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.

NORTH AUSTIN. At lunch time, this stylish café bustles with professionals from the nearby medical complex, but at night the place becomes an upscale neighborhood bistro. The talented chef prepares an inventive menu of internationally inspired dishes, like Caribbean jerk snapper with fried plantains, pepper-crusted sea bass on soba noodles with ginger-cilantro sauce, and chicken picatta on saffron rice. You'll also find Tuscan-style thin-crust pizzas with toppings like venison sausage, BBQ chicken, Stilton cheese, and fresh seasonal veggies.

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.

NORTH AUSTIN. At this charming, old-style restaurant, the personable owner makes frequent rounds of the dining room, chatting with guests, serving steaming plates of northern Italian food, and generally creating a memorable atmosphere. Outstanding main courses include Gamberi Bocelli (shrimp and crab wrapped in prosciutto and served with a white wine sauce), Vitello Sorrentina (veal with prosciutto, eggplant, fontina, and a touch of tomato sauce), and Pollo Con Asparagi (chicken topped with fresh tomato, asparagus, and fontina). A multi-course chef's menu is available.

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!