Austin, Texas is a city rich in culture, art, and music, but what makes it truly stand out is its food. From the classic Tex-Mex dishes to the unique flavors you’ll find in the city’s many food trucks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the best places to eat in Austin for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
1. Dinner
Dinner time in Austin is an exciting time for locals and visitors alike. With so many great options, it can be hard to choose just one spot to end the day. For a truly unique Austin experience, head over to La Condesa, a modern Mexican restaurant that has elevated the traditional Tex-Mex flavors to a whole new level. With their vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails, you’ll be sure to have a night to remember. If you’re looking for lighter fare, Mettle is the perfect spot. Offering a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, and bowls, you can enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. For something a little more traditional, try The Clay Pit for Indian-inspired dishes that are both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something exotic or something a little more familiar, you can find it in Austin. With its diverse cuisine and vibrant culture, you can always find something exciting to do in the city, especially when it comes to dinner time.
2. Lunch
When it comes to lunch in Austin, there’s no shortage of great places to eat. From the traditional Tex-Mex restaurants to the innovative food trucks, you can find something to satisfy your appetite. If you’re looking for a classic Austin experience, try Matt’s El Rancho. Their enchiladas are legendary, and their margaritas are not to be missed. For something a bit different, try the award-winning Uchi, where you can find creative takes on traditional Japanese dishes. For a quick and casual lunch, you can’t do better than the city’s many food trucks, which offer up tacos, sandwiches, and other delicious eats. For a unique experience, try The Peached Tortilla, which offers Asian-Southern fusion food that’s sure to please. For something a bit more upscale, you can always try Franklin Barbecue, where you can sample some of the best barbecue in all of Texas. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find a great place to eat in Austin for lunch.
3. Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Austin knows how to start the day off right. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or a combination of both, you’ll find the perfect breakfast spot in Austin to kick off your day.
For those looking for something a bit more unique, try The Peached Tortilla for a twist on classic breakfast items. From their signature Peached Pandan Waffle with pulled pork and peanut butter to their breakfast tacos, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can’t go wrong with either Jack Allen’s Kitchen or Magnolia Café. Jack Allen’s Kitchen has an extensive breakfast menu with a variety of items like omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches, while Magnolia Café serves up classic breakfast favorites like French toast, omelets, and breakfast tacos.
For those looking for something quick and on-the-go, head to Veracruz All Natural for some of the best breakfast tacos in the city. Their tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with a variety of salsas for a truly authentic experience.
No matter what type of breakfast you’re looking for, you can find it in Austin. With so many delicious breakfast spots to choose from, you’ll be sure to start your day off right.
4. Coffee
Coffee is essential for powering through the day, and Austin’s cafes are the perfect place to get your caffeine fix. Start your day off right with a cup of the famous Austin joe from local favorite Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. A go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, Mozart’s offers a great selection of coffee-based drinks, espresso, and even pastries. Or, for a unique coffee experience, check out Cuvee Coffee Bar. This chic cafe serves a variety of locally roasted coffee drinks and also offers a great selection of beer and wine.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, try Cenote Cafe. Located in a beautiful garden setting, Cenote Cafe offers a delicious selection of coffees, teas, and breakfast tacos. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee.
For a more unique coffee experience, visit the South Congress Cafe. This cafe features a unique selection of coffee drinks, including nitrogen-infused coffee and espresso. Enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the cafe’s unique decor and listening to some live music.
No matter what you’re looking for, Austin has something for everyone when it comes to coffee. Whether you’re looking for a classic cup of joe or something more unique, you’ll find the perfect place to start your day in Austin.
5. BBQ
If you’re looking for a unique flavor of Austin, nothing says “Texas” like BBQ. Austin is home to some of the best BBQ in the country, and you can find it in some of the city’s best spots. Whether you’re looking for a classic Texas-style brisket, a smoky pork, or some of the city’s famous “hot guts” sausage, there are plenty of places to satisfy your cravings.
One of the most popular spots for BBQ in Austin is Franklin Barbecue. This renowned joint offers some of the best brisket and ribs in the city, as well as sides like mac and cheese and potato salad. The line for Franklin Barbecue is notoriously long, but it’s worth the wait.
Another great spot for BBQ in Austin is La Barbecue. This Austin favorite offers up a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pork ribs, and turkey. The BBQ is served with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and mac and cheese.
