Hard Hat Report Volume 2

[amykragan]

Looks like Cedar Park is booming:

Tijuana Roadhouse is now hiring in the Buttercup Plaza (where SpringHill used to be near Thamnak Thai).

King Noodle (advertises vietnamese noodles on the banner) is coming soon on Cypress Creek Road in the Galleria at Red Oak shopping center.

Berry Cool Frozen yogurt is coming soon on Cypress Creek Road between Starbucks and Guadalajara.

[sqwertz]

Tijuana Roadhouse didn't last very long at all. It's now Babe's Burger and Wings. It'll probably be mentioned again in Volume 3 as yet another incarnation.

-sw

[lovestocooktoo]

There is a new noodle restaurant about to open up on Parmer, past Dell and before 685.
They have a sign up that says " Pho King, coming soon" heh

[verily]

Does it actually exist? I've seen that sign for at least a year (and yes, it makes me giggle too).

[Homero]

Excellent! I hope they sell T-shirts. There is a Pho King in California that sells T-shirts that say: "It's Pho King Delicious." I must have it!

[stephanieh]

We ate at the Freebirds on Burnet last night and noticed a new place going in next door... Ryo of Japan Sushi.

[femmenikita]

I know just what y'all have been thinking. There are *so* not enough dessert food trailers in Austin. Welp, here comes another one: Bananarchy, "Austin's Only Frozen Banana Stand."

http://bananarchy.net/

Will it weather the oversaturated dessert trailer market? At least it sounds "different" and maybe even a lil' bit healthier than the usual trailer treat fare. You know, cause it's got fruit in it. (PS I'm being sarcastic and yet, I'm totally going to try one. If anyone beats me to it, let us know what you think)

[jwynne2000]

Didn't George Michael work at a frozen banana stand in Arrested Development? Copycats!

[agoodbite]

Dude, do you want your banana with nuts?

[NWLarry]

Bananarchy is moving, don't know where yet-anyone been? I'm dying to try it.
From Twitter: "Lease is up and it's our last day at 706 Lamar. We'll be closed for a day or 2 while we finalize our next location."

[NWLarry]

updated location for Bananarchy: "New location: Jack & Adam's Bicycles at Barton Springs & Lamar! Will reopen on 4th of July at noon."

[sqwertz]

That's the trailer that has been sitting there for a year, unopened? I hope they give it a good dusting out. And evict anybody that may have established squatters rights.

-sw

[Carter B.]

Quattro Gatti is opening on North Congress just north of Marakesh in July according to the Austin Business Journal. A good number of restaurants in this area but Cibo couldn't make it, so you have to wonder about these guys:

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/...

Also saw Garridos is in preview mode at the base of 360 tonight. Supposed to open on Friday.

[amykragan]

In the old Byblos location on I-35 is now Mana's Mexican. Handwritten posters in the window have the menu and say now open.
In the same shopping center is Mama Roux -a New Orleans Cafe coming soon!

[Rene]

Tired, beat and having worked very long days recently, hubs and I needed something for dinner that was easy, relaxing and nearby. Cedar Park restaurants close pretty early and we were dreading the thought of one of the chains around here where we would be treated like cattle and doomed to mediocrity. We had heard nothing about the Tijuana Roadhouse but were interested to see what it was about... checked their website and they were offering free chips and queso with a coupon that we printed from the site.

The appearance from the outside seemed rather hopeless but we ventured in. There were only a few diners but we were greeted immediately, asked our seating preference and were given a fine booth. Very affable server showed up quickly for our drink order - a couple of beers... served promptly, ice cold bottle and frozen glasses. Those glasses were so cold and thick that they kept the beer cold from start to finish. I was surprised to find an "ice floatie" in my glass when I finished mine - that's how cold it was, which is how I like it.

The queso appetizer, for which we used the coupon, was of the yellow cheese like substance variety which is not my favorite but is my husband's. I have to say that it was one of the more tolerable ones of this type that I've had. Hubs thought it was very good... bits of tomato, onion and pepper. I kind of liked it which is a big surprise as I strongly prefer the white cheese type.

For entrees, he had chicken tacos and he liked them. I tasted them and they had good flavor. They came in lightly fried corn tortillas with beans and rice. The rice was odd and I didn't understand it with tacos - but I don't really like rice at all. Hubs thought it was interesting.

I ordered a standard cheeseburger after the aforementioned affable server assured me that they are very good. I asked if they would cook to my preferred medium rare and she assured me that they would. Well, they did... and it was very good. The beef was flavorful, pink and juicy, the medium side of medium rare but I like that just fine in a burger. The veggies were the standard lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. All tasted fresh and I was happy to see three slices of tomato for a change - tomato that was not green or hard or mealy. The french fries that they offer are steak fries, which I dislike, so I had a side salad with a chipotle ranch dressing which I believe I was told was made in house. The dressing was very nice. The salad (iceberg, a little spring mix and chopped tomato) overflowed the small bowl and was nothing special but it was cold and crisp.

