Fantastic Fest 2013: North Austin Cuisine and Libations

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Fantastic Fest 2013

Fantastic Fest this year has moved to Alamo Drafthouse's largest facility at Lakeline -- ten screens and combined seating for 944 customers. Not only is the theater in a different part of Austin, but changes have been made to the standard Alamo Drafthouse menu at all locations to ensure customer satisfaction. Despite their popularity with many moviegoers, the potato skins and nachos have been removed from the menu as League and his culinary staff strive to improve consistency and quality of food items.

Eight days of consuming Alamo Drafthouse food during Fantastic Fest leaves many attendees craving local as well as inexpensive options. Although several of the restaurants nearest the new location are national chains like Fuddrucker's and Olive Garden, there's no shortage of great dining and drinking establishments accessible by vehicle within a three-mile radius, including several personal favorites of Slackerwood contributors. Although not reflected on the City of Austin Bike Map, Pecan Park Blvd has a bike lane that can be considered in the medium to high comfort range.

Navigating the area around Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline isn't too difficult once you get the "lay of the land." Remember that the theater is just northwest of the intersection of two major highways -- U.S. 183, which runs north/south, and Ranch Road (RR) 620, which becomes Toll Road 45 east of 183. Pay attention to signs to avoid tolls when driving north of the theater location by using "old 183," officially named South Bell Blvd.

Here's a few of our recommendations in the area, sorted by proximity to Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline:

Lakeline -- Immediate Vicinity

These restaurants are theoretically within walking or biking distance of Alamo Lakeline, but you want to exercise extreme caution around the high traffic zones of the U.S. 183 frontage roads and RR 620.

  • Smashburger (14028 N Hwy 183, Bldg. G-310) -- This newly opened burger franchise is a stone's throw from the front of the theater. Although not a personal favorite, its proximity ensures that I'll be stopping in to try a truffle mushroom Swiss burger.
  • Momiji Hibachi and Sushi (13201 RR 620 North) -- Nestled in the strip center next to Office Depot, this local favorite serves excellent sushi (half-price M-Th night and all-day Sun) and also delivers. Their baked avocado appetizer is a favorite of Mike's.
  • Muangthai Thai Cuisine (13945 U.S. 183) -- I agree with Rod: "Muangthai is one of the best Thai restaurants in all of Austin. Our family eats at this restaurant two times a month and has never been let down. Their curry dishes and soups are yummy treats; we are also fond of the fresh rolls."
  • Freda's Seafood Grille (10903 Pecan Park Blvd) -- Freda's is a somewhat more upscale location, but Mike reports that "lunch prices are reasonable" for under $10. Happy hour daily 4-7 pm.
  • RC Fowler's (12233 RR620 at Lake Creek Pkwy) -- This wing bar also offers gluten-free options. Fowler's hosts karaoke every evening at 10 pm. Kitchen is open until 2 am, and they deliver. Fowler's also features Texas Hold 'Em Poker Sunday through Tuesday nights.
  • Taqueria Guadalajara (12226 RR 620 at Lake Creek Pkwy) -- This local taqueria is best known for breakfast tacos, and is in a building used for location shooting on Death Proof.
  • The Noble Pig (11815 RR 620 at El Salido Parkway) -- This Northwest Austin's version of Franklin BBQ is the overwhelming favorite of our contributors. Try the smoked duck pastrami on rye or a beef tongue sandwich, all served with potato chips made in-house. Jette raves over the house-made pickles, too.
  • Saccone's Pizza & Subs (11416 RR 620 North) -- True confessions -- our go-to dinner order for D&D game nights was this Jersey Pizza shop, which features delicious hot subs and specialty pizzas.
  • Serranos Tex Mex (11100 Pecan Park Blvd) -- Rod says, "With so many good quality Tex-Mex places in Austin there is no need to eat at ones that are not really good. That being said, Serranos makes pretty good quality Tex-Mex food and we have eaten there a number of times."
  • Soto Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar (11066 Pecan Park Blvd) -- This restaurant specializes in sushi and makes some fanciful and tasty dishes including salmon cooked at your table over a flame of Bacardi 151 and coffee beans. Rod recommends the inexpensive bento boxes at lunch. This restaurant is located in the same parking lot as Best Buy right next to the Party City store.
  • Torchy's Tacos (11521 RR 620 at Anderson Mill) -- One of several stores that began as a food trailer and exploded in popularity. In addition to the regular menu, Torchy's features a "secret" menu and you can order online for faster pickup.

