From the weird yard art to the wide food culture diversity Austin, it is a must visit. Here are a few mouth- watering hot spots you should try while visiting.
First, let me just say that the food is incredible just about anywhere you go in Austin and especially at my Mother-in Love’s house! (Sorry you can’t be there!) Otherwise, not only is there a wide variety of restaurants but an abundance of food trucks waiting for your business.
Year around, Austin’s food trucks will fill your stomach with a smorgasbord of flavorful treats. If you are looking for those bursts of yum-yum moments, these Texans can surely show you how to eat. Between the BBQ and Taco’s, do yourself a “flavor” and visit these places. Here are just a few of my favorites
1.) The Salt Lick
The original SL is on the out skirts of Austin in Driftwood but you can now find Salt Lick BBQ in several locations in Texas including the airport. The food is out of this world good. My favorite is the brisket but I hear all the menu items are down right scrumptious. The portions are large so I always split a meal. Salt Lick does have a family style option that is great for large groups who enjoy food to the max. You must save room for dessert. The cobblers are homemade and taste like my Grandmothers(Again, sorry you can’t be there!) Make sure to visit SL when you have plenty of time. This place is always packed and 90% of the wait on the crowd before you, but if you time it just before the lunch or supper hour, you’ll be just fine! In the large courtyard they often have live music and provide lemonade and popcorn while you wait for your table. There is also bocce ball set up to keep you busy while waiting. Hey, since you can’t be at our house waiting, you can enjoy this family fun! LOL
2.) Gourdough’s
Gourdough’s specializes in unique overwhelming donuts. A must try is the Flying Pig which is bacon with maple syrup on a donut. I know this combination sounds strange but you would be surprised at how well this combination of bacon and maple syrup works. I am here to tell you, I’ve eaten many a-donut in my day and this is the best donut – hands down! Make sure to bring your elastic waisted clothing cuz’ you are gonna’ need it.
3.) Amy’s Ice Cream
This rich creamy and smooth ice cream is sure to make you return. The ice cream parlor is even open past dark for you night owls. Amy’s is very quirky with a trendy interior. The ice cream is locally made and the selection is very wide. If you are looking for a fun treat with visual presence you will love the chopping, the mixing by the oh- so-friendly staff. Do not be frightened by the line, its worth the wait.
4.) Chuy’s
Although this is a chain restaurant and you might have one in your city… (I don’t and if you do not it’s a must visit while in Austin.) The inside looks like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse with a slash of Elvis. It is definitely a “Keep Austin Weird” kind of place. There are tons of salsa that you can try, and at no charge (ask your server). Be prepared for loud, crowded, place serving classic tex-mex style food straight from heaven. My favorite menu item is the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom. This piece of heaven is shredded chicken and cheese with boom-boom sauce made with cheese, New Mexican green chiles, tomatillos, green onions, cilantro and lime juice. You are sure to inhale every bit.
5.) Round Rock Donuts
Some claim this is the best donut ever to exist in life. After growing up with Krispy Kremes, I’m still not sure Round Rock Donuts beats my first love but they are pretty spectacular. All donuts are melt-in-your-mouth good so it is definitely worth the stop plus they are only .59 cents. (Dunkin’s are almost a dollar!) Are you a true donut lover then try the Texas size donut, it will be your breakfast and lunch. If you are not a donut fan you must try the kolaches. The bread is super tender and fluffy and you can get all sorts of things inside. It likens an eclair without anything inside.
Becoming an Austinite requires you to be an outdoorsy, tree hugging, go green, hipster, food snob, weirdo, all of which is okay in this city. I enjoy the quirkiness Austin has to offer. If you visit in the fall you are sure to purchase a home and stay. If you are a food lover you are sure to find Austin City limits your new home. Wherever the wind takes you enjoy it and maybe we will see each other there. ( Hey, let’s set a time and a place!)
Katie Girl
