Coming to Austin for SXSW, F1, or anything else? This food guide will show you the best spots in Austin, from a local!
austin / food guide
For those of you coming to town this weekend, I put together a little list of some favorite places. Most of these are pretty close to downtown or a short cab (or sidecar) ride away…
Quick & healthy spots for lunch or snacks:
Snap Kitchen: healthy take-away food, options for any dietary concern you might have.
Whole Foods: the flagship store… this is the disneyland of whole foods-es.
Koriente: my (secret) gem of a lunch spot, I debated whether I should even post it here.
Dinner spots:
La Condessa: modern mexican, the guacamole sampler platter is a must-have.
Lambert’s: fancy bbq, I like it because there are non-meat options as well.
Second bar & kitchen: seasonal rotating menu that I’m always inspired by.
El Naranjo: my current new favorite, authentic seasonal mexican food (ie. not tex mex).
Parkside: delicious raw bar & sharable plates. Get the fluke dish & don’t skip dessert.
Dinner spots on an expense account:
Uchi/Uchiko: I have no words. And no savings account now… but it’s worth every cent.
Congress: had an amazing meal here once, paid the equivalent of someone’s rent.
Jeffrey’s: your first born might not cover the whole tab.
Instagram worthy food spots:
Elizabeth: cutest place in town, the food is really good too.
Gourdoughs: over the top heart attack doughnuts, but beautiful typography on the truck.
Josephine House: if you’re a fan of this blog, you’ll love the marble at this charming spot.
Sway: had a picturesque moonlit dinner here the other night. Ironically, I took no pictures.
Coffee:
Jo’s on second (or south congress): best people watching.
Cafe Medici: arguably the best coffee in town.
or pick up Chameleon Cold Brew at whole foods. I live on the stuff.
Late night eats:
East Side King(s): top chef Paul Qui’s trucks. I’m personally in awe of everything he does.
Justine’s: when you fly in late and are craving french food, this is your place.
Easy Tiger: super close to the hilton, amazing bread & typography.
East Side Showroom: you’re not in texas anymore when you step into this place.
Hillside Farmacy: if east side showroom is too crowded, go here instead.
Sweet treats:
Lick: organic locavore ice cream shop. Amazing vegan coconut milk options, although I doubt the coconuts are local.
Sugar Mamas: if you follow me on instagram, you’ve seen these cupcakes many a time. (vegan & gluten free options available).
Amy’s ice cream: Austin legend. Get the Mexican vanilla.
Grab drinks:
Malverde, Peche, Hotel San Jose, Weather Up, or anything on Rainey Street.
Skip out on a session:
cool off at Barton Springs
stroll down South Congress
saturday morning farmers market (eat a Red Rabbit Doughnut & a nosh from Dai Due)
kayak or stand up paddle boarding on town lake
Need more?
Here is a previous guide I wrote about my favorite food trucks.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rbvVnpinnJyaurC60meaqKVflsK0wMinZJ%2Bnn5l6qMHInZxo