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    Happy Panini

    4.8 (63 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Panini
    Zachary S.

    I feel that some of the best places in Hutto to eat had already hit their stride before I discovered them. Some of the best food within the small but mighty city limits had already built their names and figured out their keys to success. Happy Panini was originally a food truck before converting to a brick-and-mortar store at the very end of 2024. I lack the knowledge to talk about the original vision of Happy Panini or what the food truck version brought, but I have only three words to say about the B&M version: they understand the vision. Three words. I believe, contextually, that sandwiches fit into two categories: hot sandwiches and cold sandwiches. Both have different intentions and both require different playmakers. Experts in cold sandwiches may not be experts in the science behind hot sandwiches, and vice versa. I typically prefer each in their own sphere. Happy Panini sells exactly what you'd expect from their name: paninis. The location of Happy Panini is this beautiful old Hutto bank converted into their deli and decorated in such a welcoming way. The building has a classic charm with modern touches, really well done by Happy Panini. The owner of the restaurant is super inviting and friendly and seems well established within the Hutto community, making Happy Panini truly feel like a neighborhood sandwich shop and a place you want to support over the sandwich giants. A hot-pressed sandwich with fresh and compact ingredients makes a perfect lunch. I've ordered a few different sandwiches from Happy Panini and each one was A+. Some of my past choices include the Soprano, the Reuben, and the Chipotle Beef, and I could order any of those again and be happy. I feel like there's still plenty to try and explore, so no two visits have felt the same. The bread they use in their paninis is crispy and brings the whole sandwich together in a nice bow. Each time I've ordered a sandwich, it came with a secret sucker. Something they didn't need to do, but something I appreciate and that made me happy. Teehee. Each week, they have a special sandwich just for that week. I have yet to order one, but each option sounds fantastic and I question my ordering choices every time. I went back to Happy Panini earlier this week for lunch and realized they are now serving pasta as well. They might have always been serving pasta, but I missed it until now. Fast pasta is always a secret pleasure, and I'm glad to see Happy Panini diversify their bonds and try different things. I ordered Pasta & Pink Sauce (pink sauce being a secret favorite of mine) and added Italian sausage. I feel that the only letdown would have been not having it with their fantastic sourdough bread, but they include two slices of garlic sourdough to go with the pasta. They have really thought of everything. What's next for Happy Panini if not up? It's a fast and delicious restaurant located in the heart of Hutto, and it's a place I want to personally continue to see succeed and remain a hot spot, because, selfishly, they make one of my favorite lunches in the city.

    Happy sunshine panini
    Johnathan E.

    Wanted something new and local. This place hit the spot. The food was amazing and will for sure go back. We ordered to go and when we got home it was still fresh and hot.

    Mr. BIG Sandwich
    Matthew H.

    I took a short road trip north to Hutto to visit Happy Panini. The restaurant is located on the corner in a small downtown area and has both inside and outside seating. There are a lot of places that say they have a great Cuban ($9.00) sandwich. Sadly, many fail to execute the dish.  Happy Panini's version of this Caribbean classic is the perfect combination of ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The ingredients blended perfectly, held together by a sourdough pressed roll (panini), sourced locally from The New World Bakery in Kyle, Texas.  You will notice the juicy, tender pork when you take your first bite. I also appreciate when a Cuban is not smothered in mustard.  HP is not trying to hide their ingredients. Owner Chris Auditore says the sandwich  is one of his top sellers.  He also recommended trying Mr. BIG ($10.25) and Rocky's Roast Beef ($9.25). Following those recommendations, I also tried the Mr. BIG, which included roast beef, smoked ham, turkey, Genoa salami, and pepperoni with sharp cheddar and provolone cheeses, pickled jalapeños, and chili garlic mayo.  The five-meat behemoth was about 1 1/2 times the Cuban and was packed with flavor.  The mayo and jalapeños hit you after the first bite, but after your taste buds acclimate, all the wonderful meats and cheeses shine through. Happy Panini offers diners options for all their sandwiches.  You can get each selection on a wrap, chaffle, or in a bowl.  For those who dont know, a chaffle is a low-carb egg and cheese version of a waffle. Chris, along with his wife Gina, designed the menu with a nod to the great kitchens of Italy, using fresh ingredients put together in simple dishes.  That's why, in addition to great paninis, you will also find pastas on the menu and side dishes like Caprese ($6) and pasta salads ($2/$4).  They also have homemade milkshakes ($6) I am a sucker for a good pasta salad, and I had to try Happy's version. It had bacon, sweet peas, tri-colored peppers, green onions, and cheese.  Get the small to go along with your sandwich, or the large with half a sandwich, and take the half panini and leftover salad home for another meal. Excellent, well-run family business.  Head up 130 and give them a try. It's worth the trip!

