Austin, Texas isn’t just the Live Music Capital of the World; it’s a vibrant hub of culinary innovation where tradition meets modern flair. As a passionate explorer of global cultures and cuisines, I’ve found few cities capture the essence of local identity through food quite like Austin. From smoky BBQ pits to hidden taco trucks and innovative fusion spots, navigating the city’s diverse edible landscape can be an adventure in itself.
If you’re seeking the Best Food In Austin, prepare for a journey that tantalizes the taste buds and tells the story of this unique city. Understanding what to eat in austin texas is key to experiencing its soul.
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My approach to finding the best eats always prioritizes authentic experiences and places loved by locals, often found off the beaten path or in casual settings. While Austin certainly boasts fine dining, the true heart of its food scene lies in its bustling food trucks, legendary BBQ joints, and neighborhood Tex-Mex cafes. Join me as we explore some of the standout spots that define the best food in Austin.
Bird Bird Biscuit
Must-Try Dishes: Bird Bird Bacon, Biscuits and Gravy, Queen Beak, Plain ol’ Biscuits
This tiny biscuit factory northeast of downtown Austin has made a big name for itself with some of the most incredible breakfast sandwiches you’ll ever encounter. It’s the kind of place that makes you consider moving to a city just for easy access to their menu. Despite a simple approach, Bird Bird Biscuit has mastered the art of the biscuit sandwich, offering pure comfort and flavor in every bite. Their recent additions like the spicy Firebird show they aren’t resting on their laurels. It’s a true Austin gem that highlights how simple ingredients, expertly prepared, can create truly memorable food experiences.
Paprika
Must-Try Dishes: Suadero, Carnitas, Bistec Tacos or Anything on the Menu
Hidden away on North Lamar, this unassuming red food truck serves tacos that are nothing short of revelatory. Paprika exemplifies the magic of Austin’s food truck scene – delivering intense flavor and quality from a compact space. The owner’s passion is evident in every taco. On Saturdays, if you’re lucky, you might catch them firing up the trompo for authentic al pastor, a must-try experience showcasing traditional Mexican cooking techniques right here in Texas.
As the owner rightly advises, “no se duerman” – don’t sleep on these tacos! A quick check of their Instagram before you go is always wise, as their popularity means they can sell out. This spot firmly belongs on any list of the best food in Austin for its dedication to taco perfection.
Culinary Dropout
Must-Try Dishes: Turkey Pastrami, Pierogis, Chopped Chicken Salad, Roasted Salmon, Steak Frites
Located in the bustling Domain area of North Austin, Culinary Dropout offers a fantastic atmosphere alongside its diverse menu. With a spacious outdoor patio, fire pits, and a lively indoor/outdoor bar, it’s an ideal spot to relax and refuel. While perhaps less steeped in specific Austin history than some other spots, its consistent quality and enjoyable setting make it a reliable choice. It’s a place where you can confidently try something new on each visit and be delighted, offering a varied culinary experience beyond the typical Austin staples. If you are exploring the area and looking for places to visit in austin, this restaurant is a great option.
Discada
Must-Try Dishes: Taquitos (Their Signature Dish)
Discada offers perhaps one of the most unique taco experiences in East Austin, focusing on a single, perfectly executed dish. The name and cooking style come from traditional Mexican cowboys who would cook meats over a fire in a repurposed plow disc. This method, cooking marinated beef, pork, bell peppers, and onions low and slow for hours, imparts an incredibly rich and unique flavor. Topped with onion, cilantro, and pineapple, served with salsa and lime, their taquitos discada are unbelievably tasty and showcase how historical cooking methods can create compelling modern food. It’s a specialized but essential stop on any Austin food tour.
La Tunita 512
Must-Try Dishes: Birria Tacos, Quesotacos, and Consomé
Widely acclaimed as serving some of the best birria tacos in Austin, La Tunita 512 is a must-visit for anyone craving this flavorful, tender stewed meat. The dedication to quality is apparent in the depth of flavor in the meat and the perfect toast on their cheese-laden quesotacos. The story of discovering such a fantastic spot right under your nose, even after living nearby, adds to its charm as a true hidden gem that has rightly gained popularity. Their potential to sell out later in the day is a testament to their quality, reinforcing the need to arrive early.
Nervous Charlie’s
Must-Try Dishes: Any Breakfast Sandwich on Bagels
Named after a King Charles Cavalier, this spot offers more than just a cute namesake – they deliver some of the best bagels and bagel sandwiches you’ll find in Austin. Located conveniently close to Paprika, Nervous Charlie’s provides a fantastic option for breakfast or a casual bite. Their commitment to quality bagels makes any sandwich a winner, proving that this New York staple has found a thriving home in the heart of Texas.
