The explosive population growth in Southwest Austin is proving to be a positive development for many long-time residents. As the population increases, the options for food, shopping, and entertainment continue to multiply in the area. In the last six months, here are a few of the new developments in the William Cannon and MoPac area:
P. Terry's Burger Stand - 4220 W. William Cannon - (512) 358-0380
If you haven't been to P. Terry's, it's a classier spin on a drive-thru burger. The thin burgers are made by hand, and toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, and the optional jalapenos are sourced locally when seasonally possible. They also do hand-cut fries, shakes, and both chicken and veggie burgers. Prices are low, and crowds are likely.
Torchy's Tacos - 4301 W William Cannon - (512) 514-0767
Torchy's is pure Austin - overstuffed, bad-for-you tacos with creative fillings. The consistent winner is the green chile pork taco - the pork is full of flavor and totally messy. Other solid options are the Brushfire (a chicken and mango taco with tear-inducing hot salsa) and the turkey mole special taco. Prices are high for a taco ($3-4/each), but portions are large, so 2 is plenty! They also have a frequent diner card (buy 10, get one free.)
Yanagi Sushi - 4404 W William Cannon Dr - (512) 891-0989
Like so many neighborhood sushi places, this has been hit or miss. But it's a Sushi restaurant on William Cannon and MoPac, which is one more than we had last year! The lunch Bento boxes are a bright spot price-wise, with many options of sushi and a roll for around $12. Fish quality is solid overall but occasionally bland, as we've seen with the tuna and yellowtail on multiple occasions. Service is friendly. For dining in, wine markups are quite high, so you might go with beer instead.
(Coming Soon) Mandola's Market - 4301 W William Cannon - No phone yet
After successful launches in Hyde Park and Bee Cave, Mandola's is hitting the Costco are of Arbor Walk in Spring 2010. The counter-service restaurant will offer pizzas, hoagies, salads, and pastas, along with Italian desserts and select groceries.
If none of these strike you the right way, you could also stop by the pleasant and shiny Lux Bakery and Cafe at 3601 W William Cannon Dr, which isn't brand new, but has great sandwiches and bubble teas at reasonable prices.
I'll return soon with another post about goings-on in other parts in SW Austin.
