April 24, 2024
Food & Drink, Feature, Guide,
Our little hippie city turned tech metropolis and a haven for creativity has always had some interesting eats. Whether you’re flying in for the weekend and want to try something fun or just moved to town and want in on the conversations surrounding downtown delicacies, keep Austin weird with us and try these unique foods and drinks.
See also: The 10 Best Cocktail Spots In Austin
Sno-Beach’s Sno-Cones
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412 Sterzing St. / Website
No, these are not regular snow cones. Tons of unique flavors and toppings that will blow your mind combined with the nostalgia of old-school-dripping-down-your-hand goodness make this a line worth waiting in. Plus, after being out in the heat, a very refreshing sweet treat awaits.
Chuy’s Jalapeño Ranch
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Multiple locations / Website
Everyone wants to drink this with a straw, and we can’t blame them. Tangy and perfectly spicy, this is a life-changing condiment. Trust us, run, don’t walk, and we’ll see you at Chuy’s.
Torchy’s Tacos’ “Make It Trashy”
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Multiple locations / Website
This is a staple in Austin as it was founded here. People are always saying we keep it weird, and I suppose naming our food trashy is one way of keeping the spirit alive. It’s well-loved and well-liked. Tex Mex is our thing, and if you ask us, replacing lettuce with queso, or “making it trashy,” is a no-brainer.
Baby Acapulco’s Purple Margarita
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Multiple locations / Website
This delicious drink is about as strong as they come (seriously, take this one slow) and tastes just as good as it looks. There's even a two-per-customer limit because of how hard these hit. We recommend enjoying your purple tipple with a side of chips and queso. Yes, you will have a purple tongue after, but that is to be expected.
Matt’s El Rancho’s Bob Armstrong Dip
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2613 S. Lamar Blvd. / 512.462.9333 / Website
The birthplace of “Happy Birthdays and Baptism” lunches for Austinites. Big enough to fit all the families and friends, Matt’s has been a go-to for delicious food since 1952. You’re not a local till you’ve been to Matt’s, and we love the Bob Armstrong Dip, crafted with queso, guacamole and ground beef.
Broken Spoke’s Chicken Fried Steak
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3201 S. Lamar Blvd. / 512.442.6189 / Website
Now a historical landmark and a dance hall, head to Broken Spoke for a good two-stepsin’ time, great music and fine culinary dishes fit for a cowboy. Food Network has even poked its head in here.
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum’s Shanghai Soup Dumplings
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1203 W. 6th St. / 512.474.5107 / Website
Absolutely delicious, these soup dumplings are unique in that they truly rival any dim sum you’d find in New York City. Tender and full of flavorful soup, these are simply a must-try. We recommend getting the egg rolls while you’re at it!
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