Sate your cravings for sweet or spice at these eclectic restaurants and venues, from Tex-Mex and BBQ to sustainable restaurants, as well as Austin’s competitive Airstream trailer treats and cupcake joints.
Bill Oriani
Looking for where to eat in Austin, Texas? When it comes to restaurants, Austin has much, much more to offer than Tex-Mex. If Tex-Mex is what you crave, of course, the city offers it in abundance, and the ubiquitous breakfast taco ensures that you can have every meal wrapped in a tortilla if you wish. But Austin caters to those with adventuresome palates, in settings ranging from architectural marvels to Airstream trailers. Check out these cool and funky Austin restaurants on your next Austin vacation.
Though Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants abound in Austin, there are several tourist favorites that still maintain appeal to faithful locals.
Guero’s Taco Bar, in the heart of the South Congress district, is famously known for appealing to President Bill Clinton—there’s even an “El Presidente” dish named in his honor. Its diverse menu nods to Tex-Mex, Mexico City, Guanajuato and Oaxaca, and self-serve salsa bars are available. 1412 S. Congress Ave. Tel. 512-447-7688. Hours: Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. www.guerostacobar.com
Chuy’s, now blossoming into full chain status with locations throughout Texas, is best experienced in its original Barton Springs location near the Zilker Park entrance. Despite an Elvis obsession bordering on kitschy, the restaurant delivers a healthy variety of Tex-Mex choices and a sinful array of margarita flavors in a slightly chaotic but fun environment. 1728 Barton Springs Road. Tel. 512-474-4452. Hours: Sun. to Thu. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. www.chuys.co
BrtinBoston
Fonda San Miguel offers exquisite, upscale interior Mexican selections—queso flameados with rajas, rellenos flavored with goat cheese and pine nuts, and to-die-for mole and pibil dishes—in a space full of artistic flourishes and abundant flora. 2330 W. North Loop. Tel. 512-459-4121. Hours: Mon. to Thu. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Sun. brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m (closed for brunch in August). www.fondasanmiguel.com
Juan in a Million, one of the best Mexican places that East Austin has to offer, is notorious for two features: owner Juan Meza’s firm, sincere handshake, which you’ll likely receive at some point during your time there; and the Don Juan Taco, a massive breakfast proposition of eggs, bacon, potato and cheese that has filled many an Austinite with “I ate it all” pride. 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St. Tel. 512- 472-3872. Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.juaninamillion.com
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Comments
1 Comments on this article | read all commentsby Traveler on June 20, 2009
Salt Lick BarBQue is the best, but there are tons of other BarBQue restaurants too. Great theme, along with all of the outdoor trailers. Have you checked out the trailers offering sno cones or crepes. These trailers are unique and one of the best parts of Austin.