Austin, the vibrant Texan capital, is rapidly gaining recognition not just for its music and tech scene, but also as a burgeoning food destination. Renowned as the heartland of oak-smoked barbecue and the cherished home of Tex-Mex cuisine, Austin’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. With an ever-expanding array of restaurants and innovative food trucks, navigating the options can be overwhelming. This guide serves as your curated pathway to the most exceptional dining and drinking experiences Austin proudly presents.
Embracing Austin’s Unique Food Culture: More Than Just Tacos and BBQ
Austin’s motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” deeply resonates within its food culture. While the city’s mastery of Tex-Mex and barbecue is undisputed, it’s the spirit of culinary experimentation that truly defines Austin. Food trucks are a cornerstone of this innovation, acting as incubators for culinary concepts, testing dishes and gauging local palates before evolving into brick-and-mortar establishments. This dynamic environment, combined with a commitment to sourcing local ingredients despite Central Texas’ challenging climate, culminates in a distinctive Austin brand of food and drink that is both authentic and forward-thinking.
For a true taste of Austin’s iconic flavors, be sure to sample Franklin Barbecue’s melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the legendary migas tacos from Veracruz All Natural, the addictive cauliflower tater tots and signature queso at Better Half, the authentic gelato from Dolce Neve, and the uniquely Texan brisket kolaches from Kerlaches. These dishes offer a snapshot of the city’s culinary soul and are essential for any food enthusiast exploring Austin.
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Navigating Austin’s Food Scene: Eater Austin’s Essential Maps
Eater Austin provides a wealth of regularly updated maps to guide both locals and visitors through the city’s diverse culinary offerings. Whether you’re seeking the best brunch spots, cocktail bars, or coffee shops, or craving pizza, burgers, or patio dining, Eater’s maps are an invaluable resource. To streamline your culinary exploration, we’ve highlighted top recommendations from their most popular and essential maps:
Hottest Restaurants: Experience the evolution of Austin’s food scene at Lao’d Bar, a brick-and-mortar expansion of the popular Sekse Fud Ko food truck. Chef Bob Somsith’s Laotian cuisine shines with bold Southeast Asian flavors. Don’t miss the coconut escolar ceviche and the crispy fried rice dish, nam khao, for a truly memorable meal.
Essential Restaurants: For a taste of refined Texan cuisine with a seasonal focus, Foreign & Domestic in North Loop is a must-visit. This restaurant artfully blends New American techniques with Texan ingredients, offering dishes ranging from delicate black pepper gruyere popovers to hearty, perfectly cooked steaks.
Top Bars: For an intimate and expertly crafted cocktail experience, seek out Small Victory, a hidden gem downtown. Let the bartenders guide you to the perfect daiquiri or martini in this cozy, dimly lit space. For a taste of Chicago in Austin, Bar Gimmicks in North Austin offers a unique selection of Chicagoan cocktails and liqueurs, including the infamous Malört.
Barbecue Hotspots: Beyond the legendary Franklin Barbecue, Distant Relatives food truck is an award-winning destination for BBQ enthusiasts. Pitmaster Damien Brockway and his team delve into the African roots of smoked meats, offering a unique and historically rich barbecue experience.
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Breakfast Taco Havens: Veracruz All Natural remains the gold standard for breakfast tacos in Austin, offering a variety of egg-filled tortillas that are simply unmatched. Alternatively, El Primo taco truck on South First provides a no-frills, authentic taco experience. Both offer online ordering for added convenience.
Taco Paradises: Austin’s taco scene is incredibly diverse. Con Todo food truck in North Austin, located at Celis Brewery, stands out by focusing on Mexican cuisine inspired by the Rio Grande Valley, delivering exceptional and flavorful tacos.
Birria Taco Destinations: The birria taco trend continues to thrive in Austin. Sabor Tapatio, a South Congress food truck, is a top choice for quesabirria tacos, offering a rich and savory take on this popular dish.
Food Truck Adventures: Explore Austin’s extensive food truck scene beyond tacos. Dee Dee, a Thai food truck, is known for its spicy and authentic Thai flavors. Patrizi’s Italian food truck offers exquisite, fresh pasta dishes in a casual outdoor setting.
Margarita Masterpieces: The margarita is a staple in Austin’s drink scene. Workhorse Bar in North Loop is considered by many to serve the quintessential Austin margarita, perfectly balancing tequila, lime, and sweetness.
Beer Lover’s Trails: For beer aficionados, Live Oak Brewing, a long-established brewery in Del Valle, offers a sprawling space to enjoy their beers. Meanwhile Brewing in South Austin has quickly become another favorite beer destination, known for its diverse beer selection and welcoming atmosphere.
One Day Culinary Itineraries:
- Austin in a Day (Food & Drink): For visitors with limited time, Eater Austin provides a perfect 24-hour eating and drinking itinerary, maximizing your culinary experience.
- Taco-Focused Day in Austin: If tacos are your sole mission, there’s a dedicated guide to experiencing the best tacos Austin has to offer in just 24 hours.
- Austin Food Guide for Out-of-Towners: Eater Austin has curated maps and guides specifically for visitors, ensuring you hit the must-try spots and hidden gems.
Austin’s Food Neighborhoods: A District-by-District Guide
Austin’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and flavors. While often broadly divided into North, Central, and South Austin, exploring the specific neighborhoods reveals the true diversity of the city’s food culture.
