Introduction
When it comes to food, Austin is a paradise for those who love to explore new flavors. With its vibrant culture, the city offers an incredible variety of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re looking for classic Tex-Mex, delicious barbecue, or something more exotic, you can find it in Austin. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat in Austin, Texas.
Top 10 Restaurants in Austin to Try
If you’re looking for the best of the best, here are 10 of the top restaurants in Austin that you should try:
Uchi – Uchi is a modern Japanese restaurant that is known for its innovative dishes, artful presentation, and attentive service. The menu features sushi, sashimi, and other small plates. Recommended dishes include the toro tartare, bluefin otoro, and crispy rice with spicy tuna.
Franklin Barbecue – Franklin Barbecue is one of the most popular barbecue joints in Austin. It’s known for its smoky brisket, juicy pulled pork, and signature sauces. The line can get long during peak hours, so be sure to arrive early if you want to sample their delicious fare.
Kome – Kome is an upscale Japanese restaurant that specializes in traditional cuisine. The menu features sushi, ramen, tempura, and other dishes that are prepared with fresh ingredients. A few of the must-try items include the salmon tataki, agedashi tofu, and pork katsu.
Launderette – Launderette is a casual restaurant that serves up New American cuisine. The menu features seasonal dishes like roasted carrots, grilled octopus, and charred broccoli. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Contigo – Contigo is a lively restaurant that offers a mix of Mexican and American fare. The menu features tacos, burgers, salads, and other classics. The must-try dish is the brisket taco, which is served on homemade tortillas.
Dai Due – Dai Due is a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in game meats and local produce. The menu changes seasonally, but popular dishes include the venison chili, pork belly tacos, and smoked trout plate. The restaurant also offers classes in butchering, fishing, and wild foraging.
Olamaie – Olamaie is a fine dining restaurant that serves Southern-inspired cuisine. The menu features dishes like fried quail, shrimp and grits, and pork chop. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Ramen Tatsu-ya – Ramen Tatsu-ya is a hip ramen joint that is known for its flavorful broths and handmade noodles. Popular dishes include the tonkotsu ramen, Tokyo shoyu ramen, and miso ramen. The restaurant also has a wide selection of beers and sake.
Emmer & Rye – Emmer & Rye is a modern restaurant that serves creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features items like wood-roasted vegetables, hanger steak, and ricotta dumplings. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Jeffrey’s – Jeffrey’s is a high-end restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine. The menu features dishes like Wagyu beef, seared scallops, and wild mushroom risotto. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of wines and craft cocktails.
A Guide to the Best Foodie Spots in Austin
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, here are some of the best foodie spots in Austin:
Uchi – Located in downtown Austin, Uchi is a modern Japanese restaurant that is known for its innovative dishes, artful presentation, and attentive service. The menu features sushi, sashimi, and other small plates. Recommended dishes include the toro tartare, bluefin otoro, and crispy rice with spicy tuna.
Franklin Barbecue – Located in East Austin, Franklin Barbecue is one of the most popular barbecue joints in Austin. It’s known for its smoky brisket, juicy pulled pork, and signature sauces. The line can get long during peak hours, so be sure to arrive early if you want to sample their delicious fare.
Kome – Located in South Austin, Kome is an upscale Japanese restaurant that specializes in traditional cuisine. The menu features sushi, ramen, tempura, and other dishes that are prepared with fresh ingredients. A few of the must-try items include the salmon tataki, agedashi tofu, and pork katsu.
Launderette – Located in East Austin, Launderette is a casual restaurant that serves up New American cuisine. The menu features seasonal dishes like roasted carrots, grilled octopus, and charred broccoli. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Contigo – Located in East Austin, Contigo is a lively restaurant that offers a mix of Mexican and American fare. The menu features tacos, burgers, salads, and other classics. The must-try dish is the brisket taco, which is served on homemade tortillas.
Dai Due – Located in East Austin, Dai Due is a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in game meats and local produce. The menu changes seasonally, but popular dishes include the venison chili, pork belly tacos, and smoked trout plate. The restaurant also offers classes in butchering, fishing, and wild foraging.
