Best Food Near Me in Austin, Texas – Must Try Local Spots
Food Near Me in Austin, Texas – Best Restaurants in Austin
Austin is a paradise for foodies. From food near me in Austin to exploring best restaurants in Austin, Texas this busy city has it all-everything from finger-licking BBQ to inventive Tex-Mex and farm-to-fork. In this narrative, I will point out some of the places you must try to appreciate truly what Austin has to offer when it comes to local cuisine. Enjoy every bite like an Austinite.
The reason that the food scene in Austin is one of its kind
Food culture in Austin shows Southern comforts, Texan traditions, and the flavors of the world. Food trucks mingle with award-winning barbecue stands and gregarious chef-driven restaurants, making it a food lover’s paradise in Austin. Just type “food near me in Austin” or “best restaurants in Austin,” and for sure, you will be led to these small, wonderful places!
Best Food Near Me in Austin, Texas – Must Try Local Spots
1. Whip My Soul – Southern Foods Best Restaurant in Austin
Whip My Soul is home of healthy soul food restaurant based in Austin, Texas, and run and owned by a couple. This couple is out to create Southern meals that entice tastes.
Cuisine: Southern Soul Food
Opens 11 AM – 8:30 PM 512-514-0103 Email $10 – $20+ Per Person
Menu Specials: For the home cooking at Whip My Soul, it is best known for serving Southern dishes, ranging from all wonderful food most patrons rave about:
- Fried Chicken: Large, well-seasoned, and crispy, juicy wings.
- Cheezy Mac: Rich, flavorful macaroni and cheese.
- Collard Greens: Greens slow-cooked with the flavor of ham hocks.
- Soul Rolls: Unique egg rolls filled with collard greens or cheesy mac and shrimp.
- Oxtails platters: Very juicy oxtails laced with traditional sides.
- Cornbread: Light-tasting and very well goes with the savory dishes.
- Sweet tea and grape Kool-aid: These pair great with foods and have that nostalgic feel.
Pro Tip: Portions are huge—split dishes or take leftovers home!
Atmosphere and Service: The ambience is clean, cozy, and chill. This is complemented by friendliness and professionalism in serving by the staff. The owner usually comes in to check on the guests to make sure everything is alright with them.
Ranked among the best restaurants in Austin for homestyle Southern cooking.
2. Ezov – Best Restaurants in Austin for Creative Middle Eastern fare.
Ezov has established itself within the boundaries of a high Mediterranean restaurant at 2708 East Cesar Chavez St., Austin. Born of the 2023 effort of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Under the direction of Executive Chef Berty Richter, the restaurant brought the flavor of East Mediterranean cuisine into niche status in the Austin scene.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Mediterranean
Menu Web Site Opens 5 – 10 PM 512-305-1118 $50 – $100+ Per Person
Ambiance and Décor: Walking into Ezov greets you with a vibrant contemporary setting, graffiti designs adorning walls with Hebrew lines from Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and odd light fittings. Such touches of loud styling create an ethereal warm ambience like that of sharp street-art-like nightlife in Tel Aviv.
Cuisine-Ezov’s menu is a homage to that which is daily found in markets-those of Eastern Mediterranean provenance and Texan harvests-through convivial, engaging, and encouraging share plates made for social eating. Signature items include:
- Smashed Cucumber: Amba-marinated cucumbers served atop smoked labneh and garnished with fresh herbs.
- Hummus: Creamy hummus topped with roasted pattypan squash and tatbila sauce with frena bread and lamb butter.
- Falafel: Crispy yet coarse falafel alongside fiery green schug.
- Chicken Shawarma: Tender juicy chicken from personal spit with pickled veggies, sautéed onions, herbs, and heavy load laffa flatbread.
- Baklava: A radical version of the traditional dessert, it is presented with pistachio filling, tahini ice cream, and a brûléed banana.
Drinks: Mixes of the Ezov beverage program are bold and fresh takes on cocktails. For instance, Tom Selek: mezcal and beet juice, pineapple, lemon, and chile; or Take Me Out: Cappelletti, pomegranate, tonic, and lime. Last but not least, the non-drinkers will be attracted to the idea of “Curcumada at Ezov,” featuring refreshing ginger and turmeric.
Pro Tip: Reserve ahead—tables fill up fast!
Recognition: The Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisine of Ezov, which is perfect for family-style group dining, earns the restaurant a place on the list of recommendations within the 2024 Michelin Guide.
Conclusion
The dining scene in Austin is as vibrant as its musical culture. So whatever your craving-from BBQ, tacos, or sushi-you can expect to savor flavors alive and well into “best restaurants in Austin.” Bookmark this for the next time you’re searching “food near me in Austin,” and get ready to eat like a local!
3. La Santa Barbacha – Food Near Me in Austin
La Santa Barbacha is one well-loved travelling truck in East Austin, Texas which specializes in Mexican barbacoa. The flavors are authentic but much more vivid as the operation goes by Landaverde siblings.