    Lizzie B.

    7/10 yummy and a cute chill place. i got the turkey club, but i want to try the pasta too!

    Chicken Pesto Panini
    Rishi P.

    Wanted to try a food truck on my day off, this place was right near another truck off the main road. They have plenty of chairs if you wanted to sit and eat too. I ordered the panini and it wasn't quick so it was freshly cooked and pressed and not ready made which is great. Good quality amount of ingredients. There are plenty of options for meat and had a vegetarian option too. I wasn't a fan of chips but how can you have a sandwich without chips, I'd try the pasta salad next time. Friendly staff too!

    a potted plant with a happy face painted on it
    Haley Z.

    My absolute favorite and my most recommended Hutto food spot! I order from this local food truck at least once a month for lunch. I've tried nearly all of the menu by now, but my order now is typically the Hello Sunshine panni with the chips and house made yummy French onion dip. Toasted to perfection so that the garlic Parmesan mayo doesn't make the bread soggy. You really can't go wrong with any of the options, you'll get big flavors and feel satisfied! Each of the sandwiches are right around $10 and you get 2 large halves. As a big flavor person the great quality of ingredients they use and the always fresh taste brings me back again and again. The mini caprese salad side (only $4!) is my other go-to side bursting with flavor and refreshing. They typically have a board outside that has recent specials to try as well. The food truck occasionally moves location in downtown Hutto, but always close by East street and the food truck park. Currently they are off of main and 79 (easy to spot on 79 as well!). Each place they park they provide a few picnic tables to dine at or sit and wait for your to-go food. The staff is friendly and makes customers feel like they are happy to see them and really care about your food and experience. Once you order you receive a buzzer and within just a few minutes it buzzes and you can pick-up at the window and have an amazing meal.

    Chicken pesto
    Ken M.

    Great menu, quick service and good prices. Most importantly that chicken pesto sandwich tasted delicious.

    Big cheese sandwich with marinara dipping sauce, pasta salad
    Nicole J.

    Yummy sandwiches with huge portions. My favorite is the big cheese with a side of pasta salad. I don't know if it's legal for pasta salad to taste so good!

    Burned bread. Ruins the sandwich.
    Shelley E.

    Update: Sandwiches and service have really gone downhill since they relocated. Let me know if you want to sell the old, "inefficient" presses when you close.

    Turkey pesto chaffel
    Rhonda M.

    I ordered the Turkey Pesto Chaffel and have to say, it was delicious. The happy panini sits in a little food truck park and rivals any of the best sandwiches in Austin. First of all, the service was friendly and fast, I ordered online and skipped the crowd at the window, which was awesome. When I opened the bag to get the panini in all of its glory, it basically bust itself out of the box to reveal its huge, turkey stuffed deliciousness. It was so big, I shared half with the hubby, even though I would have liked to eat it all. Also, order the chips and onion dip. Yum.

    Happy National Panini Day! Enjoying The Carmine

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    Gina A.

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    4 years ago

    Hidden gem in Hutto. Fantastic sandwiches, quality ingredients. If you need lunch I highly recommend them.

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    4 years ago

    Their food is SO good! 'The big cheese' was life changing. Absolutely love this place!

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    3 years ago

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    Tried Happy Panini for the first time when they came to Star Ranch neighborhood and loved it! Awesome food and very friendly staff!!!

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    5 years ago

    The turkey panini was the best I've had! The two people running it are fantastic! Can't wait to go back!

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    6 years ago

    Got the Hello Sunshine. Great sandwich. Loved the pickles and garlic Mayo. Will definitely be a go to spot for lunch.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Happy Panini

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    Bella Sicilia Pizzeria

    Bella Sicilia Pizzeria

    4.8(39 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    First off this place is awesome and cozy! It is very welcoming! I have seen the reviews about this…read moreplace. I decided to give it a try tonight with my family. When you walk in you can scan the QR code and order from the table. Or they will bring you a menu to your table. Then once you have figured out what you want, you then will walk up to the register to order. Personally, I ordered the old fashioned way. Next time I come I will order the new way with the QR code. The pizza here is really fresh and delicious. It's definitely not your average pizza from the competitors. I don't even believe that they can match the quality of the pizza here. My first observation was the crust and how it wasn't greasy. It was smooth and freshly hot from the oven. All the ingredients were fresh and quite honestly I didn't feel bloated after eating. I also had a house salad with ranch prior and it was delicious as well. There are no fountain drinks available here. So if you need an extra drink I would recommend ordering extra drinks. They also don't have ice or cups available so it is best to wait for your drinks when your food is ready. Overall, I am really impressed with the delicious pizza and the prompt service they provided with just two people. They seemed very happy to provide everyone with equal service whether in person or if were picking up an online order. I highly recommend trying this place out if you are reading my review.

