33 Best Austin Foods to Eat in 2024
Texas is home to breakfast tacos, chili, its own style of barbecue — and all are classic Austin foods as well. But Austin is also a growing, diverse city with a vibrant food scene and arguably more food trucks than residents. Whether you’re craving traditional Tex-Mex or are in the mood for Italian, Chinese or even Korean food, Austin has something to satisfy your palate.
Because there are so many options, finding the best food in Austin, Texas can be daunting. This list of best Austin foods, filled with everything from Thai to brunch fare to pasta, will help narrow down your list of places to try on your next visit (or night out) to Austin.
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Get a Taste of Iconic Austin Foods
Austin is packed with exciting, delicious restaurants — more than you could try in a day or even a week. Of all the incredible things to do in Austin, there's one perfect activity for exploring the local food scene: Food tours in Austin are a great way to narrow down what’s truly worth tasting with help from an expert guide. You’ll get to explore the local food scene and know you’re experiencing some of the best the city has to offer.
If you’d rather try your hand at cooking Austin foods yourself, cooking classes in Austin are an authentic way to learn how to make many of the regional dishes in your own kitchen.
33 Best Austin Foods
1. Oak Smoked Salmon at Loro
Classic Texas BBQ gets an Asian-inspired twist at Loro, an airy, plant-studded restaurant serving smoked meats with Asian-inspired sauces and sides. The brainchild of Franklin Barbecue’s Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole of Uchi, you almost can’t go wrong ordering at Loro — but the chef’s favorites are the smoked prime bavette and the oak smoked salmon.
Loro | 2115 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$
2. Buttermilk Pancakes at Kerbey Lane Café
From fluffy towers of pancakes to migas, breakfast tacos and classic egg breakfasts, Kerbey Lane Café is an Austin institution for a reason. If you can, book ahead to avoid a long wait on the weekend.
Kerbey Lane Café | Multiple Locations | $$
3. Brisket at Franklin Barbecue
Texas Highways Magazine, Bon Appetit and Anthony Bourdain all agree: Franklin Barbecue brisket is some of the best BBQ in Austin. Headed by barbecue master Aaron Franklin, the smoked meat is tender, juicy and full of flavor. Arrive as early as you can to get a taste, as it sells out quickly.
Franklin Barbecue | 900 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
4. Fish Tacos at Veracruz All Natural
Fresh fish tacos, tacos al pastor and more all served up in a homemade corn tortilla with simple toppings make Veracruz All Natural a winner among the variety of food trucks in Austin. Grab a coffee with your tacos at the Menchaca road site or settle in for dinner at the Line Hotel.
Veracruz All Natural | Multiple Locations | $
5. Cortado at Civil Goat Coffee
If you’re on the hunt for great Austin foods to start your day, head over to Civil Goat, a local coffee roaster and coffee shop. Grab a perfectly balanced cortado and fuel for the day with a Cuerney Sam, a toasted croissant loaded with eggs and cheese and dressed with Cholula and honey.
Civil Goat Coffee | 704 Cuernavaca Dr. N., Austin, TX 78733 | $
6. Burger at JewBoy Burgers
Burgers at JewBoy are unique, flavorful and can’t-miss. The menu features a fusion of Jewish and Tex-Mex flavors to create a unique Austin foods experience.
JewBoy | 5111 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751 | $$
7. Breakfast Tacos at Juan in a Million
Mexican food is well-loved in Austin. Located in foodie-favorite East Austin, Juan in a Million serves up hearty breakfast tacos paired with baskets of tortilla chips. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast or sitting down for lunch, it’s a great spot for authentic Mexican food in Austin.
Juan in a Million | 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702 | $
8. Sashimi at Uchi
Lauded as one of the best restaurants in the country and certainly one of the best healthy restaurants in Austin, culinary gemstone Uchi offers some of the best Austin foods available. The sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth and fresher than fresh.
Uchi | 801 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$$$$
9. Enchiladas at Chuy’s
Chuy’s is a local favorite for Tex-Mex fare and happy hour margaritas. The creamy jalapeño dip served with every meal is legendary and worth a visit alone. But while you’re there, try the Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom enchiladas.
Chuy’s | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Southern Fun at The Peached Tortilla
Enjoy Asian-Southern fusion at The Peached Tortilla in Austin. The Southern Fun is a take on pad see ew, pairing wide rice noodles with brisket and kale for a unique Austin food experience.
The Peached Tortilla | 5520 Burnet Rd. #100, Austin, TX 78756 | $$
11. Warm Pretzels and More at Easy Tiger
Snack on fresh, warm Bavarian-style pretzels at Easy Tiger, a beer garden and bakery. Soak in the Texas sun at their outdoor seating during brunch, breakfast or lunch for a fun date idea in Austin. Coffee is also on the menu.
Easy Tiger | Multiple Locations | $$
12. Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches at Bird Bird Biscuit
Fluffy, buttery biscuits are the star at Bird Bird Biscuit, where locals go for Southern-style Austin foods. Try the Lovely Day egg sandwich, which pairs a buttery biscuit with chicken sausage, egg, cheddar and basil pesto.
Bird Bird Biscuit | 2701 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722 | $
13. Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya
Austinites rave over the ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya. With flavorful broths and high-quality ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong when ordering at this Austin food experience.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Soup Dumplings at Wu Chow
If you’re on the hunt for Chinese food in Austin, try Wu Chow. The restaurant’s legendary soup dumplings used to come with a two-order limit, if that tells you anything about how good they are.
