Tarka Indian Kitchen

Clay Pit, Austin's downtown Indian restaurant, has a fabulous baby sister: Tarka Indian Kitchen. A smaller, fast-food, self-serve, and more casual environment attracts anyone from the hot-tolerant to the mild-tolerant. And since its opening, two weeks ago, the new eatery has drawn a crowd every night. 

The menu includes Indian classics such as kebabs, saag, tandoori chicken, biriyani, basmati rice, flaky naan, and (my favorite) crispy, buttery samosas. Yum. The drink selection--ranging from Limca, to Coca-Cola, to wine, and Indian beer--is limited, but suits the fast-casual setting.

Tarka's only downfall? Choosing which two or three menu items to limit yourself to. You'll want to order the entire menu. And the food is incredibly fresh, you won't believe it's fast! Hands down, it's some of the Austin's best (and most inexpensive) Indian food.

Location: 5207 Brodie Lane 
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. 
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.