KC Donuts
Must-Try Dishes: Texas-Sized Donut Holes and the Glazed Old Fashioned
KC Donuts proves that sometimes, bigger is better, especially when it comes to their legendary Texas-sized donut holes. These are exceptionally good, managing to be amazing whether fresh out of the fryer or enjoyed later. It’s a simple concept perfected – light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. While the giant size is a novelty, the quality of their standard glazed and old-fashioned donuts, plus the generosity of occasionally throwing in bonus items, solidifies KC Donuts as a beloved local spot for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Round Rock Donuts
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Glazed Donuts
Located slightly north of Austin in Round Rock, this donut shop is famous throughout Texas, particularly for its massive “Texas-sized” donut. While the giant one is great for photos, the true star is their classic glazed donut with its distinctive orange hue. These donuts are the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The fact that they are consistently churning out hot, fresh batches throughout the day, even later than most donut shops, speaks volumes about their dedication to quality and freshness. It’s worth the short drive for this iconic Texas experience.
Il Saporis
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliatelle ala Vodka, Ravioli, Gnocchi Bolognese, Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs
Believe it or not, some of the best Italian food in Austin comes from a food trailer. Il Saporis in South Austin is whipping up fresh pasta dishes that rival those found in traditional restaurants. This spot highlights Austin’s ability to deliver incredible food in unconventional settings. Their vodka sauce, made with Austin-based Tito’s vodka, is a standout, perfectly blending classic Italian technique with local flavor. The dedication to making fresh pasta daily makes this trailer a surprisingly authentic and delightful Italian experience. Don’t make the mistake of misreading the name – it’s Il Saporis, as in “The”.
Juliet Italian Kitchen
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna and Pizza
If you find yourself exploring the Barton Springs or Zilker Park area in South Austin, Juliet Italian Kitchen is a reliable choice. It offers a lovely patio perfect for enjoying drinks and antipasti, or you can settle in for hearty Italian classics like their excellent lasagna and pizza. With a second location now open in the Arboretum, Juliet provides quality Italian dining in different parts of the city, catering to diverse needs from a casual drink to a filling meal. It’s a comfortable spot offering classic Italian comfort food. To make the most of your time in texas, planning a visit to Juliet after exploring nearby parks could be ideal.
Veracruz All Natural
Must-Try Dishes: Migas Taco, El Sancho, El Tradicional
Veracruz All Natural is synonymous with breakfast tacos in Austin, largely thanks to their famously delicious migas taco. Its popularity is so widespread it has inspired copycat recipes! Beyond the migas, Veracruz excels in delivering fresh, flavorful tacos with high-quality ingredients. It’s also a fantastic option if you need a break from the rich meat-heavy options like BBQ, offering numerous vegetarian and vegan choices. With multiple locations scattered throughout Austin, finding a Veracruz trailer or brick-and-mortar is usually convenient, making it an accessible must-try for anyone exploring the best food in Austin.
Sawyer & Co.
Must-Try Dishes: Boudin Balls, Blackened Catfish Orleans, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Biscuits and Gravy, Breakfast Burritos
For a taste of Cajun and Southern comfort food in East Austin, Sawyer & Co. is the place to go. This spot brings a different regional flavor profile to Austin’s diverse food scene. The diner ambiance adds to the charm, creating a relaxed setting for enjoying their extensive menu. You truly can’t go wrong with any order, from their boudin balls to classic dishes like jambalaya. Their nod to the historical Arkie’s Grill, a diner that served the area for over 60 years, adds a layer of historical appreciation to the dining experience.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Must-Try Dishes: Barbacoa Enchiladas, Barbacoa Stackers, Guacamole, Brookie Pie, Zucchini French Toast (weekend brunch)
Jack Allen’s Kitchen is a consistently excellent “farm-to-table” spot that feels quintessentially Austin. It’s a popular choice for locals and ideal for bringing visitors to showcase Texas flavors with a fresh, modern approach. The barbacoa dishes, in particular, are standouts, demonstrating how this traditional Texas meat can be incorporated into diverse and delicious formats like enchiladas and stackers. Their appetizers are also exceptional, making it easy to enjoy a casual visit just for drinks and snacks. The weekend brunch is highly recommended, offering unique dishes that reflect their commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Must-Try Dishes: Brisket, Pulled Pork, or Mesquite Smoked Pulled Chicken Tacos
Valentina’s brilliantly marries two Texas culinary pillars: BBQ and Tex-Mex. This fusion results in some of the most compelling tacos you’ll find. The quality of their smoked meats – brisket, pulled pork, and chicken – is top-notch, providing a perfect base for their Tex-Mex creations. While the “Real Deal Holyfield” breakfast taco is famous, even a simple bean and cheese taco is elevated by adding their flavorful pulled pork.