For something a little different, try Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew. This unique spot offers up Texas-style BBQ with a twist. You can try dishes like smoked beef short ribs, pork belly tacos, and smoked chicken wings. And of course, they have all the classic sides like coleslaw, beans, and potato salad.
If you’re looking for the best BBQ in Austin, these are some of the city’s top spots. Whether you’re looking for classic Texas-style brisket or something a little more creative, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. So grab a plate and get ready for some of the best BBQ in Austin.
6. Tacos
When it comes to tacos, Austin has some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the country. From the traditional flavors of the classic breakfast tacos to the more unique and creative flavors you’ll find in food trucks and small eateries, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a classic Austin experience, then you’ll want to visit one of the city’s many Mexican restaurants. These establishments offer traditional flavors that have been passed down through generations, as well as creative takes on classic dishes. From breakfast tacos made with egg, bacon, and cheese to lunch tacos filled with carne asada or pollo asado, you’ll find the perfect mix of classic and modern flavors.
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with street tacos. These small tacos are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick snack or a light dinner. You’ll find a variety of ingredients and flavor combinations, from grilled steak and pico de gallo to carnitas and salsa verde. They’re a great way to enjoy the unique flavors of Austin without overindulging.
No matter which type of tacos you’re looking for, you’ll find something to love in Austin. Whether you’re looking for a traditional breakfast taco or a unique street taco, Austin has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to experience Austin’s unique flavors, be sure to try the tacos!
7. Burgers and Fries
If you’re looking for a delicious burger and fries in Austin, you don’t have to look any further than one of the city’s top restaurants. A great spot for burgers and fries is the Austin favorite, Terry Black’s Barbecue. This restaurant has been in business for over a century, and their burgers are one of the most popular dishes in the city. The burgers are served on a toasted bun with your choice of toppings, such as grilled onions, jalapenos, or bacon. The fries are hand-cut, and they can be ordered with a variety of sauces, including ranch and ketchup. All the burgers and fries are cooked to perfection and served hot with a side of pickles.
For an even more unique burger and fries experience, check out Micklethwait Craft Meats. This food truck serves up some of the best burgers and fries in the city, with choices like the Texas Breakfast Burger, which has a pork sausage patty, bacon, egg, and cheese. The fries are fried in beef tallow, giving them a unique flavor, and they come with a variety of dipping sauces.
For a classic burger and fries experience, visit Ole’s Tex-Mex Cantina. This restaurant has been serving Austin since 1932 and their burgers and fries are some of the best in the city. The burgers are served on a toasted bun and the fries are a crispy, delicious side.
Finally, for an upscale burger and fries experience, head to Second Bar + Kitchen. This restaurant serves up some of the most innovative burgers and fries in the city. The burgers are made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, and the fries are cooked in duck fat, giving them a unique flavor. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Big Red Burger with the Duck Fat Fries.
Whether you’re looking for classic burgers and fries, something unique, or a gourmet experience, Austin has something for everyone. From the traditional flavors at Terry Black’s Barbecue to the innovative dishes at Second Bar + Kitchen, you can find the perfect burgers and fries in Austin.
8. Food Trucks
When it comes to experiencing the unique flavors of Austin, Texas, food trucks are an absolute must. From breakfast tacos to savory lunch options and delicious dinner entrees, Austin’s food trucks offer something for everyone. These mobile eateries are a great way to taste the unique flavors of the city without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Austin’s food truck parks are the perfect places to explore. Not only will you find delightful dishes to try, but you’ll also get the chance to meet the local entrepreneurs behind the trucks. From classic Tex-Mex to creative fusion cuisine, you’ll find a wide variety of delectable dishes at Austin’s food truck parks.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind breakfast experience, head to the South Congress Food Park. This popular park features a variety of trucks that offer breakfast tacos, pastries, and other morning snacks. For lunch and dinner, visit the Austin Bouldin Creek Food Truck Park. This vibrant park is home to a wide selection of trucks serving up everything from burgers and fries to Mediterranean dishes.
No matter what time of day you’re looking to satisfy your cravings, Austin’s food truck parks are sure to have something that hits the spot. With their unique and creative dishes, these mobile eateries are the perfect places to experience the city’s unique flavors.
