Introduction
Craving crispy fried chicken that practically melts in your mouth? Yearning for creamy, cheesy grits that evoke a sense of pure comfort? Or maybe you’re dreaming of succulent, smoky BBQ that has you licking your fingers long after the last bite? While Austin might be renowned for its tacos, food trucks, and vibrant music scene, don’t underestimate its surprisingly robust and ever-growing Southern food scene. This city is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary landscape has embraced the soulful flavors and hearty traditions of the South with open arms.
It’s true, Austin isn’t exactly Savannah or Charleston. But in a city celebrated for its culinary innovation and appreciation for quality ingredients, Southern cuisine has found a fertile ground to flourish. From down-home comfort food joints serving up generations-old family recipes to innovative restaurants putting a modern twist on classic dishes, Austin offers a diverse range of Southern food experiences that are sure to satisfy any craving.
This ultimate guide is your passport to exploring the very best Southern food Austin has to offer. We’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the must-try restaurants, signature dishes, and unique flavors that make Austin’s Southern food scene so special. So, loosen your belt, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to discover a side of Austin you never knew existed.
For the purpose of this article, when we say “Southern food,” we’re talking about dishes that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and tradition. Think of slow-cooked meats, vegetables bursting with flavor, and sides that are just as memorable as the main course. Dishes like fried chicken, barbeque, collard greens, mac and cheese, grits, biscuits, cornbread, and sweet potato pie are all hallmarks of Southern cuisine. These dishes, often made with simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, showcase the rich agricultural heritage and culinary ingenuity of the American South.
Austin boasts a surprising number of exceptional Southern restaurants, ranging from classic comfort food havens to modern interpretations of Southern cooking. This article will highlight the must-try spots for an authentic Southern food experience in the city. So, where do you start?
How We Chose the Best
To ensure that this guide is truly the ultimate resource for finding the best Southern food in Austin, we established a clear set of criteria for selecting the restaurants featured. We considered several factors, including:
- Ingredient Quality: Restaurants that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients, ideally sourced locally, earned high marks.
- Authenticity: We looked for restaurants that stayed true to the traditional flavors and techniques of Southern cuisine, while also allowing for creative interpretations.
- Taste and Flavor: This is perhaps the most important factor. The food had to be delicious, flavorful, and well-executed.
- Atmosphere: The overall ambiance and dining experience played a role in our selections. Was the restaurant welcoming, comfortable, and reflective of the Southern spirit?
- Customer Reviews: We scoured online reviews and testimonials to gauge the overall customer satisfaction and reputation of each restaurant.
- Value: We considered the price point in relation to the quality and quantity of the food, ensuring that diners get good value for their money.
Our Top Picks for Southern Cuisine in Austin
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the heart of this guide: our top picks for the best Southern food in Austin.
Franklin Barbecue
Address: East Sixth Street, Austin, TX (check website for current location/hours)
Website: (insert website here if known)
Description: Franklin Barbecue needs little introduction. This legendary Austin institution is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs, and other smoked meats. Be prepared to wait in line – often for hours – but trust us, it’s worth it.
Must-Try Items: The brisket is the undisputed king, with its smoky bark and incredibly tender, juicy meat. The ribs are also a must-try, as are the homemade sides, like the coleslaw and potato salad.
Why It’s Special: Franklin Barbecue is special because of its unwavering commitment to quality. Pitmaster Aaron Franklin meticulously oversees every aspect of the smoking process, ensuring that each piece of meat is cooked to perfection. The result is BBQ that is simply unparalleled.
Price Range: $$$ (Expect to spend a bit more, given the premium quality and demand.)
Odd Duck
Address: South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX (check website for current location/hours)
Website: (insert website here if known)
Description: Odd Duck takes a farm-to-table approach to Southern cuisine, showcasing the best seasonal ingredients from local farms and ranches. This restaurant offers a more refined and innovative take on Southern classics.
