5 Best {Soups}
Warm your soul with a bowl
Words by Sam Lauron
On a crisp winter’s day, there’s nothing as comforting as a piping hot bowl of soup. Often featured as an appetizer or side dish, soup is more versatile than it may seem. With the right ingredients, the dish can span a variety of cuisines and styles from Mexican to French to Vietnamese. When the mood permits and the cool weather persists, reach for one of these five soups to warm you from the inside out.
Tortilla Soup
Vivo
Eastsiders mourned the day when Vivo shuttered their Manor Road location. But luckily, patrons can still enjoy Vivo’s modern Mexican cuisine at their location in The Linc shopping center. A longtime favorite at this establishment is the classic tortilla soup. Served in either a cup or hefty bowl, the brothy dish features generous servings of chicken, avocado slices, and Monterey jack cheese and is topped with tortilla strips.
6406 N IH 35, Ste. 2343 | vivoaustin.com
Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup
Gourmand’s
Cheese is a go-to ingredient found in most comfort foods, and the broccoli and cheese soup at Gourmand’s certainly fits the bill. The hearty version of this soup is made with creamy cheese that’s infused with Shiner Bock and served in a warm and flaky bread bowl: all of the makings of a meal that’s sure to hit the spot. Enjoy it alone or make it a carb party by adding one of their many sandwiches and a tall glass of beer to the table.
2316 Webberville Rd. | lovethysandwich.com
Pho
Pho Please
Nothing hits the spot on a chilly winter’s day quite like a big bowl of pho. Consisting of rice noodles, a protein, either chicken or beef broth, and garnished with ingredients like bean sprouts, onions, Thai basil, and lime, this Vietnamese dish is fragrant and flavorful. Eastsiders can satisfy their pho craving at Pho Please where the pho options include classics like chicken, brisket or shrimp, as well as combinations like seafood or rare steak.
1920 E. Riverside Dr. | phopleaseaustin.com
French Onion Soup
Justine’s Brasserie
Rich in flavor and classic in style, the French onion soup found at Justine’s is a must-try menu item. Order it as a starter to go along with the main dish of steak or Moules Frites, or pair with another popular appetizer, the escargot. Combined with the dark and romantic atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Parisian restaurant on a cold winter night.
4710 E. 5th St. | justines1937.com
Lagman Soup
Russian House
Explore the culinary offerings of Eastern Europe at Russian House, starting with the Lagman Soup. The hearty meat and pasta dish is filled with lamb and thick noodles, and is certainly enough to be considered a meal for one. Served with chopped cilantro and fresh minced garlic, an aromatic finish completes the warm meal.
307 E. 5th St. | russianhouseofaustin.com