183/Anderson MillMidori Sushi

Quite a few restaurants that I enjoy regularly are located in strip centers on each corner of the intersection at Anderson Mill and US 183 North, as well as near the intersection of Lake Creek Blvd and 183.

  • Lone Star Kolaches (13764 Highway 183 N.) -- If you've not tried kolaches, you don't want to pass up on opportunity to try locally owned Lone Star's version of this traditional Czech fare. Enjoy a sweet fruit or tasty sausage kolache. Note that they open and close early, with hours from 5:30 am - 2:30 pm.
  • Midori Sushi (13435 Highway 183 N.) -- Hands down this sushi restaurant is my family's favorite in Austin, with the freshest fish at reasonable prices available in Austin. The personable sushi chefs are so welcoming that we rarely sit at a table, enjoying the sushi bar when seating is available. Lunch bento boxes are available for under $10 and are quite filling. I recommend the Texas roll featuring a sliver of jalapeno pepper, or the Mango Fandango roll.
  • Osaka Mansun (13492 Highway 183 N. at Anderson Mill) -- Mike says that Osaka "serves ridiculously good low-price sushi and Korean."
  • Tino's Greek Cafe (13450 Highway 183 N.) --Another family favorite, Tino's offers a hefty lunch plate with a wide selection of traditional sides to accompany gyro meats.
  • La Tapatia (13450 Highway 183 N.) -- This restaurant, in the same complex as Tino's, is the closest in the area to the East Austin experience of hole-in-the-wall taqueria with telenovelas and soccer on the television, and by far the cheapest in North Austin. For $2.50 you can get a tostada heaped with meat, beans, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream that will fill you up, or for bigger appetites try a Mexican plate which run between $5 - $8. Ask for the special creamy green sauce, but be forewarned -- it's a creeper with after effects. Open from 6 am to 11 pm every day except Sundays, when they open at 7 am.
  • Kerbey Lane Cafe (13435 Highway 183 N.) -- Finally, a name familiar to previous Fantastic Fest attendees. Serving a healthy menu made with produce from their own gardens, Kerbey is vegan and gluten-friendly (but also has lots of meat and carb dishes). This north location, open 24/7, is only two minutes from Alamo Lakeline.
  • Vazquez Restaurant (13729 Research Blvd) -- The adobada pork enchiladas are extremely popular, and for a cheap dinner I order the chicken and rice gordita a la carte. This restaurant, which is located in the Lake Creek Plaza, closes at 4 pm on Sundays and 9 pm the rest of the week.

183 at the Arboretum/Gateway

Several hotels are located in this general vicinity, including Fantastic Fest-recommended Renaissance Hotel. Note that in this part of town, U.S. 183 is more often referred to as Research Boulevard.

  • Manuel's (10201 Jollyville Rd) -- This Southwestern restaurant shares a parking lot with the Arbor theater. You can relax on the patio and enjoy such fare as enchiladas de mole or the fantastic chile relleno.
  • Brick Oven (10701 Research Blvd) -- About a block north of the Arbor, this leisurely paced restaurant offers pasta dishes and some very good pizza (try the spinach topping).
  • Amy's Ice Creams (10000 Research Blvd) -- This location is in the Arbor shopping center, a few blocks from the Arbor theater. The Zilker mint chip, when available, is one of their very best. Guess their daily movie quote and get a free topping.
  • Blue Baker (10000 Research Blvd) -- Baked-from-scratch pastries, pizzas, sandwiches and more are available here.
  • Great Hills Plaza (9828 Great Hills Trail) -- The strip mall adjacent to the Regal Arbor theater holds a number of good counter-service restaurants: Texadelphia for cheesesteaks and burgers; Pok-e-Jo's for barbecue (and authentic green bean casserole); Firebowl Cafe for quick Asian fare; Elevation Burger for grass-fed ground beef and thick shakes; and La Madeleine for soup and salad or between meals, coffee and pastry and wireless.

