Images courtesy of @ronnyshoots for ATX Cocina
When you think of Austin, you likely think of food. It’s a well-deserved correlation. The Texas capital has so much to offer in the culinary realm, from barbecue (a given) to ice cream to farm-to-table gems that wouldn’t feel out of place in Brooklyn or Portland. But Austin carries its own unique personality. There’s a reason the city motto implores you to keep the place weird. The city is idiosyncratic, alive, friendly and unapologetic — qualities that extend to its food.
During a recent trip to ATX, our partners at Auberge’s Commodore Perry Estate, the Four Seasons and local Fora Advisors shared their insider foodie recommendations. Try everything if you can. Now is not the time to diet.
Barbecue
Austin is deservedly famous for its barbecue. Expect long lines, but the food is well worth the wait (promise).
Franklin Barbecue is a household BBQ name — and for good reason. Get there early, expect to wait and prepare to be blown away.
If the Franklin lone is unbearable, head to Terry Black’s. There will also be a wait, but the line moves more quickly.
The original chef at la Barbecue earned a James Beard Award before, as the restaurant put it, “ ‘cue got all fancy and trendy.” La Barbecue is not fancy, but it is trendy in that it’s worthy of its attention. And its location Cesar Chavez Street puts you in the heart of the action.
(Hot tip from Fora Advisor Louisa Vann: John Lewis, of Lewis Barbecue, in Charleston, helped open both Franklin Barbecue and la Barbecue. So if you’re craving amazing BBQ but can't get to Austin, this is the place.)
Breakfast tacos
Austin may be one of the only cities that merits a dedicated section for breakfast tacos.
Image courtesy of @chekmarkeats for Cisco's
Everyone you ask will tell you to go to Torchy’s. It’s a mini chain with locations all around town. It’s super casual — and utterly delicious.
Fora Advisor Louisa Vann loves Cisco’s for their breakfast enchiladas. Here, butter is a condiment.
You wouldn’t think a brewery could serve up incredible breakfast tacos. But Lazarus Brewing Co., just around the corner from Commodore Perry, has dispelled that misconception. And they have great coffee to boot.
Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex is mandatory in the Texas capital. From classic dives to reinterpreted haunts, Austin has you covered.
Images courtesy of @ronnyshoots for ATX Cocina
Matt’s El Rancho has been open since the 50s. It’s family-owned, and everything is made from scratch. Per Louisa, “Don’t miss the Bob Armstrong Dip and a frozen margarita.”
Start a night out at Licha’s Cantina, a charming house on the bustling 6th Street, known for its live music and assured good time. Commodore Perry’s team recommends the brisket tacos - delicious!
For something a little more elevated, (pale wood, refined plating, an all-lowercase menu), try ATX Cocina. Get the Caesar salad (yes, really).
When you need a break from BBQ, tacos and Tex Mex
You may not want a break, but you may need one. Here are a few additional spots to switch things up for your palette.
Grab a burger, ice cream and cocktail at Pool Burger, Louisa advised. It’s a fun, casual spot next to a spring-fed public pool called Deep Eddy.
She also said to go to Ski Shores Cafe for “old-school lakehouse vibes.” On the menu, expect comforting favorites like fried pickles, lobster rolls and rootbeer floats.
Thundercloud Subs is another must (order extra Thunder Sauce, Louisa said). Sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies and sweets await.
If you’ve seen Dazed and Confused, then you’ve seen Top Notch Hamburgers. Go for the retro 50’s vibes; stay for the locally sourced charcoal-grilled American classics.
Our friends at the Four Seasons recommended Olamaie for traditional Southern fare in a sleek, smart space.
Also on their list is Red Ash trendy, wood-fired Italian (rustic wood, steel, hanging glass light fixtures).
Turns out, in Austin, you can indeed get great sushi. Go to Uchi for fresh, elevated compositions and seasonal tastings.
Where to stay: Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Image courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
This sprawling estate is an oasis in the middle of the city, a mere 15 minutes from downtown. But the nearly 11,000-square-foot mansion feels like a resort thanks to its expansive grounds, English gardens, pool and historic buildings (like its charming chapel).
The estate was built in 1928, and originally belonged to Commodore Edgar Perry and his wife, Lutie. The couple was famous for throwing extravagant parties which would not be out of place in West Egg. Today, the mansion bears the stylish imprint of famed designer Ken Fulk. Expect vintage pieces, playful patterns, historic grandeur and tasteful whimsy. Choose from five stately rooms in the Perry original residence, or from just under 50 rooms and suites in the adjacent Inn, surrounded by oak trees.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
