Favorite Austin Eats

[lzppjb]

What are some of your favorite places to eat in Austin?

I think it'd be cool to have a dedicated thread for Austin's amazing food culture. Visitors may end up on this board and like to get some ideas. I know when I'm visiting someplace new, I find out what the locals' favorite spots are.

Y'all can take this thread wherever you want to. My thought was to say what type of food (pizza, tex-mex, bbq, sushi, etc), then your favorite places and why.

For example:

Pizza

Home Slice - I love the crispy, foldable NY-style crust. Toppings are really good and the setting is awesome on South Congress.

My go-to: The white pizza (olive oil, garlic, romano, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella) + pepperoni

Via 313 - Detroit-style with 4 crusty, cheesy corner pieces. I'll be on a Detroiter like a hobo on a ham sandwich.

Conan's - Austin-style deep dish. Old school Austin joint. I have a lot of fond memories of spending Friday nights there with friends in middle school. Pizza is still really good. Get the whole wheat crust. Trust me.

[Syndic]

Daruma Ramen on 6th. Best ramen place in Austin. Hands down.

[KevinFromTexas]

We just got back from El Gallo. They've had consistently good Tex-Mex for 60+ years. My family's been going there since the 70s. I ate two bowls of salsa by myself.

[lzppjb]

I've still never been to El Gallo. Need to hurry up and try it. Is their salsa hot?

I like Matt's El Rancho, Maudie's, and Enchiladas y Mas. The one I visit the most is actually El Paso/New Mexico style Mexican food: Texican Cafe on Manchaca Road.

[lzppjb]

Tarbouch is a good Lebanese spot. Love shawarma!

[AustinGoesVertical]

Raising Canes Chicken Fingers: 415 W MLK

Get yourself a Box combo for starters. You'll get four, decently sized crispy chicken strips. Canes touts itself as more wholesome than some of the more well-known national brands, and these never-frozen fingers taste fresh. The "Box" comes with salted fries, freshly mixed coleslaw and a slice of buttered Texas toast. The box comes with one Canes sauce, but for $0.69 add another one. You won't regret it, because this secret-sauce recipe was born to be married with a Canes chicken strip. The sauce alone will have you back. For your drink, choose the freshly-brewed sweet tea. Take out, go through the drive through, or eat among the college kids. You're never too old for a classic order of chicken fingers.

Warning: This place is addictive. I often order a Caniac Combo, which is up to six strips. This is better eaten in two portions. Save some for last night. Canes fingers are really good dunked in sauce as cold leftovers, so I'd recommend not reheating in the microwave.

[Tech House]

Great topic!

Admittedly I don't eat out much, only a few times a year, so I'm not up on all the fancy new places. But for old school cuisine, I love Magnolia Cafe. I've never been disappointed by a meal there.

Brunch at Eastside Cafe is great.

I was partial to Chisholm Trail for barbecue when I lived in Lockhart, but haven't eaten BBQ in several years so I don't know what's best anymore.

Dang, I feel really old and out of the loop. I can't think of anything remotely new. :(

[lzppjb]

Great topic!

Admittedly I don't eat out much, only a few times a year, so I'm not up on all the fancy new places. But for old school cuisine, I love Magnolia Cafe. I've never been disappointed by a meal there.

Brunch at Eastside Cafe is great.

I was partial to Chisholm Trail for barbecue when I lived in Lockhart, but haven't eaten BBQ in several years so I don't know what's best anymore.

Dang, I feel really old and out of the loop. I can't think of anything remotely new. :(

I'm a lifelong fan of Kreuz BBQ in Lockhart. They've had their ups and downs recently. I think they changed pit masters or something. But they're getting good again.

In Austin, I like J Mueller Meat Co. on the east side and a little gem in SE Austin is Vic's BBQ.

[lzppjb]

Raising Canes Chicken Fingers: 415 W MLK

Get yourself a Box combo for starters. You'll get four, decently sized crispy chicken strips. Canes touts itself as more wholesome than some of the more well-known national brands, and these never-frozen fingers taste fresh. The "Box" comes with salted fries, freshly mixed coleslaw and a slice of buttered Texas toast. The box comes with one Canes sauce, but for $0.69 add another one. You won't regret it, because this secret-sauce recipe was born to be married with a Canes chicken strip. The sauce alone will have you back. For your drink, choose the freshly-brewed sweet tea. Take out, go through the drive through, or eat among the college kids. You're never too old for a classic order of chicken fingers.