I hope more people in this area will give this place a try. The owner and his staff are very eager to please and put out a very decent product from my one experience. I think that if Jardin Corona (across 183 from Tijuana) and Moonie's (boring gray burgers) can flourish here, Tijuana should have a pretty decent chance.

I know this is a very long post but I want these guys to get a shot. I was exhausted and starving and left with a very positive feel about this place. Give it a try - heck, a cold beer and the queso app with coupon would be a great happy hour stop.

[dinaofdoom]

terra burgers opening up smack dab against the side of the 183 north frontage road.
sign says something about organics.
i couldn't read that much because i was driving.
it's right before braker and will have a drive through.

[Ashforth]

Terra Burger's shtick is organic beef - a high quality fast food, I suppose. Their menu looks good: burgers, grilled chicken sandwich, regular and sweet potato fries, salads that sound tasty. A similarly themed place called Elevation Burger is under construction at the corner of Great Hills Trail and Jollyville (next to Firebowl). I looked up both menus online. Terra already has a location or two open here, I think. I'm hoping they are both good! I'm excited to have a couple of new options so close to my home.

[Carter B.]

Vaunted Asia Cafe in the back of Asia Market grocery store is moving next door (ex-comic book store Thor's Hammer) in "a couple of months". Great news in terms of ease of getting a table during the rush, but let's hope they don't decline. I thought they slipped last year some but seem to be almost back to where they were.

[dinaofdoom]

there is a newly build plaza across from my apartment complex on anderson mill, and i have been watching it like a hawk to see if there are any new restaurants or cafes.

something called "maxim" is going into the prime, two-story, big-windowed space so i have my fingers crossed that it will be something good.

in other news, i totally mistook "pad thai" for "thai cuisine". my bad!
sorry for any confusion.

[Carter B.]

The Austin Business Journal is reporting Walton's Fancy & Staple on W. 6th is opening May 1st. They've been looking ready to open for a month now. The menu in the window show's mostly sandwiches in the $8-10 range.

[amykragan]

Antonio's in going in the old Kirby Lane Cafe on 183 near Krispy Kreme

[mevans4aus]

Driving down S. Congress tonight
It looked like PERLA'S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
in the old Mars location, may be open, patio looked busy,

[Carter B.]

http://www.perlasaustin.com/

Their website is barely open--no live menus. I'm guessing they are in the soft opening stage right now.

[jwynne2000]

Looks like there is a new Thai restaurant in the old Sea Dragon II location at that dreary strip mall at 183 and Lakeline Mall Dr. They had a Grand Opening sign up. I think it's called "Muang Thai" or something like that.

[rudeboy]

jwynne,

A couple of co-workers have been raving about this place. I've been traveling, so I haven't been. I'll report, probably this week. I did skim over the menu - there are a lot of dishes, even for lunch.

[jwynne2000]

Looking forward to your review. I've got a pretty loaded up Home Depot gift card, so I'll be frequenting the big orange box just a block up from there, and would love to have a great lunch stop.

[missmitzi]

Ryu Japan Sushi has an "opening soon" sign up. It is at Kramer and Burnett, in the same strip as Freebirds, Firehouse Subs and Froots. I couldn't see if the sign had a date or anything. Anyone know anything else about this?

[thrackle]

Ryu's open now. I called (973-9498‎), and they said that they do lunch until 3:00, and their official dinner hours are 5:30-10:00, but that it looks like they'll be open from 5:00-10:00 at least for now. They also mentioned that they were still changing their menu, so the menu on their website won't be up to date for a few days.

A friend of mine stopped by and said that it was a "real" Japanese place, and not another Korean or Chinese place that does Japanese, whatever that means. If I hadn't just eaten, I'd check it out right now.

[thrackle]

The preview of Canción del Cuerpo wrapped up more quickly than we expected so we stopped by here on the way back; we'd already eaten, so we just grabbed a Kampyo Maki (not on the menu, but available if you ask for it), which was decent. I'll write up a real review some time after eating an actual meal there.

Also, I wish chowhound allowed edits. That should read Ryu's *is* open now, obviously :)

[ashes]

Link to website??

[thrackle]

I should for the asked when I called -- the person I talked to mentioned the menu on the website, and I just assumed I'd be able to google it up, but I couldn't find it. I don't think Google will index it until someone links to it.

[rudeboy]

I did some sleuthing and finally found it

http://www.ryuofjapan.com/

[rudeboy]

oops - there's nothing on it yet, but keep checking.....

