Who is hungry? As well as being the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is the foodie destination for Texas. From the top BBQ joints to the best tacos and margaritas, visitors (and locals) won’t miss a meal in Austin. In addition to the Tex-Mex stables, ATX features some of the best pizza from locally-owned pizza places. Grab some recommendations for date Night in Austin too. Don’t forget about independent coffee shops and premium ice cream all in Austin. Here are the Top Places to Eat in Austin.
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BBQ in Austin
Barbeque in Texas is all about the beef, especially brisket. It’s tender and smoky when it’s smoked right. Most BBQ joints smoke their meat overnight. In addition to brisket, diners can find house-made sausage, ribs, smoked turkey and chicken. Here are some on the top places to get BBQ.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Swing by this food trailer for BBQ tacos. Find a heavenly blend of Tex-Mex flavors and smoked meat inside a tasty tortilla.
Located at 11500 Menchaca Rd. Austin, TX, 78748. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Franklin Barbecue
Sample the legendarily tender brisket along with other meats since the dining room is closed. With a three-day advance purchase, order 3 pounds (up to 25 pounds), then grab it curbside.
Located at 900 E. 11th St. Austin, TX. 78702. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sold-out.
La Barbecue
Part of the Louie Mueller BBQ dynasty from Taylor, TX, find authentic BBQ in Austin. Grab some BBQ to-go along with sides, like the house-made pickles, next to a convenience store.
Located at 2401 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Selling out a fanciful vintage trailer, order meats-by-the-pound and scratch-made sides.
Located at 1309 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX 78702. Open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew
In the mid-century Violet Crown Shopping Center, Stiles Switch offers the BBQ goods. Order BBQ plates, family packs, meats-by-the-pound and sides along with craft beer.
Located at 6610 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78757 Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Another location in Cedar Park.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
Another big name in BBQ, Terry Black’s serves BBQ family packs, meats-by-the-pound along with sides and dessert.
Located at 1003 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10 p.m. on Firday and Saturday).
Slab BBQ and Beer
With four locations, Slab serves meat-by-the-pound and sandwiches with an emphasis on pork.
9012 Research Blvd. Ste. C4, Austin, TX 78758.
Westgate Lanes, 2701 W. William Canon Dr., Austin, TX 78745
Sunset Valley, 6218 Brodie Ln., Austin, TX 78745 along with a location in Cedar Park.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Tacos and Tex Mex
Tacos are a religion in Texas. And even though a terrible taco joint in the upper mid-west owns the Taco Tuesday (it serves tator-tots as a side for tacos), it’s a sacred tradition in Texas.
Matt’s El Rancho
Opening in 1952, Matt’s is an original Tex Mex joint in Austin. Find a large bar area and dining room with house-made tortillas.
Located at 2613 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704. Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
El Arroyo
Find daily Austinisms on its outdoor sign on 5th St. and it even has a book full of the quirky sayings. Grab some Tex-Mex and serious margaritas to enjoy on its patio.
Located at 1624 W. 5th St. Austin, TX, 78703. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, later on the weekend.
Maudie’s Tex-Mex
Maudie’s is a neighborhood favorite, serving up classic Tex Mex fare. Find several locations across the Austin area each with its own hours.
Maudie’s Cafe—2608 W. 7th St. Austin, TX 78703
Maudie’s Two–1212 S. Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
Maudie’s Hacienda—9911 Brodie Ln. Austin, TX 78748
Maudie’s Milagro—3801 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746
Maudie’s North Lamar—10205 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78758 and a location in Bee Cave
Juan in a Million
Breakfast tacos are an Austin must and here’s one of the top places to grab them. Don’t want breakfast, then find a full lunch menu too.
Located at 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guero’s Taco Bar
With an ideal spot along the South Congress, find a full menu of Tex-Mex and a margaritas. Find locals and tourists alike.
Located at 1412 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery and Bar
An Austin institution for breakfast, order some Migas for a locals favorite. Tops for breakfast though open all day.
Located at 1511 E. 6th St. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mi Madre’s Restaurant
Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, order up your favorite Tex Mex favorites, like enchiladas or tacos.
Located at 2201 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Chuy’s
With six locations across the Austin area, Chuy’s opened its first restaurant In Austin back in 1982. The original on Barton Springs and most offers a classic car in the bar area that serves free chips and salsa at happy hour.
Barton Springs—1728 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Arbor Trails—4301 William Cannon, Bldg C, Austin, TX 78749
North Lamar—10520 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78753
Highway 183—11680 N. Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759
Round Rock—2320 N IH 35, Round Rock, TX 78681
Cedar Park—4911 183A Toll Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hours differ by location.
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Best Pizza in Austin
Pick up a pie from a locally owned shop and find pizza inspiration from across the world. Gotta have pizza in the Austin Restaurant Guide.
Pinthouse Pizza
Local pizza chain with serious pizza and brews. Offering take-out and make-pizza-at-home kits along with gluten-free options.
4729 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
4236 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
2800 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681
Open at all locations Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
Home Slice Pizza
Serving New York Style pizza, calzones and salads.
