The 10 Best Restaurants in All of Austin, TX
Austin is known for its unique culture and vibe; it’s home to some great music and even better barbecue. But when it comes to the culinary arts, Austin offers more than just barbecue specialties. The area has developed into a mecca of cuisines, embracing so many different flavors from transplanted cultures. This is really what makes Austin so different in comparison to other Texas cities. If you ever find yourself lost in Austin, all you really need to do is step into the closest restaurant to experience something different. Here are the 10 best restaurants you could ever walk into in the city of Austin, Texas.
Franklin Barbecue
Of course, if you were to have barbecue in Austin, there’s really only one place to be: Franklin Barbecue. They boast of having the best barbecue in the universe, and we believe them very much. This is the type of place that stays open until they’re sold out, which typically happens around 2pm. So you better get there early and fast.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Comfort food is an Austin specialty, and when you walk into the Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, expect to be so comforted that you won’t want to leave. Their chicken and waffles are something that you’d have to try to believe, but that’s only one among so many great food choices.
Salty Sow
The name alone speaks volumes on how different this restaurant is. They specialize on pork of course, as well as wine and beer. The restaurant used to be the location of a general store owned and operated by jazz artist Robert Shaw. If you’re looking for farmhouse food with a gastropub twist, Salty Sow is the place to be.
South Congress Café
Fancy some bourbon with your brunch? South Congress Café’s menu will make your mouth water more than anything. With menu items such as Cajun meatballs, sweet potato beignets, and bison carpaccio, you really can’t go wrong with ordering. Just make sure you leave enough room for dessert; they have a carrot cake French toast that you can’t leave without trying.
Odd Duck
For true farm to table fare, you should try the Odd Duck. Their menus are typically small, but they’re some of the most creative in the city. They boast their culture like no other, and it’s quite an experience to say the least. We suggest you go during happy hour for greatly priced beer to go with your food options.
Second Bar + Kitchen
Don’t let the odd name throw you off. You might not know what they serve, but go there anyway. You’ll find that Second Bar is really all about a hodgepodge of things. You can get burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, breakfast, fish, pepperoni soup, and so many more.
Barley Swine
Here’s another restaurant inspired by farmers in the area. The staff says they try to be creative with the menu. They have offerings such as rabbit lab, grilled goat leg, Muscovy duck, and many more. Come in for Swine Time—their version of happy hour. You won’t be disappointed.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
It’s a simple concept: make the best fried chicken and sell it to everyone. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Gus’s and more. The sides and starters share the spotlight just as much as their chicken does. Make sure you get enough for everyone because no one will want to share their piece.
Roaring Fork
Your fork may not be roaring here, but your mouth surely will as soon as you read the menu. It’s really nothing crazy, but it’s the fact that you know what’s on the menu that makes you want it even more. Dining doesn’t always have to be an adventure; sometimes all you need is to have something really delicious that your tongue is familiar with.
Uchiko
Japanese cuisine happens to be big in Austin as well, and Uchiko is the top place to be. The company is all about fresh and responsible farming; you’ll feel and see how much they really care about their ingredients with the way they serve up their food. It’s an experience to say the least.