To say that the Austin dining scene has exploded in the last decade would be an understatement. The hippest city in Texas is filled to the brim with great eats, including the incredible sushi at Uchi and Franklin Barbecue’s brisket (are you prepared to wait in line at least four hours?). Besides those two icons, it’s got a little bit of everything—and, as you might expect, things can get weird sometimes. Here are 10 restaurants you can’t miss in Austin.
1. Barley Swine
If you’re looking for a dining experience combining traditional Texan cuisine (read: BBQ) with the creativity and flair of America’s most talented New American chefs, Barley Swine is a must-visit. The seasonal menu changes often, which means multiple visits are in order. Too hard to decide between the shiitake dumplings and the wagyu barbacoa? Opt for the 10-course tasting menu and put your meal in the chef’s hands.
2. Olamaie
Olamaie has long been at the forefront of showing that southern food can be elevated to fine dining levels. The restaurant—aside from being a beautiful spot, perfect for a date or celebration—serves all your favorites, ranging from hushpuppies to Hoppin’ John, in a way you’ve never had them before. Pro tip: order their off-menu biscuits, then wonder how you’re ever going to eat normal biscuits again.
3. Contigo
Nowhere feels more Austin than Contigo’s ranch-style beer garden, which is equally perfect for after-work drinks and small plates and a normal night out for dinner. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect classics like their burger, sausage platter, and chicken schnitzel.
4. Loro
What happens when Austin’s most famous chefs combine powers? You get the hottest restaurant to open in the city—maybe ever. Uchi and Franklin Barbecue have created Loro, a casual restaurant foodies have fantasized about for years. The bold flavors of Asia are combined with Franklin’s world-famous barbecue to create a meal you will never forget.
5. Launderette
Launderette is the kind of all-day cafe that every city needs. The menu (which is mostly healthy, for those of you watching your figure) has a Mediterranean flair, which matches the very Mediterranean vibe of the restaurant itself—we’re talking teal floors, a pastel patio, and umbrellas that look like they’re straight from Mykonos.
6. Suerte
Local ingredients and Mexican flavors come together at Suerte, a new addition to Austin’s prolific Mexican food scene. Start things off with one of their ceviches bursting with flavor, move on to the green chorizo tlayuda or confit brisket tacos, then cap things off with one of their house specialties, like the Fish a la Devil or goat shoulder barbacoa. We could live off the homemade tortillas alone.
7. Guild
Another newcomer to the Austin dining scene, Guild has been making a splash since day one with its seafood focus. The menu is modern with hints of classic French throughout; small plates focus on seasonal vegetables, while entrees highlight fresh fish. If you’re a fan of oysters, this is the place to go: they typically have eight varieties available, plus a range of ceviches.
8. Thai Kun
Austin has a ridiculous amount of amazing Asian restaurants (why won’t they share with the rest of the country?), and Thai Kun is one of the more low-key options around town. The restaurant offers a number of authentic Thai dishes, ranging from small plates to larger share plates, including a whole fried fish with tamarind chili sauce that you won’t want to share.
9. La Barbecue
If anyone can give Franklin Barbecue a run for its money, it’s La Barbecue. They offer all the smoked meats you’d expect, but there is a correct order here: brisket. All the brisket. Get it by the pound or get it as a sandwich—it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you eat that meat. There may be a line, but it goes quick.
10. Kyoten Sushiko
What Kyoten lacks in looks, it makes up for in food. The tiny, spartan dining room plays host to some of the most authentic and downright delicious sushi in Austin. This is the place to go for an omakase (chef’s tasting menu) that you won’t soon forget. Take a seat and enjoy watching the chef prepare a 20 course tasting menu for you with some of the best seasonal seafood you can find in town.
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