Beyond tacos, their BBQ sandwiches and occasional burger specials, announced on Instagram, are worth seeking out. Though they are moving to a permanent spot south of Austin in Buda, their impact on the Austin food scene, particularly in defining this unique Tex-Mex BBQ style, makes them essential when discussing the best food in Austin. Discovering Texas’ diverse food landscape is one of the great texas tourist attractions.
Franklin BBQ
Must-Try Dishes: Sliced Brisket
No discussion of the best food in Austin, or even Texas BBQ, is complete without mentioning Franklin BBQ. This legendary spot is famous for its hours-long lines, a testament to the quality of its brisket, widely considered among the best in the world. The dedication to the craft – staying up all night stoking fires, cooking “low and slow” – reflects the deep-rooted tradition of Texas BBQ. While the line is part of the experience (or perhaps a barrier), the option for pre-orders implemented since 2020 makes experiencing this world-class brisket more accessible. Its appearance in the film Chef further cemented its place in culinary pop culture. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an Austin institution.
Loro
Must-Try Dishes: Smoked Meats (especially Brisket), Crispy Potatoes, Crunchy Sweet Corn Fritters
Loro represents an exciting collaboration between Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ and Tyson Cole of Uchi (a renowned Austin sushi spot), resulting in a unique Asian smokehouse concept. This fusion spot feels inherently Austin, with its casual, order-at-the-bar setup and inviting outdoor space. As expected with Franklin’s involvement, the smoked meats, particularly the brisket, are outstanding. However, Loro shines just as brightly with its innovative snacks like the crispy potatoes with miso mustard and corn fritters. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxed evening enjoying high-quality, creative food that blends different culinary traditions.
Eldorado Cafe
Must-Try Dishes: Enchiladas (especially Dart Bowl and Enchiladas con Carne), Salsa Sampler (Salsa X)
A favorite lunch spot in North Austin, Eldorado Cafe offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and consistently delicious Tex-Mex. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, highlighting its popularity. The salsa sampler is a must for first-timers, providing a taste of their fantastic house-made sauces, with Salsa X often stealing the show. Their “platos fuertes” like carnitas cubanos and carne guisada are excellent, accompanied by great sides like butternut squash hash or classic refried beans and rice. The enchiladas, particularly the Dart Bowl and Enchiladas con Carne, stand out as some of the best Tex-Mex representations of the best food in Austin.
Chuy’s Tex Mex
Must-Try Dishes: Fajita Chicken Big as Yo’ Face Burrito or Fajitas, Jalapeño Ranch, Bang Bang Sauce
Originating right here in Austin, Chuy’s Tex Mex is a beloved institution that has successfully expanded while maintaining its core appeal. While it’s now a chain, the quality of their in-house tortillas, fresh salsa, and crispy chips remains consistently high. Their Shiner-marinated fajita chicken is a go-to, whether enjoyed as classic fajitas or stuffed into their famous queso-smothered “Big as Yo’ Face” burrito. Don’t miss their unique sauces like the creamy jalapeño ranch or the spicy bang bang sauce. Chuy’s offers a fun, lively atmosphere and reliable Tex-Mex comfort food that embodies a certain era of Austin’s culinary growth.
Lupe Tortilla
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Fajitas
Lupe Tortilla might not immediately grab you with its extensive Tex-Mex menu, but its beef fajitas are a notable exception. Often, skirt steak can be tough, but Lupe Tortilla has mastered the technique to make theirs incredibly tender and flavorful. This dedication to perfecting a single dish elevates their offering significantly. Their commitment is such that it inspired a deep dive into achieving that perfect tender steak at home.
As a bonus, they serve charro beans alongside chips and salsa, a welcome change from the standard refried beans. It’s a place to go specifically for arguably the best beef fajitas in the area. If you are looking for things to do alone in austin, enjoying a plate of these world-class fajitas makes for a satisfying solo culinary adventure.
Leroy & Lewis
Must-Try Dishes: Barbacoa, Beef Cheeks, Burgers, Frito Chili Pie side
Leroy and Lewis BBQ operates from a food truck with its smoker, serving up innovative and exceptionally tasty smoked meats. They aren’t afraid to feature less common cuts like beef cheeks alongside classics like barbacoa, showcasing expertise and creativity. Adding Frito chili pie as a side dish perfectly captures a certain level of delicious indulgence. Located at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, the setting enhances the experience, allowing you to enjoy your BBQ outdoors in a cool, communal space that often features other food trucks and activities.
