626520 Tue Jun 09 15:36:08 -0700 2009 7 61 Austin 0 4757755 I think I have dinner figured out for tomorrow and Thursday (Uchi and Wink), but I need advice on a great spot for a relatively quick, not so posh, incredibly tasty lunch after arriving at the airport tomorrow and en route to downtown (rental car). Thanks for any help you can offer - and please feel free to recommend alternatives to my dinner picks as well if you wish (though I am pretty committed to Uchi at this point) Tue Jun 09 15:36:08 -0700 2009 10399 rlh 1 4758225 Nothing much on the way, as I remember. If you want to show off your knowledge of Austin a little, go to Bess Bistro, 500 W. 6th St. It's a little bistro in the basement of an office building owned by Sandra Bullock. But don't expect to see her. Reasonable prices and a french bistro menu. Another possibility is Primizie, 1000 East 11th Street. an osterica that is reasonably priced for lunch and quite popular these days. Tue Jun 09 18:18:55 -0700 2009 4757755 100581 thebodytx 2 4760610 Thanks - Bess Bistro was really close to our downtown destination (5th and Lavaca), so we enjoyed lunch there - delicious frites, good panini , and nice hippie salad (though the chicken breast was pretty dry and a bit underdressed for my taste in salads. Now we have to think about the other options below for tomorrow's lunch, assuming we have time to drive. Wed Jun 10 12:57:42 -0700 2009 4758225 10399 rlh 1 4758390 I think the Wink dinner is now getting edged out by a need for steak - thinking about Eddie V's, Austin Land and Cattle, or Perry's - any thoughts or help to narrow the list - staying in downtown area but have the rental car - expect that it won't be cheap but don't want to break the bank either. Also, what is the best BBQ option near downtown for lunch - thinking it may be Ruby's? Tue Jun 09 19:09:53 -0700 2009 4757755 10399 rlh 1 4758400 Here's what I would do, but maybe need a little help from the locals because I'm not sure if some of the places are still open. As you come northbound on Highway 183, take MLK west bound and about Coleto St. turn right to get to Manor Road. You will go about three blocks and then turn left on Manor Rd. There is a cluster of well known local places including East Side Cafe which has a great reputation here. Also you will pass Hoover's, purportedly good for what is now called "soul food" , of sorts, and several noteworthy Mexican places although one of them is now closed and occupied by some other type restuarant. (Here is where I need help from the locals. What is open and what is closed out there these days?). Then you take Manor right on to I 35 then back south to downtown. Tue Jun 09 19:12:18 -0700 2009 4757755 60337 singlemalt 2 4758424 singlemalt, that is an excellent suggesiton. El Chile is where I would go on Manor. There are also Vivo, Eastside Cafe (a charming and unique place) and, yes, Hoovers. I do not care for Hoovers, but plenty of other people love it. I also like Ruby's BBQ, rlh. Try the coleslaw (NOT the mayo version, the vinegar one) which is crunchy, tart and a little spicy-hot. I recently had their sausage sandwich and thought the sausage was delish. Tue Jun 09 19:19:38 -0700 2009 4758400 89611 Ashforth 1 4758679 What's your downtown destination, and is there parking where you are going? I just hyped up Zax on another post. I'll suggest again here. I also like the Primizie idea. Both are on the way from the airport, but different ways. Use 7th and loop around to get to Primizie at 1715 E 6th. Take Riverside to get to Zax at 312 Barton Springs and Riverside. Tue Jun 09 20:51:11 -0700 2009 4757755 17648 rudeboy 1 4759169 El Tacos Rico is a simple taco car in a blue collar part of town minutes from the two main drives into town. One of my 5 favorite places to eat in this city. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/560802 Wed Jun 10 05:42:01 -0700 2009 4757755 19611 Carter B.