On a Budget -- Grab to Go and GroceriesCafe on the Run

Eating out during a film festival is typically the largest expense for most attendees, especially if you attend more than three or more movies in a day. Whether at home or lodging somewhere with a small fridge, I always stock up on breakfast staples and snacks that'll lessen the blow to my bank account.

For those folks on a budget that want to get a quick snack or grab and go throughout the week, you're in luck -- the HEB Plus next to the theater offers Cafe on the Run, Sushi, Healthy Living. The cafe also has free wi-fi as well as plenty of electrical outlets to charge up your phone or plug in your laptop. If you forgot your charger, head to the Entertainment Center tucked away in the back corner. Here you'll find just about anything to meet your tech needs.

If you're staying in the Arboretum or Gateway area, in addition to the traditional HEB grocery store at 183 and Braker you can find natural foods at Sprouts Farmers Market (10225 Research Blvd) and Whole Foods Market - Gateway (9607 Research Blvd). Both stores also offer sandwiches and grab-to-go options.

At a local hotel but have limited transportation? Have no fear -- you can order in groceries and other necessities from local women-owned Couch Potato. This convenience store to-go delivers featuring local treats and brews, Sunday through Thursday 11 am - 1 am and Friday/Saturday 11 am - 3 am. Be sure to call to ensure extended delivery applies to your area during peak hours, typically with $15 minimum.

If you would like to pick up some great local craft beer to enjoy while you are here or at home, there are several places in northwest Austin. Recommended shopping locations include locally-owned Twin Liquors (11521 RR 620) or Texas-based Spec's (10601 RR 620). If you are in the Arboretum/Gateway area, stop in at the Whole Foods Market-Gateway (9607 Research Blvd), Spec's Arbor Walk location (10515 N. Mopac Expy), or HEB's Braker location (10710 Research Blvd) -- ask for beer/wine manager Owen.

It's also worth the trip to the Northcross Mall area for Sunrise Mini-Mart on 1809 W. Anderson Lane between Burnet and Woodrow -- yes it's a gas station/convenience store -- and ask Sam or one of their other helpful staff what special and new releases are available. Not to far from Sunrise is The Growler Room (6800 Burnet Rd) where you can buy growlers of all shapes and sizes full of fabulous craft beer from Dean Schlett. Tell Sam and Dean that Debbie Snax sent you!
Farmer's Market

Make time on Saturday morning before the day's Fantastic Fest screenings start to check out the Cedar Park Farmers Market located on the southwest parking area of Lakeline Mall, open Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm. In addition to fresh produce from Texas farmers, you can find baked goods as well as tacos and tamales for an inexpensive brunch. My sister and I always make the breakfast tacos stand (seen above) our first stop before they sell out -- be sure to try the homemade green sauce. For more eclectic palates, you'll find Buddha's Brew kombucha as well as gluten-free products. Although some vendors accept credit cards, be sure to bring cash and your own shopping bag.

Getting Your Drink On

We can't offer a dining guide without a mention of local watering holes. As much as I love Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline's Glass Half Full taproom, it'll be jam-packed for the duration of the fest. Take a short trip up old 183/S. Bell Blvd to local favorite The Dig Pub (401 Cypress Creek Road). Owners Todd and Christy Wink pride themselves on offering a diverse selection of great craft beers from around the U.S. as well as local brews. Try one of the grilled sandwiches -- my favorites are the Architect (roast beef, fontina cheese, avocado, horseradish and fresh basil) and the Thunderbird (classic turkey and swiss with avocado and spices). Stop in next door at Hamrick's Market for a wide assortment of craft beer bottles to go.