    if you like sicilian food, i think you'll love bella sicilia. two years ago, i visited sicily for a…read morestudy abroad program. i fell in love with the region, and i miss sicilian cuisine so much. specifically? the arancini. fried rice with meat and cheese... small, yes, but so intensely flavorful! the arancini at bella sicilia are very similar to those in sicily. it is authentic, delicious, and made with love. also, this is a typical sicilian restaurant: the people are so great and hospitable. the pizza is fantastic (i like the diavola), the arancini are traditional, and service is fast and good. i've never spoken italian in texas because i don't know any italians-- but now i can! thank you for letting me practice and i can't wait to come back! -- si ti piace il cibo siciliano, penso che ti piacerà bella sicilia. due anni fa, ho visitato sicilia per una programma della università. mi sono inamorata con la regione, e mi manca tantissimo il cibo siciliano. specificamente? gli arancini. riso fritto con carne e formaggio... piccolo, si, però intenso con gusto! gli arancini a bella sicilia sono tanti simili a quelli di sicilia. c'è autentico, delizioso, e fatto con amore. allora, questo è un ristorante tipico della sicilia: le persone a bella sicilia sono molto belle anche ospitale. la pizza è fantastica (mi piace "diavola"), gli arancini sono tradizionali, e servici è veloce e bello. non mai parlo italiano in texas perché non conosco nessuno italiano-- ma ora, io posso. grazie mille per avermi lasciato practicare!!! a ci vediamo presto per più arancini!!!

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    Inside

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    Anthony's Pizza

    Anthony's Pizza

    4.5(188 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    This was a very difficult reviews because it involves the food and inappropriate staff…read more It did smell very inviting from the parking lot so wanted to give it a try. It's a local mom and pop establishment from looking from the outside, but was confirmed clearly it was from staff. Not sure where I want to begin. I'll start with the food. I got the lunch special. 1 slice, 3 knots and a drink. They were "short stocked" on drinks so only had 3 choices. Beverage was in a bottle and was not cold. I was told they had no ice either. I got the mushroom and spinach slice. The toppings and sauce were very good however the crust was black and burnt on the bottom so I just picked off the toppings. The same with the garlic knots too. You can see in the photo too. The marinara dipping sauce was cold and was told they do not do warm dipping sauce. I do believe if the pizza and the knots were not burnt, they would have been enjoyable. I am not sure if management reads this but your staff does like you very much. However, you might want to let them know discussing other employees and past employees love lives, jail records, arrest records, making fun of someone's disabilities is not ok in the workplace let alone with customers in the restaurant. I learned wayyyyy too much about the "person" that just got fired and their age and why they were arrested and closing up your restaurant an hour early. I felt extremely uncomfortable having to listen to this!

    Former New Yorker, hadn't a New York slice in a long time. Walked in and ordered one simple cheese…read moreslice to go. Ate it on the road like a typical New Yorker. Could not believe how good it was! The crust was thin and crisp, and the oil dripping from the bottom. And was told by someone on staff that the water comes from NY, and the recipe has not changed since before the mayor of Hutto took over the business. As I drove home, I struggled to save a piece for my wife to try, but I succeeded. And she was also pleasantly surprised. However, given that she was just in NYC a few days ago, she said it's not as good as the one she tried out there, but if she hadn't tried a slice in NYC recently, she would've said that this one is very good and reminiscent of NYC pizza. This is the first time we come really close. Prior to Anthony's Pizza, we tried Russo's in StoneHill, but this one is much better. Will definitely go back for more, with the family, either to go or eat-in. My only complaint is the price for one simple cheese slice is $4.00 + tax. A legit NYC slice in New York is not selling for $4.00, probably $2.50, but $4.00 is over the top. But if the water truly comes from NY, maybe I could be reasonable. Staff was friendly and informative. The place looked neat and clean.

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    Great Service, even better pizza!

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    Large pepperoni

    Pete’s Cajun Seafood - Fries

    Pete’s Cajun Seafood

    4.7(43 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I really appreciate that this is one of the few Hutto food trucks that have really stuck it out and…read moreare regularly open at convenient times and on their posted hours. The seasonings are the star of the show here, and on the seafood plates you can choose your spice level. The seafood is perfectly cooked, never dried out or rubbery. We ordered the Petite shrimp plate with the Cajun lemon pepper, which was amazing. We also got the fish and fries fried plate and the New Orleans Po' Boys sandwich.They are usually part of the Hutto food truck park, but are now parked off Main Street and you can see them off 79. They still have plenty of seating in this location that they currently share with Happy Panini and cute twinkle lights. They're fast and efficient with getting you your items and I have had friendly service the 2 times I've ordered from them. Portion size is really good for the flavor, quality of the cook and price you're paying. I did see a worker take a break to smoke which concerned me at first, but when receiving my food noticed they had gloves on. Still definitely plan on going to come back to try more of the menu!

