Austin is a city full of some of the most delicious food we have ever had on our travels. There is no shortage of restaurants in Austin. With so many amazing foods to try, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the mediocre from the phenomenal. This guide is here to help you make your choices easy. We asked so many people for recommendations (locals, and not), searched yelp, and google, and came up with this epic list. Here is our guide to the best food to eat in Austin, Texas.
Texas is known for so many different cuisines, but bbq is especially abundant. Texans love their meat and they sure do know how to cook it. You can also find delicious tex mex, southern food, and treats galore. Below is a guide to breakfast, lunch/dinner, and treats. We put together a map of all of our favorite places so you can plan out your own foodie journey. When dining in new restaurants, we always try to order the most popular item, or most recommended-it usually works out really well for us!
Breakfast- the best breakfast in Austin Texas
Breakfast tacos are abundant in Austin, and there are incredible options. With so many to choose from you can’t go wrong. If tacos are not your thing, there are so many other places to go as well. Many of these breakfast places serve delicious lunch/ dinner options as well and may deserve two visits to experience the best food in Austin, Texas.
1. Veracruz All Natural -breakfast, lunch, (sometimes dinner)
Voted as the best breakfast taco in the United States, this place is awesome. Featuring fresh ingredients and in house made tortillas, this place is seriously so good. We ordered our food via the online ordering system and picked it up 15 minutes later. Even though it was to go, it was fresh, hot, and so delicious.
The Most Popular Items
Migas Originales (their most popular)-egg, tortilla chips, monterey jack cheese, cilantro, tomato, onion, avocado
El Tradicional– Egg, bacon, refried pinto beans, potato, cheese.
El Sancho– Chorizo, egg, cheese
Cheese Empanada– Fried cheese empanada, served with your choice of salsa
Everything we tried was so good and I would recommend all of it. The Migas Originales was our very favorite.
Multiple locations $
2. Bird Bird Biscuit (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Austin is full of good biscuits, but bird bird makes incredible ones. This restaurant will be on the list twice- the breakfast is amazing, but it is a great place for lunch too.
Popular Items
Bird Bird Bacon– crispy bacon, organic egg over medium, cheddar and bacon-infused chipotle mayo on a handmade buttermilk biscuit
Firebird-Hot chicken sandwich with spiced chicken breast, garlic and dill aioli, thick cut spicy sweet pickles and cilantro on a handmade buttermilk biscuit.
Queen Beak– spiced and breaded chicken breast, cayenne black pepper honey and bacon-infused chipotle mayo on a handmade buttermilk biscuit
2701 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722 $
3. Tiny Boxwoods (brunch, lunch, dinner)
This would be a great spot for a special occasion brunch, or a fun spot for your girlfriends. The food is great, so really anyone would enjoy it.
Popular Items
Avacado Toast
Blueberry Pancakes
1503 W 35th Street,
Austin, TX 78703
512.220.0698 $$
4. Paper Boy (breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch)
Delicious fresh food with tons of incredible options that you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Popular Items
Avocado Tost-Ada– carrot, jalapeno, radish, cabbage, cotija, pepitas
Quiche
Stoneground Grits
1203 E 11TH austin, texas 78702 $-$$
5. Tamale House East (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
If you are craving Mexican for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is the place for you.
Popular Breakfast Items
Mom’s Migas and Queso-Fresh eggs scrambled with pan-fried corn tortillas, queso, and salsa ranchera.
Chilaquiles-Pan-fried corn tortillas cooked with salsa verde and topped with Monterrey jack cheese and a fried egg
Breakfast Tacos
1707 E 6th St,
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9504
Bonus** They have a large parking lot
Price $3- $30 (larger quantities of tamales)
Lunch/ Dinner (the best food in Austin Texas)
There are hundreds of options of places to eat in Austin for lunch and dinner. We cannot wait to visit again to try more. These are a few of our favorite and the most recommended places. If you are only going to eat one meal in Austin, it must be BBQ. They have some of the best. Here are some of the best places to eat in Austin Texas.