[femmenikita]

Good news for those of us who live near the Anywhere U.S.A. bs also known as The Mueller Development Shopping Center: a generically named restaurant, called Pad Thai, opened there over the past week or so. Ate there last night, and while I prefer the likes of Titaya's, Thai Passion or Mam's, I think Pad Thai holds its own (esp. for the location), and, as far as I can tell it *appears* to be locally owned. If anyone knows for sure I'd be interested to hear the deets. No time for a long review today but we ordered green curry w/pork and veg + red curry/coconut milk with tofu and veg. Sauce= fine, not as flavorful/complex as I'd prefer, but definitely spicy enough. I was worried they would tame things down for the type of people who eat in big box shopping centers but the default spice level of the food was absolutely perfect to me (super hot, but can still be shoveled into mouth without excessive water breaks) Heard a lady at the next table complaining about her nose running. Hope the owners laugh it off. Staff was all thai. Excellent, informed server. You order by number (also a good sign) and they have a ton of stuff on the menu. Fried spring rolls were kind of blah (tasted like frozen bagged) but I will definitely eat there again, esp. since it's in the 'hood.

[amykragan]

Can you give me an idea where this located? I'm not familiar with the Mueller center but would love to know what part of town

[femmenikita]

51st and i-35

[glorpisgod]

wow, i live right next to there. ill have to check it out - like you, i despise the mueller shopping center. theres also a chinese place off of manor and 183 thats pretty good. i forget what its called. sounds like this restaurant kind of continues the mueller tradition of subpar stores though.

[Mike B]

That's odd. Another restaurant named Pad Thai opened recently in the generic strip center near Walmart at I-35 and Parmer. I wonder if they're related?

[dinaofdoom]

there is a pad thai on parmer, but it's not as far up as walmart/i35.
it's in the strip center where tomo is located, near the walgreen's.

[Mike B]

Well, maybe it is in all three places now? The one next to Walmart opened in the same spot as the all you can eat clay pot place next to the Lebanese fast food restaurant.

[dinaofdoom]

my bad!
that is a lotta pad thai.

[verily]

Did Thai Cuisine close down? Or did it rename itself as Pad Thai? As if either name could be any less generic...

[jwynne2000]

No. The place Dina is talking about is called Thai Cuisine.

[Mike B]

According to the Yelp Reviews for Pad Thai at Parmer/I-35 (in the Walmart center), this Pad Thai at Mueller is also owned by the same owners. The chef from the Parmer/I-35 location went over to this new location.

[sqwertz]

Sprouts - Sunset Valley and Round Rock
Garrido's - 360 Tower on Nueces (Chef Garrido is from Chuy's and Jeffry's)

-sw

[amykragan]

Koreana burned this week and Romeo's in Georgetown closed.

[dinaofdoom]

i am hoping the owners of koreana can rebuild (not sure if they own the stand-alone property or not) or relocate...

[TroyTempest]

Does anybody know what is going on at the closed down Antonio's on Jollyville? There is definitely some construction activity going on.

[stephanieh]

I haven't checked out what's going on at the old Antonio's building. But, Antonio's has put a sign out in front of the old Kerbey Lane building on 183. We were pretty excited to see that since we were regulars at Antonio's.

[marfaboy]

I'm pretty certain that it's part of a new assisted living center being constructed behind the former Antonio's.

[amykragan]

Nagoysi (think that's the name-was driving too fast) Steak & Sushi is going in the old Village Inn on 630 & Anderson Mill Road next door to Carino's.

[TroyTempest]

Did all the Village Inns close down? I know the one in Oak Hill did about a year ago.

[amykragan]

Several did, but there is still one in Cedar Park on 1431 open

[TroyTempest]

Its not like i'm sorry to see them go, just curious

[mkwng]

New place on W. 24th called Big Bite Pizza & Grill. Looks like they're catring to the college crowd by bringing in New Jersey grease truck cuisine like fat sandwiches (they call theirs "Phat.") More on grease trucks here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_Trucks

More on Big Bite at http://www.bigbiterestaurant.com/

[sqwertz]

P Terry's 4220 W. William Cannon
El Sol e La Luna 600 W Sixth
Apple Annies 319 S COngress
Spec's in Bastrop

[stephanieh]

They're building a Spec's in the Hill Country Galleria as well.

[sqwertz]

I was disappointed in the Spec's at Southpark Meadows. The Brodie store seems to be the only worthwhile store (unless you're actually looking for booze, then any Specs will do ;-)

-sw

[hlk]

Same. I haven't been back to Southpark Meadows Spec's since opening day, when I discovered there wasn't a deli.

[TroyTempest]

they have a deli in the one in the Arbor Walk center

[hlk]

Thank you!

[TroyTempest]

I see a new place on Burnet in the same strip center as Gyro Plus (formerly Mykonos). Pizza Land, Take out Pizza and Asian. Sounds like a winning combination.

