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Queso.
The Bob Armstrong dip at Matt’s El Rancho.
Matt’s El Rancho

The 21 Most Iconic Austin Dishes

Eat your way through the city's culinary essentials

by Nadia Chaudhury and Erin Russell Updated
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The Bob Armstrong dip at Matt’s El Rancho.
| Matt’s El Rancho
by Nadia Chaudhury and Erin Russell Updated

Austin is 184 years old, and in that time, certain dishes have stood out amongst the fray as the best, most delicious representations of the city. To help figure out those must-eat meals, Eater put together a handy guide to Austin's most iconic dishes.

The city’s defining dishes range from a mix of old and new. There is queso from Matt’s El Rancho, migas plates from Cisco’s, Franklin Barbecue’s world-famous briskets, Magnolia Cafe diner-classic pancakes, soup dumplings, barbecue klobasniky, tacos galore, and much more.

For more defining Austin eats, check out the city's most classic restaurants, iconic meat dishes, barbecue, tacos, burgers, and pizzerias.

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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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Tonkotsu Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya

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Few (non-barbecue) dishes have captured Austin diners' attention like the local Japanese chain restaurant’s lovingly prepared ramen, turning these noodle soups into instant craveable classics. The tonkotsu is called the OG on its menu for a good reason: the pork-based broth is soothing, plus it’s paired with a meaty chashu pork, and the works. Takeout orders for all locations 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

Also featured in:

Popcorn Tofu Po’ Boy at Wheatsville Food Co-Op

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Yes, it’s a food co-op, but the market’s deli dishes up one of the city’s best vegetarian sandwiches. The popcorn tofu po’ boy comes dressed up in cashew-tamari dressing, a bunch of vegetables, and dill pickles on a French roll. Takeout orders for both locations (the other on South Lamar) can be placed online.

3101 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 478-2667
(512) 478-2667

Also featured in:

Chicken-Fried Steak at Hoover’s Cooking

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Classic dishes just taste better in classic restaurant spaces. The chicken-fried steak slathered with cream gravy at chef/owner Hoover Alexander’s restaurant is a perfect example of just that. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 479-5006
(512) 479-5006

Also featured in:

Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters at Jeffrey's

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A dish that is so iconic it stayed on the menu even after the restaurant got a serious revamp by the McGuire Moorman Lambert group back in 2012. The fried Gulf oysters are dabbled with a fruity apple-cider sauce, spiced melty leeks, and chervil, now served on the shell. There are for indoor dine-in services.

1204 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

Also featured in:

Biscuits at Olamaie

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After years of being a secret item, the famous fluffy buttermilk biscuits at the downtown Southern restaurant have earned its rightful place on the menu. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2796
(512) 474-2796
A basket of biscuits.
Biscuits at Olamaie.
Katie LeSeuer

Also featured in:

Steak at ALC

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Formerly known as Austin Land & Cattle, the West End steakhouse is your best bet for a classic laid-back Texas-style steak dinner. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

1205 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-1813
(512) 472-1813
A slice of steak on a grill with fire.
Steak at ALC.
ALC Steaks/Facebook

Also featured in:

Chili at Texas Chili Parlor

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The beauty of a classic restaurant devoted to chili is how many ways chili can be enjoyed. As Frito pie? On a hot dog? A burger? Baked potato? Just on its own? You do you at the downtown bar and restaurant, and get it as spicy or mild as you want it. There are indoor dine-in services.

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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It’s difficult to pick a single dish on the East Austin Mexican restaurant’s menu that’s truly iconic — there’s the cauliflower taco and the beet tostada — but the duck carnitas really does rise above the others (just ever so slightly). The juicy confit duck is paired with crunchy radishes and a flavorful salsa crudo. 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:

Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

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Chef Ling Qi Wu introduced Austin to her epic Shanghai soup dumplings when she started at Wu Chow, and now she’s been growing her own restaurant sphere across the city, most of which feature those brothy, meaty, filled dough packets, including her first place in Clarksville. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1203 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 474-5107
(512) 474-5107

Also featured in:

Cauliflower Tots at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

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How does the Better Half team get the cauliflower so crispy? The all-day casual restaurant’s cauliflower tots served with a side of really good beet ketchup are a work of culinary magic. And the recipe is even featured in Eater’s cookbook. Takeout orders. can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786

Also featured in:

Brisket at Franklin Barbecue

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Austin's most talked-about and craved dish, Aaron Franklin's magically delicious brisket has come to define the city across the country and world. Advanced pickup orders 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:

Migas at Cisco's Restaurant

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Soak up Austin's political history and very filling breakfast in one fell swoop at the East Sixth restaurant with the migas paired with either tortillas or biscuits (why not try both?). There are indoor dine-in services.

1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 478-2420
(512) 478-2420

Also featured in:

Migas Taco at Veracruz All Natural

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The migas taco has been around long before Veracruz opened over 16 years ago, but sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez behind this trailer phenomenon took an Austin classic to the next level. And, yes, the recipe is even featured in Eater’s cookbook. Takeout orders for all locations can be placed online; there are always outdoor dine-in areas with some indoor spaces available at some locations.

