I had to visit Austin, Texas, for a recent business trip. I never expected this small business trip would turn out to be a blast of the culinary art of Texas. While I was focused on the presentations and the reports, my stomach gave me signals not to miss the authentic food exploration in this “hippie haven”. Austin’s reputation for live music precedes, but let me tell you the food is the rockstar here itself.
From the trendy East-Austin cafes to legendary barbeque joints, this city is the only solution for all kinds of cravings. One morning, after long hours of lectures, I was planning a solo brunch, and the restaurants here sang along with every mood for mine.
The vibe of this city was so electric, and it felt like each restaurant was singing its own culinary tune. Hungry and indecisive, I was roaming around the street filled with smoky barbeque and the colourful smoothie bowl peeking out of the cafe window and pulling me towards them. Well , I bumped into many good restaurants here.
Let’s not waste our time and jump into the famous restaurants, I experienced in Austin.
I was craving some barbeque bliss, so I asked the locals if they could help me with this tough situation. They recommended County Line On The Hill, The best barbeque in the area.
If your love language is smoky and delicious, A.K.A BBQ peeps, then County Line on the Hill would be your ultimate stop.
Nestled on Bee Cave Road in Austin, TX, this dine-in restaurant provides not only a scrumptious menu but also a spectacular view. From there, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Texas Hill Country.
If you are lucky enough, you can also find Eat, Pray, Love actress Julia Roberts dining beside you. The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday, 11:30 am to 9 pm. Their BBQ just had the perfect taste and was well-seasoned. Here are some of my recommendations that u should never miss: barbeque and grilled fish, fried chicken, and steaks.
After having their flavour delights, I returned to the stay and completed the remaining work. When the afternoon passed and evening came by, I didn’t notice. After completing the reports for the next day, I was sitting idly, so a small visit to a cafe or restaurant wouldn’t have been a bad decision.
While walking down Brazos Street, Austin, The Driskill Grill gave me a different vibe. So, without a second thought, I entered there.
Ranked as the best restaurant in Austin, it is run by none other than the Gracie Allen Award winner for Outstanding Host, Paula Deen.
I was delighted to see and taste their rich culinary delights here by Chef Mark Dayanandan, whose cuisine is inspired by the various aromas of Austin.
In its fine dining area, visitors can enjoy Texas food and live music that takes place from time to time. Be it a date night or a casual family dinner, The Driskill Grill proves the perfect place.
The restaurant also holds a Victorian-style cafe and bakery where you can enjoy traditional Texas cuisine, which includes Texas classic bonafide, Pecan waffle in a Texas shape, fried chicken sandwich, sweet Texas Dreams mimosa, bagel, lox, and more.
Don’t miss trying its signature dish, Helen Corbitt’s famous Cheese Soup, served with chive oil, cheese, and croutons. I was overwhelmed by this signature dish.
The luxury, combined with an irresistible taste, was just perfect. Without my knowledge, my taste buds again danced for some beverage. I still had a lot of time, so I started a journey to the popular coffee shop in South Congress, Downtown Austin. I booked a cab and told the driver to take me to Jo’s Hot Coffee.
Running since 1999, at Jo’s Hot Coffee, you not only get a caffeinated drink but also enjoy a caffeinated cake latte.
Its menu varies from sizzling bacon to a vegan diet so that everyone can feel welcome here. The coffee they served here was extremely soothing and awakened my soul.
Located at three different places, in Jo’s Coffee, you can enjoy different salads from Carolina’s salad to Greek salad intertwined with roasted corn, grapes, feta, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and more.
Considered one of Austin’s best restaurants, Jo’s Coffee is already approved by Luke Wilson and Taylor Kitsch. So, next time you visit, keep your eyes in check.
Also, while visiting here, don’t forget to try iced coffee. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily in South Congress and Red River. In Downtown Austin, it is open on Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.
After the coffee, I contemplated walking down the street and enjoying Austin. The designed lights made the city more mesmerizing, and the cool breeze calmed my whole body and mind. My eyes had experienced this peace and this environment after a long time.
Suddenly, I got a call from my colleague saying he would join me for dinner. I invited him as I was alone. He reached at no time. He said he was craving some Mexican dishes, so we got into an authentic Mexican restaurant on Pickle Road, Pueblo Viejo Taco Truck.
Pueblo Viejo Taco Truck is a food truck in Austin. If you are a Mexican food lover like him, this taco truck will not let you down. Here, you can find a variety of top Mexican food in a casual dining space that looks like it has descended straight from Mexico City.
It is one of the best Mexican restaurants that I have ever visited. Some of my recommendations are fish tacos, barbecue tacos, steak tacos, fried chicken tacos, chicharron salsa verde tacos, and al pastor gordita.
Pueblo Viejo Taco Truck is one of the best food trucks in town. Whether you want to treat your friends or want to try something new, this can be your ultimate stop.
This little food truck comes with lots of surprises. You can also enjoy chips & salsa and barbacoa burritos, steak burritos, and chicken burritos.
After all, what could be more pleasing than enjoying one of Austin’s best tacos in the outdoor seating area? It is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm.
After reaching home, I slept like a koala. The next morning, I attended the meeting, and it turned out to be successful, so our team lead and manager spelled out some magical words: ” Let’s party tonight.” We were super excited.
The whole group fixed the party at Guero’s Taco Bar at Congress Avenue, another well-known Mexcian restaurant cum bar.
Guero’s Taco Bar is open to anyone who loves tacos and party animals like us. You can enjoy a special handmade dish, corn tortillas with tacos al pastor and Caldo de Pollo, which were too delicious to forget.
