Buda Upstairs Retreat Visitors Guide
Food scene
The Buda/Kyle area has exploded in recent years with new developments, including many fine restaurants. It is impossible to list all of our favorites, which include Rudy's BBQ, Mighty Fine Burgers, Torchy's Tacos, Z Tejas, Taste on Main, and others. Here are just a few highlights...
Enjoy “elevated cajun cuisine” with entrees including high-stack po’ boys, coffee braised short ribs, shrimp & grits, boudin, and gumbo. Entrees are in the $16 to $24 range. The desserts are amazing, including chocolate peanut butter pie! 306 S. Main St. Buda. 512-523-8241.
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Mudbugs - A Cajun Joint
306 S Main StEnjoy “elevated cajun cuisine” with entrees including high-stack po’ boys, coffee braised short ribs, shrimp & grits, boudin, and gumbo. Entrees are in the $16 to $24 range. The desserts are amazing, including chocolate peanut butter pie! 306 S. Main St. Buda. 512-523-8241.
This one will surprise you. Fine dining that still feels authentic to the Buda down-home atmosphere. The menu is an eclectic blend of traditional American, Cajun/Southern and traditional items from Mexico. And, their hamburgers and fries are amazing! 100 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-312-4387.
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Brooklyn's Down South
100 Main StThis one will surprise you. Fine dining that still feels authentic to the Buda down-home atmosphere. The menu is an eclectic blend of traditional American, Cajun/Southern and traditional items from Mexico. And, their hamburgers and fries are amazing! 100 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-312-4387.
Authentic and delicious Italian cooking in small-town Texas? You can bet on it. Ilario’s is located just 5 minutes south of here in Kyle, 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 801, just across from the H-E-B grocery. 512-268-3300.
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Ilario's Italian Cuisine And Catering
5401 Farm to Market 1626Authentic and delicious Italian cooking in small-town Texas? You can bet on it. Ilario’s is located just 5 minutes south of here in Kyle, 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 801, just across from the H-E-B grocery. 512-268-3300.
This local favorite serves outstanding hamburgers with friendly service. They also feature a traditional Texas-style breakfast (biscuits and gravy, grits, etc.) plus breakfast tacos (until 10:30 a.m.). 610 Old San Antonio Road, Buda. 512-312-5361.
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Dan's Hamburgers
610 Old San Antonio RdThis local favorite serves outstanding hamburgers with friendly service. They also feature a traditional Texas-style breakfast (biscuits and gravy, grits, etc.) plus breakfast tacos (until 10:30 a.m.). 610 Old San Antonio Road, Buda. 512-312-5361.
Their motto says it all, “Life is short, eat more pie.” This downtown Kyle landmark is one reason Kyle claims to be the pie capital of Texas. Besides pie, they also serve comfort food such as casseroles, chicken pot pie, King Ranch chicken, and sandwiches during lunchtime. 202 W. Center Street, Kyle.
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Texas Pie Co
202 W Center StTheir motto says it all, “Life is short, eat more pie.” This downtown Kyle landmark is one reason Kyle claims to be the pie capital of Texas. Besides pie, they also serve comfort food such as casseroles, chicken pot pie, King Ranch chicken, and sandwiches during lunchtime. 202 W. Center Street, Kyle.
Buda’s local gathering place, watering hole and live music venue in the heart of the Buda’s historic downtown. In addition to ten rotating taps dedicated to local and regional beers, they feature a full bar featuring spirits produced in the Austin area and all over Texas as well as a selection of wines. Food offerings include a full menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast all day. 116 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-295-0121.
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Tavern on Main
116 Main StBuda’s local gathering place, watering hole and live music venue in the heart of the Buda’s historic downtown. In addition to ten rotating taps dedicated to local and regional beers, they feature a full bar featuring spirits produced in the Austin area and all over Texas as well as a selection of wines. Food offerings include a full menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast all day. 116 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-295-0121.
One of our favorites! Located in downtown Buda with shaded outdoor dining. Serves amazing tacos, sandwiches, and loaded potatoes with BBQ brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork. This is a real treat, but be aware that they only serve Thursday through Sunday, and if you arrive too late in the evening they sometimes run out of items. 122 N. Main Street, Buda.