Terry Black’s BBQ
Must-Try Dishes: Brisket, Pork Ribs, Jalapeño Sausage, Cornbread, Mac and Cheese, Corn
Terry Black’s BBQ carries the legacy of the famous Lockhart BBQ scene into Austin and consistently appears on lists of the city’s best BBQ. Their brisket is phenomenal, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other top contenders like Franklin and Valentina’s. However, their pork ribs and sausages are equally deserving of praise. Where Terry Black’s truly distinguishes itself is in its side dishes – the cornbread is a must-order, and the mac and cheese, creamed corn, and potato salad are some of the best you’ll find at any BBQ joint. Don’t forget to save room for their banana pudding.
Stiles Switch BBQ
Must-Try Dishes: Brisket, Daily Specials (like Brisket Enchiladas)
Stiles Switch BBQ offers consistently high-quality brisket across its locations. The original spot on North Lamar has the added charm of being in the Violet Crown shopping center, a location recognizable from the movie Dazed and Confused, offering a touch of nostalgic Austin history with your meal. Keeping an eye on their Instagram for daily specials, like their amazing brisket enchiladas or smoked hatch green chile burgers, is highly recommended. Its proximity to other great food spots like Paprika makes it a perfect anchor for a multi-stop culinary adventure.
Torchy’s Tacos
Must-Try Dishes: Brushfire, Wrangler, Crossroads Tacos, Hillbilly Queso, Street Corn
What started as a single food trailer in Austin has blossomed into a widely popular chain, but Torchy’s Tacos remains an essential part of the Austin food story. They offer creative and delicious tacos with clever names, alongside addictive queso and street corn. While their “Taco of the Month” keeps things interesting, signature items like the spicy Brushfire are consistently fantastic. Torchy’s embodies the accessible, creative spirit of Austin’s culinary scene, making great tacos available all over town. Plus, their dog-friendly patios make them a great option if you’re exploring the city with a furry friend.
Tiny Pies
Must-Try Dishes: Anything and Everything!
Right down the road from another popular Austin sweet spot, Tiny Pies offers adorable and delicious individual-sized pies. They feature classic fruit fillings alongside seasonal options, providing a comforting and nostalgic treat. Their breakfast pies offer a savory twist, creating a perfect balance to the sweeter offerings. This shop focuses on quality and detail, delivering tiny packages of big flavor. It’s a delightful stop for dessert or a unique snack.
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
Must-Try Dishes: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Despite having an aesthetic that might suggest it’s more about looks than substance, Tiny’s Milk & Cookies defies expectations with genuinely outstanding chocolate chip cookies. They achieve that rare balance of being large yet perfectly soft and gooey. While other items like their ice cream and pastries are good, the chocolate chip cookies are the undeniable star and are absolutely worth seeking out. Part of the Tiny Boxwoods family, this spot offers a focused indulgence. It’s a testament to perfecting a classic treat. Fortunately for those outside Austin, they even offer nationwide shipping for their cookie dough.
The Peached Tortilla
Must-Try Dishes: Dan Dan Noodles, Japajam Burger
Another success story starting as a food truck, The Peached Tortilla masterfully executes “Asian fusion street food with a Southern twist.” This concept sounds complex but results in incredibly unique and flavorful dishes. The Japajam Burger, with its inventive toppings like tomato jam and tempura onion strings, is a strong contender for one of the best burgers in Austin. Their Dan Dan Noodles are equally impressive, showcasing a skillful blend of spicy Asian flavors with a comforting base. Their dedication to innovative fusion highlights the adventurous spirit of the best food in Austin’s culinary scene. Exploring Austin’s food is among the most delicious texas tourist attractions you can experience.
Sammataro Pizza
Must-Try Dishes: Pizza (Any Topping)
Sammataro focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: New York-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Their menu is straightforward, allowing the quality of the ingredients and the craft to shine. With dough fermented for 48-72 hours using local flour and a team combining Brooklyn and Austin pizza expertise, they achieve a crust and flavor profile that is truly remarkable. Whether you opt for a classic pepperoni or their elusive white pie, you’re likely to agree that Sammataro serves some of the best pizza you’ll find in Austin.
Buddy’s Burger
Must-Try Dishes: Burgers, Oreo Milkshakes
If you appreciate the simplicity and quality of classic smash burgers done right, Buddy’s Burger is a must-visit. They use fresh, never-frozen Angus beef to create perfect 3-ounce patties, served with crispy fries and hand-spun milkshakes. Their milkshakes, particularly the Oreo, are exceptionally good, featuring subtle hints of Mexican vanilla and cinnamon that elevate them beyond the norm. The ability to order alcohol here is an added bonus. Buddy’s competes strongly for the title of best burger in Austin by focusing on high-quality ingredients and expert execution. This casual spot is great if you’re looking for things to do alone in austin and want a quick, delicious meal.
