Eats

The Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List

Posted On June 19, 2023

Are you a foodie that’s coming to Austin? This ultimate foodie list is for you, especially if you’re looking for the “greatest hits” of Austin.

Where should you eat when you visit Austin? That’s a very popular question and the answer varies depending on what you like to eat. But many will agree with the spots on this list.

These are the places that are usually top-of-mind when locals and people who have visited recommend restaurants. You might have seen these on viral videos and plenty of ‘best of’ lists. Some of these spots might have locations outside of Austin now, but they all originated here!

Donut at Gourdough’s

The loaded donuts are probably meant for sharing, but we won’t tell if you eat the whole thing yourself. 😉 Gourdough’s started as a trailer on S. 1st St.

Trailer: 1503 S 1st St., Austin, TX 78704 
https://gourdoughs.com/

Don Juan Breakfast Taco at Juan in a Million

Since its Man v. Food tv appearance, the Don Juan Challenge has only increased in popularity. One order of this massive breakfast taco with potato, egg, bacon, and cheese can easily be turned into three or four tacos.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St., 78702 Austin, Texas
http://juaninamillion.com/

Burger at Hopdoddy

These burgers are big, juicy, and delicious! They have several kinds and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. But I will say the Primetime has brie and truffle aioli. Don’t forget the parmesan truffle fries! [See my post about Hopdoddy here.]

Eight locations in the Austin area
https://www.hopdoddy.com/

Barbecue

When it comes to popular barbecue, you have two main choices. Visit the classic – Salt Lick BBQ – which is about a 35-minute drive from downtown and has a huge barbecue pit on view, or the infamous – Franklin Barbecue – which will require at least a 4-hour wait in line. (Pro tip: order ahead or you can get a few of Franklin’s items at Loro, an Asian smokehouse restaurant co-owned by Aaron Franklin.) Avoiding all of that? La Barbecue, Micklethwait, and Stiles Switch will have lines but not as long.

New York Style Pizza at Home Slice Pizza

Big slices of thin-crust pizza are made fresh at one of Austin’s favorites – Home Slice. If you’re in a rush or just want a slice, go to the window for a slice to-go.

1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (original location) or 501 East 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
https://www.homeslicepizza.com

Detroit-Style Pizza at Via313

Detroit-style pizza came to Austin and we’ll never be the same. We love this thick, fluffy, and crisp crust with caramelized cheese on the edges. They started as a trailer and now they also have several brick-and-mortar locations. [See my post about Via313 here.]

Eight locations in the Austin area
http://www.via313.com/

Kimchi Fries at Chi’lantro

Welcome to the home of the original kimchi fries! Think French fries loaded with your choice of protein, kimchi, cheese, sauce, and spice. This restaurant fuses Korean and Mexican flavors into something we think you’ll love. It also went from food truck to brick-and-mortar AND you might have seen Chi’lantro on Shark Tank.

10 locations in the Austin area
http://www.chilantrobbq.com/

Tacos at Tacodeli or Torchy’s

Tacodeli or Torchy’s is a hot discussion in Austin, so it’s best if you visit both and let me know which one you prefer. I think Tacodeli is a little simpler while Torchy’s combinations are a little untraditional. If I had to choose, I would go to Tacodeli for breakfast and Torchy’s for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget the doña sauce at Tacodeli and try the queso at Torchy’s.

Queso

Queso is another category where you’ll get many opinions. We have solid options in Austin, so I can see why. In addition to Torchy’s queso, I recommend:

  • Cowboy Queso (with guacamole, black beans, and pico de gallo) at Kerbey Lane
  • Bob Armstrong Dip (with picadillo ground beef, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream) at Matt’s El Rancho
  • Loaded Queso (white queso topped with brisket, tomato serrano salsa, and tomatillo habanero salsa) at Valentina’s Tex Mex Barbecue

Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya

This is the shop that made ramen something in Austin. Their delicious broth produced long lines and buzz. You can get ramen in many places in the U.S. This one is our best. [See my post about Ramen Tatsu-Ya here.]