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Louie's Craft BBQ
122 Main StOne of our favorites! Located in downtown Buda with shaded outdoor dining. Serves amazing tacos, sandwiches, and loaded potatoes with BBQ brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork. This is a real treat, but be aware that they only serve Thursday through Sunday, and if you arrive too late in the evening they sometimes run out of items. 122 N. Main Street, Buda.
Nate’s is located in a beautifully restored cotton gin and offers a casual atmosphere for conversation with Cuvee Coffee, sweets and treats, as well as light fare for lunch. They open at 7 a.m. for early risers looking for a morning shot of caffeine. They have an expansive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Check their website for live music events. 306 South Main Street, Suite 101, Buda. 512-523-8256.
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Nate's
306 S Main StNate’s is located in a beautifully restored cotton gin and offers a casual atmosphere for conversation with Cuvee Coffee, sweets and treats, as well as light fare for lunch. They open at 7 a.m. for early risers looking for a morning shot of caffeine. They have an expansive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Check their website for live music events. 306 South Main Street, Suite 101, Buda. 512-523-8256.
This is certainly one of the best overall BBQ experiences in Texas. You’ll truly feel like you’ve experienced Texas country dining. The Driftwood location is about 20 minutes away at 18300 FM 1826. It’s a straight shot through Buda and then west through the Texas countryside. Reservations: 512-858-4959.
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Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826This is certainly one of the best overall BBQ experiences in Texas. You’ll truly feel like you’ve experienced Texas country dining. The Driftwood location is about 20 minutes away at 18300 FM 1826. It’s a straight shot through Buda and then west through the Texas countryside. Reservations: 512-858-4959.
The original Black’s in Lockhart is claimed to be the oldest BBQ joint in Texas under the ownership of four generations of the Edgar Black family. This is a true hole-in-the-wall dining experience. It’s all about the meat, the brisket in particular. We prefer the San Marcos location, at 510 Hull Street. No reservations required.
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Black's Barbecue San Marcos
510 Hull StThe original Black’s in Lockhart is claimed to be the oldest BBQ joint in Texas under the ownership of four generations of the Edgar Black family. This is a true hole-in-the-wall dining experience. It’s all about the meat, the brisket in particular. We prefer the San Marcos location, at 510 Hull Street. No reservations required.
We couldn’t leave this one off the list as it is our sons’ favorite place to go when they are in town. The brisket breakfast tacos are to die for. 308 South Main Street in downtown Buda.
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Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdWe couldn’t leave this one off the list as it is our sons’ favorite place to go when they are in town. The brisket breakfast tacos are to die for. 308 South Main Street in downtown Buda.
If you’re looking for delicious, affordable, Mexican food open 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, head to 913 N. IH-35 in San Marcos, about a 20-minute drive south from here. They serve the “Best Tacos on the Planet!”
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Fuego Tortilla Grill
913 N Interstate 35 Frontage RdIf you’re looking for delicious, affordable, Mexican food open 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, head to 913 N. IH-35 in San Marcos, about a 20-minute drive south from here. They serve the “Best Tacos on the Planet!”
Chuy’s restaurants are found all over the U.S., but it is still one of the best Mexican dining experiences anywhere, with a fun, eclectic atmosphere. The San Marcos location is about 20 minutes south of here at 1121 N. IH-35 in San Marcos. 512-214-8029.
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Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdChuy’s restaurants are found all over the U.S., but it is still one of the best Mexican dining experiences anywhere, with a fun, eclectic atmosphere. The San Marcos location is about 20 minutes south of here at 1121 N. IH-35 in San Marcos. 512-214-8029.
A rollicking fun place to enjoy a sirloin, shrimp, or a Texas-sized chicken-fried steak. It’s always packed, but the service crew manages to get you in and served pretty fast. 9300 S. IH-35, about 10 minutes north of here.
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Texas Roadhouse
9300 S I- 35 Service RdA rollicking fun place to enjoy a sirloin, shrimp, or a Texas-sized chicken-fried steak. It’s always packed, but the service crew manages to get you in and served pretty fast. 9300 S. IH-35, about 10 minutes north of here.
One of our favorites! A full-service restaurant and bar serving made-from-scratch Texas comfort food and drinks. Wonderful outdoor patio and regular live music. It’s about 20 minutes from here, but the drive will give you a wonderful feel for the Texas hill country. FM 150 and FM 3237 between Kyle and Wimberley. 512-722-3905.
