I love living in Austin, Texas. From the food and art scene to the greenbelts and the live music, there’s an endless list of things to see and experience. I have a whole list of my favorite places for a myriad of activities, but I want to talk about how to eat in Austin.
Although the Lonestar State currently lacks a Michelin-starred establishment, some excellent restaurants are finally going to receive the recognition they deserve.
There are fabulous taco food trucks on every corner. Mouthwatering BBQ exists in every neighborhood in the city. There are sloppy smash burgers in hole-in-the-wall spots. And I can’t forget the fine dining experiences that we have, either.
As a local, I’m going to break down my favorite places to eat in the self-acclaimed Music Capital.
Taco Trucks on Every Corner
Did someone say there would be taco trucks on every corner if Hillary Clinton were elected POTUS in 2016? Why yes, yes they did. And I still don’t understand how this is a bad thing. From where I’m standing, we need even more delicious taco trucks and brick-and-mortar locales.
However, I have several favorite taco joints I love and for different reasons. First and foremost, you have to check out DeNada Cantina. DeNada opened its doors on East Cesar Chavez in June 2021, and it has been slinging excellent Mexico City street-style tacos and quesadillas ever since. But hold on–there’s more! Voted Best Margaritas two years in a row, these pink cup beauties will have you feeling good in no time.
Next up is Mi Trailita y Mas. This hole-in-the-wall gem serves some of Austin’s best Tacos al Pastor and Cali-style burritos. Located on Manor Rd, you might miss the spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Since 2011, Mi Trailita y Mas has supplied the community with a wide-ranging menu of breakfast tacos, lunch plates, quesadillas, and so much more for affordable prices. This neighborhood eatery is a hotspot that definitely needs to be on your must-have taco list.
You Get a Burger! You Get a Burger! Burgers for Everyone!
There’s not much I love more than a tasty taco or a juicy, stacked burger, and if you want to eat in Austin, you have many options. My newest burger obsession comes from Busty’s Bar and Jukebox on Cameron Road, right off HWY 290 East.
This 70s-inspired joint has an upside-down Chevy Corvette hanging from the ceiling, dark paneling that reminds you of your Grandma’s house, and swooping lights hanging over vinyl booth seating.
Their menu is excellent, too. I absolutely love their smash burger. You need this flavorful, juicy, grass-fed beef patty with melted American cheese served on a potato bun burger in your mouth today.
If you can’t make it to Busty’s, stop by Billy’s on Burnet (really on Hancock Drive off Burnet). This spot has been around for ages. And for good reason. Their burgers are top-notch and dripping with cheesy goodness.
If you’re looking for excellent patio seating where you can kick your feet up, partake in a crisp cold beer, and get your burger on, Billy’s is the place to do just that!
Texas BBQ is Better Than Your State’s BBQ
Yeah, I said it. BBQ in Texas is better than anywhere else in the United States. It’s better than Kansas City and Memphis, and it’s sure as heck better than the vinegary pork they call BBQ in North Carolina.
Who’s serving up the best brisket, ribs, and sausage links to eat in Austin? Some might say it’s Franklin BBQ, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I recommend you skip waiting half a day in line. Instead, head over to Stiles Switch on North Lamar. You won’t be disappointed.
Stiles Switch‘s brisket and beef ribs are just as juicy and delicious as anywhere else in town. With three area locations, residents throughout Travis and the neighboring counties can enjoy their tasty, mesquite-smoked meat platters, creamy corn casserole, and cheesy tater tot casserole.
Hold on. I’m drooling on myself thinking about it….
Mama Mia, That’s Some Good Italian
Last year, my favorite local Italian restaurant caught on fire. But like the phoenix they are, Red Ash Grill literally rose from the ashes and reopened its doors a couple of months ago. This fine dining experience is one of the best Austin has to offer.
Located downtown, on Colorado and 2nd Street, this restaurant will impress even Nonna. You will dream about their perfectly seared Octopus a la Plancha served with smoked pancetta braised beans, Mediterranean rucola, and Sicilian olives.
When I tell you this is the best octopus you will ever have stateside, I am not lying.
Make sure to order the Wood-Grilled Beef Filet or their Cold Water Lobster Tails’ Scampi’ Style, too. And if Tiramisu is your thing, Red Ash delivers it all day and night long. The creaminess of this coffee-rich dessert tastes like heaven.
Roll, Roll, Roll Your Boat Straight to Uchiko
Yes, yes, I know the word is supposed to be row, but go along with me here…
Uchiko, the sister restaurant to the award-winning Uchi family started by Chef Tyson Cole, delivers the best Happy Hour in Austin. The nigiri and sashimi selections are like buttah and dissolve beautifully in your mouth. The scallop crudo and the Thai chimichurri broccoli are seriously so divine you’ll order seconds and thirds. And don’t get me started on the sushi rolls.
However, you can’t talk about a happy hour without mentioning at least one cocktail. The Umegave is an elixir from the gods themselves. Made with tequila-infused sake, umeboshi, hibiscus, and lime, this delightful libation is to die for.
Favorite Austin ‘Za
Did anyone order a pizza? If you did, I hope you placed that order with Sammataro, located on East 12th Street. It’s hands down my favorite place and, in my opinion, the best pizza to eat in Austin. There are countless pizza parlors and stands, and they’re all pretty good.
However, when it comes to authentic, New York-style pizza, Sammataro can’t be beaten. I’m talking straight from an episode of Ugly Delicious with Lucali Pizzeria in Brooklyn.
They begin with a 48-hour fermented dough baked in a custom wood-fired oven until the crust turns soft and chewy with a hint of char around the edges. You can choose from a variety of premium toppings, all carefully selected for the best quality.
If you can’t make it to Sammataro, Home Slice on 51st Street is another excellent option, especially if you have the little ones in tow. They offer outdoor seating and a play area for the kids to run around. Their pizza is always consistently delicious and at a reasonable price.
That’s a Wrap
There’s lots to eat in Austin, with many fabulous restaurants and more opening every week. As a local, these are a few of the places I love to spend my money while devouring some of the best cuisine the city offers.
I will let you in on a little secret, though. It’s hard to walk into any restaurant anymore and get sat within a few minutes. Since the pandemic, the service industry has been hit hard, and reservations are needed for a couple of the places I mentioned. Check their websites for more information.
This article is cross-posted to Culture Hub Collective.