Warning: This place is addictive. I often order a Caniac Combo, which is up to six strips. This is better eaten in two portions. Save some for last night. Canes fingers are really good dunked in sauce as cold leftovers, so I'd recommend not reheating in the microwave.

I've been there. None real close to me, so I've only been twice. It's a chain, but it's still very good. And still new to Austin.

There's another chicken tender chain coming to our area. It's called Zaxby's, and it's from Louisiana. Supposed to be really good.

Speaking of chicken, I wish we had a Babe's down here.

[jbssfelix]

Raising Canes Chicken Fingers: 415 W MLK

Get yourself a Box combo for starters. You'll get four, decently sized crispy chicken strips. Canes touts itself as more wholesome than some of the more well-known national brands, and these never-frozen fingers taste fresh. The "Box" comes with salted fries, freshly mixed coleslaw and a slice of buttered Texas toast. The box comes with one Canes sauce, but for $0.69 add another one. You won't regret it, because this secret-sauce recipe was born to be married with a Canes chicken strip. The sauce alone will have you back. For your drink, choose the freshly-brewed sweet tea. Take out, go through the drive through, or eat among the college kids. You're never too old for a classic order of chicken fingers.

Warning: This place is addictive. I often order a Caniac Combo, which is up to six strips. This is better eaten in two portions. Save some for last night. Canes fingers are really good dunked in sauce as cold leftovers, so I'd recommend not reheating in the microwave.

"Chicken, chicken, chicken. What combo you pickin?!" But seriously, that sauce must be laced with cocaine...so addicting.

[sammyk]

"Chicken, chicken, chicken. What combo you pickin?!" But seriously, that sauce must be laced with cocaine...so addicting.

Now you can make it yourself:

http://www.chron.com/national/article/Fired-fast-employee-tweets-out-company-secret-6534917.php

[KevinFromTexas]

I've still never been to El Gallo. Need to hurry up and try it. Is their salsa hot?

I like Matt's El Rancho, Maudie's, and Enchiladas y Mas. The one I visit the most is actually El Paso/New Mexico style Mexican food: Texican Cafe on Manchaca Road.

My mom says their salsa is hot, but I question her Texas cred because of it. :P It really isn't hot. I wolfed down two bowls and only took a few sips of water.

[smt1]

I've been there. None real close to me, so I've only been twice. It's a chain, but it's still very good. And still new to Austin.

There's another chicken tender chain coming to our area. It's called Zaxby's, and it's from Louisiana. Supposed to be really good.

Speaking of chicken, I wish we had a Babe's down here.


There's already Zaxbys in Round Rock/Buda/Cedar Park now. I think they're planning to open up at least 2 locations in Austin.

I can attest to Zaxbys being delicious. Used to live in Atlanta and they were all over.

[lzppjb]

I didn't know they were finished building those locations.

[Tech House]

I have to confess that more than half of my "dining-out" experience in the past 6 years has consisted of going to the Whole Foods food bars. (Is that what they're called?) Like when my sister visited a few years ago, we ate at least a half-dozen times at WF because we are both healthy picky eaters and we knew we could each find whatever we wanted there. One night we had dinner at one of their cooking stations. We bought fresh fish and then had it cooked to order, and it was fabulous. I mean, the atmosphere isn't exactly romantic, but I'm honestly not into my sister in that way. We had a top notch meal for under $15 each, and it would have cost at least twice as much at a restaurant.

Do any of you frequent any of the food trucks? I've barely sampled anything from any of them, just a bit of Indian and Thai on South First.

The Gospel Brunch tradition used to be a thriving awesome scene at several locations but I haven't been to any of them in years. For anyone who wants to gawk at uninhibited old hippies while chowing down on breakfast tacos and beer, check out Hippie Church at Maria's Taco Express on South Lamar. The music is often fantastic, but sometimes it flops due to absence of musicians.

My first and best Gospel Brunch experience was at La Zona Rosa, featuring the amazing Asylum Street Spankers ft. Guy Forsyth. When I was trying to recall the name of that location I did a search for "former music venue on 4th street in Austin" and found the name via this link:
http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/things-youll-never-see-austin/
Admittedly, I shed some tears as I reviewed that list of what we've lost.

