The First Timer’s Guide To Eating In Austin

It’s difficult to walk more than a block in Austin without passing somewhere selling breakfast tacos, but for the version that’s up there with barbecue and Barton Springs as Austin essentials, head to Veracruz. The migas tacos here set a benchmark for breakfast tacos in Austin—pairing crispy tortilla chips with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a housemade corn tortilla— served at multiple locations all across town.

Part Japanese izakaya, part Texas smokehouse, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a place that couldn’t really exist outside of Austin. It’s this weird mashup of cultures that leads to dishes like chili cheese takoyaki and smoked brisket bento boxes, as well as an overwhelming desire to travel through Japan in cowboy boots.

Show up to Franklin Barbecue on a busy weekend and you might make it through the first two Lord Of The Rings films before you take your first bite. If you don’t have a mobile phone Tolkien marathon already planned, simply head down the street to Micklethwait for the brisket we like almost as much, with a wait time that we like considerably more.

The margaritas are strong, the Tex-Mex is rich and cheesy, and the chili is served “Texas-style” (without beans). Add in friendly service and a bit of Southern hospitality, and you’ve hit most of the Texas high notes. Head here when you want an experience that feels a little bit like “Old Austin.”

You’ve just emerged from an afternoon of swimming in a massive natural spring in the heart of Austin—the next logical step is a drink and some AC. At House Wine, you can get both, because nothing pairs with a sun-drenched afternoon like a flight of coastal whites and a cozy, remodeled house to enjoy it all in.

Maybe you’re here for a bachelor/bachelorette party, or maybe you just like the busy shoulder-to-shoulder energy found on a Saturday night. Either way, you’re going to need food at some point. And when that moment comes, you can usually find us sitting down for some tacos at Asador.

There are hundreds of places to get a burger in Austin, and probably even more where you can order a beer. But when you want best-in-class versions, head to Hold Out Brewing, a Clarksville brewery that makes both, and does it all on one of the best patios in town.

If you’re stand-up paddleboarding during Austin’s warmer months, there’s a good chance you’ll be starting your morning early, while the sun is still pre-heating. It also means you’ll need good coffee—preferably from somewhere that also offers up a small selection of excellent housemade pastries (try the kouign amann).

We all know why you’re on South Congress. You want to take a photo with the “I love you so much” sign painted on the wall of Jo’s Coffee. Once you’ve spent 30 seconds taking your photo, head to Perla’s just up the street. It’s a laid-back seafood restaurant with a coastal vibe and a lively patio that makes the whole journey a little more worthwhile.

So you want to see the famous bats emerging from the Congress Bridge at sunset, but don’t want to risk getting pooped on 1.5 million times? Just head to P6 at The Line Hotel instead, where you’ll have a great overhead view of the nightly migration, access to cocktails, and a (covered) patio.