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A dish from Chuy’s

Austin’s Top Tourist Trap Restaurants That Are Actually Worth a Visit

So much Tex-Mex and barbecue

by Erin Russell Updated Jun 24, 2019, 11:58am CDT

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A dish from Chuy’s

| Chuy’s/Facebook

by Erin Russell Updated Jun 24, 2019, 11:58am CDT

It can be difficult for Austinites to show friends, family, and visitors around the city without falling prey to tourist traps, those places that locals try to avoid at all costs. Is there good food downtown after watching the bats fly out of the South Congress bridge? (Yes.) Is Franklin Barbecue really worth the wait? (A resounding yes.) This guide highlights Austin’s tourist-friendly restaurants that are actually great, from old-school joints to James Beard award-winning restaurants to places with worthy lines.

Barbecue is a top request of out-of-towners, and Franklin Barbecue and Salt Lick certainly provide experiences. Tex-Mex is an essential pit stop for visitors, and Matt’s El Rancho and Chuy’s are long-standing Austin institutions for a reason. For some of Austin’s famous breakfast tacos, try Juan in a Million or Torchy’s. The city has its finer-dining spots as well, where Uchi, The Driskill Bar, and Odd Duck work for a fancy night out. Finally, after all that indulgence — Texas is not exactly known for its light fare — the flagship Whole Foods Market is truly a sight to behold.

For more comprehensive looks into essential Austin dining, scope out Eater’s city guide and Eater 38 map.

Is there a crucial tourist trap restaurant missing below? Let Eater know through the tipline, comments, or over on the forum.

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Ramen Tatsu-ya

Rain or shine, summer heat or those rare below-freezing days, people still line up for Ramen Tatsu-ya’s stellar bowls of noodle soup, which happens to be some of the best in the country. All three locations (second one on South Lamar, and the latest on East 6th) are often packed until closing.

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8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758

Visit Website

Ramen from Ramen Tatsu-ya

Magnolia Cafe

This 24/7 classically Austin diner is famous for giant pancakes (try the gingerbread) and Mag Mud, an epic four-layer queso dip. Expect wait times for the cheap eats during weekend brunch and at 4 a.m. after a long night of drinking. There’s a second location on South Congress too.

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2304 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

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Magnolia’s pancakes

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Whole Foods Market

Tourists may question a grocery store visit while on vacation, but the massive size and multiple dining options of the flagship Whole Foods Market make it a food paradise. The supermarket was founded by John Mackey in 1980, though Amazon owns the company now. Plus, after all of that Tex-Mex and barbecue, the ample salad bar will seem like a good idea.

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

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Whole Foods Market on North Lamar in Austin

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Franklin Barbecue

Everyone thinks Franklin Barbecue can’t possibly be worth the multi-hour wait. Then they taste the brisket and they understand. While, yes, the waits for the lunch-time barbecue can span several hours (some people start waiting around 5 a.m.), it’s still a fun experience. Aaron Franklin, who became the first pitmaster to win a James Beard award in 2015, started the venture as a small trailer but quickly grew to national fame.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

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Barbecue tray from Franklin Barbecue

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The Driskill Bar

The historic hotel where president Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird had their first date still sets the standard for grandeur in the city. The bar offers impeccable service, speciality Texas-themed drinks, and excellent people-watching.

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604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

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A cocktail from the Driskill

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Casino El Camino

If you must do Dirty Sixth, Casino el Camino is the place to get a giant burger to soak up all the alcohol. The dark, labyrinth restaurant also has a great spicy bloody mary.

517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

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A burger from Casino el Camino

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Chuy's

Though the Tex-Mex restaurant has now spread to 19 states and six locations in Austin, the original opened on Barton Springs Road in 1982. The prime location next to Zilker Park, addictive creamy jalapeño dip, fresh ingredients, and strong margaritas make Chuy’s a first stop for visitors and returning natives alike, so watch for crowds during dinnertime.

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

An array of plates, one with tortillas and vegetables, another with a pile of beans and a cheese-covered item. — Chuy’s Tex-Mex dishes

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Fareground

Housing six of Austin’s best restaurants conveniently in one place, Fareground is a one-stop-shop for those staying downtown. Pro tip: order drinks and food from every restaurant the newly finished bar, Ellis.

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111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

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A restaurant space. — Fareground

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Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

This spacious outdoor sausage restaurant and beer garden (with over 200 taps) is definitely a place where locals mix with tourists. Thanks to an expansion in 2018, Banger’s now serves whole-hog barbecue and has 5,000 square feet of patio space.