1. Franklin’s BBQ
Easily the best bbq in the city. It also can be the hardest to get with a line that people wait in line hours for. They open at 11 am and go until they are sold out (usually by 2). The method they have created to smoke their meat has created a cult following and people are serious about their bbq, often waiting 6 plus hours in line to get it. Right now they are only doing pick up orders. You order online day of, and they bring it to your car. Be prepared to still wait copious amount of time.
Popular Items
All the meat items but especially the brisket. The sides are not as good as they should be, but the meat is the main star anyway
$$-$$$
2. Via 313 (lunch, dinner)
Detroit Style Pizza. We loved our meal here. The service was incredible, the meal was divine, and it is a super child friendly place. They bring extra dough to your table for children to play with and it is the most helpful thing ever. You can also get your pizza half and half to try two different flavors.
Popular Items
Appetizers
Cheesebread
Artichokes
Pizza
The Cadillac-Gorgonzola, Fig Preserves, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan, Balsamic Glaze
The Ambassador Bridge-Sausage, Natural Casing Pepperoni, Fresh Garlic, Italian Oregano, House-Made Ricotta. Sub Tempeh for meats to make it veggie
Multiple Locations $-$$
3. Hopdoddy Burgers
I know, I know, Hopdoddy is technically a chain restaurant, but it is so good. I am not the biggest hamburger fan. Sure, I love a good burger, but when I have so many other options, usually a burger is not what I am going to go for. This place was different. It was on so many recommended lists, had great reviews, and I knew we needed to try it. It was so good. The meat was cooked perfectly, the flavors were balanced so well, and the truffle fries were so good.
Popular Items
Parmesan Truffle Fries-Hand-cut fries tossed with Truffle Oil, Parmesan & Chives. Served with Truffle Aioli
Green Chili Queso Fries-Hand-cut fries served with our famous Queso for dipping
Llano Poblano-Pepper jack cheese, steakhouse bacon, seared poblanos, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato & onion
Bacon Jam Double Cheese-Two 1/4 lb beef patties topped with both white & yellow American cheeses, house-made tomato bacon jam, mustard grilled onions & pickled mayo
Many Locations $
4. Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
We heard about this Texas institution from multiple sources and knew we had to try it. “Fast food barbecue” is often used to describe this famous place. There are multiple locations in different states, but this really is great food.
Popular Items
This is classic bbq. Meat, potato salad, bread, coleslaw. The sides were decent, but the meat was the star. Order the brisket and whatever else sounds good to you.
Multiple Locations $$
5. Patrizis
This food truck dishes up old-school Italian standards & housemade pasta. The pasta is sooo good. Do yourself a favor and eat at one of the tables outside. The food is best enjoyed as soon as possible once its made. The prices are also incredible and portions are great.
Popilar Items
Cacio e Pepe-grana padano cheese, fresh cracked black pepper, and olive oil
The Great Leopold-basil and arugula pesto served with grana padano cheese, pepitas, crushed red chilis, and lemon zest
Patrizi’s Red Sauce-family recipe tomato sauce stewed with onions, garlic, garden herbs, pork trimmings, and grana padano cheese
2307 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78722 $$
6. Stubb’s BBQ
Yep, another barbecue recommendation. Stubb’s often has live music playing to enjoy while you eat. The meat is delicious, but the sides here are also fantastic. The Mac and cheese was so delicious and the potato salad was seasoned well. The rib meat was literally fall off the bone.
Popular Items
Ribs
Brisket
Mac and Cheese
Nachos
801 Red River St. $$
7. Sway Thai
Sway, modern Thai food- when anyone mentioned this to us, it was followed by, “the best Thai food I have ever eaten”. Make your reservations ahead of time or plan to wait a bit. The wait is worth it. Everything is so well executed here and the unique dishes are incredible.
