Austin’s Culinary Classics

Barbecue

Franklin’s Barbecue

Located in East Austin, Franklin’s Barbecue, owned by dynamic duo Aaron and Stacy Franklin, serves a large number of customers daily with meat options of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and sausage as well as sides and 4-inch tarts. Customers looking to try this savory southern food should join the line close to opening at 11 a.m. or preorder for curbside pickup because Franklin’s Barbecue closes when they sell out!

Image Courtesy of Franklin’s Barbecue

Black’s Barbecue

One of the oldest barbecue joints in Texas and originally established in Lockhart, Texas, Black’s Barbecue serves brisket, ribs, sausage and other meats alongside many gluten-free sides and southern desserts. The family-owned business offers pickup and local delivery alongside its locations in Austin, Lockhart, New Braunfels and San Marcos. Black’s Barbecue also hosts live music at its New Braunfels and San Marcos locations. 

La Barbecue

Owners LeAnn Mueller and Alison Clem give tribute to Bobby Mueller, a Texas barbecue icon, with their unique recipes. Located on East Cesar Chavez, la Barbecue serves customers in person and through to-go orders Wednesday through Sunday. La Barbecue serves brisket, sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs and turkey by the pound and in sandwiches. La Barbecue also hosts a unique drink menu with varieties of wine and tea. 

Comfort Food

Moonshine Grill

Officially established in 2003, Moonshine Grill centers its menu around classic American comfort food ranging from chicken and waffles to jalapeno hanger steak. The two locations in Downtown and Avery Ranch host patios for guests to enjoy the weather and food. Moonshine Grill also owns the Sunday House, a private, historic building for banquets and exclusive events. Customers can experience brunch on Saturdays and Sundays in addition to dinner all week long. 

Image Courtesy of 24 Diner

24 Diner

Inspired by the classic diners of the ‘50s, 24 Diner offers a variety of comfort food including breakfast classics, burgers, sandwiches, salads, milkshakes and booze. Chef Andrew Curren brings international culinary studies and over 20 years of kitchen and hospitality experience to create menus that customers will love. 24 Diner is located in Central Austin and serves customers daily. 

Sawyer & Co.

Established in 2014, Sawyer & Co. serves breakfast, lunch and dinner complete with a full bar. Sawyer & Co.’s extensive menu takes inspiration from New Orleans back to Austin with seafood, salads and sandwiches. A kids menu with classic, simple foods welcomes families of all sizes to come and dine on Sawyer & Co.’s colorful outdoor patio. 

Drinks

Salty Sow

North of the Texas Capitol sits Salty Sow, a small restaurant known for its wide variety of wine, beer and specialty cocktails as well as its focus on swine. Salty Sow prides itself in serving fresh, local and ethically sourced cocktails and entrees that can also be ordered as takeout through OpenTable. Executive Chef Harold Marmulstein exhibits his 30+ years of fine dining through his diverse and welcoming menu.

Austin Eastciders

Austin Eastciders creates ciders geared toward all drink-lovers by offering around twenty different flavors of cider. Despite the unique blend of flavors, Austin Eastciders ensures that each cider is gluten-free, vegetarian and kosher-certified. Customers looking to branch out their tastes can visit one of two tasting rooms in The Collaboratory and Barton Springs. Austin Eastciders Care is the brewery’s community campaign that has supported over a dozen non-profit organizations, benefiting the arts, animals and passion projects. 

Kosmic Kombucha

Located in dozens of Austin groceries, juice stores and other local vendors, Kosmic Kombucha produces unique flavors with a blend of oolong and green teas and fresh ingredients. Flavors Salty Dog, Groovy Green and Purple Haze appear to be popular bestsellers in the Austin area. Kosmic Kombucha and its owners Omar and Mina Rios remain involved in the Austin yoga community which first connected them to the world of kombucha. 

Sweet Treats

Lick Honest Ice Creams

Lick Honest Ice Creams invests heavily in healthy, homemade and ethically-sourced ingredients by committing to using as many ingredients as possible that are non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher-safe and locally sourced or sourced through small businesses if unable to grow locally. The menu features rotating seasonal flavors, classic year-round flavors and dairy-free or vegan alternatives. Lick Honest Ice Creams is also dedicated to supporting communities through volunteering, fundraising and donations to numerous nonprofit organizations through its #ConesForACause campaign. Customers can enjoy these cold treats throughout stores in Austin and San Antonio, groceries around Texas, and nationwide through Goldbelly.

Gourdough’s

Austinites may recognize Gourdough’s as one of the most popular donut shops in Austin. In addition to the classic donut, Gordough’s serves the fried dough in unique variations such as croutons on salads, sandwich bread and french toast. Gourdough’s operates out of two locations in South Austin: Gourdough’s Public House in South Lamar and Gourdough’s Food Trailer in South Congress. 

Bananarchy

Bananarchy offers a healthier alternative to dessert: frozen bananas served coated in a dip of choice and decorated with toppings and drizzles. Operated out of three food truck locations, Banarchy promotes ethical living by purchasing bananas from socially responsible vendors, composting banana peels and recycling at every turn. Bananarchy also offers a few vegan alternatives to menu items.

Plant-Based Foods

Arlo’s

Arlo’s caters to vegetarians and food-conscious individuals with its 100% plant-based menu of comfort food including burgers, tacos, mac n’ cheese and other savory options. In addition, each order is made fresh on-site. Arlo’s focuses on the nightlife scene with two locations run out of Cheer Up Charlies and Spider House in Central Austin. Photos of Arlo’s culinary creations can be viewed on its website and social media pages.

The Beer Plant

Located in Central Austin, The Beer Plant offers 100% vegan brunch and dinner alongside beer, wine and cocktails. Dinner occurs every night with a menu of shared plates, sandwiches, entrees and desserts while brunch occurs midday Saturday and Sunday with a menu of pastries, shared plates, entrees, coffee and more. Customers with allergies or food sensitivities can view the restaurant’s allergen guide on The Beer Plant’s website.

Vegan Nom

Austinites can find the popular Vegan Nom food truck on East Cesar Chavez Street and enjoy vegan tacos, burritos and queso. Vegan Nom opens all day Tuesday through Sunday and hosts its own small outdoor area where customers can eat and find community. The creators of Vegan Nom have also created Nom Burgers, a 100% vegan, air-fried comfort food truck located at the Grackle on the Eastside.