Salt & Time
Must-Try Dishes: Butcher Burger, Pasta Dishes
Salt & Time began as an East Austin butcher shop dedicated to whole animal butchery and sourcing high-quality meat. Their restaurant arm leverages this expertise to create dishes like their famous Butcher Burger, widely considered one of the best in the city. Cooking their fries in beef fat adds an extra layer of rich flavor. While on the pricier side, the commitment to fresh, in-house preparation and quality ingredients is evident in every bite, justifying the cost for a truly exceptional meal. Their pasta dishes also showcase their culinary skill beyond just meat.
Pieous
Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Plate or Sandwich, Brussels & Jam Pizza, Pesto Pizza
Don’t let the slightly generic-sounding name fool you – Pieous in West Austin/Dripping Springs is a culinary destination. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, they excel in three distinct areas: Neapolitan pizza, house-cured pastrami, and fresh sourdough bread and pastries. The pastrami, cured in-house, is truly the star of the show and reason enough to visit. Their pizzas are also top-notch, with inventive topping combinations. It’s a unique spot that defies easy categorization but delivers exceptional quality across the board, even offering nationwide shipping for their pastrami.
The Switch
Must-Try Dishes: Brisket Hash and Eggs Benedict with Brisket/Pulled Pork (Weekend Brunch), Truck Stop Brisket Enchiladas, Brisket Burrito
Part of the Stiles Switch BBQ family, The Switch is located near Pieous in the Dripping Springs/West Austin area. They uphold the family reputation for some of the best melt-in-your-mouth brisket in Texas. While all their brisket dishes are excellent, The Switch is particularly known for its incredible weekend brunch offerings, featuring innovative uses of their smoked meats like Brisket Hash and Eggs Benedict. It’s a place that successfully blends traditional Texas BBQ with creative culinary presentations. Planning your time in texas to include a weekend brunch here is highly recommended for food lovers.
Blue Corn Harvest
Must-Try Dishes: The 512 Pulled Pork Dishes (Taquitos, Enchiladas)
Located just outside Austin in Cedar Park and Georgetown, Blue Corn Harvest is worth the short drive for its standout pulled pork. Cooked with local 512 Pecan Porter, the pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, making their taquitos and enchiladas particularly memorable. While I’ve focused on their signature pork dishes, the restaurant is known for offering plenty of other quality Tex-Mex options. It’s a local favorite that showcases how regional ingredients can elevate classic dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food is Austin most famous for?
Austin is most famous for its Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine, including iconic breakfast tacos. However, the city has a incredibly diverse food scene that includes everything from innovative food trucks to high-end restaurants and international flavors.
Is Austin a good city for foodies?
Absolutely! Austin is widely considered one of the best food cities in the United States. Its unique blend of traditional Texas flavors, innovative culinary trends, and a strong food truck culture makes it a paradise for anyone who loves exploring diverse and delicious eats. Finding the best food in Austin is a culinary adventure.
Are food trucks a big part of the Austin food scene?
Yes, food trucks are a huge and essential part of the Austin food scene. They offer everything from BBQ and tacos to international cuisine and unique fusion dishes. Many popular Austin restaurants, like Torchy’s Tacos and The Peached Tortilla, started as food trucks. Exploring food trucks is a must-do when looking for the best food in Austin.
What’s the difference between Texas BBQ and other BBQ styles?
Texas BBQ is primarily focused on beef, especially brisket, cooked low and slow over indirect heat from woods like post oak. While other regions might focus more on pork (like Carolina or Memphis), Texas BBQ’s identity is rooted in its beef traditions, along with sausage and sometimes ribs. Different regions within Texas also have their own nuances (e.g., Central Texas style).
How can I find the latest information on food trucks or daily specials?
Many Austin food trucks and restaurants are very active on social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter. Checking their profiles is often the best way to find out their current location (if it changes), hours of operation, daily specials, and if they are sold out.
Conclusion
Exploring the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Austin is an adventure in itself. From legendary BBQ joints steeped in Texas tradition to innovative food trucks pushing the boundaries of flavor, the city truly offers something for every palate. My journey to find the best food in Austin has shown me that each dish tells a story – a story of local ingredients, cultural fusion, and the passionate people who make it all happen. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, I encourage you to dive deep into Austin’s eats. You might just discover your own personal favorites that define the true taste of this extraordinary city.