Austin Eats: A Guide to My Favorite Spots

Kimberly·November 1, 2024·0 comments

Though I like to claim I’m from Austin, like many others here, I’m actually a transplant who’s found home in this vibrant city. While I dream of someday living in Sydney or Munich, Austin will always be special to me! Moving here meant plenty of new food recommendations—suggestions I dutifully saved in my phone and checked off one by one. This guide is an ongoing project, so save this link and come back whenever you’re in Austin and in need of a tasty treat!

I’m vegetarian so my recommendations are based on that, but having dined here with many meat-loving friends, these picks should satisfy everyone. Let’s dig in!

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Juan in a Million
    While you can dine here for any meal I love their migas and generously portioned breakfast tacos, this East Austin staple is worth the wait. Pro-tip: Get there early to avoid the weekend crowd!
  • Mour Cafe
    From morning coffee to brunch mimosas, Mour is a local gem. Their brunch mimosa is served in a wine glass with a frozen juice cube, so you start with pure champagne—perfect for celebrations! If you’re there on your birthday, skip the cake and toast with complimentary champagne. They have an incredible lunch and dinner menu, but I prefer their brunch!
    Must Try: Deviled eggs, any time of day. Seriously, they’re addictive!
A table with three plates and a cup of coffee on it. In the front there is a plate with veggie and eggs. Above it is a plate with 4 deviled eggs on it. Next to that is a plate with a breakfast sandwich, fries, and ketchup. Above that is a coffee on a saucer with a water glass next to it.
Two wine glasses on a table. The one of the left has an orange on the rim and champagne in the glass with a melting ice cube made out of oj. Next to it is a wine glass filled with sangria, there is a lime inside and a straw sticking out.

Lunch

  • Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden
    Located on lively Rainey Street, this German-style beer garden is ideal for weekend gatherings. My friends swear by the meat sausages, but my favorite is the vegetarian BLT sausage topped with shiitake mushroom “bacon.” Just get there 30 minutes before opening for the best chance at a table.
A metal pan with parchment paper on top and a hot dog on a metal stand on top of the parchment paper. Their is a hot dog bun, with lettuce, and fake meat on top. In the background you can see a mimosa in a beer stein.
A band on stage with the Bangers logo behind them.
  • Picnik
    With gluten-free and vegetarian options galore, Picnik’s casual yet innovative menu has something for everyone. Try the Taco Bowl with tofu or the cashew queso, which even my carnivore family loves. Bonus: Add CBD to your food or drink for a unique Austin twist.
    Favorites: Taco Bowl and mocktails.
  • Ramen Tatsu-ya – with several locations across Austin, this is my go to for a delicious bowl of ramen!
  • Flyrite Chicken
    A local favorite for when you’re craving a quick but satisfying lunch, Flyrite Chicken is more than just a spot for chicken lovers—it’s also vegetarian-friendly! Don’t let the name fool you; they offer several delicious plant-based options that even the non-vegetarians in your group will enjoy.
    Favorites: The Greenbelt sandwich, and the Buffalo Cauliflower wrap. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to pair it with the signature Sriracha mayo dipping sauce for that extra kick!
Kimberly in her Jeep, she has her brown hair down, aviator sunglasses on, and a black tank top. She has a big smile on her face as she holds up a brown paper bag with the flyrite logo on it.

Drinks & Happy Hour

  • Kinda Tropical
    Great for an afternoon coffee or a casual happy hour, their Cuban Yucca Fries with Jalapeño Avocado Dip are a can’t-miss snack. It’s one of those cozy spots you’ll want to linger at.
  • Central Machine Works
    With live music, art, and a spacious outdoor patio, Central Machine Works is perfect for group hangouts. I love sharing one of their pizzas with friends over beers.
  • Wanderlust Wine
    An adventurous wine bar offering nearly 100 wines on tap! Tap your card on your wine choice, select your pour size, and enjoy. They host fun events, like drag brunches and singles nights, so it’s worth checking their calendar.
  • Swim Club
    While you can grab dinner here, you really come for their cocktails and instagram worthy atmosphere. I mean you are dining in a drained pool! They make a killer espresso martini and some drinks come with a unicorn duck floating on top!
The center of the picture is a drained hot tube filled with mini ring floats and yellow and white beach balls. You can see the stairs handle going in and disappearing in the floats. In the background is a pink wall with hooks and blue and pink towels hanging from the hooks.