Five locations in Austin
http://ramen-tatsuya.com/

Japanese Noodles Austin

Fast-Food Burger at P. Terry’s

Yep, we’ve been hiding the best fast-food chain in Texas and it was founded in Austin. I’m not usually for fast food but P. Terry’s all-natural burger is one of the best around. I also like their chicken burger. Don’t forget a milkshake.

31 locations in Austin
https://pterrys.com

Barbecue Taco at Valentina’s BBQ

If you want barbecue AND tacos, Valentina’s is your place. Though it is 30 minutes south of downtown, I think the drive is worth it. Get there early because there will be a line. The slow-cooked brisket and carnitas will melt in your mouth. As I mentioned above, the loaded queso has brisket in it!

308 South Main Street, Buda, TX 78610
https://www.valentinastexmexbbq.com/

Ice Cream at Amy’s Ice Creams or Lick Ice Cream

I haven’t forgotten dessert! The classic ice cream option is Amy’s Ice Cream. If you’re looking for unique flavor combinations, try Lick Ice Cream. You can build ice cream combinations with toppings and sauces at Amy’s and Lick prides itself on using pure ingredients from Texas.

Smoothie and Juice at Juiceland

What you hear is true. Despite this list of seemingly unhealthy food, Austin does have many healthy eats. We’re the reason why Juiceland has locations throughout the city. Their smoothies and juices are so good! I recommend the Wundershowzen and Originator.

25 locations in the Austin area
https://www.juiceland.com/

Sushi at Uchi, Uchiko, or Otoko

If you’re looking for finer dining, sushi restaurants top our restaurant lists for best eats. Uchi and Uchiko are sister restaurants while Otoko is an intimate experience. All have the fresh fish and creative dishes you’re looking for if you’re craving sushi. Otoko only offers an omakase tasting menu while Uchi and Uchiko also offer a la carte. Reservations are required if you want to get a seat.

Farm-to-Table at Barley Swine or Odd Duck

Farm-to-table is more than a buzz phrase. Among many things, it’s a belief that local farmers should be supported and that local produce tastes better and is better for the environment. Chef Bryce Gilmore has been a leader in promoting this through his restaurants Barley Swine and Odd Duck. At these restaurants, you’ll enjoy creative, shared plates with plenty of local ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the tasting menu.

Craft Beer at Jester King Brewery or Banger’s

If you’re looking to get beer from the source, you’ve probably heard of the infamous Jester King Brewery. Located about 30 minutes from downtown, they specialize in farmhouse and barrel-aged ales. The largest tap wall in town is at Banger’s and it features local breweries that distribute.

[For many more craft beer recommendations, see my Ultimate Austin Brewery Guide.]

Something Vegan

Ok, hear me out. If you’re following this list, you are probably not a vegan, but if you want to try vegan food anywhere, Austin is the place. Our vegan options are pretty good for people who choose not to eat animal products and/or who are dairy-free. Vegan food gets a bad rap but it can be a way to try something new. Here are some of my favorite options in Austin:

  • Baked Goods from Capital City Bakery or Zucchini Kill Bakery
  • Pizza from Big Nonna’s or Li’l Nonna’s

Donut at Round Rock Donuts

Round Rock Donuts is about a 20-30 minute drive north of downtown. I’ve added it to this list because, like everything else on this list, the donuts get mentioned a lot, especially their gigantic Texas-sized donut. In the 1940s, they developed their secret recipe, using fresh eggs that give the donuts their signature yellow/orange color.

106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
1614 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
https://www.roundrockdonuts.com/

Are these the end-all, best restaurants in town? It depends on who you ask. We all have different tastes and experiences. If you want the most talked-about restaurants, these are it. They became famous for a reason. Now it’s your turn to see if they live up to your expectations. I hope they do!

Do you have any restaurants to add to the list? Comment below!

P.S. Want more restaurant recommendations? Check out these posts:

P.P.S. Want to read more about Austin? See my full Austin Travel Guide here.

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