AUSTIN
Welcome to the land of live music, barbecue, tacos, and violet crown skies. I’m told the Texas capital city has changed a lot in the past decade, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye in this town.
Here’s a small but mighty selection of some of my Austin favorites along with personal tips and favorite dishes. I’m not a big carnivore so if you’re looking for a true BBQ listicle, head over to Texas Monthly. Surprisingly, there’s a lot of great pizza here!
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Hot take: Valentina’s is the absolute best mix of Texas BBQ and tex-mex. Get a slab of meat, have it in a sandwich or get it in taco form—they have all the options and don’t you dare forget the sides. There’s usually a queue (and you have to order in person), but it’s worth the wait. Great for groups!
Zeds Ice Cream
Great for those hot Texas nights, Zeds New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream is decidedly simple. They offer a slew of fruit options blended with your choice of dairy or dairy-free vanilla ice cream, and few toppings and drizzles if you wish. Keep an eye out for their specials which change on the reg!
Lutie’s
Hidden in Commodore Perry Estate, a husband and wife duo leads Lutie’s food & pastry programs. Go with a group of 4+ to share plates—the estate bread and Kouign Amann ice cream are must haves. Lutie’s takes limited walk-ins, but snag a res if you have a larger party and request the patio on a nice day!
Nixta Taqueria
Don’t expect to find your average taco here—Nixta makes their own tortillas and combines a little of that old school and new school. The beet “Tartare” tostada and duck carnitas taco are two personal favorites. It’s pet-friendly and all seating is outdoors.
They don’t take reservations so go early or be prepared to wait.
Kick Pleat & ByGeorge
For women’s designer fashion, Kick Pleat creates an elevated and zen brick-and-mortar shopping experience and further south, ByGeorge has a more expansive collection including menswear.
Fil N’ Viet @ Camp East
Located in a food park called Camp East, you’ll find a Cork and Screw wine bar and an innovative Filipino Vietnamese kitchen started by a husband and wife duo. Don’t skip their incredible wings and ube Vietnamese coffee if you need a pick-me-up! Order in advance online or order at the counter.
Bufalina
My favorite and most frequented Neapolitan-style pizza is Bufalina. They have two locations now that Cesar Chavez is back open. Their natural wine list is one of the best in the city and if you go for dinner their pastas are also *chef’s kiss*. I always love their red pie, calabrese or fresca pizzas, but look out for seasonal ones!
Birdie’s
From Gramercy Tavern alums, Birdie’s is an intentionally smaller experience with mostly outdoor seating. Their seasonal menu has a European influence and though it’s first come, first serve you can have some great wine while you wait. Their beef tartare and vanilla soft serve with blood orange Agrumato are stand outs for me.
Watertrade
This Japanese-style speakeasy right off bustling South Congress is hidden up a steel staircase and transports you to a dimly-lit vinyl-spinning craft cocktail bar. The Yokai Berry is a favorite fun, nostalgic cocktail. The bar is attached to their omakase sushi bar, OTOKO. Reservations recommended.
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
The perfectly soft chocolate chip cookies with a firm but not-too-crispy edge are a simple indulgence. Tiny’s also serves ice cream and other pastries like Kouign Amann from their cute barn window. Tiny’s is part of the restaurant group behind Tiny Boxwoods (originally from Houston) which is lovely for a sit-down meal.
Food Park: Micklethwait BBQ, Taco Bronco
Food trucks still reign supreme at food parks around the city, but primarily in East Austin. Saddle Up’s beer garden often hosts live music on the weekends and this open food park space with ample picnic tables is home to Mickelthwait Craft Meats for lunch until they sell out and Taco Bronco for dinner.
Yeni’s Indonesian Fusion
Yeni’s food truck is the closest I get to having a taste of Singapore. She’s a one woman show, so her menu is small but packs a punch. I consistently order the Rendang Beef, Chicken with Yellow Rice and Chicken Rice Porridge. Order ahead and get beer from the dive bar while you wait. Check her IG for hours and updates.
Apartment F
Moroccan rugs, poufs and textiles galore! Apartment F imports a lot of their selection from Marrakesh and carries a variety of home decor and apothecary items for sprucing up your space.
Sammie’s
In a converted Hut’s Hamburgers (RIP) off West 6th Street, you’ll find a bright red building packed to the gills with tables serving all the Italian classics. I love the Mafaldine with Funghi & Tartufo, but look out for specials like squid ink or clam pasta. Get a reservation or be prepared to wait on weekends!
Little Deli & Pizzeria
A quaint neighborhood pizzeria with two locations! Little Deli rolls the old-fashioned way, so call in to order for pick-up or order in. Their thin crust pizzas are solidly crispy, not flimsy. My faves are the America vs León and The #7, and if you’re like me and need a little something sweet, there’s cake by the slice at the counter.
DrinkWell
A female-owned neighborhood watering hole, DrinkWell always has balanced classic cocktails and creative seasonal specials. I like to go during happy hour with some friends and snack on their ancho-spiced cripsy chickpeas or stay until I’m hungry enough for the wagyu beef burger.
Palomino Coffee
One of the cutest coffee shops in town, Palomino is one you’ll remember. They have excellent matcha, coffee, and bites from local bakeries if you need a snack and patio seating out front. They use Flat Track Coffee beans, a great local roaster who also has a cool space on the East side. Pet-friendly inside and out!
The Salty Donut
Family-owned artisan donuts from Florida made their way over to Austin in 2021 and I have to admit I like their assortment of classic 24 hour brioche donuts more than the ever-popular Gourdough’s (hot take!). Their seasonal flavors are always worth a try and on the weekends they have kolaches—a must-have in Texas.
Garden Seventeen
There are tons of great nurseries and garden stores throughout the city, but this one has a special place in my heart because it opened when I moved to Austin and stocks both tropical indoor and outdoor garden plants. You won’t find bottom of the barrel options here and their staff is always friendly and knowledgable.
Swedish Hill
A quaint café and bakery off West 6th in Clarksville, Swedish Hill feels akin to a hipster Jewish deli in New York. Their deli counter offers cured and smoked fish, caviar, bagels, and pastries in an upscale setting. Come for a coffee or a sandwich and sit on the patio on a nice day!
Take Heart
Some of my favorite tabletop brands + makers are stocked at Take Heart. Their shop leans Japanese and Scandinavian—clean and thoughtful. They’ve got an array of giftable items for kids, too!
Goldie’s
If you (or a friend) are staying at the Austin Proper, plan for drinks at Goldie’s Bar located through the lobby. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the intimate sunken bar is for hotel guests, residents and their guests only. Favorite drinks include the Goldfinch, Oaxacan Hummingbird, Flamingo #3—notice the bird theme?
SAMMATARO
A slightly charred , thin crust New York style gourmet and oversized pizza is what you’ll find at Sammataro. The owner’s also a native Texan shaped by years in New York so this has a special place in my heart. They’re in Arbor Food Park along with Cuantos Tacos (another great shout) with brick & mortar in the works.
Le Bleu
This modern Vietnamese spot is a sleeper hit. Their ingredients are incredibly fresh and the Crispy Fried Eggrolls (Cha Giò) is a personal must have. Besides the conventional pho and banh mi, Le Bleu’s dinner menu offers Cá Chiên (a pan seared japanese yellowtail fish) and Bò Lúc Lắc (shaking rib-eye).