Great Austin Eateries (That Aren’t Barbecue!)
Folks come from all over the globe to sample Texas Barbecue, and Austin offers up some of the best examples of the art. BBQ joints such as Franklin, Terry Black’s and La Barbecue make headlines and fill bellies. Now, that’s great and all, but as hard as it may be to believe, we here in the Texas Hill Country do not live on smoked meats alone. We do occasionally branch out, and when we do… whoo boy! Check out some of these amazing places to chow down in Austin that aren’t served with a side of Wonder bread and pickles.
801 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704, and 4200 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78756
The Uchi Family of restaurants were started right here in Austin, though they’ve certainly taken off in the last decade bursting outside of the Lone Star State to points all over the US of A. Chef Tyson Cole, the award-winning founder of Uchi andUchiko, took the term “non-traditional Japanese cuisine” and ran with it. Check out the creativity of some of their most popular dishes: You’ve got smoked beets and fried milk ice cream. Hama Chili, which consists of a wild combination of yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili, and orange. Then, you have the Walu Walu, which is oak-grilled escolar with yuzupon, candied citrus, and myoga. The list goes on, and you’re in for a mind-blowing experience every time you go.
Sushi at Uchiko, photo courtesy Uchiko
2613 S Lamar Austin, TX 78704
Matt’s El Rancho has been slinging Tex-Mex for just over 100 years now. They started in the 1920s as a humble little cart selling tamales to folks at the Texas Capitol, and grew into the nostalgia-fueled institution we have today. Though you’ll find many opinions on who has the best Tex-Mex in town, few can argue that Matt’s has a presence all its own. Some of Matt’s dishes are as iconic as Willie Nelson himself. Take the Bob Armstrong Dip, for example. Melted queso, taco meat, guac, sour cream… just the whole works, mixed to perfection. If you don’t like that stuff, I just don’t know what to tell you!
Dinner at Matt’s El Rancho in Austin, photo courtesy Matt’s El Rancho
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar
1511 East 6th St. Austin, TX 78702
Cisco’s oozes with old-school diner vibes, and is celebrated for being the restaurant that brought Huevos Rancheros to the masses. Their most famous menu item, however, is their homemade biscuits, best eaten with a mix of honey and butter. You won’t have any life-changing dining experiences at Cisco’s, but you will get a damn good Texas-sized breakfast! Just keep your distance from the salads, which can admittedly be a bit pedestrian, and you’ll be fine.
Photo by Ben Thompson/Community Impact
1920 South Congress Ave Austin TX 78704
Magnolia Cafe began as the Omelettry West in 1979, and was, quite frankly, a silly place. Closing at 3pm each day, the staff just hung out and made music, shot movies, and did all kinds of arts & crafts. They’d break out into song right in the middle of lunch rush! Well, they don’t do that anymore, but the place is still a quintessentially Austin place to be. Having robust vegetarian options has also endeared the Cafe to many locals who just don’t do red meat. For example, their wonderful “Love Veggies” always hits the spot without meat. It’s a mix of broccoli, mushroom, spinach, onion, and bell pepper, sautéed in garlic and serranos, served over rice and topped with cheese. Even if you’re not the green-eating type, Magnolia’s menu will have you singing a different tune!
Photo courtesy Magnolia Cafe
1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Clark’s has become a national affair since it first opened its doors right here in Austin in 2012, with locations in Colorado and California, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. Their self-described “see and be seen” patio seating area is a celebration of outdoor Austin dining. Though one may be forgiven for not thinking of land-locked A-town as a seafood mecca, Clark’s brings an impressive array of fresh oysters and lobster rolls to their bright, airy surroundings. They also serve up a mean “turf” option in the form of a Pan-Roasted Angus Burger. Add to the mix a killer brunch menu and potent martinis, and you’ve got a party!
Photo Courtesy Clark’s Oyster Bar Casey Dunn/Clark’s/Facebook
And, as always, if you need more decadent food options, check out our Brunch Bus! Delicious food and drink, served up with a side of live music!