Cuisine: Mexican Barbacoa
Menu Instagram Opens 7 AM – 3 PM 737-209-0455 $10 – $20+ Per Person
Culinary Offerings:
- Barbacoa Tacos: The very tender slow-cooked Angus beef barbacoa taco is served on bright, spicy corn tortillas made from all-natural ingredients like spinach and beets. Topped with house-made salsas and fresh cilantro and onions.
- Quesabarbacha: Another crowd favorite. Barbacoa and melted cheese in a beet-red tortilla. For a very rich and intense experience.
- Breakfast Tacos: These breakfast items include barbacoa with scrambled eggs, migas, or chilaquiles – just for the early risers who like a good fill.
Beverages: To accompany all meals, La Santa Barbacha has some of the freshest homemade aguas frescas, highlighted by their famous Pink Horchata.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekends for the full barbacoa experience.
Ambiance and Service: The food truck is located in 2806 Manor Rd giving all that apart from having fun with picnic tables well shaded and a balustrade pot with greenery to make it even more live for carefree dining. It is open for breakfast and lunch every day, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Accolades: La Santa Barbacha has been granted a place in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide USA with the Bib Gourmand designation because of its quality food at affordable prices.
A carnivore’s paradise and one of the best restaurants in Austin for barbacoa.
4. Interstellar BBQ – Visit for the best restaurants in Austin’s BBQ lovers
InterStellar BBQ is one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in Austin, Texas, located at 12233 Ranch Road 620 N, Suite 105, Northwest Austin. The restaurant was founded and run by the pitmaster John Bates, and it became popular with excellent forms of traditional Texas barbecue and by adding new taste.
Cuisine: Texas BBQ with Creative Twists
Menu Web Site Opens 11 AM – 4 PM Closed on Mon,Tue 512-382-6248 $20 – $30+ Per Person
Menu Highlights:
- Brisket: It just ends up low and slow smoked over post oak with juiciness, tenderness, and flavor, and upon salt, pepper, and garlic rub solely.
- Peach Tea-Glazed Pork Belly: This is the show-stopper where the lovely, crispy glaze goes over tender pork belly.
- Beer-Brined Turkey: Moist and flavorful turkey comes brined with beer all to enhance juiciness.
- Jalapeño Popper sausage: The juicy flare of jalapeño poppers all inways associated with sausage.
- Sides: Nice sides are; smoked scalloped potatoes with a golden-brown crust and poblano creamed corn.
Pro Tip: Pre-order online to skip the line.
Accolades: Since 2024, InterStellar BBQ has earned its Michelin star. This has marked itself as one of the first American-style barbecue restaurants to achieve such milestone recognition.
Interstellar BBQ elevates ‘food near me in Austin’ with inventive smoked meats.
5. Sam’s BBQ – A historic staple among the best restaurants in Austin
Sam’s BBQ is a barbecue operation of the family in East Austin, Texas. This is the address: 2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702. It’s Sam Campbell who established this restaurant in 1957; hence it became an indispensable part of the community for more than 60 years. In 1978, this restaurant passed into the hands of Brian Mays, who takes care of making the heaviness and the traditions in the house alive.
Cuisine: Classic Texas BBQ
Menu Opens 10 AM – 10 PM 512-478-0378 $10 – $20+ Per Person
Menu Highlights: Sam’s BBQ has got you covered when it comes to the authentic Texas barbecue. Smoked foods are prepared using an indoor rustic brick pit. Some of the signature dishes include juicy brisket, flavorful ribs, mutton, and chicken. All in all, the slogan puts it up simply: “You don’t need no teeth to eat my beef” says it all because it’s tender.
Pro Tip: Open late perfect for post-music BBQ cravings.
Ambiance and Service: This is a very classic no-frills establishment, displaying family-and-friends photos along with big names like former president Bill Clinton and musician Stevie Ray Vaughan. This decoration shows how deep-rooted it is in the community. The warm hospitality of the staff introduces it to everyone looking to walk in.
Sam’s BBQ delivers old-school vibes and top-tier ‘food near me in Austin.
6. Craft Omakase – Food Near Me in Austin with world-class Sushi
Craft OMAKASE is an exclusive event. It is the finest Japanese dining experience located in Rosedale, Austin, Texas, very recently opened in December 2023 by Uchiko alumni Chefs Charlie Wang and Nguyen Nguyen. The restaurant offers a unique seasonal tasting menu comprising 22 courses, which joins modern innovations with traditional Japanese techniques.
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi (Omakase Experience)
Web Site Opens 5:30 PM – 11 PM 512-887-8889 $100 – $100+ Per Person
Menu: The 22 course menu, perfectly assembled from the coolest to the hottest dishes, is an ingredient and seafood-focused collection. Gradually, guests will be introduced to a series of nigiris and sashimi, each one punctuated by playful little bites that illustrate a commitment to balance, seasonality, and technique.
Pro Tip: Book 1-2 months in advance seats sell out fast.
Ambiance: Composed little space where just 12 guests can eat at a time and thus are able to create lively yet intimate surroundings. The entire space has chic, minimalist lines complemented by warm accents; thus, cozy space.
