Il Brutto

"The Deal: Half off off all cocktails, beer, and wine Il Brutto on East Sixth serves simple Italian food in a space that works for everything from a double date to a birthday dinner (and there’s even a very nice patio shaded by an enormous oak tree). Another draw here is half off all drinks during Happy Hour." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"This Italian spot offers excellent people-watching from its large shaded patio, though there are tables and ample bar seating inside, as well. Savor pasta dishes like wide pappardelle with lamb ragu, creamy burrata, or heartier secondi, and there is an abbreviated menu available to-go. Don’t miss dessert and limoncello to cap off the night." - Erin Russell

"The restaurant in the hubbub of East Sixth boasts a large shady patio for people-watching plus the occasional live music, and super-fresh handmade pasta. The lamb ragu pappardelle is a great order (even to-go), or snack on charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas over cocktails. Don’t miss creative decadent desserts like the ricotta semifreddo. Dine indoors only if you have to because the patio is killer." - Erin Russell

"Share lasagne and pizza family-style (or go for a custom menu) at this East Austin Italian spot. The several configurations — bar/lounge, private dining room, patio, and entire restaurant — come with cocktail and food setups" - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury

"When you and your date can’t decide between pizza and pasta, but still want an excuse to dress up and eat in a sleek, dark dining room on the East Side, head to Il Brutto. The wide-ranging menu covers a wide range of Italian classics—from crudos and crostinis to house-made pastas and confited tenderloins—and it covers them all pretty well. But if you want to hit Il Brutto where it’s strongest, stick to just about anything off the antipasti or the pasta sides of the menu. Even better, show up during Happy Hour and you can grab an excellent olive fat-washed martini—or just about anything off the drink menu—for half price.  " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion