Austin is full of small, out of the way places that we have grown to love. These aren't the big name restaurants that everyone already knows about or the restaurants in the warehouse district or downtown locations. In fact, two of them are in nondescript strip malls, and one is surrounded by giant safety cones. These places offer up good (and in the case of Tomo, great) food in locations away from the city center.

Tomo (Sushi)
Location: 4101 W Parmer Ln # E [map]
Phone: (512) 821-9472
Cost: Per Person Average $20-30
Atmosphere: Surprisingly sleek and upscale for a strip-center location. River rock sushi bar, subdued lighting, and rich fabrics appoint the small dining room. Small private lounge also available. Friendly (of the "insert Cheers reference here" variety), attentive service.
Food: The sushi at Tomo is among the best in the city. In a city like Austin, with several high-caliber sushi joints, Tomo keeps pace. The owner/head chef hails from a recent stint at Nobu Las Vegas, and some of his dishes from that restaurant find their way onto Tomo's menu (like the incredible Rock Shrimp Tempura and the almost-candied delicious Black Cod). Tomo has been open in Northwest Austin since March 2006 and has slowly built a clientèle of loyal after-work regulars and weekend adherents. The fish used at Tomo is top-notch; uber fresh. You'll find pricey bluefin toro and amberjack alongside more familiar offerings. With dishes named the Screaming Orgasm (seared ahi, radish, and orgasm sauce [better than it sounds]), Sushi Bomb (4 pieces of chef choice cuts, secret sauce and fresh wasabi), and Japanese Lasagna (baked crab, savory sauce, cream cheese), there's a bit of fun to be had as well. Hot and cold sake, Sapporo on draft, and several beer and wine selections complement. Worth the drive even for the southiest of southies.

Cypress Grill (American/Louisiana)
Location: 4404 West William Cannon, Suite L [map]
Phone: (512) 358-7474
Cost: Entrees $8-15
Atmosphere: Relaxed neighborhood bar and grill in a strip mall. Casual, with a climate-controlled patio. Full bar.
Food: Someone at Cypress Grill knows how to work a fryer. Most everything that you can get fried there is great. Tasty fish specials and other American fare round out this comfortable neighborhood joint. Oysters, crawfish, shrimp, catfish, chicken, it all comes out moist, hot, lightly breaded, and trans-fat free. In addition, the baked Orange Roughy stuffed with crab was light and delicious and the accompanying rice was addictive with Thanksgiving stuffing flavors. The roasted asparagus was perfectly cooked with great carmelization and just the right amount of snap. While we're admittedly not absolute aficionados, the Seafood Gumbo was decent but not spectacular. The Muffaletta is tasty and authentic, so close to the ones you find in New Orleans. Cypress has some great beers and a full bar, adding to the neighborhood feel of the place. If they keep up the satisfying comfort food and fresh fish dishes with a friendly attitude, we'll be willing to continue to make the hike south of 290 to get there. It's a great weeknight kind of place.

Habanero Mexican Cafe (Tex-Mex)
Location: 501 W Oltorf St [map]
Phone: (512) 416-0443
Cost: Entrees $5-8
Atmosphere: Small, bustling, old-school Tex-Mex feel with the menu painted on the wall.
Food: This isn't fine dining, and it's not meant to be. This is straight ahead Tex-Mex served by people who know how to do it. You'll almost always find this place packed, due to small quarters (its just a tiny house on Oltorf) and a fiercely local following. The beef fajitas are legendary (available as entree or a side to breakfast and lunch items), but on our recent trip, we partook of the Chori-migas (migas with chorizo) and a Carnitas taco (tender shredded pork accented with lime and pico de gallo). Both were satisfying and well-seasoned, and left us planning our next trip. At these prices, frequent return trips are no problem. The family that owns Habanero has had to reduce hours due to the construction going on in the area. They are only open for dinner Fridays and Saturdays currently. The rest of the week you can grab breakfast or lunch. Don't let all the orange cones scare you, The Ibarra family can still make you some of the best fajitas in town.

Photo by Shannon Kreiger.