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Slices of brisket.
Brisket at Franklin Barbecue.
Franklin Barbecue

Austin’s 23 Iconic Meat Dishes

So very meaty

by Nadia Chaudhury Updated
View as Map
Brisket at Franklin Barbecue.
| Franklin Barbecue
by Nadia Chaudhury Updated

Austin is such a great town for meat — the city offers everything from brisket to barbacoa, steak to cabrito, burgers to klobásníky. So we thought it’d be apt to highlight the most iconic meat dishes of Austin, the proteins that define the city. There’s brisket at Franklin Barbecue, pastrami at Mum Foods, fried chicken at Top Notch, enchiladas at Habanero, and much more.

For Austin’s other emblematic foods, scope out the city’s iconic dishes, burgers, drinks, as well as its defining restaurants and classic ones.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Peach Tea-Glazed Pork Belly at Interstellar BBQ

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The Anderson Mill barbecue restaurant’s pork belly is glazed in a peach tea sauce for that perfect sweet-savory combination. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in areas.

12233 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
(512) 382-6248
(512) 382-6248

Also featured in:

Tonkatsu at Ramen Tatsu-ya

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The broth of the growing Austin-based Japanese restaurant chain’s tonkatsu original is one of the most time-intensive and tastiest meat preparations in town. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

8557 Research Blvd, #126, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 834-8810
(512) 834-8810
A bowl of ramen.
Ramen from Ramen Tatsu-ya.
Ramen Tatsu-ya/Facebook

Also featured in:

Fried Chicken at Top Notch

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Such classic fried chicken can be found at the casual Brentwood restaurant and carhop. It’s a Texas tradition. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

7525 Burnet Rd (Between Richcreek Rd and Northcross Dr), Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-2181
(512) 452-2181

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Beijing Duck at Bamboo House Austin

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Yes, the Crestview Chinese restaurant is from Houston, but it serves up the most perfect Beijing duck, where the roasted poultry is served with duck broth soup, spring pancakes, vegetables, and sauces. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

7010 Easy Wind Dr, Austin, TX 78752
(682) 428-7846
(682) 428-7846

Also featured in:

Rotisserie Chicken at Dia’s Market

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The Crestview deli offers up fantastic whole roasted chicken with, yes, roasted potatoes. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone.

812 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 520-5115
(512) 520-5115

Also featured in:

Sonoran Hot Dogs at T-Loc’s Sonora

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The Sonoran hot dog special is all about meat-on-meat, so it makes sense that the Rosedale food truck dedicated to said-dish would be on this Austin map. The beef franks are wrapped in bacon for that extra oomph. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas

5000 Burnet Road, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
(512) 994-8982

Also featured in:

Pastrami at Mum Foods

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Austin is lucky that the meat shop opened a physical deli in the Pecan Springs-Springdale neighborhood, which makes it that much more convenient to get its succulent pastrami. There are also sandwiches that use the the spiced-cured-smoked brisket. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

5811 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
(512) 270-8021
(512) 270-8021

Also featured in:

Lamb Bacon Ribs at KG BBQ

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Even when this MLK Texan-Egyptian barbecue truck was in its pop-up days, those lamb bacon ribs were instant hits, where the lamb belly is smoked to perfection (with the bone). Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of host site Oddwood Ales.

3108 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Wild Game Meats at Dai Due

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The oft-changing menu at the Cherrywood New Texan restaurant is full of meats sourced straight from Texas. You’ll find all manners of Nilgai antelope, wild boar, rabbit, turkey, and quail used in sausages, burgers, cured meats, rillettes, and more. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 524-0688
(512) 524-0688

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Ham at Texas Honey Ham Company

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Do as Ponyo does and seek out ham, especially when it comes from this West Lake Hills restaurant. There are honey-glazed hams available by the pound or slice. Plus, the porky meat’s used in other dishes, like breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

3736 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
(512) 330-9888
(512) 330-9888

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Chili at Texas Chili Parlor

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Chili is the state dish of Texas, and there's no better place in town to enjoy a bowl than at this downtown classic. There are indoor dine-in areas.

1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2828
(512) 472-2828

Also featured in:

Duck Carnitas Taco at Nixta Taqueria

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The Chestnut Mexican restaurant’s duck carnitas taco — where the team confits the poultry meat to tender results. It’s paired with crunchy watermelon radish and shaved white onions, and finished with a zesty salsa crudo. It’s the epitome of a high-low meaty dish. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 551-3855
(512) 551-3855

Also featured in:

Brisket at Franklin Barbecue

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There's Austin's iconic meat dishes, and then there's the Franklin Barbecue brisket. This slice of smoky meat perfection from the Central East Austin barbecue restaurant inspires carnivores to wait up for hours in line. And, yeah, it's worth it. Preorders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
(512) 653-1187

Also featured in:

