Austin Restaurants

Like many US cities, Austin offers an extensive range of food from all over the world. However, the city's proximity to Mexico has led to the development of a distinctive Tex-Mex cuisine that is heavily influenced by Mexican food. Austin has a number of high-class restaurants offering superb fare, but it also offers scores of high-quality, inexpensive restaurants, where locals come to eat, drink and socialise.
 

Local cuisine

Texan barbecues and Tex-Mex are distinctive aspects of the regional cuisine. Food historians have determined that Tex-Mex cuisine originated centuries ago when Mexican recipes were combined with European fare to create distinctive and often hot and spicy dishes. Austinites enjoy eating out and breakfasting out at the weekend is particularly popular. So, whether you intend to sample some Tex-Mex or breakfast on coffee and doughnuts, be prepared for busy eateries, packed with socialising locals.

Where to eat

The entire city is replete with excellent restaurants and cafés, and the downtown areas offer a particularly good choice of eateries. Mi Madre's on Manor Road has delicious tacos and is popular among locals for its patio area, which makes a great place for lunch.

Bakehouse Restaurant and Bar is a tradition in South Austin, and it serves one of the best breakfasts in town. Stubb's BBQ is another quintessential part of the Austin culinary landscape, with excellent barbecued and smoked meats served daily. The restaurant is also well noted for its live music and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Visitors wishing to experience some authentic Tex-Mex should sample a few dishes at Matt's El Rancho on South Lamar. This renowned Tex-Mex restaurant has been in operation for over 50 years and serves unparalleled Tex-Mex fare.