79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

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Banger’s sausages

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Whataburger

While the West Coast is all about In-N-Out Burger and the East Coast is fond of Shake Shake, both are decisively inferior to the fast food burger chain of Texas: Whataburger. Leaving Austin without trying a honey butter chicken biscuit is just plain wrong.

601 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

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Whataburger’s burger

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Craft Pride & Via 313

This purveyor of all-Texas beer is a must-visit while exploring entertainment district Rainey Street, featuring pints from local all-stars like 4th Tap Brewing, Austin Beerworks, Celis Brewery, and many others. The bar is also home to Detroit-style pizza through Via 313’s trailer, The super-cheesy square pies, like the Cadillac with prosciutto and balsamic, are freshly made, so the wait that can be over an hour on weekends. Luckily, all that beer will keep you company. Via has other locations in Oak Hill, North Campus, and West 6th Street.

61 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Beer and pizza from Craft Pride and Via 313

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Uchi

Much of Austin’s top culinary talent has worked under Uchi chef/owner Tyson Cole at some point of their careers. The James Beard Award winner produces an innovative menu of sushi and Japanese dishes like hama chili (cool yellowtail with ponzu and thai chili) and beautifully plated desserts. Those looking to spend less at the restaurant should line up at 5 p.m. for the solid sake social hour, which runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every day. Otherwise, reservations are recommended. Check out sibling spot Uchiko too.

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Masaba from Uchi

Also featured in:

Juan in a Million

Those people waiting at Juan’s line will likely be cranky (though it does move fast), as the restaurant is home to the hangover cure of many. The Don Juan is a massive potato, egg, bacon, and cheese concoction served on a warm tortilla. Some say that the filling could make two or three tacos, but these people don’t understand that everything’s bigger in Texas.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

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Juan in a Million’s Don Juan

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Odd Duck

Lauded native-Austin chef Bryce Gilmore’s restaurant Odd Duck pays careful attention to sourcing (the names of the farm are proudly listed on the website and menus). The result is oft-changing innovative plates like a pretzel with pig face carnitas or flavorful fish heads. Sunday brunch isn’t to be missed. Reservations are recommended, or hole up at the bar (that happy hour is good too). Gilmore also has his finer dining restaurant Barley Swine and the everything spot Sour Duck Market.

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Odd Duck’s chile and cheese tamale

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Jo's Coffee

The home of iconic “I love you so much” sign (sprayed by musician Amy Cook for then-girlfriend Liz Lambert, majority owner of Jo’s), Jo’s on South Congress also provides numerous options for a caffeine buzz (the iced Turbo is a good summer antidote), breakfast tacos, and other snacks. It’s run by the same group behind nearby stylish hotels Austin Motel and Hotel San Jose. There is a downtown location too, with an expanded menu (and frosé).

1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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Jo’s Coffee’s frozen Turbo

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Home Slice Pizza

South Congress’s slice joint maintains a steady crowd eager for New York-style pizza and subs. Avoid the line, which particularly picks up late at night, by grabbing pizza or subs to-go from More Home Slice (which is also open very late), or wait for a seat inside the restaurant proper for the full menu. There’s a North Loop location too.

1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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Home Slice’s pizza

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Torchy's Tacos

With tortillas stuffed to the brim, that deep-fried avocado taco, and ample opportunity to add queso (just ask for it “trashy”), Austin-born chain Torchy’s has earned its place as an icon. Torchy’s started as a trailer on South Congress, but the growing taco empire now boasts 13 locations in Austin and several outside of Texas.

1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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Tacos from Torchy’s

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Matt's El Rancho

Sixty-six years of Tex-Mex can’t be wrong. The self-dubbed famous restaurant is certainly popular, especially for its fajitas, chile relleno, and margaritas. Matt’s is also the birthplace of the iconic Bob Armstrong dip, created for and named after the former Texas Land Commissioner, who was a longtime customer (RIP).

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

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A pair of hands holding onto a bowl of yellow cheese dip with dollops of ground meat and guacamole on top of a placemat that notes information about Matt’s El Rancho. — Bob Armstrong dip

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Broken Spoke

A piece of old Austin that opened in 1964 miraculously still stands in the midst of South Lamar developments. This honky-tonk bar offers a fun night of Texas-style dancing and easy drinking. Too shy to two-step? Grab a can of Lone Star and people-watch from the bar.

