• Austin

  Thanks to a roster of high-profile festivals, you might first think “music” when Austin comes to mind. And you wouldn’t be amiss: The city is known, after all, as “The Live Music Capital of the World.” But Austin, the fast-growing state capital of Texas, is much more than its rich music scene. It’s an eclectic college town, a haven for independently owned businesses, a liberal pulse in a conservative state. Populated by a colorful, dynamic mix of longtime locals and newer transplants who strive to “Keep Austin Weird,” the city is perhaps less eccentric than it wishes it were—especially given all the new high-rise condos around—but the point is that it strives to be different, thereby attracting interesting new businesses, ideas, and people. (Plus, it is still home to “chicken sh*t bingo.”)

  The local food scene reflects this diversity, ranging from Southern classics and BBQ—always an area obsession—to Tex-Mex favorites and superb locavore options. Whole Foods started here, so it’s only natural that nowadays there are food trailers turning out locally sourced, gourmet foods at trailer-appropriate prices. A terrific array of local beers—or wine, for that matter—to pair with your expertly smoked brisket? Check. Spend a few days in Austin and you can’t possibly tire of the dining, drinking, shopping, and music options. Stay longer and you might never leave.
  
  Here are 15 classic dishes and drinks to try in Austin to get you started. 

  Thanks to a roster of high-profile festivals, you might first think “music” when Austin comes to mind. And you wouldn’t be amiss: The city is known, after all, as “The Live Music Capital of the World.” But Austin, the fast-growing state capital of Texas, is much more than its rich music scene. It’s an eclectic college town, a haven for independently owned businesses, a liberal…   Read more

   

  Find local foods in Austin.

  Texas BBQ: Brisket

  Texas BBQ: Chopped beef sandwich

  Texas BBQ: Pork ribs

  Texas BBQ: Sausage

  Breakfast taco

• User Content

Below is user-submitted content for this region. Have something to contribute? Upload your regional-food photo or food memory.

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  Texas tacos

  Austin
  carinachiodo
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  Salmon Tartine

  Galveston
  houstonsunflower
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  Tropical Salad

  San Antonio
  fito
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  Food truck BBQ (brisket sandwich)

  lsr

• • Opies BBQ

    atxtug
    spicewood, tx 78669
    Newly arrived in Spicewood, we tried Opies for BBQ, as we made our quest to find our favorite BBQ place in Central Texas. We have tried dozens, in Austin, down to Lockhart, south to San Antonio, an…    Read more

• Blog Posts

• What to Eat in Houston: 8 Iconic Foods

  Houston is America’s most ethnically diverse city, and—in not unrelated news—it’s increasingly touted as one of the country’s best cities for food. And yet it still flies under the radar for many people. Perhaps…   Read more

• Dish Spotlight: Central Texas BBQ

  The typical spread, at City Market in Luling, Texas. A meat-eater does not visit Central Texas—eclectic state capital Austin included—without making BBQ a priority. But what is BBQ, that most regional and fiercely beloved of…   Read more