The Absolute Best Local Food in Austin [Updated 2025]

I'm no food critic but I've had plenty of experience trying the great local restaurants throughout Austin . I've taken it upon myself to create a list of the top 8 local foods here in Austin .

It's been an entertaining journey reviewing all these delicious meals. Whether you're a tourist, or born and raised in Austin like me, you'll find something that appeals to your taste buds. So follow me as I embark on my quest for the best local food in Austin !

Out of Nowhere ATX

Not only is their menu expansive and always changing, but the quality of the food is top-notch. The chefs here put a lot of thought and heart into each dish; every item I’ve tried so far has been flavorful and authentic.

The atmosphere at Out of Nowhere ATX is also delightful – they have a spacious patio area overlooking Lady Bird Lake, making it perfect for an outdoor meal with friends or family. The staff are all friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu too.

Overall, Out of Nowhere ATX has to be one of the best local food spots in Austin. I would eagerly recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality cuisine in an inviting environment.

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Caroline

The restaurant has a great selection of local Texas dishes, ranging from the classic Tex-Mex to BBQ and fried chicken. The food is always cooked fresh, with plenty of flavors to keep me coming back for more. Plus, they offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options in addition to their regular menu items.

This restaurant also offers a great atmosphere, with an outdoor patio overlooking bustling downtown Austin . Here you can enjoy your meal while taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

What really sets Caroline apart from other restaurants offering local cuisine in Austin ? In my opinion, it's their focus on quality ingredients and seasonings. The dishes at Caroline are truly unique thanks to their blend of traditional flavors and modern techniques that come together perfectly in every bite!

If you're looking for the best local food in Austin , I highly recommend checking out Caroline!

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Stella San Jac

This family-owned restaurant has something for everyone, from comfort food to classic Texas favorites. Though the menu is concise, each item is made with care and quality ingredients.

The service at Stella San Jac is top notch. From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome, and the servers always make sure their guests are happy throughout their meal.

The atmosphere here is cozy yet modern, featuring rustic decor that puts you in the perfect Austin state of mind.

When it comes to food quality, Stella San Jac can't be beat! They serve up tasty dishes such as smoked brisket tacos and chicken fried steak—all cooked to perfection! My favorite thing on the menu is definitely their BBQ queso—it's simply out of this world.

If you're looking for some of the best local food in Austin , I highly recommend checking out Stella San Jac. You won't regret it!

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Corner Restaurant

The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a great place to take a break after a long day of exploring the city. The menu is filled with delicious local favorites like Texas chili and chicken-fried steak, but what really sets Corner Restaurant apart is its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients from local farms and suppliers.

I love the fact that Corner Restaurant supports local farmers and ranchers, which is why I always make sure to visit this spot whenever I'm in Austin .

The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable - you can't go wrong with their daily specials! The food always tastes as fresh as it looks, too. Every bite bursts with flavor! Even better - their cocktails are top notch. My favorite drink is the Hibiscus Margarita - it's tart yet sweet at the same time!

Overall, if you're looking for the best local food in Austin , then look no further than Corner Restaurant!

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The Grey Market - Austin

The atmosphere here was great - from the moment I stepped in, it felt like I was walking into a cozy little neighborhood cafe. The decor is modern yet rustic, and the seating areas were inviting and comfortable.

The food here is even better - it has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best spots for local food in Austin . The menu consists of classic dishes with a twist and everything tastes fresh, delicious and made with love. My favorite items included the crispy duck tacos, zesty black bean burger, fire-roasted poblano quesadilla, smoked brisket mac and cheese, and their signature fried avocado fries.

The service at The Grey Market - Austin was top-notch as well. All of the staff members were extremely friendly and helpful, answering all my questions with patience and a smile. They definitely went above and beyond to ensure that my experience was enjoyable.

Overall I'm very pleased with my visit to The Grey Market - Austin! It's definitely one of the best places for local food in Austin , and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious meal in an inviting atmosphere.

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Local Foods -- 2nd Street District

I found the perfect spot to sample an array of complimentary local flavors. The variety of different dishes was unbelievable - everything from tacos to empanadas, sandwiches, salads and more!

The atmosphere is modern and inviting with plenty of seating and a great patio. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the menu selections. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place!

When it comes to the food itself, Local Foods -- 2nd Street District is unmatched in Austin . Their ingredients are always fresh, sourced locally and organic when possible. I tried the Loaded Potato Salad which had kale, radishes, bacon bits, avocado and feta cheese - it was delicious. They also have an impressive selection of craft beers from local breweries.

Overall, I highly recommend Local Foods -- 2nd Street District for anyone looking for the best local food in Austin . It's worth every penny!

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Roaring Fork

The restaurant offers something that many don't - classic, delicious Texas Hill Country cuisine. From the famous Prime Rib to their mouth-watering Baby Back Ribs and smoky Texas Chili, I left feeling full and satisfied every time.

What really sets Roaring Fork apart is their commitment to using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The team works diligently with local farmers, ranchers and artisans to ensure the highest quality meals. As an avid food lover I appreciate this fact immensely.

The atmosphere inside of Roaring Fork is calming, with a warm and inviting staff that aims at making every visit special. On top of that, they offer an amazing brunch menu on weekends! My personal favorite was their crispy bacon waffles and my wife enjoyed the build-your-own omelet station.

If you're looking for the best local food in Austin , look no further than Roaring Fork!

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Thistle Cafe

The menu has something for everyone, ranging from sandwiches and salads to hot entrees and specialties! The food is all made with fresh local ingredients and the flavors are out of this world. I had a chance to try the Fried Chicken Sandwich which was absolutely mouth-watering. The bread was cooked to perfection, the chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the seasoning was perfect - no one flavor stood out but, rather, all complemented each other perfectly.

The staff at Thistle Cafe is also incredibly friendly and helpful. Every person I spoke to was knowledgeable about their menu items as well as other local restaurants. They went above and beyond to make sure I had a great experience and that my meal arrived quickly.

Overall I cannot recommend Thistle Cafe highly enough if you're looking for some of the best local food in Austin !

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