great idea, y. but what about chez nous? it's been ages since I went for lunch, but i can definitely vouch for their fixed price dinner (delicious, wonderous feast for $25, i think). only you MUST splurge for the profiteroles.

also, for not-so-downtown desserts, is it possible to beat the warm, perfect, succulent chocolate bread pudding at cafe caprice? i think not.

Ooo, good eateries in downtown. Is their anything better than Hoek's Pizza?

Here's what I'd add to a great list:

Katz's Deli -- 618 W 6th St, New York deli-style food. Best bagel & lox I've had in Texas, and they're 24 hours.

Mother Egan's Irish Pub -- 715 W 6th St, Awesome Irish pub. Reportedly started by a couple of former Fado's managers. In my opinion, the Irish coffee at Mother Egan's is far superior to Fado's... and the food's great, too!

I'll second Casino El Camino for their burgers. Simply outstanding, especially the Amarillo burger.

Frank and Angie's pizza -- 508 West Ave. Big pies. Get the Lugosi's Lament if you like garlic.

There's also Hut's Hamburgers, operated by the same people who run Frank & Angie's -- 807 W 6th St.

Las Manitas is closed from 4-6 as George and I learned the hard way today. But we popped across the street to Manuel's, and it was delicious. Our friendly waitress ("devo") also recommended a tasty and filling vegetarian option for us.

Has anyone tried Malaga on 4th Street?

I've been meaning to go there, but I haven't made it in. I like the idea of it, anyway.

Also try the new place behind the convention center, Moonshine, excellent food! The resteraunt inside the SFA hotel on Congress is very good, it's called the Roaring Fork. If you go and eat in the bar the food is super cheap.

malaga is pretty good, but not spectacular, although the seared tuna dish is very tasty and they have a nice selection of wines. it can get expensive for dinner (remember, tapas dishes are very small portions). BUT, malaga has a happy hour special from 6-7pm on weekdays. you get one tapas item (from a limited tapas happy hour menu) and a glass of wine for $6 which is an excellent deal, i think.

We ate at Manuel's for lunch today and it was delicious. Thanks for the tips about Malaga!

i haven't been to chez nous ever since the new chef took over. i thought the crepes were alright for the price. the other items i had weren't THAT great but seemed very expensive. i should go back to try again.

just say no to katz's deli. except for the $7 cheesecake milkshake.

i've only eaten at mother eagan's once. i had the fish and chips. i will never order their fish and chips again

hmm, not a fan of frank and angie's so much. the pizza is good but the pasta is a no no. they seem to always overcook and oversauce the pasta, and i'm not a huge fan of american pizza so you know, it's somewhat agonizing for me to eat there.

never been to moonshine, but it's next on my list!