The August Hit List: Lucky Robot, Eldorado Cafe, Mongers, and More

Between playing Frogger on South Congress and picking out a new pair of cowboy boots, Lucky Robot is a cool yet approachable Japanese spot right in the heart of it all. Make a Resy for a late lunch of chicken yakitori, Brussels sprouts, and crispy barbacoa dumplings. It’s also a great option for a sushi dinner, with rolls like the Crunchy Atomic Salmon with avocado, panko, and sriracha and the Sea-3PO with tuna and avocado topped with salmon.

The team behind Hopdoddy opened this taco spot on Lamar at the start of the year. It’s the ideal place to drop in before or after a day at Barton Springs. They offer casual counter service with carnitas tacos, birria, and a solid mushroom and potato taco for the vegetarians. They also have agua frescas, fro-chata, and a bar with micheladas, frozen margaritas, and wine.

Find more information here.

Hear us out on this one: Eating shabu-shabu when it’s scorching outside is in fact surprisingly soothing. DipDipDip can be a hard Resy to get during colder months of the year, so August is the perfect time to grab one and enjoy the full experience. We recommend the Tatsu-Ya Omakase for first-timers so you can try a variety of meatballs, gyoza, vegetables, and meats. The tableside carts also offer seasonal surprises, so save room for whatever they are offering. And if somehow you’re not full after all that, grab some yuzu ice cream at DipDipDip Ice Cream at the front of the restaurant.

When you walk into this newly opened Greek restaurant on Balcones Drive, you will (almost) feel like you stepped onto a Greek island. The husband and wife co-owners are originally from Greece and created a real respite in Northwest Hills. Beyond the beautiful interior, Yamas serves mezze like fried feta with sesame and honey and grilled octopus. The traditional Greek salad, lamb chops, souvlakis are all standouts, too.

Call 512-243-7499 for reservations.

One of the newest buildings built with unbeatable downtown views is the Loren at Lady Bird Lake. Part condos, part hotel, it is located at the crux of downtown, parks, and the lake. The Cafe at the Loren is open for all. Matcha lattes, nitro cold brew on draft, and various wines are available too. They serve pastries from Sour Duck and some other light snacks. Stop in before or after your walk around Town Lake. 

Find more information here.

You’ve walked past Garage many times and thought it was just a garage. While some cars do park there, there is also a cocktail bar tucked away in the back (look for the lit up cocktails sign). With its dark, intimate interior, the bartenders put some serious love into your cocktails. Summer Sonata with rye, hibiscus, orange, and lime is a favorite, as is the Trial by Fire with tequila, spiced mango, pineapple, and grapefruit bitters. Make a Resy in advance since the small space usually fills up fast on a hot summer night.

Originally from Portland, the team at Zed’s makes New Zealand style ice cream from real fruit and other ingredients of your choosing. Banana-vanilla-peanut butter is a solid choice and so is strawberry-dairy-free vanilla-toasted coconut. It’s a “choose your own adventure” kind of ice cream spot! Plus they serve beer, wine, and coffee.

Find more information here.

When it comes to Mexican brunch, Eldorado Cafe has one of our favorites. Huevos rancheros, short rib machacado, and even just the Daily Texan with eggs, bacon, hash, and a biscuit — it’s all filling and fresh. We also like the crispy tacos for lunch or the enchiladas verde for dinner. Take a tub of the salsa verde to go too — it’s that good. It’s no secret how great this spot is, so get a Resy so you can sit down right away.

Vegan Nom and Barrett’s coffee teamed up for a one-two punch on North Loop called Double Trouble. Serving up all your morning needs with a scrambled tofu migas taco or avocado and black bean taco, you can also get a macchiato or cappuccino made with Barrett’s beans. In the afternoons, try the North Loop Nachos and a frozen paloma. Double Trouble is open early and late, so you can get some work done from here or end your work day here.

Find more information here.

Mongers offers neighborhood vibes with upscale seafood and Southern food. We recommend grabbing a table for date night or a happy hour meetup. Some top dishes include the crab cake sandwich on challah, the red snapper with bok choy, and the daily poké. The wine list also offers a great variety to go with the raw bar selections, along with classic cocktails like the sidecar.