Must-Try Items: The menu changes seasonally, but look for dishes that highlight local produce and proteins. The fried chicken is often a standout, as are any dishes featuring fresh vegetables and creative sauces.
Why It’s Special: Odd Duck is special because of its commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s chefs are constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
Price Range: $$$ (Expect to spend a bit more for the farm-to-table experience.)
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Address: South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX (check website for current location/hours)
Website: (insert website here if known)
Description: Created by Chef Aaron Franklin and Chef Tyson Cole, Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar that blends the flavors of Texas barbecue with Southeast Asian influences.
Must-Try Items: The Oak Smoked Beef Brisket with chili gastrique and Thai herbs, the Candied Pork Belly, and the Malaysian Chicken Bo Ssam are all excellent choices. Don’t miss their creative cocktails!
Why It’s Special: Loro provides a unique and exciting fusion experience. It successfully combines the traditions of Texas BBQ with bold Asian flavors, making it a must-try for adventurous food lovers.
Price Range: $$
Matt’s El Rancho (Southern-Inspired Tex-Mex)
Address: Congress Avenue, Austin, TX (check website for current location/hours)
Website: (insert website here if known)
Description: Okay, so it’s not *strictly* Southern, but Matt’s El Rancho, a longtime Austin favorite, offers Tex-Mex with Southern-inspired flavors. Think comfort food meets Tex-Mex classics.
Must-Try Items: The Bob Armstrong Dip is legendary, and while not strictly Southern, the enchiladas and fajitas often incorporate slow-cooked meats and comforting flavors reminiscent of Southern cuisine.
Why It’s Special: Matt’s El Rancho has been an Austin institution for generations. Its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and generous portions make it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends and family. Plus, it offers a taste of how Southern flavors have influenced Tex-Mex cuisine.
Price Range: $$
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Southern Breakfast Options)
Address: Various Locations in Austin (check website for current location/hours)
Website: (insert website here if known)
Description: While Snooze isn’t exclusively Southern, they have fantastic Southern-inspired breakfast options. It’s a popular spot known for its creative and delicious breakfast and brunch dishes.
Must-Try Items: The Shrimp & Grits Benedict, the OMG! French Toast (sometimes with Southern-inspired toppings), and the Sweet Potato Pancakes are all excellent choices.
Why It’s Special: Snooze offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a focus on creative and high-quality breakfast and brunch options. Their Southern-inspired dishes are a delicious way to start the day.
Price Range: $$
Honorable Mentions
While the above restaurants are our top picks, there are several other spots in Austin that deserve a mention for their delicious Southern food:
(Insert Restaurant Name): A great option for (brief description and why it’s noteworthy).
(Insert Restaurant Name): Try them out for their (brief description and why it’s noteworthy).
Beyond Restaurants: Finding Southern Flavors Elsewhere
While restaurants are the most obvious place to find Southern food in Austin, there are other avenues to explore:
Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for Southern food trucks serving up everything from fried chicken sandwiches to shrimp and grits. These mobile kitchens often offer a more casual and affordable way to enjoy Southern cuisine. (Research and add specific food truck names if possible.)
Farmers Markets: Visit local farmers markets to find vendors selling Southern ingredients like fresh produce, homemade jams and preserves, and locally sourced meats. You can then use these ingredients to create your own Southern dishes at home.
Cooking Classes: Learn the secrets of Southern cooking by taking a cooking class in Austin. Several culinary schools and cooking studios offer classes focused on Southern cuisine, teaching you how to make everything from fried chicken to biscuits and gravy.
A Taste of the South in the Heart of Texas
Austin’s Southern food scene is thriving, offering a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. From legendary BBQ joints to innovative farm-to-table restaurants, the city has embraced the soulful flavors and hearty traditions of the South. We encourage you to explore these restaurants, discover your own favorites, and experience the warmth and comfort of Southern cuisine right here in Austin.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the best Southern food Austin has to offer! Don’t forget to let us know in the comments which restaurants you love and any hidden gems we might have missed! Happy eating!