Olamaie – Located in downtown Austin, Olamaie is a fine dining restaurant that serves Southern-inspired cuisine. The menu features dishes like fried quail, shrimp and grits, and pork chop. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Ramen Tatsu-ya – Located in South Austin, Ramen Tatsu-ya is a hip ramen joint that is known for its flavorful broths and handmade noodles. Popular dishes include the tonkotsu ramen, Tokyo shoyu ramen, and miso ramen. The restaurant also has a wide selection of beers and sake.
Emmer & Rye – Located in downtown Austin, Emmer & Rye is a modern restaurant that serves creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features items like wood-roasted vegetables, hanger steak, and ricotta dumplings. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Jeffrey’s – Located in West Austin, Jeffrey’s is a high-end restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine. The menu features dishes like Wagyu beef, seared scallops, and wild mushroom risotto. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of wines and craft cocktails.
Exploring Austin’s Local Cuisine Scene
If you’re looking to explore Austin’s local cuisine scene, there are plenty of options. From Tex-Mex to barbecue and everything in between, here are some of the best places to check out.
What to Expect – Austin’s local cuisine is a mix of traditional Texas dishes, Mexican favorites, and global flavors. You’ll find everything from classic Tex-Mex to innovative fusion dishes. The city is also home to some of the best barbecue joints in the state.
Popular Dishes – Some of the most popular dishes in Austin include tacos, enchiladas, brisket, and queso. Tex-Mex classics like fajitas, nachos, and quesadillas are also popular. Of course, no trip to Austin would be complete without sampling some of the city’s famous barbecue.
Must-Visit Eateries – If you’re looking for a taste of Austin’s local cuisine, here are some of the must-visit eateries: La Barbecue, Terry Black’s Barbecue, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Freedmen’s, Magnolia Cafe, Snooze, Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, and Café No Se.
Where to Find the Best Tex-Mex in Austin
Tex-Mex is one of Austin’s most beloved cuisines, and there are plenty of great places to try it. Here are some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin:
The Best Tex-Mex Restaurants – Matt’s El Rancho, Julio’s Cafe Y Cantina, El Chile Cafe y Cantina, Joe’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Las Palomas, and El Chilito.
Recommended Dishes – Some of the must-try dishes at these restaurants include enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, queso, and tamales. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a classic sopapilla or tres leches cake.
Best Brunch Spots in Austin
Brunch is one of the most popular meals in Austin, and there are plenty of great places to enjoy it. Here are some of the best brunch spots in town:
Magnolia Cafe – Located in South Austin, Magnolia Cafe is known for its all-day breakfast menu and laid-back atmosphere. Popular dishes include the migas, chicken-fried steak, and biscuits and gravy.
Snooze – Located in South Austin, Snooze is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. The menu features dishes like huevos rancheros, banana bread French toast, and breakfast burritos. There’s also a full bar with craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Dai Due – Located in East Austin, Dai Due is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers a seasonal brunch menu. Popular dishes include the biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles, and breakfast tacos.
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile – Located in East Austin, Jacoby’s is a rustic restaurant that serves up a hearty brunch menu. Popular dishes include the fried chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, and turkey hash.
Café No Se – Located in South Austin, Café No Se is a charming cafe that offers a brunch menu with a Latin American twist. Popular dishes include the chorizo and egg tacos, breakfast empanadas, and pancakes with guava syrup.
A Review of the Best Barbecue Joints in Austin
Barbecue is a staple of Austin’s food scene, and there are plenty of great places to try it. Here are some of the best barbecue joints in Austin:
La Barbecue – Located in East Austin, La Barbecue is known for its tender brisket and juicy sausage. The restaurant also offers sandwiches, tacos, and sides like coleslaw and potato salad.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew – Located in North Austin, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is a popular spot for barbecue. The menu features brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, as well as sides like macaroni and cheese and pit-smoked beans.
Terry Black’s Barbecue – Located in South Austin, Terry Black’s Barbecue is a family-owned restaurant that serves up classic Texas barbecue. The menu features brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, as well as sides like potato salad and coleslaw.
Micklethwait Craft Meats – Located in East Austin, Micklethwait Craft Meats is a popular spot for smoked meats. The menu features brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, as well as sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw.
Freedmen’s – Located in West Austin, Freedmen’s is a classic barbecue joint that serves up Texas-style barbecue. The menu features brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and sides like potato salad and coleslaw.
Conclusion
From top restaurants to local eateries and classic barbecue joints, Austin is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for Tex-Mex, barbecue, brunch, or something more exotic, you can find it in Austin.
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