[amykragan]

El Sol & La Luna has moved to East 6th St. and ZOOT has reopened on Bee Caves Road

[Lovetroll]

Madam Mam's website says they are opening a 3rd location on Anderson Lane across from the Alamo Village in May. They're listing hours of 11am to 10pm.

http://www.madammam.com/index2.html

[Homero]

Happy Panda is happy! Parking at the campus Madam Mam's is a pita and I'm never down south to go to the other location.

[rudeboy]

This is the best freakin news I've heard in a long time! That's the perfect location for Madam Mam's.

[amysuehere]

schweeeeet! Flavor has come to the land of the bland!

[pwang]

I always welcome reports of new Thai places showing up near me, but the Village shopping center is not too far away from Koenig & Lamar, where Titaya is located.

[rudeboy]

We all just need to eat more thai food. Thai people eat it every day!

[jwynne2000]

Sorry... I don't mean to poo on the Madam Mam's thai parade (I like Mam's), but have you Northies tried Thai Cuisine on Parmer Lane yet? I'd be curious to hear others' thoughts on it and how you think it compares to places like Mam's. I find myself really enjoying their simple, flavorful dishes.

At any rate, this will be good for Satay to have a little competition nearby.

[dinaofdoom]

i got lunch there to-go when it first opened and i really liked it.
the appetizer bar was intriguing (who doesn't like free?).
just haven't been again, but intend to one of these days.

[amykragan]

We went when they first opened and didn't realize it was BYOB. The were not prepared for the crowd they got of people who decided not to wait for Tomo next door. Really wasn't impressed, but since they were so new I'll give them another chance. Probably will go at lunch to take advantage of the soup & appetizer buffet that comes with the appetizers as our entrees were tiny (even for me). Again, we went when they were brand new and will try again. But it didn't compare to Madam Mam's on our visit.

[dinaofdoom]

i work around the corner and found them when i was out looking for a lunch option.
the lunch sized portion was decent enough, but if i got the same portion for dinner, i would definitely be disappointed.

[Lovetroll]

I live near Thai Cuisine so I've been there about a dozen times now since they've opened, mostly for lunch, and have never found the portions to be lacking. I think that $7.95 for all the soup, salad, and appetizers you can eat + a lunch-sized entree (I'd guess averaging around 24-28 oz. in size) + a small desert at a Thai restaurant is a very good deal.

They've also given my 4-year old daughter free coconut and jackfruit ice cream on occasion. Being nice to my little girl has definitely helped to make me a loyal patron.

One more thing to add, when they first opened they would serve a complimentary salad consisting of salad greens, cucumber, imitation crab, shrimp and their house dressing which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. They told me on Saturday that they're serving the free salads again for dinner with any entree.

[dinaofdoom]

good to know!
free food is good, and even better when it's actually yummy stuff.
i liked my lunch stuff, i just didn't know what the dinner service was like.

[angthefoodie]

Did you try the menu? DH and I are happy to see that they have Italian Beefs and Chicago Style hot dogs on the menu, but haven't been able to make it in yet.

[Rene]

Could you post the link to the menu, please? I didn't find either of those items.

[angthefoodie]

A sandwich place/coffee shop opened at 620 and Lakecreek. Bumdoodlers Sandwiches/Roasters Coffee Haven. Anyone tried it yet?

[Rene]

I've had two sandwiches there and both were very good - one a little too generous with the mayo, though... or perhaps the lettuce or tomatoes were still wet when they assembled it. It was dripping like crazy so I had to open it up and blot it with a paper towel.

The bread is good to me and the ingredients seem fresh. Here is the menu: http://www.bumdoodlers.com/images/men...

Funny - I was considering ordering the roast beef sandwich and I asked if the roast beef was rare or medium rate. There was a long silence and then the young lady said "what's that?" I saids "what is what?" and she replied "medium rare?". I said "nevermind, I would like the #7 please..."

[ieathereforeiam]

is ninfa's on 183 reopening? looks like they built a deck and i think i saw a "now hiring" sign.

[Defman]

I've been wondering the same thing, I drive past it in the mornings and see the neon lights are on. I just haven't managed to make it back by during lunch or later in the days... I always found them to be tasty and what I'd consider above average Tex-Mex. Not the best, but better than many.

[ieathereforeiam]

its going to be called twin falls bar and grill. don't know anything more. bummer.

[amykragan]

Watertank Too in Pflugerville has closed and there is a banner that says Doc's Motorworks coming soon.

[jwynne2000]

I saw a big vinyl sign up on the storefront that is somewhat adjacent to the Din Ho building (it actually faces 183 though) - "Mister {something}'s European Sports Bar & Grill". It didn't look like it was open yet.

Considering where it's located, and the cartoon-y top hat and cane that was on the sign, it sounds absolutely ludicrous, but I have to say I'm intrigued.

[beercoop]

Have you tried "Taps" on Lakeline and Cypress Creek?

[amykragan]

Yes, I like it better than Dig Pub