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5 Austin Restaurants That’ll Transport You to Another Place

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Leave Austin without leaving Austin at these 5 Austin restaurants along Miles 13-18

You don’t need a time machine or an expensive plane ticket to enjoy unfamiliar culinary experiences. All you have to do is check out these 5 Austin restaurants along Miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course. Make the unfamiliar become familiar! Step back in time at a burger joint that opened in 1926 or a local deli that honors old-school delis. Enjoy authentic Thai food, explore the tastes of Ethiopia, or experience pizza from the Motor City. Need more? Add more Austin restaurants along the southern, western, and eastern portions of the Austin Marathon course to your list!

Thai, How Are You? (Mile 13)

Image of a bowl of pumpkin curry and a plate of white rice from Thai, How Are You?. Thai, How Are You? is one of 5 Austin restaurants along the Austin Marathon course that people should visit.

Thai, How Are You? prepares authentic and delicious Thai food. Credit – Thai, How Are You? FB page

This gem near the University of Texas serves delicious Thai food and is the caretaker of Daniel Johnston’s Hi, How Are You mural. Thai, How Are You? (2100 Guadalupe St.) is only open for lunch. Their updated menu features curries, noodles, fried rice, and more. Somyong (Noi) Sukkij, owner, uses traditional Thai recipes. She grew up and learned how to cook in a little farming village in Northeastern Thailand (Sichompoo, Khon Kaen).

Dirty Martin’s (Mile 13.5)

This is a true Austin original! Originally Martin’s Kum-Bak, Dirty Martin’s (2808 Guadalupe St.) has been serving burgers and shakes in the same building at the same location since 1926. Fact: it originally had a dirt floor which led to the name Dirty Martin’s! They’ve grown a little since the early days. Gone is the dirt floor. Big-screen TVs hang on the wall. But the way the food is made remains the same. 

Via 313 (Mile 14)

Image of a sandwich from New World Deli stacked high with meat and cheese. New World Deli is one of 5 Austin restaurants along the Austin Marathon course that people should visit.

The sandwiches at New World Deli are stacked high! Credit – New World Deli Facebook page.

The pizza at Via 313 (3016 Guadalupe St.) is inspired by the memories of two brothers who love Detroit-style pizza. Zane and Brandon opened their first trailer in 2011. Detroit-style pizza is unlike anywhere else. Their pies are rectangle-shaped, baked in metal trays, and filled with just about any ingredient you can imagine. Get the 10×14 and warm-up any leftovers in the oven! Pro tip: don’t skip the Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower!

New World Deli (Mile 14.5)

This local deli and cafe has been family-owned and operated since 1997. New World Deli (4101 Guadalupe St.) builds mouth-watering sandwiches that are piled high with fresh deli meat, various cheeses, and all the trimmings. They also offer burgers, salads, and soups. Enjoy live music when you eat there Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant (Mile 18)

Image of several Ethiopian dishes from Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant. Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant is one of 5 Austin restaurants along the Austin Marathon course that people should visit.

Visit Aster’s for an authentic Ethiopian experience. Credit – Aster’s Facebook page.

Take a trip halfway around the world without leaving Austin. Visit Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant (2804 N. I-35) and experience tastes, smells, and sounds of Ethiopia. They were established in 1991 and have been family-owned ever since. Their dishes truly represent the Ethiopian culture, especially Doro Wott – Ethiopian’s national dish. Their well-known lunch special runs Tuesday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

You have the information, now you just need to decide where to begin! Do you experience a new country or take a step back in time? This list is the perfect start if you have friends or family coming to town for Austin Marathon weekend. Make sure you double-check their hours before you leave the house. Do you have a place that you love that did not make the list? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

5 Must Try Austin Eats on Course

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Take your family and friends to dinner at these five South Austin restaurants

South Austin has a collection of some of the city’s most delicious food. Dinner is no exception. Plan your next date night or take friends and family who are visiting to one of these 5 south Austin restaurants along the Austin Marathon course.

Image of drinks and appetizers at Botticelli's outdoor space in the back. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Botticelli's Facebook page.

Credit: Botticelli’s Facebook page.

They also make great options the night before you run the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon! They’re within walking distance if you’re staying at a downtown Austin hotel during Austin Marathon weekend. Want more south Austin recommendations? Check out our lists for lunch places, breakfast spots, and coffee shops.

Botticelli’s (Mile 1)

This fun and tasty Italian restaurant is located on South Congress (1321 S. Congress Ave.), within walking distance of downtown hotels. Botticelli’s combines old family recipes and new, inventive ones. Their wine list is what dreams are made of! Make sure you order the Botticelli Bread. Sit out back by the beer garden and enjoy live, local music Thursday through Saturday.

Fresh shrimp and oysters at Perla's. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Perla's Facebook page.

Credit: Perla’s Facebook page.

Perla’s (Mile 1)

If everyone is craving seafood, go to Perla’s (1400S. Congress Ave.). They fly in fresh fish and oysters daily from both coasts. Happy hour is Monday – Friday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dinner begins every day at 5:30 p.m. and they rotate their menus. Pro tip: order the Baked Shells & Cheese and add lobster!