East Side: Where Tradition Meets Trend
East Austin, located east of Highway 35, embodies Austin’s rapid evolution, blending historic establishments with a wave of new restaurants driven by gentrification. Cisco’s, a Tex-Mex institution steeped in political history, offers a nostalgic taste of old Austin with classic migas and biscuits. For coffee, Wright Bros. Brew & Brew on East Fifth is a standout café. Food trucks abound in this area, with Las Trancas on East Cesar Chavez being a top pick for authentic and affordable tacos, especially their offal options. For drinks, Daydreamer offers creative cocktails, while LoLo wine bar specializes in natural wines. Conclude your East Side exploration at the White Horse, a classic dive bar known for two-stepping and cheap beers.
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Hill Country Excursion: A Short Drive to Culinary Delights
Venturing into the Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin is highly recommended. This scenic region offers not only outdoor activities but also a rich culinary landscape, particularly along the Fitzhugh corridor. Beer lovers should make a pilgrimage to Jester King Brewery, with its expansive grounds, diverse beers, and even goats and bunnies. Nearby Fitzhugh Brewing and Revolution Spirits Distilling Co. add to the area’s beverage offerings. Abby Jane Bakery in Dripping Springs is a must-stop for exceptional pastries. Pieous offers fantastic Neapolitan pizzas, and Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in New Braunfels provides a charming riverside dining experience. Don’t forget to explore the burgeoning Texas Wine Country, proving that Texas wines are indeed noteworthy.
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South Lamar: Austin’s Laid-Back Culinary Heart
South Lamar Boulevard captures Austin’s relaxed vibe. Start your day at Patika with excellent lattes and pastries. Odd Duck is a dinner destination celebrated for its local ingredients and artisanal bread. Uchi offers surprisingly innovative sushi, especially during their sake social hour. Ramen Tatsu-ya provides comforting ramen in a lively setting, while Tiki Tatsu-ya next door offers a unique tiki-themed experience. Hopscotch wine bar is perfect for curated wines and small plates. Brown’s Bar-B-Que is an under-the-radar gem for smoked meats. For late-night cravings, P. Terry’s drive-thru serves up classic Austin burgers.
Downtown: City Center Dining and Drinks
Downtown Austin, constantly evolving with new developments, offers a mix of dining and drinking options catering to both locals and tourists. Houndstooth Coffee is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Arlo Grey at the Line Austin Hotel, helmed by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, is a must-try for foodies. Hidden within a parking garage, Small Victory offers expertly crafted cocktails away from the bustling Dirty Sixth Street. Cheer Up Charlie’s, an LGBTQ patio bar, is a vibrant spot for drinks and dancing.
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Cherrywood: Casual Eats and Local Favorites
For a more local and less tourist-centric experience, explore Cherrywood, northeast of downtown. Hoover’s is a Cherrywood institution for Southern comfort food like chicken fried steak. Patrizi’s trailer provides fresh pasta in a relaxed outdoor bar setting. Dai Due is a farm-to-table pioneer, offering exceptional cuisine and butchery classes. Este and Bar Toti, from the same team, offer fantastic Mexican seafood, with Bar Toti being the more casual bar option.
Austin Food Glossary: Decoding Local Terms
Bowl of Texas Red:
Authentic Texas chili, distinguished by the absence of beans.
Burnt Ends:
The flavorful, crispy bark from the fattiest part of brisket, a barbecue delicacy.
Chicken-Fried Steak:
A beef steak breaded and fried like chicken, typically served with creamy white-pepper gravy.
Kolache and Klobasniky:
Kolache is a sweet pastry often filled with cheese and fruit, while klobasniky is a savory pastry filled with meat.
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Migas:
A Tex-Mex breakfast staple consisting of scrambled eggs, fried tortilla strips, and cheese, often with added vegetables, served on a plate or in a taco.
Mexican Martini:
A margarita served in a martini glass, often with a distinctive olive brine addition.
Queso:
A creamy, often cheese dip, a Tex-Mex restaurant benchmark, typically served with tortilla chips.
Rambler:
A popular local sparkling water brand, a common non-alcoholic choice in Austin’s bars and restaurants.
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Austin Restaurants Requiring Advance Reservations
For a guaranteed dining experience at some of Austin’s most sought-after restaurants, reservations are highly recommended. Consider booking in advance at:
- Barley Swine
- Craft Omakase
- Dai Due
- DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
- El Naranjo
- Emmer & Rye
- Foreign & Domestic
- Hestia
- Jeffrey’s
- Kemuri Tatsu-ya
- L’Oca d’Oro
- Lenoir
- Odd Duck
- Otoko
- Suerte
- Tare
- Tiki Tatsu-ya
- Toshokan
- Tsuke Edomae
- Lutie’s
- Midnight Cowboy (drinks)
- Uchi
- Uchiko
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Stay Updated with Austin’s Food News
Eater Austin is your go-to source for the latest culinary happenings in the city, providing daily updates on restaurant openings, closings, and in-depth features. Stay informed through their website for the most current Austin food news.
Connect with Eater Austin
For any questions not covered in this guide, or to share tips, feedback, or simply connect, reach out to the Eater Austin team. Their contact information is available on their website.