A bit further south near 183 and McNeil Rd/Spicewood Springs Rd you'll find my neighborhood bars -- The Water Tank Bar and Grill (7309 McNeil Road) and BB Rover's International Cafe and Pub (12636 Research Suite 101-B). The Water Tank is literally in the shadow of a large City of Austin ground storage tank, and you'll often see plenty of bikers enjoying a beer on the front porch. Friday and Saturday nights feature karaoke starting at 8 pm.

BB Rover's offers about 300 beers from around the world, with more local microbrews added weekly. On a personal note, you won't often find my dad in a "beer bar" but he loves the reuben on swirled rye and onion rings at BB Rover's.

For those staying in the Arboretum/Gateway area, you won't want to miss North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery (NXNW) for handcrafted beers and mixed drinks. Py Jingo is a solid American pale ale, and check their beer menu for seasonal releases. You can buy their beer to go by the bottle or growler.

In the mood for a margarita? In addition to Serrano's and Manuel's listed above, places to enjoy quality margaritas in the Arboretum area include The Iron Cactus and the more upscale Roaring Fork (10850 Stonelake Blvd).

Tip for International Travelers

With so many more industry attendees from around the world to attend the Fantastic Fest market, it's worth noting where to exchange foreign currency. You can exchange at Travelex's Austin-Bergstrom International Airport location near Gate 14 between 5 am and 8 pm. Just a mile from Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, the Frost Pecan Park Financial Center will can exchange euros for U.S. dollars for a $5 fee and a rate bettter than Travelex. Call to check for other currencies.

Have a suggestion for dining and drinking near this year's Fantastic Fest activities? Leave a comment below and we'll add it in the guide. Who knows -- there might be a free beer in it for you!

Thanks to Jette Kernion, Mike Saulters, and Rod Paddock for their contributions to this dining guide.

Many more choices

You would be better served by not limiting your choices to NW Austin. While there are some good eats up there, you will not get a sense of what makes Austin unique unless you check out the central core.

Agreed

I absolutely agree, but we wanted to focus on the part of town closest to the theater, since most attendees know very little about it. And frankly, many people just want to know where to get a quick bite between films or en route to/from their hotel. There are many many Austin food blogs that can steer visitors to great places in Central Austin -- feel free to recommend some blogs or restaurants in the comments. (Taco Journalism would be a favorite local food blog of mine.)

I heartily agree!

Thanks for putting together a very comprehensive listing with descriptions for those unfamiliar with the newer location.

I encourage folks to try the Farmers Market on Saturday: I have heard it is one of the larger ones in the state.

Truly awesome and helpful

As a veteran attendee, this is just what I needed. Thanks so much!

W.W.P.M.D.?

I am so pleased that you think so as you were a great source of inspiration for this edition!

Especially since Jette said, "Think about what I call the Peter Martin scenario -- he gets through FF on Maria's Taco XPress and sandwiches -- what will he be able to do like that at Lakeline?" But also since I kept your techniques in mind when I was at Sundance 2013 and was able to spend less than $20/day on food and drink, by spending more money at the supermarket than dining out.

Personally, I'm a fan of Rosa's Cafe

If you ever say you're from Amarillo, Abilene, Ft. Worth, Waco or anywhere else on this list, I'll ask if you've been to Rosa's Cafe. There's one in Cedar Park. I can't get enough and would recommend you give it a shot once. I love their chicken fajitas with queso. http://www.rosascafe.com

Don't Forget Jardin Corona

Really tasty tex-mex and incredibly delicious margaritas can be found at Jardin Corona on Pond Springs. If you have the time, I highly recommend it.

What about Asia Cafe and Chen's Noodle House?

You left out the 183/Spicewood Springs area. In one strip center you have Korean, Szechuan, Mexican, BBQ, Cajun, and two bakeries! Not to mention a Big Lots and an HEB and a Jim's across the street.

Note, the train is right

Note, the train is right across 183 off of Lakeline Blvd and takes you straight into downtown Austin.