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Hays City Store
8989 FM150 WOne of our favorites! A full-service restaurant and bar serving made-from-scratch Texas comfort food and drinks. Wonderful outdoor patio and regular live music. It’s about 20 minutes from here, but the drive will give you a wonderful feel for the Texas hill country. FM 150 and FM 3237 between Kyle and Wimberley. 512-722-3905.
This is a must-visit spot for a taste of Gruene, Texas near New Braunfels. Eclectic millhouse setting with open patio areas overlooking the river. Delicious comfort food and drinks and near shopping, tourism, and one of the most iconic music venues in Texas.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
1287 Gruene RdThis is a must-visit spot for a taste of Gruene, Texas near New Braunfels. Eclectic millhouse setting with open patio areas overlooking the river. Delicious comfort food and drinks and near shopping, tourism, and one of the most iconic music venues in Texas.
Opened in 2024 and instantly became our favorite pizza stop. Gourmet-quality pizzas with a crust that crackles with flavor. 19230 South I-35, just south of us in Kyle.
Via 313 Pizza
Opened in 2024 and instantly became our favorite pizza stop. Gourmet-quality pizzas with a crust that crackles with flavor. 19230 South I-35, just south of us in Kyle.
Mainstream Tex-Mex that is consistently excellent. This location is generally pretty busy, but they do a good job of getting guests seated and served. Bonus feature: the La Ola Pop Shop ice cream and popsicle store is next door. 856 Kohlers Crossing in nearby Kyle.
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Texican Cafe
856 Kohlers CrossingMainstream Tex-Mex that is consistently excellent. This location is generally pretty busy, but they do a good job of getting guests seated and served. Bonus feature: the La Ola Pop Shop ice cream and popsicle store is next door. 856 Kohlers Crossing in nearby Kyle.
Strange as it sounds, the best hamburger joint around is right next door to our neighborhood in a convenience store/gas station. Burgers, fries, and onion rings are top notch. A bit weird to eat in the middle of a convenience store - we usually pick up our order and bring it home. No late night dining, it closes at 8 pm. 16649 South I-35. Turn left as you leave our neighborhood, stay on the frontage road to the gas station just north of us.
Sharks Burger
Strange as it sounds, the best hamburger joint around is right next door to our neighborhood in a convenience store/gas station. Burgers, fries, and onion rings are top notch. A bit weird to eat in the middle of a convenience store - we usually pick up our order and bring it home. No late night dining, it closes at 8 pm. 16649 South I-35. Turn left as you leave our neighborhood, stay on the frontage road to the gas station just north of us.
Entertainment
This huge entertainment complex is about 5 minutes south of here on IH-35. It features movie theaters, bowling lanes, and a large video arcade, plus Hardihoods Eatery & Drinkery.
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EVO Entertainment
3200 Kyle CrossingThis huge entertainment complex is about 5 minutes south of here on IH-35. It features movie theaters, bowling lanes, and a large video arcade, plus Hardihoods Eatery & Drinkery.
This Formula 1 track is also the site of numerous events throughout the year, from concerts to fireworks, go-karting, to the Audi Driving Experience. Buda is the ideal spot to catch the SH 130 tollway heading north to the track. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. 512-301-6600.
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Circuit of The Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas BlvdThis Formula 1 track is also the site of numerous events throughout the year, from concerts to fireworks, go-karting, to the Audi Driving Experience. Buda is the ideal spot to catch the SH 130 tollway heading north to the track. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. 512-301-6600.
Unique Shopping
The World’s Foremost Outfitter is located 5 minutes from our house at 15570 IH-35 in Buda. Stay on the IH-35 feeder road heading north and turn left at the first street to enjoy outdoor shopping and one of the largest collections of lifelike taxidermy and an aquarium of local fish. 512-295-1100.
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Cabela's
15570 S I-35 Frontage RdThe World’s Foremost Outfitter is located 5 minutes from our house at 15570 IH-35 in Buda. Stay on the IH-35 feeder road heading north and turn left at the first street to enjoy outdoor shopping and one of the largest collections of lifelike taxidermy and an aquarium of local fish. 512-295-1100.
This is located in South Austin, but it qualifies to be listed here as it is one of the most original, Austin-specific gift stores in the area. Features hand-crafted gifts, antiques, unusual candies, and other odd-ball items. 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-326-9460.