[lzppjb]

Food trucks are great here in Austin.

I've had Torchy's, Gourdough's, Mighty Cone, Texas Cuban, Via 313, the Lebanese trailer at Native South (Manchaca Road), Veracruz Tacos @ Radio, Mellizoz Tacos, Way South Philly...possibly others.

Everything I've had has been good. I really like the huge Cuban sandwich at Texas Cuban. The pizza at Via 313 I already mentioned in my first post. Torchy's, Gourdough's and Mighty Cone all speak for themselves.

[AustinGoesVertical]

Food trucks are great here in Austin.

I've had Torchy's, Gourdough's, Mighty Cone, Texas Cuban, Via 313, the Lebanese trailer at Native South (Manchaca Road), Veracruz Tacos @ Radio, Mellizoz Tacos, Way South Philly...possibly others.

Everything I've had has been good. I really like the huge Cuban sandwich at Texas Cuban. The pizza at Via 313 I already mentioned in my first post. Torchy's, Gourdough's and Mighty Cone all speak for themselves.

I can endorse Torcy's, Mighty Cone, and Via 313. For classic detroit style pizza, Via 313 is the way to go. Reminds me of a homemade pizza I often make with my dad and brother. The trickiest part is getting the dough right, but you can get better with practice. Via 313 nails the caramelized crust every time. Trailer Treasure is good for fish and chips.

The J.W. Mariott's Burger Bar operates like a food truck, paying homage to what the site used to be home to. Decent burger, great fries and a nice shake. Not bad for a take-out place at a big hotel.

[lzppjb]

Trailer Treasure is good for fish and chips.



Thanks for the heads up. I like fish n chips. Will try this out.

[migol24]

Hey if you guys wanna try some realllllyyy good authentic and inexpensive mexican food check out "La Cocina de Consuelo" on 45th and Burnet and "Mi Tradicion Panaderia" off of Ohlen and Research Blvd.

I'd also recommend "Al Pastor" taco truck on Riverside on the big Bingo parking. "El Taquito" and "Taco More" also on Riverside.

And there is also a slamming Honduran food truck one on E. Oltorf in front of a gas station (forget which one). The place is called Glorieta Delicias Hondurenas. There is also another Honduran food truck on Elmont and Pleasant Valley right next to the gas station in that corner. They have these burritos that are almost prepared like a gyro and they prepare the tortillas fresh on the spot. You gotta try it... even their fried chicken is amazing.

Oh and there is also another Honduran location on Rundberg inside another gas station, that I can't remember right now. lol But it's there... haha

[the Genral]

There's already Zaxbys in Round Rock/Buda/Cedar Park now. I think they're planning to open up at least 2 locations in Austin.

I can attest to Zaxbys being delicious. Used to live in Atlanta and they were all over.

They just opened a Zaxbys minutes from my house, its pretty good for "fast food". Actually, its pretty good period. Also agree on Torchy's. I want to give mention to the Italian market / restaurant at the triangle, Lamar and Guadalupe. It used to be mostly market and small pizzaria, but now its reversed. I don't go there to eat, I go there to shop imported cheeses, meats, awesome pepperoni, pasta, roasted red pepper, both jarred and house made, and authentic bread loafs. And there are tons of take out dessert options. If anyone knows of a better Italian market, please let me know.

[_Matt]

The highly anticipated Wu Chow is opening Thursday. I'm personally very excited for this.

http://wuchowaustin.com/

Also should mention it finds home in the IBC Bank building and will bring more nightlife to the Republic Square district.

[lzppjb]

Bringing this back to the top because I noticed something yesterday that got me very excited.

There's a bbq trailer called Shugabee's on South Lamar in the Genie Car Wash lot. This trailer has been on a couple of lots out west of Buda the last couple of years. I noticed it had closed and was sad. It was great to see they relocated to Austin.

They do bbq with a twist. They serve it wrapped in giant, housemade tortillas. I'm partial to the pulled pork wrap, but the brisket is good too. My parents like the chicken salad, which includes smoked chicken breast, green apples, black olives, and pecans.

The tortillas are amazing. Personally, I like them better than most TexMex places I frequent.

Here's their site: http://www.shugabees.com/

Please give them a try and Keep Austin Weird!

[drummer]

Man, I miss BBQ and Tex-Mex so much...I love Chinese and Thai food, but it's just not home.

