a little bite. Le Raymond, turkey with brie and pesto, is also a favorite.
Thunderbird's has a large porch with plenty of shade and seating, making a great hangout on warm days. Inside, the walls are light blue, along with the high ceiling, gives the place a very open and inviting atmosphere.
It is easier to find seating than Clementine's, but parking is also limited. Weekends are usually the busiest days, as it gets a crowd of young professionals rather than students.
Drink prices are the same as Clementine's, and the food cost is comparable. It also offers a frequent buyer's card, giving incentive to come back again and again for the excellent coffee and quiet, laid-back vibe.
Price: drinks - under $5; food - under $10; free wi-fi
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom line: Sibling coffee shops offer some Austin's best coffee with great atmospheres. And you gotta love any place with a frequent buyer's card.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Central Market
In the past two weeks, I've eaten twice at Central Market on N. Lamar. It's an interesting experience - chill porch, live music, wine bar, upscale American bistro food. Yet, it's a grocery store.
Granted, this is Austin, headquarters of Whole Foods, which is more an experience than a grocery store with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, lots of gormet ready-made food options and a bar for everything from juice to gelato.
As one of the area's few rivals to Whole Foods, it makes sense for Central Market to offer something of a dining experience. I'm just not so sure the food rivals Whole Foods. So far, I've tried the apricot chicken salad sandwich and the Mediterranean salad. Both a very fresh with large portions, although a little overpriced.
The chicken salad was the better meal. It wasn't overpowered by mayonnaise, and the apricots created a nice savory-sweet balance. Served on a croissant, it's pretty hearty for a chicken salad sandwich. I opted to go with the french fries as a side, although if you want healthy, you can order fresh fruit. The fries are crunchy on the outside, but still have a soft potato inside and not too greasy.
The Mediterranean salad is huge, filled with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and other Greek/Mediterranean staples. However, you can find a salad just like it at almost any decent American cafe, and I could've eaten a salad half the size for half the price. (It's $10 when you add grilled chicken.)
Overall, Central Market is a nice lunch spot if you have a large group, but it's easier on your wallet to buy ready-made food from the store rather than the cafe. If I had to choose a laid back place for sandwiches and salads, I'd honestly pick somewhere else.
Locations: 4001 N. Lamar and Westgate, 4477 S. Lamar
Granted, this is Austin, headquarters of Whole Foods, which is more an experience than a grocery store with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, lots of gormet ready-made food options and a bar for everything from juice to gelato.
As one of the area's few rivals to Whole Foods, it makes sense for Central Market to offer something of a dining experience. I'm just not so sure the food rivals Whole Foods. So far, I've tried the apricot chicken salad sandwich and the Mediterranean salad. Both a very fresh with large portions, although a little overpriced.
The chicken salad was the better meal. It wasn't overpowered by mayonnaise, and the apricots created a nice savory-sweet balance. Served on a croissant, it's pretty hearty for a chicken salad sandwich. I opted to go with the french fries as a side, although if you want healthy, you can order fresh fruit. The fries are crunchy on the outside, but still have a soft potato inside and not too greasy.
The Mediterranean salad is huge, filled with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and other Greek/Mediterranean staples. However, you can find a salad just like it at almost any decent American cafe, and I could've eaten a salad half the size for half the price. (It's $10 when you add grilled chicken.)
Overall, Central Market is a nice lunch spot if you have a large group, but it's easier on your wallet to buy ready-made food from the store rather than the cafe. If I had to choose a laid back place for sandwiches and salads, I'd honestly pick somewhere else.
Locations: 4001 N. Lamar and Westgate, 4477 S. Lamar
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Note on Habana
I have talked to a few people about Habana over the last few days, and two told me about their experiences of receiving bad service there. I've also read several comments on city search websites that include user reviews of restaurants, and many of the comments on Habana told similar stories of negative customer service experiences.
It was not busy when I ate there, and my friend and I had simple orders. There was not much room for error. Our server wasn't all that talkative, but she was attentive enough to make sure we had drink refills. She deserved her $3 tip.
However, I felt inclined to mention the restaurant's reputation for bad service. It's a laid-back place, but instead of translating into a chill island-themed feel, it's coming through in mistreatment of those paying the bill. This is Austin, not Europe. Servers need to be honest and timely, and when someone asks to speak to a manager, they should always speak to a manager.
My experience warranted four stars, but I'd say based on what I've heard, it's not always the typical Habana experience. You are now warned.
It was not busy when I ate there, and my friend and I had simple orders. There was not much room for error. Our server wasn't all that talkative, but she was attentive enough to make sure we had drink refills. She deserved her $3 tip.
However, I felt inclined to mention the restaurant's reputation for bad service. It's a laid-back place, but instead of translating into a chill island-themed feel, it's coming through in mistreatment of those paying the bill. This is Austin, not Europe. Servers need to be honest and timely, and when someone asks to speak to a manager, they should always speak to a manager.
