What to Eat Your First Time in Austin TX
I might not be a Southern girl myself, but Austin TX’s food scene has truly stolen my heart. The city’s love for locally-sourced ingredients, farm-to-table concepts, and creative culinary masterpieces has brought together a blend of Tex-Mex, BBQ, and southern comfort foods that are not only delicious but also unforgettable. In this article, I’m excited to share with you some of the top foods to try during your first trip to Austin, Texas.
The #1 can’t-miss food in Austin is, of course, BBQ. Known for its slow-cooked, tender meats, Austin’s BBQ joints are a thing of beauty. I personally feel like you can’t come to Austin and not try the famous brisket from Franklin Barbecue. This mouthwatering meat is cooked low and slow for hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful masterpiece. Be prepared to wait in line for hours, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re not in the mood for BBQ, head over to Kemuri Tatsu-Ya for a unique fusion of Texas and Japanese cuisine. Their smoked brisket sushi roll is a must-try, and their creative cocktails are not to be missed.
Another one you simply cannot leave Austin without trying is the famous breakfast taco. From street vendors to gourmet restaurants, breakfast tacos are a staple in the city’s food scene. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, these tacos are filled with a variety of ingredients, including eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, and even potatoes. For a truly authentic experience, head over to one of the many food trucks scattered around the city, like Veracruz All Natural or Juan In A Million, for a breakfast taco that will blow your taste buds away.
You can’t write an article on the Austin food scene without mentioning Tex-Mex. For a classic experience, head over to Matt’s El Rancho for their famous Bob Armstrong Dip. This indulgent appetizer is made with queso, guacamole, and beef, and is a crowd favorite. For something a little more adventurous, try the mole enchiladas at Suerte. This trendy restaurant puts a modern twist on classic Mexican dishes, and their mole sauce is the star of the show.
For a unique twist on Tex-Mex, head to Torchy’s Tacos. The iconic taco chain offers a variety of creative taco combinations that will satisfy any craving. Try the Trailer Park taco, filled with fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and poblano ranch, or the Brushfire taco, packed with Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro.
If you’re looking for something sweet, don’t miss out on trying a slice of pie from the iconic Bluebonnet Cafe. The family-owned restaurant has been serving up homemade pies for over 80 years, with flavors ranging from apple to pecan to coconut cream. For a more decadent dessert, head over to Gourdough’s for their famous donut creations. Their menu ranges from savory to sweet, but you can’t go wrong with the classic Mother Clucker. This donut is topped with fried chicken, honey butter, and Sriracha. If you’re in the mood for something more traditional, try the kolaches at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches. These Czech pastries are filled with everything from sausage to Nutella, and are perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, look no further than the Gulf Coast Fish House. This family-owned restaurant brings the flavors of the Gulf Coast to Austin, and their crawfish boil is a must-try. For a unique seafood experience, head over to Kemuri Tatsu-Ya (again) for their smoked oyster nachos. Trust me, it sounds weird, but it’s delicious.
For a truly unique dining experience, head to Lenoir, a farm-to-table restaurant located in South Austin. The menu changes frequently depending on what’s in season, but expect dishes like roasted duck breast with smoked beet puree or crispy pork belly with charred okra and tomato jam. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, with options from all over the world.
One of the best ways to experience Austin’s food scene is to attend one of the city’s many food festivals. The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is a must-visit for any meat lover, featuring some of the best barbecue in the state. For something sweeter, check out the Austin Ice Cream Festival, which showcases local ice cream vendors and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Another unique food festival is Hot Luck, which combines food, music, and fun for a weekend of culinary exploration.
Last but not least, let’s talk about drinks. Austin is known for its craft beer scene, and there’s no shortage of breweries to visit. For a laid-back atmosphere and delicious beer, head over to Hops & Grain. If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale, try the cocktails at Midnight Cowboy. This speakeasy-style bar is hidden away behind an unmarked door, and their drinks are as creative as they are delicious.
Austin’s food scene is a blend of creativity, tradition, and local flair that’s sure to leave your taste buds wanting more. From breakfast tacos to BBQ, Tex-Mex to pies, and craft beer to donuts, Austin’s food scene is truly one of a kind. I hope this article has given you a taste of what to expect during your first trip to Austin, and that you’ll be inspired to try all the amazing food this city has to offer.
Don’t miss my article on Making the Most of Your First Trip to Austin TX.
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