[Tech House]

Man, I miss BBQ and Tex-Mex so much...I love Chinese and Thai food, but it's just not home.

I would think that urban Chinese would crave escape from their own culture, and that Texas would be romanticized. It's surprising to me that you can't find Tex-Mex and BBQ there, wouldn't it be a hit? I'm envisioning a mirror image of what we have in the USA, but in this case it's Texas that would be seen as "exotic" and Chinese hipsters would flock to it. No? :shrug:

edit: upon reflecting for about 5 seconds, I can easily imagine that going to a BBQ or Tex-Mex place in China might be about as satisfying as going to a New York deli in Austin. It's not just the contents, it's also the context. You're not in Texas, and nothing can remedy that situation other than coming home.

[jowens]

Kerbey Lane, Torchy's, Mighty Fine............repeat

[drummer]

Only the biggest cities in China have much of a foreign food option. Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, etc. Kunming has a few good options as well because of a large foreign population, but that's a few hours from me, so I don't get it all the time. In most Chinese cities you can expect the foreign food to be mediocre at best. Most foreign brands appeal more to the Chinese taste (makes sense). KFC, McDonalds, etc., are in a lot of place, but their menus are radically different (not that I ever choose those). The Chinese food is excellent, of course. :)

I should be back in Austin for bit - I think in June or so. I will get my fill of great Austin food and then immediately start a new workout plan to shave off the pounds that I'll gain from gorging myself...

[drummer]

Kerbey Lane, Torchy's, Mighty Fine............repeat

Kerbey Lane's Cowboy Queso....mmmm....:slob:

[austlar1]

Has anybody mentioned the bar-bq trailer doing business as Valentina's on Brodie about two blocks south of Convict Hill on the right? It shares a parking lot with a little convenience store and head shop? It has some of the best beef brisket that I have ever tasted. It may be almost as good as the brisket at Franklin's. Yesterday I had a pulled chicken sandwich that was also simply perfect. It gets really crowded at times. There is some outdoor seating. Best time to go is mid afternoon after the rush. I almost hate posting about this place, but I suspect that it won't last in its present incarnation too much longer. It is too good to be true.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/valentinas-tex-mex-bbq-austin

[lzppjb]

Kerbey Lane, Torchy's, Mighty Fine............repeat

I like 1 out of those 3. :D

[lzppjb]

Has anybody mentioned the bar-bq trailer doing business as Valentina's on Brodie about two blocks south of Convict Hill on the right? It shares a parking lot with a little convenience store and head shop? It has some of the best beef brisket that I have ever tasted. It may be almost as good as the brisket at Franklin's. Yesterday I had a pulled chicken sandwich that was also simply perfect. It gets really crowded at times. There is some outdoor seating. Best time to go is mid afternoon after the rush. I almost hate posting about this place, but I suspect that it won't last in its present incarnation too much longer. It is too good to be true.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/valentinas-tex-mex-bbq-austin

Thanks. I will check it out.

[drummer]

I like 1 out of those 3. :D

You seem like a burger guy....so, Mighty Fine, I'm guessing?

[lzppjb]

You seem like a burger guy....so, Mighty Fine, I'm guessing?

Actually, I really like Torchy's.

The other two, I've given chances. Just not my favorite places. I'd rather go to Dan's than MF.

[jbssfelix]

I vowed to cut carbs for Q1 as a 2016 resolution. This thread is torture! :slob::slob:

[drummer]

I like all three...I'm not afraid of any carbs. :)

[Tech House]

I vowed to cut carbs for Q1 as a 2016 resolution. This thread is torture! :slob::slob:

Instead of cutting carbs, just cut sugar and over-processed foods. Civilization was built, everywhere it has existed, on the dietary foundation of carbs.

[hookem]

Actually, I really like Torchy's.

The other two, I've given chances. Just not my favorite places. I'd rather go to Dan's than MF.

My 1 out of the 3 is Mighty Fine :) It's about the only new burger place with edible fries. And the burger is basically a supersized version of the In-N-Out style. I love Dan's as well, probably the most underrated of the long-time Austin burger joints.

I do like Torchy's a bit. Would be nicer if they made their own tortillas. Plus with so many good authentic taco places in town, I rarely find myself craving their not-authentic-but-really tasty expensive tacos.

I eat at Kerbey more times than I'd like, simply because they are everywhere now, but I don't think it's anything special.