Where to eat in Austin, Texas!!
We were in Austin for 3 days and we did our best to hit as many spots as we could! We’ve also added a few other places we’ve hit while in Austin previously + some highly recommended restaurants on our hit list. Everything from tacos to barbecue to ramen…this is the ultimate Austin list. GIDDY UP!
Tacos/Mexican
Cuantos Tacos - Located in a food truck park, this is a special taco truck. They are known for their suadero but the cachete aka beef cheese with cheese was our winner. It’s also super cheap!
Cuantos Tacos
Ensenada - Also in the same food truck park as Cuantos ^ you need to grab a fish taco from Ensenada. It’s exceptional and the gubernado (shrimp and cheese) is a surprising star.
Nixta Taqueria - One of the most creative taco spots in Austin. Get the duck carnitas taco and the bean & cheese and enjoy them outside in their cool backyard.
Nixta Taqueria
Este - Este brings coastal Mexican flavors to East Austin with standout seafood, charcoal cooking, and house-made masa. Don’t miss the wagyu tacos, pescado zarandeado, or halibut. Definitely save room for dessert. They bring the whole cake tray to your table of their tasty options.
Chuy’s - This is one of the most famous Tex-Mex restaurants in all of Austin and you’ll likely grab a fat plate of enchiladas, rice, and beans. We love that their mascot is a Chihuahua (we left with fun merch).
Breakfast Tacos
We may or may not have gone on a breakfast taco tour. Check it out here!
Taco Joint - Our favorite breakfast tacos in Austin. The potato, egg, and cheese was simple but perfect, and at around $3 each, you can try a few without breaking the bank.
Veracruz All Natural - Run by two sisters from Veracruz, this Austin staple serves some of the best tacos in the city. The wait can be 15 minutes, but it’s worth it. Get the migas taco.
Juan in a Million - This one has come highly recommended to us and it’s been open in East Austin since 1980…wild! If you don’t want breakfast tacos get their Mexican classics.
Jo’s Coffee - Come here if caffeine is the main mission and breakfast tacos are a bonus. They’re quick, convenient, and will do the trick, just don’t expect to be wowed.
Barbecue (or bbq? whatever you want to call it)
La Barbecue - Immediately upon walking in, you're greeted with a sample of the best brisket you'll ever taste. Last year, they were awarded a Michelin star, and we can confirm it’s well deserved. Probably the best BBQ we’ve ever had. Definitely get the mac and cheese and ribs.
La Barbecue
Leroy and Lewis - Another Austin BBQ spot with a Michelin star. We prefer La Barbecue, but this is a solid choice too. Known for their whole-animal approach. The hog fat cornbread and chopped cheese were our favorite bites.
Leroy and Lewis
Terry Blacks - This is a pretty well-known local gem that’s legendary in Texas - it’s good not exceptional. Expect the classics… coleslaw, potato salad, beans, etc. you won’t be mad about it.
Franklin - If you want to wait in line at 5 am and get their famous cuts of meat, power to ya! We haven’t done it yet but heard it’s really special. One day we will…
Interstellar - The last of the 1 Michelin star barbecue spots in Austin. It’s a bit of hike to get here but we heard it’s #3 out of La Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis.
Breakfast/Bakery
Mercado Sin Nombre - The world would be a better place if more spots like this existed. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, this hidden gem serves thoughtful, seasonal food in a beautiful space. Get a latte, the masa pancakes, and the Bad Honey Bunny.
Mercado Sin Nombre
Rockman - Listed outside the bakery are some of our favorite words: caffeine, sugar, butter, and booze. They make playful pastries like corn cookies and savory croissants. Grab a coffee here before hopping in line at La Barbecue across the street.
Rockman
1886 Cafe - Sometimes you just need a waffle in the shape of the state of Texas. We don’t make the rules. It’s touristy but if you’re staying downtown and want a pastry or coffee check them out.
1886 Cafe
Casper Fermentables - Sourdough bagels, bread, and more …. we know Texas isn’t known for bagels butt we heard great things.
Dinner Spots
Este - Este brings coastal Mexican flavors to East Austin with standout seafood, charcoal cooking, and house-made masa. Don’t miss the wagyu tacos, pescado zarandeado, or halibut. Definitely save room for dessert. They bring the whole cake tray to your table of their tasty options.
Canje - This modern Caribbean spot on East Sixth has bold music, vibrant energy, and the most flavorful food. Order the pink pineapple, beef patties, west indian curry, jerk chicken, and roti.
Canje
Birdie’s - James Beard nominated and with an ever-changing seasonal menu, this is definitely a hot spot in Austin. Think small fresh plates, a nice pasta, and a stunning soft serve with olive oil and sea salt for dessert.
Odd Duck - Odd Duck is pretty popular and a staple that’s been around since 2009. They are making new-American fare with a southern twist. They partner with local farms to bring in the best cuts of meat and local produce.
Dai Due - We haven’t been here yet but heard very positive reviews. It’s a farm-to-table spot with locally sourced ingredients served in a rustic space with a butcher shop attached.
Asian
Ramen Tatsu-Ya - You don’t come to Austin and think ramen but we were pleasantly surprised with this one. We tried the OG with a miso corn bomb. They are a bit of a local chain with a few shops so see if there is one nearby where you’ll be.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya - Also, from the same team as Ramen Tatsu-Ya comes Kemuri and they are doing something we’ve never heard of…Japanese izakaya meets barbecue. So you can try brisket dipping ramen, guaca-poke, and so many interesting fusion dishes.
Elizabeth Street Cafe - We loved this quaint cafe in a charming house serving Vietnamese food. If we were you we’d go for brunch so you can have a banh mi loaded with pork belly and a fried egg or pho.
Uchi/Uchiko - You probably are familiar with this chain but they started in Texas and to this day it’s still some of the highest quality sushi we’ve had. We know, that's a bold statement!
Markets
HEB - Just go here and get the warm butter tortillas….