1415 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704. Open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
501 E. 53rd. St., Austin, TX 78751. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Via 313
Serving up Detroit-style pizza, or square pieces, at five locations across Austin.
3016 Guadalupe Suite #100, Austin, TX 78705
6705 Highway 290, Number 503, Austin, TX 78735
1802 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78702
1335 Whitehouse Blvd. #200, Cedar Park, TX 78613
2111 N. Interstate 35, Round Rock, TX 78664
6705 E. Highway 290, Suite 503, Oak Hill, TX 78735
Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Trailers
61 Rainey St. Austin, TX 78701
600 W. 6th St. Austin, TX 78701
Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Bufalina and Bufalina Due
Dishing up Neapolitan-style pizza along with appetizers. Reservations accepted for outdoor dining.
2215 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78702. Open Monday to Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
6555 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757. Open Monday to Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
East Side Pies
Endless options and inventive sauces for a not-your-everyday pizza.
5312 Airport Blvd. Suite G, Austin, TX 78751. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX 78702. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
13265 N. Highway 183, Suite B, Austin, TX 78750. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Little Deli and Pizzeria
A neighborhood pizza and deli with decades in Austin.
7101-A Woodrow Ave., Austin, TX 78757
1804 Briarcliff Blvd., Austin, TX 78723
Both locations open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Backspace
Pizza, antipasta and panini along with extensive wine list.
507 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Reservations recommended for dine-in.
1739 W. Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757 Open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p. m.. and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date Night in Austin
Justine’s Brasserie
Need a dose of romantic of marble-topped tables with market umbrellas topped with patio lights. Add free-flowing baskets of crusty bread and creamery butter along with a French menu. It’s divine and a must for the Austin Restaurant Guide.
Located at 4710 E 5th St. Open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) closed Tuesday.
Uchiko
Artful Japanese food served in an unstated dining room. For the best of the daily and regular menu, order the omakase, or chef’s tasting menu. It features 10 different courses, perfectly prepared and presented.
Located at 4200 N. Lamar Blvd. Open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Peche Sinful Cocktails & Cuisine
Enjoy a pre-prohibition cocktail in a French-inspired dining room with an impressive list of absinthe. Make it an evening with a menu of French brasserie musts using Texas products.
Located at 208 W. 4th St. Open daily from 5 p.m. to late. Reservations accepted.
Boozy Breakfast and Brunch
Josephine House
It’s the little sister to the formidable fine dining restaurant, Jefferey’s. Perfect for a special breakfast get together. Savor the avocado toast or the chicken tortilla soup also find a la carte and barista-made coffee for a smaller appetite. Also serves a dinner menu starting at 4 p.m.
Located at 1601 Waterston Ave. Austin, TX 78703. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June’s All Day
Find a mix of brunch bistro classics with a dash of Americana, like the fried chicken sandwich and the croque madame. Also serves lunch and dinner menu along with a pub night special.
Located at 1722 South Congress. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Café No Sé
A minimalist interior serving French pastry shoppe-inspired baked goods along with brunch favorites with international flavors. Extensive wine list and the patio offers ideal location for people watching.
Located at 1603 South Congress St., Austin, TX 78704. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Easy Tiger
A mix of amazing bread with beers on tap, it’s an Austin brunch thing.
6406 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Road. Ste 1100, Austin, TX 78752.
3508 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste 200, Austin, TX 78704
1501 E. 7th St., Austin, TX 78702
All locations open daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
Austin’s Independant Coffee Shops
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Since it’s right on Lake Austin features a large deck and open till midnight, Mozart’s is hopping after dark. Then add the occasional live music and it’s a must. Mozart’s roasts coffee in-house and offers a full selection of desserts. It was a must for the Austin Restaurant Guide.
Located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Jo’s Coffee
It’s the coffee shop with the iconic I Love You So Much mural . With a walk-up counter and an outdoor patio, it’s a South Congress must.
Located at 1300 S. Congress Ave. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Halcyon Coffee + Bar + Lounge
A must for after dinner coffee drinks in the Austin’s Downtown Entertainment District. Grab a cup or even a cocktail in a space that feels like a bar, except with an espresso machine. Open until 2 a.m. dowtown.
Located 218 W. 4th St. and 1905 Aldrich St. #110. Opens daily at 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Kick Butt Coffee
As a bonus, Kick Butt is a small live music venue in the evening. It’s Austin a thing. Try a London Fog, an Earl Gray Tea with steamed milk. Or the Cold Brew with a breakfast taco, another Austin must.
Located at 5775 Airport Blvd. #725. Opens at 6 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Austin’s Ice Cream Shops
Amy’s Ice Cream
It all started in 1984, now Amy’s offers 350 different flavors on a rotation. It’s a home-grown favorite with 13 locations across the Austin area. It has to be included in my Austin Restaurant Guide.
Lick Honest Ice Cream
Another home-grown Austin shop, find sweet and savory flavor combinations, like dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt.
Located at 1100 #1135 S. Lamar Blvd., 6555 Burnet Rd. #200, 1905 Aldrich St. #150.