    What can I say really??? The food was ok at best. The service was nice and courteous. Portions…read morecould be a little more for the prices. The flavor was there but tasted like something is missing. If you're in a rush and don't want to wait in line Pete's would be fine.

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    Hippo Cafe - Veggie burrito

    Hippo Cafe

    3.4(309 reviews)
    0.2 mi
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    Sometimes you go to a place and feel like you have been asleep your whole life, and today you just…read morewoke up. That is what it felt like to visit Hippo Cafe for the first time. I have heard high praise from locals, and at the end of the day, nothing beats a city's local diner. It is one of those places that closes by 3 pm every day and feels perfect for brunch after a Sunday church service. I came in a little after 11 am with the man who is basically the face of Hutto at his request. He has lived in Hutto for years and has countless stories of the city to share. We sat as he shared stories with my co worker and me about the history of the city. He is a wonderful man, and if he thinks Hippo Cafe is a must visit, DAMMIT, it is a must visit. The place feels ripped straight out of the 80s with artwork of musicians including Elvis and Willie Nelson, along with Alf, ET, and Gizmo. It is definitely dated, but in the best way. Looking at the menu, they have everything you would expect a diner to have. Everything is decently priced and affordable. I ordered two breakfast tacos and a tea. One was bacon, egg, and cheese. The other was chorizo, egg, and cheese. They were not winning any awards, but my god they were like an omelet on a tortilla. They were filled with eggs. With a little picante sauce, they were great and felt like a classic diner meal. The service is great. Our lady was attentive and very friendly to us. That seems to be the vibe here. There's a lot of 1 stars here, but trust the guy with the Yelp Elite badge and the essay of a review, it's not a 1 star establishment. It's more. This place feels historic and gets plenty of love from regulars in the city. You know what you are getting into when you visit, but what does that really mean? You are getting old town love. A classic meal. A feeling like you have been standing your whole life and you just sat down. That is Hippo Cafe. RIYL: Your classic cafe or painting of 80s icons (Alf)

    It was a pleasant environment but the visit was chaotic from start to finish. We were sat at the…read morecounter and our server came to the counter and was not prepared. He was inexperienced and we witnessed frustration from other servers that he was asking basic questions to. He asked what we wanted with no tablet or paper to write it down. Once we did order, with an experienced server stepping, the food was not good. I asked for scrambled eggs, came out like an omelet and with a burnt oil taste. The hash browns had no flavor and were almost burnt on top and undercooked below. The bacon was edible. The only saving grace was the biscuit. Fluffy and amazing, the sausage gravy was not good. The other dish was the same. When he gave us the ticket, saw the food still on both plates, he didn't even ask how it was. May try again, but definitely not for breakfast

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    54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse

    54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse

    3.3(361 reviews)
    5.6 mi
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    Family-owned & operated
    Gluten-free friendly

    I have visited this 54th St. Restaurant several times and one of the things that stands out is that…read moreall of the servers are very attentive, friendly and helpful. I also like the layout of this 54th St. because the dining space is spread out and separate from the bar area but there is a lot of bar space as well depending on what you are looking for. This is a newer restaurant so the design and decore is more of a modern elegant look. I like the fact that you can order off of the happy hour menu in the bar or dining area and they have a lot to offer on their happy hour menu, including drinks and appetizers. At the time I visited, they offered a separate menu that allows you to pair up with another diner at your table to order a combination of select meals, appetizers, drinks, and desserts for a really good combination price. We chose a combination that gave us each an alcoholic beverage, a shared appetizer, and two entrées. We shared the gringo dip and chips and for my entrée I had the chicken bucatini. It was a delicious blackened chicken and pasta in an alfredo sauce and it was delicious. My daughter had a soup and sandwich combo. That was a very generous portion for the price point as well. There are definitely deals to be had but more importantly, I found the food and service to be spot on and it didn't break the bank.

    I've been here a few times, and each visit has been consistently good -- the food is always just as…read moreexpected. We came in on a Saturday afternoon with a group of three and had no wait at all, which was a nice bonus. I'd say this place is a step above your typical neighborhood Applebee's or Chili's, so it's a little pricier than those spots -- but you can taste the difference. For an appetizer, we ordered the chips with Gringo Dip, which is one of my favorites. I usually go with the Rattlesnake Pasta (it has a nice little kick to it), but this time I tried the Gyro Pita with fries. The portions were generous, and the gyro was delicious and very filling. I'm personally not a big fan of lettuce in my gyro, but it didn't take away from the overall flavor.

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    Happy Panini - sandwiches - Updated May 2026

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