Austin, Texas, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene that ranges from gourmet restaurants to iconic food trucks. Whether you’re craving authentic Tex-Mex, mouth-watering BBQ, or innovative vegan dishes, Austin has it all. In this guide, we’ll take you through where to eat in Austin, highlighting must-visit restaurants, popular food trucks, and local delicacies that you simply can’t miss.
The Best Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in Austin, Texas
1. Franklin Barbecue
When it comes to where to eat in Austin, Franklin Barbecue is at the top of the list. This legendary BBQ joint is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, which often draws lines of eager customers hours before opening. Owned by pitmaster Aaron Franklin, the restaurant has received numerous accolades, including a James Beard Award. Be sure to arrive early, as the mouth-watering meats often sell out before closing time.
Pacaya Tip: Use Pacaya to join a foodie group or plan a group outing to Franklin Barbecue and share the experience with fellow BBQ enthusiasts.
2. Veracruz All Natural
No trip to Austin is complete without trying the city’s famous breakfast tacos, and Veracruz All Natural is the place to go. This food truck is famous for its homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients. The Migas Taco, made with scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, and avocado, is a must-try. As one of the best spots for breakfast tacos, it’s a staple when exploring where to eat in Austin.
Explore with Pacaya: Find a group on Pacaya to explore Austin’s best food trucks, starting with a breakfast taco tour at Veracruz All Natural.
3. Uchi
For a more upscale dining experience, Uchi is the ultimate destination for sushi lovers. This award-winning restaurant, led by Chef Tyson Cole, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. From the expertly crafted nigiri to innovative small plates like the Hamachi Nabe, Uchi consistently ranks among the top places where to eat in Austin.
Pacaya Group Dinner: Join a Pacaya group dinner to experience Uchi’s exquisite menu and learn about the art of sushi from the experts.
4. Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos started as a humble food truck and has since become an Austin institution. Known for its creative taco combinations and bold flavors, it’s a go-to spot where to eat in Austin for both locals and visitors. Try the Trailer Park Taco (order it “trashy” for an extra indulgence) or the Brushfire, which features Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapenos, and mango.
Taco Tour: Use Pacaya to organize a taco tour with friends or fellow foodies, with Torchy’s as a highlight stop.
5. La Barbecue
For those who love BBQ but want to avoid the long lines at Franklin, La Barbecue is an excellent alternative. This spot is famous for its brisket, ribs, and sausage, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that defines where to eat in Austin for BBQ lovers. The smoky, flavorful meats are cooked to perfection, making it a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.
Pacaya BBQ Outing: Join a BBQ outing on Pacaya to experience La Barbecue’s mouth-watering offerings with fellow meat lovers.
6. Gourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Austin for an unforgettable dessert, look no further than Gourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts. This food truck specializes in massive, over-the-top donuts with creative toppings. From the “Mother Clucker” topped with fried chicken to the “Fat Elvis” with peanut butter, bacon, and bananas, there’s something for every sweet tooth.
Pacaya Sweet Treats: Plan a sweet treats tour on Pacaya, starting with Gourdough’s decadent donuts.
7. The Peached Tortilla
The Peached Tortilla is where Asian and Southern comfort food meet, offering a unique fusion that makes it a standout in the Austin food scene. Known for its delicious sliders, tacos, and rice bowls, it’s a must-visit spot where to eat in Austin if you’re looking for something different. The BBQ Brisket Tacos and the Banh Mi Tacos are crowd favorites.
Fusion Food Exploration: Use Pacaya to explore Austin’s fusion food scene with a group, starting with The Peached Tortilla.
8. Home Slice Pizza
Craving New York-style pizza in Texas? Home Slice Pizza has you covered. This pizzeria serves up classic, hand-tossed pizzas with a thin, crispy crust and a perfect balance of toppings. Whether you opt for a simple Margherita or a fully loaded pie, Home Slice is a must-visit when deciding where to eat in Austin.
Pizza Night: Organize a pizza night through Pacaya and enjoy a slice of New York in the heart of Austin.
9. Ramen Tatsu-Ya
For a taste of authentic ramen, Ramen Tatsu-Ya is the place where to eat in Austin. This cozy ramen shop offers rich, flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles. The Tonkotsu Original is a favorite, with a creamy pork broth and tender chashu. Ramen Tatsu-Ya brings a taste of Japan to Austin and is a must-visit for any foodie.
Pacaya Ramen Run: Join a ramen run on Pacaya to explore Austin’s best ramen spots, starting with Ramen Tatsu-Ya.
10. Kerbey Lane Cafe
A local favorite for decades, Kerbey Lane Cafe is known for its all-day breakfast and homestyle comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for pancakes, migas, or their famous Kerbey Queso, it’s a top spot where to eat in Austin for a hearty meal any time of day. The cafe’s relaxed vibe and diverse menu make it a popular choice for families and groups.
Breakfast Club: Use Pacaya to plan a breakfast club outing to Kerbey Lane Cafe and enjoy some of Austin’s best comfort food.
11. Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye offers a farm-to-table dining experience that focuses on seasonal and local ingredients. The menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest produce available, making it a go-to destination where to eat in Austin for foodies who appreciate creativity and sustainability. The dim sum-style service allows you to sample a variety of small plates throughout the evening.
Fine Dining Experience: Join a Pacaya group dinner to experience Emmer & Rye’s innovative and sustainable cuisine.
12. Juan in a Million
Juan in a Million is an Austin legend, known for its massive breakfast tacos and friendly atmosphere. The Don Juan taco, a heaping pile of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and cheese, is a rite of passage for anyone wondering where to eat in Austin for an authentic Tex-Mex breakfast experience.
Tex-Mex Breakfast: Plan a Tex-Mex breakfast outing with Pacaya to tackle the legendary Don Juan taco with friends.
13. Food Truck Park at The Picnic
For a variety of options in one place, visit The Picnic, a food truck park that offers some of the best unique places to eat in Austin. With a rotating selection of trucks serving everything from gourmet hot dogs to vegan cuisine, it’s a great spot to sample a wide range of Austin’s culinary offerings in a casual outdoor setting.
Food Truck Crawl: Organize a food truck crawl through Pacaya and explore multiple trucks at The Picnic.
14. Micklethwait Craft Meats
Another excellent BBQ spot where to eat in Austin is Micklethwait Craft Meats. This food truck serves up high-quality meats with a creative twist. In addition to classic brisket and ribs, Micklethwait is known for its homemade sausages and unique sides like jalapeño cheese grits.
BBQ Lovers Meetup: Use Pacaya to join a BBQ lovers meetup and savor the creative meats at Micklethwait Craft Meats.
15. Lucy’s Fried Chicken
For some of the best comfort food in Austin, head to Lucy’s Fried Chicken. Known for its crispy, juicy fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides, it’s a must-visit where to eat in Austin. Don’t miss the fried deviled eggs or the deep-fried pies for dessert.
Comfort Food Feast: Plan a comfort food feast with Pacaya at Lucy’s Fried Chicken and indulge in Southern favorites.
From iconic BBQ joints and authentic breakfast tacos to upscale sushi and inventive food trucks, Austin offers a diverse and delicious culinary scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, this guide highlights where to eat in Austin for an unforgettable dining experience. Use Pacaya to explore these spots, join group outings, and share your love for food with others. Download the app today and start your culinary adventure in Austin!