Discada Tacos at Discada

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The little Central East Austin food truck introduced Austin to the wonders of its namesake taco — where layers of beef, pork, and vegetables are cooked once at time in the previous layer’s juices, and then it’s all put in really tasty corn tortillas with the works. It’s perfection in taco form. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

1319 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 945-7577
(512) 945-7577

Klobásníky at Kerlaches

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Even though Kerlin BBQ is closed, its barbecue lives on with its East Austin truck, that stuffs the already-classic Czech pastries with smoked its smoked meats like brisket and sausage. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 521-1604
(512) 521-1604

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Bacon at Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

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The Holly restaurant offers one of Austin's best old-school Tex-Mex breakfasts in town, and the bacon is the stuff of legend. The shop batters it in flour for extra-crispiness. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017

Also featured in:

Hot Rock at Uchi

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The Japanese restaurant in Zilker and its counterpart up in Rosedale (Uchiko) are, yes, great sushi destinations, but the meat dishes are not to be missed, either. With the hot rock, diners can sear their own wagyu at the table to delicious results. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704

Also featured in:

Steak Frites at Justine's Brasserie

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The steak frites at the French Govalle restaurant are consistently great. Order a plate, a bottle of the very reasonably priced wine, and feel like it's East Austin, France. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 385-2900
(512) 385-2900
A fork lifting up a slice of steak from a plate.
Steak frites at Justine’s.
Justine’s Brasserie/Facebook

Also featured in:

Chicken-Fried Steak at Jacoby’s

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The Texan restaurant in Govalle is all about meat, so much so that it sources its beef from its own ranch. That includes its ever-so-Texas-classic chicken-fried steak, There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St (Tillery), Austin, TX 78702
(512) 366-5808
(512) 366-5808

Also featured in:

Enchiladas at Habanero Cafe

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Find truly magnificent enchiladas in this old-school daytime Mexican restaurant in Dawson. There are indoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

Also featured in:

Dan's Hamburgers

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All locations of the Austin-forever chain serve up such classic burgers and cheeseburgers. Takeout orders can be placed in person or through the drive-thrus; there are indoor dine-in services.

4308 Menchaca Rd (Ben White), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-6131
(512) 443-6131

Also featured in:

Cabrito at El Borrego De Oro

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The St Edwards Mexican restaurant serves up a wonderful rendition of cabrito — stewed goat — made with a red guajillo chile sauce. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

3900 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 383-0031
(512) 383-0031

Also featured in:

Barbacoa at Moreno Barbecue

Copy Link

The barbacoa at the Garrison Park barbecue restaurant is so special, it’s only available on Sundays. And even better, it’s served along with flour tortillas and the taco works for a DIY-style meal. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5608 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 808-8271
(512) 808-8271

Also featured in:

Nadia Chaudhury is an editor for Eater Northeast and Eater New York and was the former Eater Austin editor, who often writes about food and pop culture.

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Peach Tea-Glazed Pork Belly at Interstellar BBQ

12233 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin, TX 78750

The Anderson Mill barbecue restaurant’s pork belly is glazed in a peach tea sauce for that perfect sweet-savory combination. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in areas.

12233 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
(512) 382-6248
(512) 382-6248

Tonkatsu at Ramen Tatsu-ya

8557 Research Blvd, #126, Austin, TX 78758

The broth of the growing Austin-based Japanese restaurant chain’s tonkatsu original is one of the most time-intensive and tastiest meat preparations in town. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

8557 Research Blvd, #126, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 834-8810
(512) 834-8810
A bowl of ramen.
Ramen from Ramen Tatsu-ya.
Ramen Tatsu-ya/Facebook

Fried Chicken at Top Notch

7525 Burnet Rd (Between Richcreek Rd and Northcross Dr), Austin, TX 78757

Such classic fried chicken can be found at the casual Brentwood restaurant and carhop. It’s a Texas tradition. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

7525 Burnet Rd (Between Richcreek Rd and Northcross Dr), Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-2181
(512) 452-2181

Beijing Duck at Bamboo House Austin

7010 Easy Wind Dr, Austin, TX 78752

Yes, the Crestview Chinese restaurant is from Houston, but it serves up the most perfect Beijing duck, where the roasted poultry is served with duck broth soup, spring pancakes, vegetables, and sauces. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

7010 Easy Wind Dr, Austin, TX 78752
(682) 428-7846
(682) 428-7846

Rotisserie Chicken at Dia’s Market

812 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757

The Crestview deli offers up fantastic whole roasted chicken with, yes, roasted potatoes. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone.

