Ultimate Austin, Texas Foodie Bucket List – According To A Local
While the Austin culinary scene continues to elevate alongside the rapid growth of the city – The list of must-try foods in Austin remains the same. Y’all know I love experiencing a trendy new restaurant as much as anyone, but nothing hits quite like a Saturday morning Migas breakfast taco or mid-afternoon Mexican Martini.
In fact, I’d argue that the 10 foods you must try in Austin simply cannot be found at the hottest spot in town – In fact, the best of what we have to offer is often hiding at your local gas station and frequented only be those who have been around long enough to know how this city operates.
So for the purposes of this Austin Texas Foodie Bucket List, we’re going to stick with what we know and what we’re known for – But don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a few trendy new spots along the way for good measure.
10 Must-Try Foods In Austin, Texas
1. Breakfast Tacos
You have simply not started your foodie journey through Austin without picking up breakfast tacos from a local food truck. As I mentioned previously, the best are coming from the colorful truck outside the neighborhood gas station – But there are a few standout options located in food truck parks and coffee shops, as well.
A few of my favorite breakfast taco spots in Austin:
East Austin – Granny’s Tacos
South Austin, East Austin, Buda – Pueblo Viejo
South Lamar – Flavia’s Kitchen
South Menchaca – Mami’s Tacos
2. Texas BBQ (duh)
It doesn’t take an expert to know that Texas is famous for one very specific cooking method, but the proper Texas foodie experience entails another level of BBQ. I’m talking melt-in-your mouth brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the most decadent creamed corn to compliment it all. Not to be dramatic, but the BBQ spot you choose will absolutely make or break your time in Austin.
Here are a few that will blow your mind:
North Austin – InterStellar BBQ
East Austin – La Barbecue
South Austin – LeRoy and Lewis BBQ
Downtown Austin – Terry Black’s BBQ
3. Mexican Martini
One of the first things I learned after moving to Austin 12 years ago was the danger of a Mexican Martini – A cocktail invented by a party city and served in limited quantities throughout (hey, someone’s gotta lookout for our safety). This simple combination of Tequila, Orange Liqueur, Lime Juice, and Olive Brine is easy to find at just about any bar in Austin, and seemingly impossible to mess up – I’ll leave it to you to stumble upon the destination, just make sure to have a designated driver on standby.
4. Chicken Fried Steak
Ahh.. My favorite meal of all time. Since I was a kid, I’ve ordered Chicken Fried Steak just about anywhere they’ll serve it. Red meat fried like a chicken and smothered in peppered white gravy – What’s not to love?
Here are a few places in ATX with 10/10 chicken fried steak:
Downtown Austin – Moonshine Grill
South Austin – Phoebe’s Diner *Also one of my favorite brunches in Austin
South Austin, North Austin, Cedar Park – Lucy’s Fried Chicken
5. Tex Mex – Queso, Migas, Margaritas, Enchiladas, Fajitas, Etc
It feels impossible to choose only one Tex-Mex dish to try; Luckily, many restaurants have a combination plate, giving you the option to try a little of everything! And even after living in Texas my entire life, and knowing Enchiladas are my #1, I’ll still choose the shmorgishborg – Because everything is too good to pass up.
If it’s your first time trying this cuisine, you’ll be happy anywhere. However, these are a few of my favorite Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin:
South Lamar – Matt’s El Rancho
Downtown Austin – El Alma
Barton Springs – Chuy’s
6. Craft Beer
As an Austinite, I am never quite satisfied with the selection of craft beer and breweries in other cities – And that is because our options here are endless.
I am not going to pretend that I know a lot about beer, aside from which are the highest ABV and will give me a nice buzz (yes, I only order IPAs…), but I do know some of the best spots because breweries and beer gardens are the perfect place for an afternoon hang:
South Austin – Meanwhile
East Austin – Central Machine Works
Central Austin – Brewtorium
South Congress – Cosmic Pickle
7. Kolaches
Kolaches have been a staple in my diet for as long as I can remember, and that is just part of being a Texan. While I tend to gravitate towards breakfast tacos in the morning, Kolaches are delicious and should not be overlooked as you’re exploring our Texas favorites.
The best kolaches in Austin? While this is the one recommendation I’m giving that I cannot vouch for myself, Kerlaches is supposedly the best of the best.
Personally, I tend to get them as a savory prerequisite to morning donuts at whatever donut shop I’ve stumbled upon in my PJs.
8. Birria
Two years ago, I’d never heard of Birria. But once I got my first look, I became obsessed. (Like, I was obsessed before I even tasted it.) And now more often than not, you will see Birria on the menu at any ol’ Mexican food truck you stumble upon in and around Austin.
Juicy and tender meat served in a taco alongside the consume it was cooked in… I’m drooling at the thought… Or maybe at the picture above? I prefer my Birria with cheese (aka “Quesabirria”) or with Ramen (yes, this is very much a thing), but you can keep it as simple as you’d like.
Some of the best Birria I’ve had in Austin:
East Austin – La Tunita 512
West Austin – Birrieria Taco Zone
9. Mexican-Fusion ANYTHING
Indian Food, BBQ, Ramen… I’ve seen every combination, and it (almost) always slaps. More importantly, it’s something you can only find in a place with heavy Mexican influence like Austin, which makes it a necessary experience.
A few of my favorites:
East Austin / South Congress – Nasha
Downtown / North Austin (Domain) – Velvet Taco
South Congress / North Austin (Domain) – Loro
10. ANY Food Truck
Food. Trucks. In. Austin. Rule.
I can’t think of a single time I’ve eaten at an Austin food truck and had a bad experience. The owner is typically present on the truck, which is incredibly endearing and ultimately leads to high quality food and service. Hungry? Find a food truck park and wing it. (And then tell us where you went in the comments, please and thank you.)
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And there you have it, friends! Austinities – Am I missing anything?
PS. Food in Austin is one of my favorite topics to write about, and you can find so much more here in the ATX Corner of DGL.
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