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 981-1760
(512) 981-1760

Also featured in:

Brisket Kobasniky at Kerlaches

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While the Kerlin BBQ truck is now officially closed, its famous barbecue-stuffed klobasniky live on with its off-shoot truck Kerlaches. There’s brisket and cheddar cheese; sausages, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar; and typically a vegetarian option, all stuffed into soft pastries. It was created by co-owner Amelis Kerlin. (While Kerlin calls the item “kolaches,” the term usually refers to the sweet version of the pastry. klobásníky refers to the meat-stuffed iteration.) There’s a second truck down in South Austin, as well as a ghost kitchen spot in the McKinney neighborhood. Takeout orders can be placed in person at the trucks and online from the ghost kitchen, and there are outdoor dining areas available.

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

Also featured in:

Hama Chili at Uchi

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The Zilker Japanese restaurant’s classic bright and citrusy hama chili dish has yellowtail, Thai chiles, and citrusy ponzu. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1509, 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Also featured in:

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Kimchi Fries at Chi’Lantro

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For over 14 years, the still-growing Korean Mexican fast-casual chain has been slinging its wonderful fusion loaded fries. The saucy kimchi fries feature kimchi, cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, onions, sesame seeds, and spicy Sriracha. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are usually indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(281) 975-0129
(281) 975-0129

Also featured in:

Ice Cream Sandwich at Launderette

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Though its originator Laura Sawicki is no longer at the Holly restaurant, her oh-so-fun birthday cake ice cream sandwich is still thankfully on the menu. The dessert has become so iconic that Launderette faked everyone out by pretending to take the dessert off the menu for April Fools’ Day once. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 382-1599
(512) 382-1599
Two ice cream sandwich squares with colorful sprinkles and birthday candles that are lit.
Launderette’s birthday cake ice cream sandwiches.
Launderette

Also featured in:

Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream at Amy’s

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Go super-classic at this Austin ice cream institution chain, especially with the subtly sweet/smoky/floral flavor, and don’t skimp on the toppings. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online.

1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-7488
(512) 440-7488

Also featured in:

Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt's El Rancho

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The Bob is queso's perfect form at the South Lamar Tex-Mex restaurant, where melty cheese is accompanied by taco meat and guacamole. Takeout orders can be placed online, there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-9333
(512) 462-9333
A person holding up a big bowl of yellow melted cheese with a clump of ground meat and guacamole in the middle.
The Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho.
Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

Also featured in:

Pancakes at Magnolia Cafe

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The city’s quintessential no-longer-all-hours-sadly diner in Bouldin Creek is known for its fluffy stacks of pancakes, especially the buttermilk ones. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-0000
(512) 445-0000

Also featured in:

Duck Mole at El Naranjo

Copy Link

The mole negro de Oaxaca at the South Lamar Mexican restaurant is perfection: tender slices of duck breast are paired with a ridiculously rich Oaxacan mole and a mound of rice to round it out. Be sure to order tortillas to create a great layered bite. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2717 S Lamar Blvd STE 1085, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 520-5750
(512) 520-5750

Also featured in:

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Tonkotsu Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya

8557 Research Blvd, #126, Austin, TX 78758

Few (non-barbecue) dishes have captured Austin diners' attention like the local Japanese chain restaurant’s lovingly prepared ramen, turning these noodle soups into instant craveable classics. The tonkotsu is called the OG on its menu for a good reason: the pork-based broth is soothing, plus it’s paired with a meaty chashu pork, and the works. Takeout orders for all locations 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

Popcorn Tofu Po’ Boy at Wheatsville Food Co-Op

3101 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

Yes, it’s a food co-op, but the market’s deli dishes up one of the city’s best vegetarian sandwiches. The popcorn tofu po’ boy comes dressed up in cashew-tamari dressing, a bunch of vegetables, and dill pickles on a French roll. Takeout orders for both locations (the other on South Lamar) can be placed online.

3101 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 478-2667
(512) 478-2667

Chicken-Fried Steak at Hoover’s Cooking

2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Classic dishes just taste better in classic restaurant spaces. The chicken-fried steak slathered with cream gravy at chef/owner Hoover Alexander’s restaurant is a perfect example of just that. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 479-5006
(512) 479-5006

Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters at Jeffrey's

1204 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703

A dish that is so iconic it stayed on the menu even after the restaurant got a serious revamp by the McGuire Moorman Lambert group back in 2012. The fried Gulf oysters are dabbled with a fruity apple-cider sauce, spiced melty leeks, and chervil, now served on the shell. There are for indoor dine-in services.

1204 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

Biscuits at Olamaie

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701

After years of being a secret item, the famous fluffy buttermilk biscuits at the downtown Southern restaurant have earned its rightful place on the menu. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2796
(512) 474-2796
A basket of biscuits.
Biscuits at Olamaie.
Katie LeSeuer

Steak at ALC

1205 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Formerly known as Austin Land & Cattle, the West End steakhouse is your best bet for a classic laid-back Texas-style steak dinner. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

1205 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-1813
(512) 472-1813
A slice of steak on a grill with fire.
Steak at ALC.
ALC Steaks/Facebook

Chili at Texas Chili Parlor

1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

The beauty of a classic restaurant devoted to chili is how many ways chili can be enjoyed. As Frito pie? On a hot dog? A burger? Baked potato? Just on its own? You do you at the downtown bar and restaurant, and get it as spicy or mild as you want it. There are indoor dine-in services.