812 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 520-5115
(512) 520-5115

Sonoran Hot Dogs at T-Loc’s Sonora

5000 Burnet Road, TX 78756

The Sonoran hot dog special is all about meat-on-meat, so it makes sense that the Rosedale food truck dedicated to said-dish would be on this Austin map. The beef franks are wrapped in bacon for that extra oomph. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas

5000 Burnet Road, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
(512) 994-8982

Pastrami at Mum Foods

5811 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Austin is lucky that the meat shop opened a physical deli in the Pecan Springs-Springdale neighborhood, which makes it that much more convenient to get its succulent pastrami. There are also sandwiches that use the the spiced-cured-smoked brisket. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

5811 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
(512) 270-8021
(512) 270-8021

Lamb Bacon Ribs at KG BBQ

3108 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Even when this MLK Texan-Egyptian barbecue truck was in its pop-up days, those lamb bacon ribs were instant hits, where the lamb belly is smoked to perfection (with the bone). Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of host site Oddwood Ales.

3108 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Wild Game Meats at Dai Due

2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

The oft-changing menu at the Cherrywood New Texan restaurant is full of meats sourced straight from Texas. You’ll find all manners of Nilgai antelope, wild boar, rabbit, turkey, and quail used in sausages, burgers, cured meats, rillettes, and more. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 524-0688
(512) 524-0688

Ham at Texas Honey Ham Company

3736 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746

Do as Ponyo does and seek out ham, especially when it comes from this West Lake Hills restaurant. There are honey-glazed hams available by the pound or slice. Plus, the porky meat’s used in other dishes, like breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

3736 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
(512) 330-9888
(512) 330-9888

Chili at Texas Chili Parlor

1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

Chili is the state dish of Texas, and there's no better place in town to enjoy a bowl than at this downtown classic. There are indoor dine-in areas.

1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2828
(512) 472-2828

Duck Carnitas Taco at Nixta Taqueria

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

The Chestnut Mexican restaurant’s duck carnitas taco — where the team confits the poultry meat to tender results. It’s paired with crunchy watermelon radish and shaved white onions, and finished with a zesty salsa crudo. It’s the epitome of a high-low meaty dish. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 551-3855
(512) 551-3855

Brisket at Franklin Barbecue

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

There's Austin's iconic meat dishes, and then there's the Franklin Barbecue brisket. This slice of smoky meat perfection from the Central East Austin barbecue restaurant inspires carnivores to wait up for hours in line. And, yeah, it's worth it. Preorders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
(512) 653-1187

Discada Tacos at Discada

1319 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702

The little Central East Austin food truck introduced Austin to the wonders of its namesake taco — where layers of beef, pork, and vegetables are cooked once at time in the previous layer’s juices, and then it’s all put in really tasty corn tortillas with the works. It’s perfection in taco form. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

1319 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 945-7577
(512) 945-7577

Klobásníky at Kerlaches

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

Even though Kerlin BBQ is closed, its barbecue lives on with its East Austin truck, that stuffs the already-classic Czech pastries with smoked its smoked meats like brisket and sausage. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 521-1604
(512) 521-1604

Related Maps

Bacon at Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

The Holly restaurant offers one of Austin's best old-school Tex-Mex breakfasts in town, and the bacon is the stuff of legend. The shop batters it in flour for extra-crispiness. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017

Hot Rock at Uchi

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704

The Japanese restaurant in Zilker and its counterpart up in Rosedale (Uchiko) are, yes, great sushi destinations, but the meat dishes are not to be missed, either. With the hot rock, diners can sear their own wagyu at the table to delicious results. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704

Steak Frites at Justine's Brasserie

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702

The steak frites at the French Govalle restaurant are consistently great. Order a plate, a bottle of the very reasonably priced wine, and feel like it's East Austin, France. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 385-2900
(512) 385-2900
A fork lifting up a slice of steak from a plate.
Steak frites at Justine’s.
Justine’s Brasserie/Facebook

Chicken-Fried Steak at Jacoby’s

3235 E Cesar Chavez St (Tillery), Austin, TX 78702

The Texan restaurant in Govalle is all about meat, so much so that it sources its beef from its own ranch. That includes its ever-so-Texas-classic chicken-fried steak, There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St (Tillery), Austin, TX 78702
(512) 366-5808
(512) 366-5808

Enchiladas at Habanero Cafe

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704

Find truly magnificent enchiladas in this old-school daytime Mexican restaurant in Dawson. There are indoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

Dan's Hamburgers

4308 Menchaca Rd (Ben White), Austin, TX 78704

All locations of the Austin-forever chain serve up such classic burgers and cheeseburgers. Takeout orders can be placed in person or through the drive-thrus; there are indoor dine-in services.

4308 Menchaca Rd (Ben White), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-6131
(512) 443-6131

Cabrito at El Borrego De Oro

3900 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

The St Edwards Mexican restaurant serves up a wonderful rendition of cabrito — stewed goat — made with a red guajillo chile sauce. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

3900 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 383-0031
(512) 383-0031

Barbacoa at Moreno Barbecue

5608 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745

The barbacoa at the Garrison Park barbecue restaurant is so special, it’s only available on Sundays. And even better, it’s served along with flour tortillas and the taco works for a DIY-style meal. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5608 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 808-8271
(512) 808-8271

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