Popular Items
Son in Law-braised pork shoulder, crispy 6 minute egg, caramelized soy sauce, nahm prik pla
Jungle Curry-black angus brisket, texas okra, thai eggplant, roasted corn, fresno chili, green peppercorn3437 bee caves road west lake hills, texas 787463437 bee caves road
3437 bee caves road
west lake hills, texas 78746 $$-$$$
8. 40 North Wood Fire Pizza
Do you want pizza for dinner? How about a hamburger? You can have both at 40 North and they are both delicious. Known for their Neapolitan pizza, burgers, and other casual eats, this place has something great for everyone.
Popular Items
Margherita-Tomato, mozz, pecorino, basil, EVOO
Hot Honey– Tomato, ricotta, coppa, parm, fresno, Mike’s Hot Honey
900 W. 10th Street
Austin, TX 78703. $$
9. Little Deli and Pizzeria
This shop is the cutest little eatery. There are so many options and easily something for everyone. There are so many great items on the menu. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Enjoy your meal on one of the picnic tables on the outdoor patio. This place is super family friendly.
7101-A WOODROW AVE
AUSTIN, TX 78757. $-$$
10. Fresa’s Chicken
A healthier option that serves delicious salads that will actually fill you up. If salads are not your thing, they have amazing tacos and street corn. Never pass up the street corn.
Popular Items
La Fresa -Taco, Pulled Achiote Chicken, Guacamole, Cabbage, Grilled Onion, Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Corn Tortilla
El Santo– Taco, Agave-Lime Chicken, Avocado, Jicama, Carrot, Jalapeño, Cilantro, Chipotle Mayo, Avocado Verde Salsa, Corn Tortilla
Jerez Salad– Power Greens, Marinated Chickpeas, Spicy Carrots, Pepitas, Queso Fresco w/ Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette
915 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78703. $-$$
11. Bird Bird Biscuit
Yes, this is on the list twice, because it is so good and deserves to be tried for both breakfast and lunch.
Popular Items
Queen Beak– spiced and breaded chicken breast, cayenne black pepper honey and bacon-infused chipotle mayo on a handmade buttermilk biscuit
Fire Bird– Hot chicken sandwich with spiced chicken breast, garlic and dill aioli, thick cut spicy sweet pickles and cilantro on a handmade buttermilk biscuit
Theodore-Spiced and breaded chicken breast, bacon, bbq sauce, cheddar on a handmade buttermilk biscuit
2701 Manor Road, Austin, TX $
12. Valentina’s Tex Mex
A cross between delicious barbecue and incredible Tex Mex. This place is definitely a must visit
Popular Items
Smoked Carnitas Taco-Mesquite smoked pulled pork, caramelized onions, and fresh cilantro on a fresh flour tortilla. Served with tomatillo habanero salsa on the side.
Smoked Corn-Fresh ears of corn smoked & then cut off the cob & topped with crema, chili salt, & cilantro.
Sliced Brisket Sandwich
11500 Menchaca Road $-$$
13. Torchys
Torchys is an Austin staple. The first Torchy’s was located in Austin in a food truck. The tacos are incredible, and the queso even better. We love this place and visit wherever they have a location. Everything on the menu is good, and there is so much variety.
Popular Items
Green Chili Queso and Chips-topped with guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro & diablo sauce.
Trailer Park-fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo & cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce on a flour tortilla. “get it trashy” – take off the lettuce & add queso
Fried Avocado– fried avocados, refried pinto beans, pico de gallo, lettuce & cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce on a corn tortilla
Democrat-barbacoa, avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro, onions & a lime wedge with tomatillo sauce on a corn tortilla.
Multiple Locations $
Desserts/ Treats (The Best Food to Eat in Austin, Texas)
Austin is full of delicious treats. We tried way too many and loved them all
1. Jeni’s Ice Cream
Jeni’s is our favorite ice cream. We try to visit a scoop shop wherever they are located. Their ice cream is smooth, creamy, and the flavors are spot on. We love the gooey butter cake the most, but the bramble berry crisp is also delicious as well as the salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks.
