Austin’s culinary scene has boomed over the last ten plus years. You can now find everything from native and contemporary to modern and fusion foods. While many old restaurants are going out of business and new restaurants opening up all over town, some of the classic and legendary spots remain. These places with history have been around for decades and are still open for good reason.
Here is our list of a few of the staple spots that will never disappoint. These seven spots are iconic and delicious, which really is a perfect combo. Plus we will give you a couple of Savvy Tips to make the most of the experience at each spot.
Salt Lick
Photo credit Lauren K. of Yelp
Location
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619
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Ok…technically this is in Driftwood, not Austin, but forgive us that slight issue and just relish the iconic BBQ fire pit and you will forget about the drive from Austin. BBQ options in TX will leave your head spinning and your stomach satisfied, but when you are looking for an iconic staple you have to go with The Salt Lick. Plus at the driftwood location, you have Salt Lick Cellars right next door for all your wine tasting needs! They have smoked their meats since 1967 in this location so get ready for a delicious meal and a ton of great photo opportunities.
SAVVY TIP:
This location is cash-only & it is BYOB. So hit an ATM and grab some local beer on your way out to this iconic spot.
The Oasis
Location
6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
WEBSITE
Come for the breathtaking views, stay for the drinks and the food. Being several stories high, the Oasis offers the best views of Lake Travis in all of Austin. The Oasis is also known as The Sunset Capital of Texas because hundreds of guests from all over come daily to see the special views.
SAVVY TIP:
Go here for drinks and snacks an hour or two before the sunset and grab a table closest to the edge of the balcony. The higher up the balcony the better. We recommend the 3rd floor. When the time comes be ready for the most spectacular sunset you’ll ever lay eyes on. (their website lists the sunset time daily)
Fonda San Miguel
Location
2330 W N Loop Blvd Austin, TX 78756
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Fonda opened their doors in 1975, and it was the first place in Austin to offer interior-style Mexican Food. We are huge fans of the ambiance and the interior patio bar is a really unique space to embark on a culinary journey. Currently, they are best known for their expansive all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch offering. We won’t fault you for going all-in on the brunch, but check out our savvy tip below for another option.
SAVVY TIP:
Tuesday is ALL-DAY Happy Hour including delicious frozen or rocks margaritas for $5.95. Plus they offer a collection of Appetizers for half-off including tacos al pastor, ceviche, chile con queso, and many more delicious options
Moonshine Grill
Location
303 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701
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Moonshine is housed in a part of the old Waterloo Compound, which was apart of the very oldest commercial buildings in downtown Austin. In 1852, a mercantile was established on the premises and later on a saloon & domino parlor was added on. The current restaurant was established in 2003 and the southern food they have been dishing out ever since is off the charts good. The website pitches it as “innovative take on classic comfort food” and we honestly couldn’t agree more!
SAVVY TIP:
Two options: 1) Sunday All-You-Can-Eat brunch. The wait is long, but by the time you are done, you will understand why 2) Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm w/ 1/2 off appetizers $2 bottles of Lone Star; $4 cocktails and well drinks
Scholz Garten
Location
1607 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701
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Scholz’s is the oldest continually operated Biergarten in the United States. There are a ton of things to highlight, but here are the only three things you need to know: 1) Superb BBQ 2) Delicious Wiener Schnitzel 3) A stellar selection of beers on tap to wash it all down!
SAVVY TIP:
Go here before a UT football game. You really can’t beat the atmosphere and there really isn’t a better combo than Beer + BBQ + Texas Football
Top Notch
Location
7525 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
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Top notch has been an Austin institution since 1971. They are of course most famous for their appearance in the movie Dazed & Confused (video above). As one of the only drive-ins left you’ll get an experience here like nowhere else. You’ll enjoy their charcoal grilled burgers, and you’ll also enjoy their very fair pricing.
SAVVY TIP:
Getting a charcoal grilled hamburger here is the move. The #3 Top Pick is a great choice. It’s a very tasty burger with special sauce, hickory sauce, and grated cheese for only $4.79.
Hut’s Hamburgers
Photo credit Darla A of Yelp
Location
807 W 6th St Austin, TX 78703
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Hut’s has an old school diner feel to it with Burgers as the star of the show. Hut’s opened their door’s in 1939 as Sammie’s Drive-In. The main dining room opened in 1954. The history from there is vast (and you should totally check it out on their website), but suffice it to say the business was bought by the current owners in 1981 and the delicious burgers are all sourced locally!
SAVVY TIP:
Wednesday Night is Buy-One-Get-One Burger Night!
