6TH STREET. To start, 1886 Café and Bakery serves great sandwiches and casual American fare, and their grilled cheese panini is second to none. But their desserts ­ rich, complex concoctions with mood-altering properties ­ cause folks to swoon. To try: chocolate mousse cake (with bittersweet chocolate-caramel mousse over a layer of moist devil's food cake) and lemon chiffon cake (with layers of blueberry compote and rosemary-scented lemon cream). Even ice cream sundaes are noteworthy: Peanut Butter Fantasia is peanut butter ice cream, caramel, and a peanut butter cookie, while Second Wind adds hot fudge, biscotti, and chocolate espresso beans to cappuccino ice cream.

WEST AUSTIN. Mexican and Tex-Mex joints are a dime a dozen in Austin, but Abuelo's stands out for both ambience and an extensive menu. The restaurant is reminiscent of a posh Mexican courtyard with its colorful murals, statuary, and plenty of lush foliage. The food ranges from Tex-Mex standards like enchiladas and fajitas to more authentic dishes. Tortilla soup, a staple in the Southwest, is quite good here, as is Fundido del Mar, a concoction of shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and poblanos in a white wine-cheese sauce.

SOUTH AUSTIN. Since 1994, the Alligator Grill has been South Austin's answer to N'Awlins style food and fun. During the daily happy hour (from 3pm-7pm), get shrimp for a dime a piece, oysters for a quarter each, wings for 35 cents, and $4 hurricanes. The rest of the time, nosh on boiled crawfish, fried catfish or shrimp, etouffee, gumbo and po' boys. Finish with beignets, fried Twinkies or bread pudding! Live jazz and blues on weekend evenings get the place jumping, but it's great for a family meal otherwise.

DOWNTOWN. When you see the moving cows, you know you've found Amy's. This famous Austin creamery specializes in homemade ice cream in a wide variety of flavors and even supplies their wonderful creations to a number of Austin's restaurants. Open until 1am on the weekends for that late-night sweet tooth.

ROUND ROCK. Festive atmosphere ­ think colorful neon, cactus and agave plants, bustling service, and lively music ­ is the perfect complement to Antonio's vivacious Tex-Mex food. All your favorites are present and are well-prepared with fresh ingredients and appealing presentation. Choose from burritos, tacos, chili, queso dip, and plenty of vegetarian options. Everyone is sure to find something tasty, and there's a good selection of tequilas, too!