East Austin Hospitality

Austin Food Scene

Austinites are very proud of the food that we offer in town. We offer great options at great price points for all food interests and have been increasing the diversity of our offerings in recent years.

Our famous cuisine includes staples of Tex-Mex, and BBQ.

Austin Must Have Food Items and where to try them:

Breakfast Tacos: Probably the food item I miss the most when not in Austin, breakfast tacos are soft corn or flour tortillas traditionally filled with eggs, cheese and meat (bacon, sausage, etc). The tacos are always served with a variety of salsas to add some kick to your tacos.
Veracruz Tacos: This is a stand out breakfast taco option that is my all time favorite. I recommend the migas taco or the poblano taco for vegetarians
Tacodeli: Better known for lunch tacos, this hot spot also serves incredible breakfast tacos. I am a sucker for their papas taco and love their Dona hot sauce
Juan in a million: This hometown favorite is known for their Don Juan- it is so massive, it can fill a half a dozen tacos and last you two days.
Cisco’s: A neighborhood institution of East Austin, their tacos are great and especially great to cure a weekend hangover. Dont forget to order the biscuits!

BBQ: Many parts of the US claim they have the best BBQ, I am no different and claim Austin is the home the best BBQ. Our BBQ is focused on brisket and ribs and served with a sauce on the side that tends to be a little spicy
Franklin’s: this is an internationally praised BBQ joint that evolved from a food truck to a restaurant that sells out daily. There is a lot of hype about it, but I have only had perfect experiences. Definitely try to brisket and ribs. You can now pre-order larger orders ahead of time so you dont need to wait in the line that can run 3-4 hours.
Micklewait: Another great BBQ option that also gets busy
Rudy’s: Gas station BBQ, there are several around town with quick and friendly service, great sides and a variety of fun glass bottle soda and beers. This is great option to get your fix without having to wait in line
Lambert’s: High-end BBQ downtown with more exotic meats
Salt Lick BBQ: This is a fun BBQ experience out in driftwood, about 30 minutes away from the house. It can be served family style and great for larger groups. It is BYOB and ******** only
Lockhart BBQ: Lockhart Texas is about 30-40 min away from Austin and home to some delicious BBQ restaurants like Black’s, Smitty’s and Chrisholm Trail. I love driving down there with my buddies and trying all three of them in an afternoon

Tex-Mex: Texas’’s take on Mexican food
Chuy’s: What started off as a local chain has now expanded nationally. My family has been going there for nearly 20 years and I still love it
Polvos: great food, a self-serving salsa bar and great margs
Trudy’s: A local austin chain known for their stuffed-avocado dishes that are stuffed with meat and deep fried. They are also home to the Texas Martini where there is a limit of 2 per person

Southern Favorites: Southern food is comfort food that tends to be a little heavy, but delicious

Jacoby’s: rustic-chic, farm to table cooking with a focus on their family owned beef cuts
Pitchfork Pretty: locally sourced, seasonal southern dishes
Olamaie: a fine-dining take on southern food, with some the best biscuits ever

My Austin Favorites:
Uchiko/Uchi: It seems strange to recommend a Japanese farmhouse restaurant in Austin, but this is one of the best dining experiences in Austin. The kitchen has been delivering creative, incredibly delicious food. They have one of the best happy hours, but it gets full quickly. I would highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time
Launderette: This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant. The food is just fantastic with global influences. It is meant to be served family style so order several dishes across the menu and share. They also can make many of their dishes vegetarian.
Bangers: Located on the famous Rainey Street, Banger’s a favorite of mine for casual dining and excellent for large groups. They serve the best and most inventive sausages around, with incredible sides and one of the most extensive beer lists for Austin
Cenote: One of the closest restaurants to the house, this coffee shop serves great, simple dishes like kale salads, turkey/avocado sandwiches. Great for breakfast, lunch or a coffee throughout the day

Where to Drink?

Cocktail Bars: places that are more intimate and a good place to start off your night or have a nightcap.
Weather up: eastside cocktail joint that also serves some small bites from the kitchen. One of my favorite old fashions
Whistler’s: Great menu and an upstairs mezcal bar
Midnight Cowboy: Austin’s own speakeasy where reservations are required

Beer:
Banger”s: tons of local and season beers
Easy Tiger: A really fun, local beerhouse that also has a fantastic bakery and food items
There are several breweries in town as well, Austin Beer Garden is probably my favorite

Great atmosphere:
Native Hostel: new to the Austin scene, this is a really hip bar with a cool, young crowd dressed in fashionable, but casual clothes.
Lucille’s on Rainey: this bar feels like you are drinking in your friend’s backyard
White Horse: great East-side spot with live music on many nights