The West Sixth Street area of downtown Austin offers plenty of dining options, whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch or going out on the town for the evening.
Location: 600 Congress Ave.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Description: In the heart of downtown, just down the street from the Texas Capitol, Athenian Bar & Grill caters to the city's movers and shakers out for power lunches as well as Greek food aficionados. Popular menu choices at the casual eatery include the generously sized Athenian Chicken Salad (affectionately nicknamed "crack salad" by its voracious fans) and the gyro plate (served with chicken, lamb or both), though the restaurant has an extensive selection of Mediterranean staples as well as vegetarian and vegan options. At happy hour, patrons can choose select entrees and appetizers for about half of the dinnertime prices.
Location: 500 W. Sixth St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with Sunday brunch served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Description: Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock, who calls Austin home, is the driving force behind Bess Bistro, which serves nouvelle Southern cuisine just below street level in the century-old Stratford Arms building. The menu highlights Creole-inspired dishes - like gumbo and jambalaya - as well as modern takes on old favorites, like macaroni and cheese made with orzo rather than a traditional elbow noodle. The bistro, which has an extensive wine list and a full bar, has also earned raves for its versions of Southern staples, such as buttermilk fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and cast-iron peach cobbler.
Location: 609 W. Sixth St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description: If you rolled a coffee house, a deli, a bakery, a florist and a gift shop into a quaint building with the look of an old-time general store, you'd have Walton's, a local spot owned by Bullock and the folks behind Bess Bistro. Though it's primarily a lunch place known for its lengthy sandwich menu with hormone-free meats and eight types of bread baked on the premises, Walton's also serves breakfast complete with eye-opening coffee and organic teas. As for the sweets with a Texas twist, try the Longhorn whoopie pie (sweet potato with cream cheese filling) or Aunt Luddy's White Trash Deep South Mix.
Location: 807 W. Sixth St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Description: Hut's Hamburgers, established in 1939, looks like a place out of time with its retro counter and vinyl booths and walls covered with vintage sports pennants. But patrons from an earlier era wouldn't recognize some of the additions to the menu - like buffalo, chicken and fat-free veggie burgers with toppings like avocado and jalapeño - to meet the changing tastes of its clientele. People who crave burgers and bargains make Wednesday, with its 2-for-1 special, the most popular night so be prepared for a wait. To complete the 1950s fast food experience, you can chase the burgers and sides (like fried pickle chips and bangle bracelet-sized onion rings) with a thick, frosty milkshake.