The buzz is growing around the food scene in Austin. More and more people in the country are finding out that one of the best cities for food in the United States isn’t on either coast, but rather deep in the heart of Texas. The reason for Austin’s burgeoning food reputation is thanks to a group of restaurants that are so good they’ve demanded to be recognized on the national stage. Here are the five essential Austin restaurants that have made the Austin food scene what it is today.
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1. Tacodeli
When the people of Austin are looking for some fast-casual Mexican fare, they don’t dream of Chipotle like the rest of us, they head to Tacodeli. Tacodeli is a perennial crowd favorite in Austin that serves up some of the best tacos in the city. Not only that, Tacodeli is locally-owned and has gone all-in on sustainable and local ingredients, so you won’t find any mystery meats here. Make sure to try a Cowboy Taco or El Conquistador taco once you’re there, you won’t be sorry.
2. Uchi
There are a lot of truly gifted chefs in Austin. And that’s because most of them came through the kitchen at Uchi. This contemporary Japanese restaurant led the resurgence of Austin’s dining scene and is helmed by James Beard award winning chef Tyson Cole, who has, in turn, helped guide the careers of so many promising young Austin chefs. Head here for chef Cole’s modern take on Japanese cuisine that will inspire your taste buds as well. Don’t miss out on the hot stone Wagyu beef either.
3. Qui
Speaking of Uchi alums, Chef Paul Qui, is probably the most famous alumni of the Uchi kitchen thanks to his successful stint on Top Chef Texas. Today, Chef Qui runs his own restaurant, Qui, which is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, restaurants in Austin. His playful combination of his Filipino heritage and local Texas ingredients create an experience that’s uniquely Austin. Go here, get the tasting menu, and enjoy some of the best food in the city.
4. Scholz Garten
The reason Scholz Garten is on this list is because it’s been part of the Austin dining scene for more years than any other restaurant in the city. In fact, Scholz Garden is the oldest operating business of any kind in the state of Texas. This spot started serving German cuisine in 1866 (5 years before Germany was even a country!), and continues to serve some of the most authentic German food in the state. Plus, if you’re not feeling like German food, Scholz Garden is still a great spot for classic Texas BBQ and cold beer.
5. Franklin Barbecue
Believe the hype when it comes to Franklin Barbecue. It’s one of the best-known restaurants in Austin for a very good reason— it serves up some of the best BBQ in the entire country. Thanks to a James Beard award and strong word of mouth, this lunch-only spot from Aaron Franklin has been an instant success that has drawn praise from all over the world. Open from 11am until when they run out, which is usually pretty quickly, your best bet here is to get in line super early for a chance to score some perfectly juicy, expertly smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or sausage.
If you’re heading to Austin, your taste buds are lucky. They’re about to have a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to these 5 essential Austin restaurants you have to visit when you’re in Austin. Make sure the rest of your body doesn’t get jealous by treating it to a stay in a luxury Austin apartment designed for business travelers. Check out the best corporate housing in Austin at PC Housing. Contact us to find out more today.