2. Amy’s Ice Cream
When asking locals for ice cream recommendations, everyone always said Amy’s. The ice cream had great flavor, the toppings fresh, and the combos were delicious.
Multiple Locations $
3. Gordough’s Big Fat Doughnuts
Giant doughnuts, sold out of a food truck. There is also a brick and mortar location as well. These doughnuts have some of the best flavor combinations and are soo good. We had the Heavenly Hash- chocolate fudge icing, marshmallow cream, chocolate chips, brownies, and brownie batter drizzle. There were so many other we wanted to try as well.
Their brick and mortar also has lunch and dinner, but the food truck is desserts. This is a must visit.
4. Bananarchy: Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas, dipped in a sauce, rolled in toppings. What better treat on a hot day?
Popular Items
The Afternoon Delight– The flagship banana, the captain banana, the grand tour: All 3 dips swirled together and topped with nuts and graham crackers (only available at select places).
The Joe Banana-
Crushed coffee beans on a banana! Whoa! Exciting! This will make you have a good day! You won’t be able to use any punctuation! (approximately one step down from delivering caffeine intravenously)
Toffee and Cinnamon included upon request — our version of cream and sugar. Only available at select locations
Peanut Butter Pie Banana– Dipped in vegan chocolate, topped with creamy peanut butter over a graham cracker base.
Multiple Locations $
5. Little Lucy’s: Mini Doughnuts
Who doesn’t love a mini doughnut. There are tons of good flavors, fried to perfection. These doughnuts are light and fluffy and the perfect mini bite. These doughnuts are some of the best food to eat in Austin Texas.
Popular Items
Chow Chow– Cinnamon and Sugar
Maltese– Italian Cream Cake
Pekingese– Peanut butter & Banana
$
6. Cold Cookie Company: Cookies, Ice Cream, Unshakes
The unshaken is the popular item here- a cross between homemade ice cream layers, and toppings. They also have delicious home made cookies.
2512 Rio Grande St. Austin, TX 78705 $
7. Upper Crust Bakery
Cookies, cakes, pastries, this place has it all. This place is full of delicious pastries, but the cinnamon roll is the real star. Soft layers of dough and sugar that have the perfect texture make up this unique roll.
8. Churro Co
Crispy, light, and delicious churros. If you love churros, you will love all the amazing combinations this place has.
Popular Items
Campfire-Churros tossed in graham cracker sugar, topped with Mexican chocolate sauce, whipped cream and torched marshmallows.
Date Night-Churros tossed in popcorn sugar, topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle and a dash of sea salt.
1906 South 1st St. – Austin, TX 78704 $
9. Tiny Pies
Small scratch made pies that are packed with flavor and so delicious. They have dessert pies, savory pies, and breakfast pies.
Popular Items
Texas Two Step-Sweet Texas Pecan Pie layered with Chocolate Brownie. Has a bit of a kick to it
Sweet Texas Pecan-Named top 10 best pecan pie in Texas. Made with local pecans. Not as sweet as traditional pecan pies
Chocolate Cream-Chocolate pastry cream filling topped with fresh whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
5035 Burnet Road $
10. Lick Honest Ice Cream
Known to have some of the best ice cream in Austin, Lick has simple flavors that pack a huge punch. Lick also has extremely unique flavors- Roasted Beets and Fresh Mint, Dark Chocolate Olive Oil & Sea Salt, Goat Cheese Salt and Honey, to name a few
Multiple Locations $
The Best Food to Eat in Austin, Texas
Austin is such a fun city to visit and an even more delicious place to try all the food. There are so many delicious places to try, you will never run out. What used to be just known for Tex Mex and barbecue, in the past ten year Austin has had a food resurgence and is one of the most popular cities for foodies.
Here are just a few of the best food places to eat in Austin, Texas. Let us know below in the comments if you have tried any or have other to add to the list.
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Map of the Best Food to Eat in Austin, Texas
the best food to eat in Austin Texas
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