Arranged in Oak Garden, you can have your Sunday brunch here, enjoying a taco in one hand and a margarita or icy Cerveza in the other. This quaint diner with an outdoor patio has hosted some of the big names in industries, including Ryan Gosling and Bill Clinton.
Guero’s Taco Bar is for those who love spicy food with good music.
The best part of this Austin restaurant is the fusion of Mexican and Texas flavors
With its fast delivery and a good amount of food coupled with an eclectic atmosphere, you can never go wrong trying Guero’s Tacos.
The best part of this Austin restaurant is the fusion of Mexican and Texas flavors. It is suitable for both family and friend outings. In this Tex-Mexican restaurant, you get the chance to taste the traditional desert of Mexico, the classic vanilla flan, and rich and chewy homemade brownies.
And don’t forget to taste its creamy and delicious Tres Leches Cake and Pecan Blondie with vanilla ice cream. If you are looking for the best restaurants in the city, don’t miss coming here and tasting the Caldo de Pollo and tacos al pastor.
The next day was Sunday, I discovered a celebrity-owned restaurant, Walton’s Fancy And Staple, owned by Sandra Bullock, an American actress and filmmaker. Well, this restaurant is perfect for Lunch and Breakfast.
Like its name, you can have a fancy lunch where a pair of sandwiches, a cup of soup, and a side salad make for a perfect breakfast.
You can also shop for gifts and flowers, coffee beans, and house-made syrups with fancy brunch. You can also choose mouth-licking desserts from its bakery, and don’t forget to try its peanut butter cookie.
Their coffee and sandwiches make this restaurant popular among locals and tourists. The restaurant provides both dine-in service and takeout.
Known as an espresso haven, you will find over twenty types of soups, salads, and sandwiches 100% handmade and natural. This is also the best restaurant in the city for those who want to try something new and delicious for weekend brunch.
It is open from Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm.
Well, one of my friends recommended a well-known restaurant, Magnolia Table, a restaurant for Brunch by The Valley Mills Dr, Waco. I didn’t get time to visit this one, though; on the next trip, I will surely give it a shot.
Magnolia Table is a fine dining venue in Austin, TX, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Owned by television presenters Chip and Joanna Gaines, it is one of the best restaurants for breakfast tacos loaded with eggs, bacon, and hash browns. The restaurant is usually full of customers, but if you are not ready to wait in line, you can also pick up the food and enjoy it at your favorite place.
Along with the breakfast tacos, you can find lattes, coffee, tea, lemonade drinks, and delicious pastries. You can also pick up souvenirs such as restaurant T-shirts, mugs, and wooden recipe cards.
This is one of the best Austin restaurants for Chip and Joanna fans. And you can also take their handprints present in the restaurant. You must also try pimento cheese, one of the classic southern dishes, which is also a popular recipe by Joanna.
Don’t forget to try pecan pie of Magnolia and buttermilk biscuit sandwiches dipped in strawberry butter. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 3 pm and is closed on Sundays.
Here are a few recommendations for you guys that I can’t visit as my business trip ended.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
If you are looking for the best contemporary food in Austin restaurants, then Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is your place.
With majestic cocktail menu offerings, the patio dine-in services serve home-cooked meals. Then whether you are looking for brunch, dinner, or Avery Ranch drinks, it has special menus for every occasion.
This Austin restaurant near Red River offers steak fries, grilled chicken, chicken fried steak, and fried chicken with veggie hash assembled with egg, spinach, avocado, tomato, and corn. Fratelli Moscato d’Asti, Austin Beerworks Fire Eagle, Duckhorn Merlot, and Napa Valley, CA, are a few of the creative cocktails you can find here.
Do not miss tasting its sweet treats, including Peanut Butter Mousse Pie, Cinnamon Roll, and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake. It is also the first choice for foodies looking for breakfast sandwiches with both vegan and meat stuffing.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill boasts indoor seating and an outdoor patio which makes the dining experience a splendid one.
If you are looking for a neighborhood restaurant in Red River, Austin, TX, this place could be heaven for you as it offers different styles of Texas food under one roof.
The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is for barbecue lovers. It offers delicious pulled pork chop, smoked meats, and odd duck confit for foodies.
Located in East Austin, the Franklin Barbecue is famous for its Tipsy Texan and Chopped Beef Sandwiches. You can also enjoy a variety of pies here, including Bourbon Banana, Pecan, Key Lime, and Ruby’s Dang Pier.
Don’t forget to try its pulled pork and sandwiches. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
Launderette, Austin, TX
If you are looking for restaurants near East Austin, Laundrette American Cafe which has been converted from a gas station would be perfect for you. One of the best burgers in East Austin served with American cheese, fried pickles, challah, and special sauce
With their Executive Chef René Ortiz, you can savor global flavors. One of the best burgers in East Austin, it is served with American cheese, fried pickles, challah, and specialty sauces.
There are four specialties – Patasa Mufeldine, Pei Mussels, Brick Chicken, and Plancha Burger. The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday.
Closing Thoughts
Here we come to the end of the Austin restaurant guide. These are some of the best restaurants that you must visit when you are in the city.
These restaurants serve authentic Texas flavors that will make your day and turn your gloomy day into a fun night out.
From Texas beef to steak fries, from small food trucks in the south Austin neighborhood to Chinese cuisine and Japanese cuisine, the city’s menu offerings are always amazing.
So the next time you’re looking for brunch or a simple breakfast, don’t miss visiting these top restaurants in Austin dining scene.
Last Updated on by Rajeshwari_Das