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Austin Gift Company
4211 S Lamar BlvdThis is located in South Austin, but it qualifies to be listed here as it is one of the most original, Austin-specific gift stores in the area. Features hand-crafted gifts, antiques, unusual candies, and other odd-ball items. 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-326-9460.
Just what it sounds like (although smaller than what you might think the word “mall” signifies). 212 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-423-8713.
Old Town Buda Antique Mall
212 Main StJust what it sounds like (although smaller than what you might think the word “mall” signifies). 212 N. Main Street, Buda. 512-423-8713.
If you are really in a shopping mood, head south to the San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets malls. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, because the place is a sprawling wonderland of shopping. They are located 19 miles south of here at 3939 IH-35. 512-396-2200.
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San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35If you are really in a shopping mood, head south to the San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets malls. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, because the place is a sprawling wonderland of shopping. They are located 19 miles south of here at 3939 IH-35. 512-396-2200.
City/town information
Our house is about 24 miles from Wimberley via RM 150 and Old Kyle Road. Wimberley is a picturesque hill country town full of shopping, good eats, and natural wonders, including the Blue Hole Regional Park. Our favorite cafe there is Chill's on the Creek with a relaxing view of Cypress Creek, an outdoor deck, and live music.
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Wimberley
Our house is about 24 miles from Wimberley via RM 150 and Old Kyle Road. Wimberley is a picturesque hill country town full of shopping, good eats, and natural wonders, including the Blue Hole Regional Park. Our favorite cafe there is Chill's on the Creek with a relaxing view of Cypress Creek, an outdoor deck, and live music.
Gruene and New Braunfels – Our house is about 31 miles north of these two picturesque towns that began as German settlements. The Gruene Historic District features shops, art galleries, wine tasting, pottery, antiques, and Gruene Hall, an iconic country music venue. We enjoy dining at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, which is particularly enjoyable when the weather is nice. New Braunfels is home of Schlitterbahn, one of the world’s largest water parks, as well as favorite spots for tubing the Comal River, including Landa Park.
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New Braunfels
Gruene and New Braunfels – Our house is about 31 miles north of these two picturesque towns that began as German settlements. The Gruene Historic District features shops, art galleries, wine tasting, pottery, antiques, and Gruene Hall, an iconic country music venue. We enjoy dining at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, which is particularly enjoyable when the weather is nice. New Braunfels is home of Schlitterbahn, one of the world’s largest water parks, as well as favorite spots for tubing the Comal River, including Landa Park.
Just south of us, the home of Texas State University. The Purgatory Creek Natural Area is a hiking trail with several miles of trails through wooded areas. One of our favorite taco joints is Fuegos – open 24 hours a day. The town is the site of several tubing launch sites for tubing the San Marcos River. And don’t miss the San Marcos Outlet Mall – a giant outdoor mall that attracts people from all over the country and Mexico.
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San Marcos
Just south of us, the home of Texas State University. The Purgatory Creek Natural Area is a hiking trail with several miles of trails through wooded areas. One of our favorite taco joints is Fuegos – open 24 hours a day. The town is the site of several tubing launch sites for tubing the San Marcos River. And don’t miss the San Marcos Outlet Mall – a giant outdoor mall that attracts people from all over the country and Mexico.
Another original German settlement, Fredricksburg now features dozens of shops specializing in Texas clothing, cuisine, and handicrafts. Nearby is the hiking paradise Enchanted Rock State Park (requires an advance reservation). Our favorite stops include Rustlin’ Robs (hundreds of hot sauces, jams, etc.), Woerner Warehouse Bakery (amazing pizza and sandwiches), and breakfast at the Old German Bakery. The 64-mile trip to Fredricksburg takes you through Johnson City, with the Lyndon Baines Johnson boyhood home.
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Fredericksburg
Another original German settlement, Fredricksburg now features dozens of shops specializing in Texas clothing, cuisine, and handicrafts. Nearby is the hiking paradise Enchanted Rock State Park (requires an advance reservation). Our favorite stops include Rustlin’ Robs (hundreds of hot sauces, jams, etc.), Woerner Warehouse Bakery (amazing pizza and sandwiches), and breakfast at the Old German Bakery. The 64-mile trip to Fredricksburg takes you through Johnson City, with the Lyndon Baines Johnson boyhood home.