My experience warranted four stars, but I'd say based on what I've heard, it's not always the typical Habana experience. You are now warned.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
A taste of Cuba in Austin
A good Cuban sandwich should have plenty of roasted pork, a slice of ham, swiss cheese, and the ever crucial mustard and pickles. It's best when pressed and grilled so the cheese melts.
It's not too complicated, but it takes some place definitively Caribbean to get it right. Habana, Austin's best Cuban restaurant, definitely gets it right, from the laid-back island feel to the, yes, near perfect sandwiches.
It's menu also has a wide range of dinner entres, salads and appetizers, and even includes some vegetarian options which may be the one difference between this restaurant and the Cuban capital, where, I suspect, people always eat meat. While I appreciate vegetarian food, there is no way I could turn down that roasted pork. Think of a typical pulled pork barbeque sandwich, strip the sauce, and add some island flavors, and that's what fills Habana's sandwiches.
My test of good Caribbean food is always the tostones - plantains, fried, then smashed, then fried again. Good ones have a crispy crust but soft inside and retain some of that unique plantain flavor. They shouldn't taste like a bad version of a french fry. Habana gets these right, too. Nice and crispy, but not too oily or salty, they make a delightful side to the Cuban.
Habana also boasts a great Happy Hour menu with two-for-one deals on its best sandwiches, $2 beers and $3 mojitos, magarhitas, and martinis. On a warm, sunny day, while sitting at one of the outdoor tables under a thatched roof, you might just forget you're on South Congress and think you're in the islands.
The Basics:
Locations: 709 E. 6th Street and 2728 S. Congress Ave.
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom Line: When you're fed up with Mexican and crave Latin flavor, Habana is the perfect remedy.
It's not too complicated, but it takes some place definitively Caribbean to get it right. Habana, Austin's best Cuban restaurant, definitely gets it right, from the laid-back island feel to the, yes, near perfect sandwiches.
It's menu also has a wide range of dinner entres, salads and appetizers, and even includes some vegetarian options which may be the one difference between this restaurant and the Cuban capital, where, I suspect, people always eat meat. While I appreciate vegetarian food, there is no way I could turn down that roasted pork. Think of a typical pulled pork barbeque sandwich, strip the sauce, and add some island flavors, and that's what fills Habana's sandwiches.
My test of good Caribbean food is always the tostones - plantains, fried, then smashed, then fried again. Good ones have a crispy crust but soft inside and retain some of that unique plantain flavor. They shouldn't taste like a bad version of a french fry. Habana gets these right, too. Nice and crispy, but not too oily or salty, they make a delightful side to the Cuban.
Habana also boasts a great Happy Hour menu with two-for-one deals on its best sandwiches, $2 beers and $3 mojitos, magarhitas, and martinis. On a warm, sunny day, while sitting at one of the outdoor tables under a thatched roof, you might just forget you're on South Congress and think you're in the islands.
The Basics:
Locations: 709 E. 6th Street and 2728 S. Congress Ave.
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom Line: When you're fed up with Mexican and crave Latin flavor, Habana is the perfect remedy.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
P. Terry's
On a typical Saturday night, most of the restaurants on Barton Springs, especially those just west of Lamar, are packed. So typical that I wouldn't expect to see people sitting at a fast food drive-thru on South Lama, not with so many good restaurants nearby. I would think...
But it's a different story for P. Terry's on South Lamar than it is for all the box chains down the street. It's atypical fast food. The burgers and fries and even the drive-thru are all there, but the stakes are raised by quality, fresh (and gasp!) healthy ingredients.
Veggies burgers, whole wheat buns and organic produce all fit into the menu. It might be hard to justify eating french fries, but if I'm going to clog my arteries, I'm doing it at a local place. And this little burger joint definitely helps keep it weird and local, even with the golden arches across the street.
Particularly, the chicken burger is interesting (and tasty) because unlike a normal chicken sandwich, P. Terry's chicken burger is a patty of ground chicken. So yes, it's chicken but it's also a burger. Order it on a whole wheat bun and without the mayo and suddenly those french fries are justifiable. (Barely...)
What's also great is that the prices aren't inflated by the quality food. You can get a combo meal for under $6, making it competitive with fast food places (with much less grease).
It has plenty outdoor seating, a fun 50s inspired feel, and kid-friendly fare including a sandbox. Couple that with the oldies playing on the loud speaker, and I'd say it's a great way to spend a Saturday evening in Austin.
The Basics
Location: 404 S. Lamar Blvd., near the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs
Price: Under $10
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, cash
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Bottom line: Fast food without the guilt
But it's a different story for P. Terry's on South Lamar than it is for all the box chains down the street. It's atypical fast food. The burgers and fries and even the drive-thru are all there, but the stakes are raised by quality, fresh (and gasp!) healthy ingredients.