Enoteca Vespaio (Mile 1.5)

Enoteca (1610 S. Congress Ave.) opened in 2005 and has served delicious Italian food since. This bistro-inspired cafe has it all: phenomenal food, amazing coffee, a full bar, extensive wine list, and delectable desserts and pastries. We recommend you begin with a charcuterie board before dinner and a cannoli after. What you eat for dinner is up to you!

Sway is an award-winning Thai restaurant. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: Sway Facebook page.

Credit: Sway Facebook page.

Sway (Mile 5.5)

Sway (1417 S. 1st St.) is an award-winning modern Thai restaurant, recently being named “2019 Best Thai Food” by the Austin-American Statesman. You’ll be blown away by their Blue Crab Fried Rice. Their dinner menu offers numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options. Yes, their margaritas are good. Pro tip: don’t anything extra spicy the night before the Austin Marathon!

El Mercado (Mile 5.5)

You didn’t think we’d make this list and not include Tex-Mex, did you? El Mercado (1302 S. 1st St.) is family-owned and started in Austin in 1985. They began on the front porch of their south Austin location and have grown ever since. Before you order dinner, make sure the entire table enjoys Phillip’s Special Queso. They will thank you for the entire night!

Image of taco plate with a side of salsa from El Mercado. They're one of the Austin Marathon's five recommended south Austin restaurants. Credit: El Mercado Facebook page.

Credit: El Mercado Facebook page.

These five south Austin restaurants provide a little bit of everything for everyone. They’re perfect for a night out on the town or for runners who want to carb-load before race day. Don’t forget, you can stretch out your legs during Austin Marathon weekend. These 5 south Austin restaurants are within walking distance of downtown Austin hotels. Did your favorite south Austin restaurant not make the list? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

6 Must-Try Austin Restaurants Along the Austin Marathon Course

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Get a preview of the Austin Marathon’s west segment and eat at these amazing Austin restaurants

Austin is jam-packed with delicious places to eat. From breakfast to a midnight snack, Austin restaurants can answer any grumbling stomach. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a new place to eat or have friends and family in town. Below are six of our favorite restaurants that can be found along miles 6-13 of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course. 

ATX Cocina (Mile 6.5)

ATX Cocina, one of the Austin Marathon's favorite Austin restaurants on the course.

Picking your drink at ATX Cocina is easier than choosing what tequila you want! Credit – ATX Cocina

Austin has no shortage of Mexican food, but ATX Cocina (110 San Antonio St. Suite 170) takes their cuisine to another level. Corn, the foundation of their kitchen, is grown by small family farms in Mexico. Take a crowd so everyone can enjoy their tapas-style dishes. Happy hour is every day from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30. Don’t sleep on the Margarita de la Casa. All you have to do is decide what tequila you want!

68 Degrees Kitchen (Mile 8)

When you first sit down at 68 Degrees Kitchen (2401 Lake Austin Blvd.) start pouring over their extensive Italian wine list. The selection is pretty impressive. Their Mac & Cheese Balls are equally as impressive. Order some for the table or for yourself. We recommend the Penne with Spicy HouseMade Lamb Sausage. Get the half order so you can save room for dessert!

Magnolia Cafe (Mile 8)

Pancakes at Magnolia Cafe, one of the Austin Marathon's favorite Austin restaurants on the course.

Magnolia Cafe’s pancakes are the perfect pre-Austin Marathon meal. Credit – Magnolia Cafe

This Austin original is celebrating their 40th anniversary during 2019. Breakfast is served anytime at Magnolia Cafe (2304 Lake Austin Blvd.), but their bread and butter is literally bread and butter, PANCAKES! They’re open 24 hours a day, perfect for spectators watching loved ones run Austin’s streets on February 16th. Order the Kitchen Sink Burger if you find yourself looking over the Late Night Menu, trust us. It’s smothered in their famous queso. Pro tip – they also have a location near Mile 1.5.

Hula Hut (Mile 9)

Hula Hut has overlooked Lake Austin since 1993 (3825 Lake Austin Blvd.). Their Tex-Mex food has a Hawaiian twist and their island vibe pairs perfectly when you sit near the water. If you’re ordering for two, get the Hawaiian Fajitas. If you’re not, get the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos. Whatever you decide, save room for Manual’s Fried Ice Cream! 

Texas Chili Parlor (Mile 12.5)

Walk through the door at 1409 Lavaca St. and you’ll step back in time while your senses are overwhelmed with the scent of chili and booze. Texas Chili Parlor has been mostly lit with neon signs since 1976. The menu is littered with delicious options, but we recommend you keep it simple. Order a Chili Dog or Frito Pie. Or both! Pro tip – don’t drink mad dog margaritas and eat chili the night before the Austin Marathon.

Clay Pit (Mile 12.5)

Inside of Clay Pit, one of the Austin Marathon's favorite Austin restaurants on the course.

Clay Pit has called the Bertram House home since 1998. Credit – Clay Pit

Clay Pit (1601 Guadalupe St.) has called the Bertram House their home since 1998. They offer exquisite Indian food in the two-story stone building that was built in 1853 as a trading post on the outskirts of Austin. They make the best Chicken Tikka Masala you’ll ever eat. Make sure you save room for dessert. Their Mango Cheesecake was featured in Bon Appetit magazine!

There are many delicious places to eat along miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course. Did we miss your favorite Austin restaurant? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter. If you find yourself in East Austin, check out these restaurants and places to visit!