There are so many attractions and things to do in Austin, we could write a book! A good place to begin is in the downtown area around Lady Bird Lake (the Colorado River as it passes through town) with a running, walking, and bicycle trail along the lake. The downtown public library is an eye-opening and amazing place to visit. Zilker Park, Barton Springs natural pool, and the Austin Botanical Gardens are downtown as well. South Congress Avenue (south of the river) is full of eclectic shops and interesting restaurants. The Driskell Hotel on San Jacinto and Sixth is said to be haunted and is a splendid place for dinner, drinks, and conversation. The Bullock Texas State History Museum has fascinating exhibits and videos. The nearby Blanton Museum on the University of Texas campus has rotating exhibits and is free on Thursdays. The Texas State Capitol overlooks the downtown. There are also boat rides on the lake, accessible on the south side of the river off Congress Avenue. People also gather for bat watching on Congress Avenue under the south side of the bridge at dusk.
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Austin
There are so many attractions and things to do in Austin, we could write a book! A good place to begin is in the downtown area around Lady Bird Lake (the Colorado River as it passes through town) with a running, walking, and bicycle trail along the lake. The downtown public library is an eye-opening and amazing place to visit. Zilker Park, Barton Springs natural pool, and the Austin Botanical Gardens are downtown as well. South Congress Avenue (south of the river) is full of eclectic shops and interesting restaurants. The Driskell Hotel on San Jacinto and Sixth is said to be haunted and is a splendid place for dinner, drinks, and conversation. The Bullock Texas State History Museum has fascinating exhibits and videos. The nearby Blanton Museum on the University of Texas campus has rotating exhibits and is free on Thursdays. The Texas State Capitol overlooks the downtown. There are also boat rides on the lake, accessible on the south side of the river off Congress Avenue. People also gather for bat watching on Congress Avenue under the south side of the bridge at dusk.
Shopping for Necessities
The H-E-B grocery chain is the largest in Texas. There are two stores near us. The Buda store is about one mile north on IH-35. Stay on the access road, cross the first light, and turn left at the second light onto Main Street. There is also a Walmart in the same vicinity. The newer and larger H-E-B is 3.5 miles south on IH-35 in Kyle. Take the 1626 S exit. There is also a Walmart in Kyle.
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H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdThe H-E-B grocery chain is the largest in Texas. There are two stores near us. The Buda store is about one mile north on IH-35. Stay on the access road, cross the first light, and turn left at the second light onto Main Street. There is also a Walmart in the same vicinity. The newer and larger H-E-B is 3.5 miles south on IH-35 in Kyle. Take the 1626 S exit. There is also a Walmart in Kyle.
This large shopping mall features all of the big retailers, from Walmart to Target, J.C. Penney, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Sam’s Warehouse, etc., plus dozens of eating establishments, eye centers, clothing stores, etc. The mall is 7.3 miles north of here at 9500 S IH-35, Austin. Take the Slaughter exit.
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Southpark Meadows
9500 S I-35 Frontage RdThis large shopping mall features all of the big retailers, from Walmart to Target, J.C. Penney, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Sam’s Warehouse, etc., plus dozens of eating establishments, eye centers, clothing stores, etc. The mall is 7.3 miles north of here at 9500 S IH-35, Austin. Take the Slaughter exit.
ER Healthcare
6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle. 512-504-5000. Head south on IH-35 and exit at FM 1626/Kyle Parkway.
Ascension Seton Hays
6001 Kyle Parkway6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle. 512-504-5000. Head south on IH-35 and exit at FM 1626/Kyle Parkway.
Vegetarian Options
These are restaurants highly recommended by ourselves and our guests for vegetarian options.
This is a wonderful restaurant with several available vegetarian options. Upscale, airy atmosphere in an interesting area of downtown Austin with nearby shops, including Trader Joe's.
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True Food Kitchen
222 West AvenueThis is a wonderful restaurant with several available vegetarian options. Upscale, airy atmosphere in an interesting area of downtown Austin with nearby shops, including Trader Joe's.
We've had guests give this restaurant high marks for their vegetarian/vegan menu.
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Counter Culture
2908 E Cesar Chavez StWe've had guests give this restaurant high marks for their vegetarian/vegan menu.