Veggies burgers, whole wheat buns and organic produce all fit into the menu. It might be hard to justify eating french fries, but if I'm going to clog my arteries, I'm doing it at a local place. And this little burger joint definitely helps keep it weird and local, even with the golden arches across the street.
Particularly, the chicken burger is interesting (and tasty) because unlike a normal chicken sandwich, P. Terry's chicken burger is a patty of ground chicken. So yes, it's chicken but it's also a burger. Order it on a whole wheat bun and without the mayo and suddenly those french fries are justifiable. (Barely...)
What's also great is that the prices aren't inflated by the quality food. You can get a combo meal for under $6, making it competitive with fast food places (with much less grease).
It has plenty outdoor seating, a fun 50s inspired feel, and kid-friendly fare including a sandbox. Couple that with the oldies playing on the loud speaker, and I'd say it's a great way to spend a Saturday evening in Austin.
The Basics
Location: 404 S. Lamar Blvd., near the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs
Price: Under $10
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, cash
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Bottom line: Fast food without the guilt
Friday, April 18, 2008
Lulu B's
Name: Lulu B's
Location: 2113 S. Lamar Blvd., next to Office Depot
Type: Vietnamese
Accepts: Cash only
After three months of business and a spotlight in the Chronicle, Lulu B's has become a lunch hotspot for South Austinites craving Vietnamese food. Despite being situated in a small trailer that's easy to miss from the road, it's become well-known for its Vietnamese sandwiches.
To be entirely honest, I had never tried a Vietnamese sandwich before going to Lulu's. (Blame my lack of knowledge on Southeast Asian cuisine - I'm still a novice.) So I can't fairly judge my sandwich as "the best" I've had, seeing as its the only one I've had. However - the line up to the truck says enough.
I had the Lemongrass Chicken sandwich, which has delicate yet spicy flavors. The meat is well marinated and grilled just right, and its topped with a traditional Vietnamese salad of fresh vegetables (including chiles, so if you don't like spicy, watch out). The bread is fresh and, noteworthy for a baguette, easy to chew.
The summer rolls make a nice side, though not as excellent or noteworthy as the sandwiches. I heard other customers in line mention the quality of the vermicelli bowls. That's on my list of what to try next, if I can go without a sandwich.
Lulu B's also offers a variety of fruit smoothies and bubble tea. I enjoyed their Vietnamese coffee, which is sweetened with condensed milk.
Service is good, although avoid lunch hours due to lines and back-up. It's open from 11:30 to 6:00 on Tuesday through Saturday. The trailer currently operates under a huge tree, giving the yard and seating area a sufficient amount shade.
Overall, Lulu B's small menu offers enough Asian fusion flavor for South Lamar. With affordable prices, pleasant outside seating, and quick service, it's a treat.
Price: Under $10
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom line: Great fix for South Austin's lack of Vietnamese sandwiches
Location: 2113 S. Lamar Blvd., next to Office Depot
Type: Vietnamese
Accepts: Cash only
After three months of business and a spotlight in the Chronicle, Lulu B's has become a lunch hotspot for South Austinites craving Vietnamese food. Despite being situated in a small trailer that's easy to miss from the road, it's become well-known for its Vietnamese sandwiches.
To be entirely honest, I had never tried a Vietnamese sandwich before going to Lulu's. (Blame my lack of knowledge on Southeast Asian cuisine - I'm still a novice.) So I can't fairly judge my sandwich as "the best" I've had, seeing as its the only one I've had. However - the line up to the truck says enough.
I had the Lemongrass Chicken sandwich, which has delicate yet spicy flavors. The meat is well marinated and grilled just right, and its topped with a traditional Vietnamese salad of fresh vegetables (including chiles, so if you don't like spicy, watch out). The bread is fresh and, noteworthy for a baguette, easy to chew.
The summer rolls make a nice side, though not as excellent or noteworthy as the sandwiches. I heard other customers in line mention the quality of the vermicelli bowls. That's on my list of what to try next, if I can go without a sandwich.
Lulu B's also offers a variety of fruit smoothies and bubble tea. I enjoyed their Vietnamese coffee, which is sweetened with condensed milk.
Service is good, although avoid lunch hours due to lines and back-up. It's open from 11:30 to 6:00 on Tuesday through Saturday. The trailer currently operates under a huge tree, giving the yard and seating area a sufficient amount shade.
Overall, Lulu B's small menu offers enough Asian fusion flavor for South Lamar. With affordable prices, pleasant outside seating, and quick service, it's a treat.
Price: Under $10
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom line: Great fix for South Austin's lack of Vietnamese sandwiches
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