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

It’s difficult to pick a single dish on the East Austin Mexican restaurant’s menu that’s truly iconic — there’s the cauliflower taco and the beet tostada — but the duck carnitas really does rise above the others (just ever so slightly). The juicy confit duck is paired with crunchy radishes and a flavorful salsa crudo. 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

Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

1203 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

Chef Ling Qi Wu introduced Austin to her epic Shanghai soup dumplings when she started at Wu Chow, and now she’s been growing her own restaurant sphere across the city, most of which feature those brothy, meaty, filled dough packets, including her first place in Clarksville. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1203 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 474-5107
(512) 474-5107

Cauliflower Tots at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

How does the Better Half team get the cauliflower so crispy? The all-day casual restaurant’s cauliflower tots served with a side of really good beet ketchup are a work of culinary magic. And the recipe is even featured in Eater’s cookbook. Takeout orders. can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786

Brisket at Franklin Barbecue

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Austin's most talked-about and craved dish, Aaron Franklin's magically delicious brisket has come to define the city across the country and world. Advanced pickup orders 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

Migas at Cisco's Restaurant

1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Soak up Austin's political history and very filling breakfast in one fell swoop at the East Sixth restaurant with the migas paired with either tortillas or biscuits (why not try both?). There are indoor dine-in services.

1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 478-2420
(512) 478-2420

Migas Taco at Veracruz All Natural

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

The migas taco has been around long before Veracruz opened over 16 years ago, but sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez behind this trailer phenomenon took an Austin classic to the next level. And, yes, the recipe is even featured in Eater’s cookbook. Takeout orders for all locations can be placed online; there are always outdoor dine-in areas with some indoor spaces available at some locations.

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 981-1760
(512) 981-1760

Brisket Kobasniky at Kerlaches

2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

While the Kerlin BBQ truck is now officially closed, its famous barbecue-stuffed klobasniky live on with its off-shoot truck Kerlaches. There’s brisket and cheddar cheese; sausages, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar; and typically a vegetarian option, all stuffed into soft pastries. It was created by co-owner Amelis Kerlin. (While Kerlin calls the item “kolaches,” the term usually refers to the sweet version of the pastry. klobásníky refers to the meat-stuffed iteration.) There’s a second truck down in South Austin, as well as a ghost kitchen spot in the McKinney neighborhood. Takeout orders can be placed in person at the trucks and online from the ghost kitchen, and there are outdoor dining areas available.

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

Hama Chili at Uchi

1509, 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The Zilker Japanese restaurant’s classic bright and citrusy hama chili dish has yellowtail, Thai chiles, and citrusy ponzu. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1509, 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Related Maps

Kimchi Fries at Chi’Lantro

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

For over 14 years, the still-growing Korean Mexican fast-casual chain has been slinging its wonderful fusion loaded fries. The saucy kimchi fries feature kimchi, cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, onions, sesame seeds, and spicy Sriracha. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are usually indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(281) 975-0129
(281) 975-0129

Ice Cream Sandwich at Launderette

2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702

Though its originator Laura Sawicki is no longer at the Holly restaurant, her oh-so-fun birthday cake ice cream sandwich is still thankfully on the menu. The dessert has become so iconic that Launderette faked everyone out by pretending to take the dessert off the menu for April Fools’ Day once. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 382-1599
(512) 382-1599
Two ice cream sandwich squares with colorful sprinkles and birthday candles that are lit.
Launderette’s birthday cake ice cream sandwiches.
Launderette

Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream at Amy’s

1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Go super-classic at this Austin ice cream institution chain, especially with the subtly sweet/smoky/floral flavor, and don’t skimp on the toppings. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online.

1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-7488
(512) 440-7488

Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt's El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The Bob is queso's perfect form at the South Lamar Tex-Mex restaurant, where melty cheese is accompanied by taco meat and guacamole. Takeout orders can be placed online, there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-9333
(512) 462-9333
A person holding up a big bowl of yellow melted cheese with a clump of ground meat and guacamole in the middle.
The Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho.
Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

Pancakes at Magnolia Cafe

1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

The city’s quintessential no-longer-all-hours-sadly diner in Bouldin Creek is known for its fluffy stacks of pancakes, especially the buttermilk ones. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-0000
(512) 445-0000

Duck Mole at El Naranjo

2717 S Lamar Blvd STE 1085, Austin, TX 78704

The mole negro de Oaxaca at the South Lamar Mexican restaurant is perfection: tender slices of duck breast are paired with a ridiculously rich Oaxacan mole and a mound of rice to round it out. Be sure to order tortillas to create a great layered bite. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2717 S Lamar Blvd STE 1085, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 520-5750
(512) 520-5750

Related Maps