Want to sample the local fare without going over your budget? If you know the right days and times to hit some of Austin’s hottest restaurants, you can save a bundle. Here’s where to go – and when to go there.
Taverna
This cool Italian eatery is always a good pick thanks to its varied menu and prime location in the heart of Austin’s trendy 2nd Street district. But if you really want to get a great deal, go Sunday through Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., when happy hour specials are in full effect. Expect half-price pizza and appetizers such as parmesan crusted shrimp with spicy lemon butter sauce and crispy polenta, mussels sautéed in white wine, garlic and tomato broth and calamari, shrimp, shallots, zucchini and carrots with spicy tomato aioli. Happy hour drink specials include $2.50 domestic beer, $4 house wine and $2 mimosas and frozen bellinis in the bar and lounge. Daily specials are also offered, such as half-price bottles of wine on Tuesday and $1 mimosas and frozen bellinis during Saturday and Sunday brunch. 258 West 2nd St.; (512) 477-1001; www.tavernabylombardi.comHut’s Hamburgers
This local institution has been serving some of the
most-loved burgers in Austin since 1939. Favorites include the Theta (pickles, mayo, grated cheddar and hickory sauce), the Ritchie Valens Burger (guacamole, grated cheddar, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, mayo and mustard) and the Wolfman Jack (sour cream, diced green chilies, cheese and bacon), all of which run around $6. Other menu items include sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie tacos and fried pickles. Want a really good deal? Go on Monday between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., when veggie burgers are two-for-one, or head over on Wednesday between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., when burgers are two-for-one. 807 W. 6th St.; (512) 472-0693; www.hutsfrankandangies.com
Opal Divine’s
This place is an Austin classic – my husband and I even decided to hold our rehearsal dinner at its
Sixth Street location. But don’t think that means it’s fancy or stuffy – the vibe here is totally laidback. And if you go during happy hour, held weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., you’ll find half price bar appetizers and $3 margaritas. There’s also a special cocktail hour Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. offering shot and cocktail menu specials. Check the website for additional bargains, such as discount burgers on Monday and kids’ day – kids eat free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and half price from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. – on Saturday. 700 W. 6th St.; (512) 477-3308; www.opaldivines.com
Iron Cactus
This has always been a favorite to Sixth Street visitors for its rooftop patio, flavorful margaritas and scrumptious queso served in a cast-iron skillet, and now the Iron Cactus has three locations featuring a delicious sampling of
Tex-Mex favorites. If you go during happy hour, which is held weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can get half off all appetizers, which include Gulf Coast crab cakes, fajita nachos, lobster tacos, ahi tuna ceviche, cactus quesadillas, chicken poppers and spinach and artichoke dip. The happy hour drink prices are a steal as well, with $3 wine, $3 beer and $3 margaritas. 606 Trinity St.; (512) 472-9240; www.ironcactus.com
Malaga
Most nights of the week, Malaga offers specials that will get you well fed and happy for very little dough. For example, every night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Malaga offers an $8 drink and a tapas pairing, meaning you receive a plate of the tapas – options include roasted spicy potatoes with garlic aioli, meatballs in tomato sauce, marinated chicken pieces and artichoke spinach dip -- of your choice and a drink, such as wine, draft beer, a martini or sangria. On Sunday, the $8 special runs all night long, and house wine is $12 by the carafe. On Monday, a $5 tapas menu is offered all night, and on Wednesday expect a live flamenco show between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. 440 W. 2nd St.; (512) 236-9000; www.malagatapasbar.com