Wu Chow | IBC Bank Plaza, 500 W. 5th St. #168, Austin, TX 78701 | $$
15. Diavolo Pasta at Patrizi’s
Food trucks in Austin often serve up tacos and the like, but Patrizi’s is an Italian food truck offering fresh pasta and homemade sauces. Try the Karah's Diavolo pasta with fragrant lemon and rosemary, egg yolks, a zip of red chili and salty Grana Padano cheese.
Patrizi’s | 2307 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722 | $$
16. Bulgogi at Oseyo
Oseyo is the place to find homestyle Korean food with an American influence in the Austin food scene, serving small plates inspired by the chef’s mother’s recipes. Try the classic bulgogi and jjin mandu (steamed dumplings) for a perfect dining experience.
Oseyo | 1628 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$
17. Classic Breakfast Tacos at Joe’s Bakery
Serving Austin breakfast tacos, coffee and more for 75 years, Joe’s Bakery is a Tex-Mex staple for Austin food lovers. Breakfast is served all day, and tacos are served on homemade flour tortillas.
Joe’s Bakery | 2305 E. 7th St., Austin, TX 78702 | $
18. Authentic Greek Fare at Tino’s Greek Café
Tino’s Greek Café is a Mediterranean food spot in Austin that offers a variety of authentic Greek dishes like spanakopita, moussaka and, of course, gyro meat. You can even build your own plate with your personal Greek favorites.
Tino’s Greek Café | Multiple Locations | $
19. Detroit-Style Pizza at Via 313
Dine on cheesy, Detroit-style pizza at Via 313, which has four brick-and-mortar locations as well as two food trucks.
Via 313 | Multiple Locations | $$
20. Eggs Benedict at 24 Diner
A classic diner with upscale fare, 24 Diner is open 24 hours a day to serve breakfast, burgers and more. The eggs Benedict topped with goat cheese are a favorite, served on the weekends until sold out.
24 Diner | 600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 | $$
21. 24/7 Tacos at Tyson’s Tacos
Enjoy a plateful of tacos any time of the day at Tyson’s Tacos, a 24-hour taco joint in Austin. From breakfast tacos to duck tacos, there’s plenty to try on the menu.
Tyson’s Tacos | 4905 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751 | $
22. Chili at Texas Chili Parlor
Texans pride themselves on being the creators of chili (don’t try to argue), so it’s no surprise that the Texas Chili Parlor features on this list of the best food in Austin. Try the classic chili with no beans or branch out to venison chili or the Frito pie.
Texas Chili Parlor | 1409 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701 | $
23. Buttermilk Biscuits at Olamaie
If you’re looking for a treat on the Austin food scene, try Olamaie, an upscale steakhouse with gourmet offerings. Don’t skip the fluffy buttermilk biscuits — they’re a local favorite.
Olamaie | 1610 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
24. Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream at Amy’s Ice Cream
Amy’s Ice Cream is a beloved Austin chain serving up fresh ice cream with creative toppings. If you can’t decide which flavor to get, Mexican vanilla is the way to go. It’s an Austin food you can’t miss.
Amy’s Ice Cream | Multiple Locations | $
25. Monster Cookie at Henbit
Nestled in the downtown food hall Fareground is Henbit, a fast-casual restaurant with burgers, bowls and iconic Monster Cookies packed with chocolate chips and pecans. It makes this best Austin foods list for the cookies alone!
Henbit | 111 Congress Ave. Fareground, Austin, TX 78701 | $$
26. Migas at Cisco's Restaurant
Migas are a Southwestern breakfast staple made of scrambled eggs loaded with tortilla chips, peppers and cheese. Get a taste of this Austin food at Cisco’s Restaurant on historic Sixth Street.
Cisco’s Restaurant | 1511 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78702 | $
27. Brisket Kolache at Kerlin BBQ
Another stop to make if you’re visiting food trucks in Austin is Kerlin BBQ, where you can get favorites like smoked brisket and sausage as well as a legendary brisket kolache: tender brisket stuffed into a sweet roll.
Kerlin BBQ | 2207 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
28. Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich at Launderette
An upscale café with brunch on the weekends, Launderette’s claim to fame is a birthday cake ice cream sandwich that will take you back to the best version of your childhood.
Launderette | 2115 Holly St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$
29. Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt's El Rancho
For Austin food to cure any ailment, dive into the Bob Armstrong dip at Matt’s El Rancho. This queso is loaded with taco meat, guacamole and pico and comes with plenty of chips.
Matt’s El Rancho | 2613 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$
30. Avocado Margarita at Curra's Grill
Creamy, boozy and ice-cold, an avocado margarita is the perfect drink to sip on this summer. Find it at Curra’s Grill in Austin.
Curra’s Grill | 614 E. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704 | $$
31. The Real Deal Holyfield at Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
Tacos and barbecue are a match made in heaven. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ food truck serves up brisket tacos and more, like the Real Deal Holyfield, a brisket taco topped with egg, beans, bacon and serrano pepper salsa.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ | 11500 Menchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78748 | $$
32. Guay Teaw Kua Gai at Madam Mam’s
Another local chain, Madam Mam’s is the place for Thai food in Austin and a favorite Austin food spot for many around town. Try the guay teaw kua gai, a noodle dish with beef, pickled radish and more served with fresh lettuce.
Madam Mam’s | Multiple Locations | $
33. Pizza at Bufalina Due
Austinites head to Bufalina Due when they have a hankering for pizza. This Austin food spot serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and a long list of natural wines.
Bufalina Due | 6555 Burnet Rd. #100, Austin, TX 78757 | $$
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When it comes to finding the best bites in Austin, there is no shortage of incredible options. Just remember to eat your fill of breakfast tacos and brisket while you’re trying Austin foods, and you’ll have made the most of your time in this famous Texas town.
For even more fun ways to explore Austin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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