Accolades: Within 11 months after its inauguration, Craft Omakase received its first Michelin star in the 2024 debut Texas Michelin Guide, thus certifying Craft Omakase as high cooking and an extraordinary experience in dining.
An unforgettable entry among the best restaurants in Austin for fine dining
7. Jims Smokehouse Four Points
Jim’s Smokehouse Four Points Located in Austin, Texas, with an address of 6900 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin, TX 78732, Jim’s Smokehouse Four Points is a true family-owned business for a Texas-style barbecue. Everyday the restaurant opens from 11 am to 8 pm.
Cuisine: Family-Style BBQ
Menu Web Site Opens 11 AM – 8 PM 512-783-4577 $10 – $20+ Per Person
On the menu: Jim’s Smokehouse is the only barbecued meats slow-smoked and sold by the pound:
Black Angus Brisket: $8.00 (quarter pound) – $32.00 (full pound)
Baby Back Ribs: $12.00 (half rack) – $24.00 (full rack)
Sausage: $5.50 (quarter pound) – $22.00 (full pound)
Turkey Breast: No price given
Pro Tip: Order the combo plate to sample multiple meats.
Awards: As of 2024, Jim’s Smokehouse stands at number two in the ranking list by Yelp’s Top 30 Food Trucks across the USA.
Ambiance/Service: Jim’s Smokehouse, which is located in a quaint food truck complex off a side road, reveres the true-blue Texas barbecue experience. Customers would therefore confirm that it is the best Texas dining experience one could have.
8. T-Loc’s Sonora – Best Restaurants in Austin for Sonoran-style Eats.
Northern Mexican culture-aadopting hot dogs serves great tasting hot dogs in Austin, Texas, at T-loc’s. They are the Sonorean hot dogs that got their origin in Sonora, Mexico, and moved into the dining culture of Arizona and now T-Loc’s brings this taste to Austin, importing hot dog buns from Tucson, Arizona every week for authenticity.
Cuisine: Sonoran-Style Mexican
Web Site Opens 11 AM – 2 PM Opens 5 – 9 PM Monday Closed 512-994-8982 $10 – $20+ Per Person
Menu Highlights:
- Hotdog “Con todo”: Best hotdog in Texas according to Food & Wine Magazine- A hot dog wrapped in bacon with grilled onions, pinto beans, mayo, mustard and jalapeo sauce set in a steamed bun.
- Carne Asada Burrito: it’s very grilled steak, with pico de gallo and mashed avocado.
- Ranch Fries: Crispy French Fries topped with homemade ranch dressing and scattered with bits of bacon and Monterey Jack Cheese, finished with crispy onions.
- La Sonora Dip: A bacon wrapped hot dog smothered with spicy beef birria, melted Monterey Jack cheese, diced onions, and cilantro. Served with a side of consommé for dipping.
- The Eggsplosion Burrito: Two fried eggs, combined with hash brown carne asada, refried beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, would be all rolled up in a tortilla
Pro Tip: Pre-order online to skip the line.
9. Cuantos Tacos
Founded in 2019 by Chef and Owner Luis “Beto” Robledo, Cuantos Tacos has become, in a quick time frame, a neighborhood favorite celebrated for its homage to every Mexico City street taco it serves. It is a food truck in East Austin, Texas.
Cuisine: Mexico City-Style Street Tacos
Menu Web Site Opens 11 AM – 11 PM (Sunday, Monday Closed) 512-905-0533 $10 – $20 Per Person
Highlights from the Menu: Cuantos Tacos brings one or another for all those who love tacos. Each costs just $2. Among the sumptuous items:
- Suadero: Tender cuts of beef, perfected with cooking.
- Cachete: Cheek of flavorful beef, slow-cooked richness.
- Buche: Salty pork stomach, different texture.
- Carnitas: Braised pork that is typically smoky, yet holds a nice balance.
- Longaniza: Spicy pork sausage with powerful flavor.
- Champinones: Sautéed mushrooms to satisfy the vegetarian lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Try the daily specials – they sell out fast.
Every taco is filamented with special nixtamalized corn tortillas, a process that makes the taste and nutrition of corn maximal for serving as filling bases.
Ambiance and Service: Located in the Arbor Food Park ground, Cuantos Tacos has a relaxing and cozy vibe with shaded picnic areas shared by many food trucks. Diners can eat in-house, take away, or have their food delivered. Notorious for fast service, the restaurant is also known for its quality, thus, making for an admirable dining experience.
Awards: The Bib Gourmet by the MICHELIN Guide was conferred on Cuantos Tacos in 2024 for its quality and value. Yelped and rated as the No. 1 taco place in Texas, this food truck boasts a striking 4.7-star rating based on millions of reviews.
FAQs
- What are the best affordable restaurants in Austin?
Try Torchy’s Tacos or Juan in a Million. - Where to find vegan food near me in Austin?
Visit Bouldin Creek Café or Counter Culture.
Final Thoughts
Austin’s dining scene is as dynamic as its music culture. Whether you’re craving BBQ, tacos, or sushi, the “best restaurants in Austin” promise unforgettable flavors. Bookmark this guide for your next “food near me in Austin” search, and prepare to eat like a local
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