Best Restaurants in Austin

Austin is a food city disguised as a music city. The BBQ is world-famous (and worth every minute in line), the taco scene is as deep as any border town’s, and the food truck culture has spawned some of the most creative cooking in the South.

BBQ — The Main Event

Franklin Barbecue — The most famous BBQ in America. Aaron Franklin’s brisket has been called the best in Texas — which is to say, the best on earth. The line starts at 6 AM for an 11 AM opening. They sell out daily. Is it worth a 4-hour wait? For the brisket, yes. For the pork ribs, absolutely. Pro tip: Order online for pickup to skip the line (when available).

la Barbecue — The best alternative to Franklin. Run by LeAnn Mueller (granddaughter of Louie Mueller, another BBQ legend). The brisket is outstanding, the line is shorter, and the beef rib is a monster.

Micklethwait Craft Meats — A trailer on East 5th. The pulled pork and the jalapeño cheddar sausage are stars. House-made sides and pickles.

Terry Black’s BBQ — The Austin outpost of the Lockhart BBQ dynasty. Bigger operation, consistent quality, and a full bar.

Tacos

Veracruz All Natural (multiple locations) — Migas tacos (scrambled eggs with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and salsa). The best breakfast tacos in Austin, maybe in Texas.

Torchy’s Tacos (multiple locations, Austin original) — Creative tacos that became a chain because they’re that good. The Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico, cheese — “get it trashy” means add queso) is the iconic order.

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ — The collision of BBQ and Tex-Mex. The Real Deal Holyfield is a flour tortilla with smoked brisket, egg, cheese, potato, and salsa. One of the best breakfast items in Austin.

Food Trucks

Austin’s food truck culture is legendary. Entire lots are dedicated to food trailer parks with dozens of options.

The Picnic (South Lamar) — Trailer park with multiple vendors. The quality bar is high.

East Side King (multiple locations) — Thai-inspired street food from a Top Chef alum. The beet home fries and the Thai chicken karaage are signatures.

Dee Dee (East Austin) — Northern Thai street food from a James Beard-nominated chef. Isaan sausage and larb are outstanding. A trailer parked behind a bar.

East Austin — The Creative Dining Scene

Suerte — Mexican-inspired fine dining with a focus on corn (stone-ground on-site for tortillas). The suadero tacos and the bone marrow are exceptional. James Beard-nominated.

Nixta Taqueria — A masa-focused taqueria. Duck carnitas tostada and corn-forward dishes from a chef who treats masa as a craft ingredient. Tiny, packed, incredible.

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