The August Hit List: Paperboy, Mongers, Buenos Aires Cafe, Le Vacher, and More

The patio is open at the much-anticipated brick-and-mortar location of one of East Austin’s favorite breakfast trucks. They’ve got a walk-up window for coffee drinks or brunch cocktails to-go (mimosas! Bloody Marys! palomas!) and a breezy rooftop patio if you’re here for an egg sandwich or a burger.

Dining status: To-go and patio dining only.

This West Sixth restaurant from the folks behind Juniper and Uncle Nicky’s serves “Old World farm-to-table fare,” like seasonal flatbreads, charcuterie, seafood, and more. Like their other restaurants, expect a slight Italian lean, but Verbena includes other influences as well. And don’t skip the burger.

Dining status: dine-in and patio. For reservations call 512-991-3019.

Did someone say lobster rolls? Hyde Park just got a new seafood spot: Mongers has moved into the old Vino Vino location, and they’re serving their signature seafood in new digs. They also sell raw fish at their market counter, if you’d rather take it home and grill it yourself.

Dining status: Dine-in, to-go, and retail market counter.

Taking advantage of the hotel’s numerous patios, The Upside is serving its globally-inspired menu throughout the East Austin Hotel. Open for dinner as well as brunch, the menu is laid back — think queso, burgers, rice bowls, salad — and vegetarian/vegan friendly.

Dining status: Patio seating and limited dine-in.

French food by way of the Hill Country, Le Vacher is technically in Dripping Springs. But you don’t mind a little drive, do you? The menu is very farm-to-table and seasonal, with a mix-and-match steak/sauce menu and assorted French entrees like cassoulet and bouillabase. 

Dining status: Dine-in. For reservations call: 512-337-6977.

Carpenters Hall is back with a picnic takeout menu offering fried chicken and Texas-inspired mezze (jalapeno hummus, pecan praline baba ghanoush). They’re also offering room service — including their burger — for staycationers at the Hotel Carpenters who are looking to get some pool time.

Dining status: Takeout, room service.

One of Central Austin’s favorite brunch spots just launched their brunch to-go, so if you’ve been missing that breakfast tostada, you’re in luck. Pick up bread and wine for the week while you’re there.

Dining status: To-go only.

Need something to do this weekend? A date night idea, perhaps? Buenos Aires Cafe is now offering make-at-home empanada kits and pre-batched cocktails. Have a couple drinks, make some empanadas, eat some empanadas — sounds like a great night. (They also offer the empanadas pre-made, if you’re more of a dinner-and-a-movie type.)

Dining status: Take-out and dine-in.

Austin cider company Eastciders has launched a flagship restaurant on Barton Springs Road, offering pizza, sandwiches, snacks, and more. Of particular interest: cocktails made from their ciders, as well as a rotating collection of guest ciders from across the U.S.

Dining status: Dine-in, to-go, patio. Walk-ins only.

Odd Duck has relaunched their happy hour, meaning you get half-priced bottles of wine, $6 draft palomas, a special half-priced food menu, and more. They’re hinting at launching brunch soon, too, so keep an eye out.

Dining Status:  Dine-in and curbside to-go.