Dinner

  • Italian Favorites
    • Numero 28
      This downtown Italian gem feels like a slice of Italy. Try the Tartufo pizza, topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, and truffle-infused olive oil—it’s perfection.
    • Juliet Italian Kitchen
      Great for a night out with friends or family, Juliet serves up excellent pasta, cocktails, and a charming atmosphere.
    • Red Ash
      A highly popular spot with a long waitlist. For a spontaneous visit, show up about 30 minutes before they open!
  • Mexican Spots
    • Fonda San Miguel
      An elevated Mexican dining experience, ideal for special occasions. Their mushroom quesadillas are a vegetarian delight, and the ambiance alone is worth the visit.
    • De Nada Cantina
      Located in East Austin, De Nada specializes in Mexico City flavors. I can’t get enough of their Camote Tacos and a bowl of queso! My friend from Mexico swears by their authenticity.
Two metal trays sit on a table. The one on the left has a bowl of chips, a bowl of queso, and a ramekin of salsa. The next one has a basket lined with paper and two tacos in it. Topped with slaw and cilantro.
  • Vegan
    • The Beer Plant
      An all-vegan comfort food haven in West Austin, The Beer Plant is where I go for vegetarian takes on classic comfort dishes. Even my non-vegetarian friends love it here!
  • Sushi
    • Lucky Robot
      An Instagram-worthy sushi spot on South Congress, Lucky Robot serves up more than just avocado and cucumber rolls for vegetarians. Try one of their two veggie rolls or they offer several vegetarian nigiri options.
Kimberly on a swing inside a restaurant. She is on blue jean shorts, a black tank, and her hair is curled. She is holding a pink drink in a wine glass with a lemon on the rim.
  • Umi Sushi
    South Austin’s Umi Sushi is a must-try for those craving traditional sushi with veggie options. Their Buddha Roll, made with tempura veggies and sweet soy, is a personal favorite.
  • BBQ – A Surprising Treat for Vegetarian Foodies! Austin is renowned for its BBQ, and while that might seem like an odd inclusion for a vegetarian foodie, hear me out!
    • County Line BBQ
      County Line Barbeque is one of my go-to spots when I want to give my family and friends an authentic Austin BBQ experience because County Line caters to everyone! While my loved ones savor their smoky, tender BBQ, I get to enjoy some truly delicious options: the Pepper Jack Cheese Bites, the Grilled Mixed Vegetable Skewers, and they even offer a Beyond Burger! And let’s not forget the homemade bread—Pro tip: Be sure to grab a loaf to go, it makes the most incredible French toast the next morning!
  • Mediterranean
    • Aba Austin
      For a Mediterranean feast on South Congress, Aba is unbeatable. Start with hummus or spreads and finish with their unique frozen Greek yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt—it sounds strange, but trust me, it’s delicious!
Menus on a table at the top and bottom of the picture. Sitting up front on a menu is a bowl with hummus and mushrooms. Behind it is a whipped feta bowl.
On a table there is a bowl with soft serve ice cream swirled high. It has a yellow drizzle around it. In the background you can see hands holding a phone.

Airport Eats: Earl Campbell’s Taco Truck

If you’re flying out of Austin and want to savor one last local bite, make a stop at Earl Campbell’s Taco Truck. Conveniently located near the Asleep at the Wheel stage inside Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this spot offers a taste of the city’s beloved taco culture right before takeoff. Their bean and cheese tacos are a must-try for anyone craving an authentic Austin treat. Enjoy a flavorful, hearty snack that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Austin’s food scene—served fresh and fast, just steps from your gate.

Austin’s food scene is always evolving, and so is this guide! Whether you’re here for the tacos, the sushi, or the endless happy hours, I hope these recommendations give you a taste of why I love Austin so much.

Kimberly

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