3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

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Broken Spoke

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Salt Lick BBQ

Don’t think barbecue lines can be avoided by driving to the Driftwood barbecue spot — even with its expansive space, wait times at the Salt Lick can go north of an hour. That said, it’s truly a smoke-filled experience worth having, especially if there are burnt ends. For those feeling fancy, the land is also home to a vineyard and resulting wine bar, Salt Lick Cellars. Otherwise, take a photo of the famous pit and grab a spot from the array of indoor and outdoor seating.

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18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619

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Salt Lick’s pit

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Ramen Tatsu-ya

8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758

Rain or shine, summer heat or those rare below-freezing days, people still line up for Ramen Tatsu-ya’s stellar bowls of noodle soup, which happens to be some of the best in the country. All three locations (second one on South Lamar, and the latest on East 6th) are often packed until closing.

Open in Google Maps

8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758

Visit Website

Ramen from Ramen Tatsu-ya

Magnolia Cafe

2304 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

This 24/7 classically Austin diner is famous for giant pancakes (try the gingerbread) and Mag Mud, an epic four-layer queso dip. Expect wait times for the cheap eats during weekend brunch and at 4 a.m. after a long night of drinking. There’s a second location on South Congress too.

Open in Google Maps

2304 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

Magnolia’s pancakes

Whole Foods Market

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Tourists may question a grocery store visit while on vacation, but the massive size and multiple dining options of the flagship Whole Foods Market make it a food paradise. The supermarket was founded by John Mackey in 1980, though Amazon owns the company now. Plus, after all of that Tex-Mex and barbecue, the ample salad bar will seem like a good idea.

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

Whole Foods Market on North Lamar in Austin

Franklin Barbecue

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Everyone thinks Franklin Barbecue can’t possibly be worth the multi-hour wait. Then they taste the brisket and they understand. While, yes, the waits for the lunch-time barbecue can span several hours (some people start waiting around 5 a.m.), it’s still a fun experience. Aaron Franklin, who became the first pitmaster to win a James Beard award in 2015, started the venture as a small trailer but quickly grew to national fame.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

Barbecue tray from Franklin Barbecue

The Driskill Bar

604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

The historic hotel where president Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird had their first date still sets the standard for grandeur in the city. The bar offers impeccable service, speciality Texas-themed drinks, and excellent people-watching.

Open in Google Maps

604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A cocktail from the Driskill

Casino El Camino

517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

If you must do Dirty Sixth, Casino el Camino is the place to get a giant burger to soak up all the alcohol. The dark, labyrinth restaurant also has a great spicy bloody mary.

517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A burger from Casino el Camino

Chuy's

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Though the Tex-Mex restaurant has now spread to 19 states and six locations in Austin, the original opened on Barton Springs Road in 1982. The prime location next to Zilker Park, addictive creamy jalapeño dip, fresh ingredients, and strong margaritas make Chuy’s a first stop for visitors and returning natives alike, so watch for crowds during dinnertime.

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

An array of plates, one with tortillas and vegetables, another with a pile of beans and a cheese-covered item. — Chuy’s Tex-Mex dishes

Fareground

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Housing six of Austin’s best restaurants conveniently in one place, Fareground is a one-stop-shop for those staying downtown. Pro tip: order drinks and food from every restaurant the newly finished bar, Ellis.

Open in Google Maps

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A restaurant space. — Fareground

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

This spacious outdoor sausage restaurant and beer garden (with over 200 taps) is definitely a place where locals mix with tourists. Thanks to an expansion in 2018, Banger’s now serves whole-hog barbecue and has 5,000 square feet of patio space.

79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Banger’s sausages

Whataburger

601 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

While the West Coast is all about In-N-Out Burger and the East Coast is fond of Shake Shake, both are decisively inferior to the fast food burger chain of Texas: Whataburger. Leaving Austin without trying a honey butter chicken biscuit is just plain wrong.

601 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Whataburger’s burger

Craft Pride & Via 313

61 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

This purveyor of all-Texas beer is a must-visit while exploring entertainment district Rainey Street, featuring pints from local all-stars like 4th Tap Brewing, Austin Beerworks, Celis Brewery, and many others. The bar is also home to Detroit-style pizza through Via 313’s trailer, The super-cheesy square pies, like the Cadillac with prosciutto and balsamic, are freshly made, so the wait that can be over an hour on weekends. Luckily, all that beer will keep you company. Via has other locations in Oak Hill, North Campus, and West 6th Street.

61 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Beer and pizza from Craft Pride and Via 313

Uchi

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704

Much of Austin’s top culinary talent has worked under Uchi chef/owner Tyson Cole at some point of their careers. The James Beard Award winner produces an innovative menu of sushi and Japanese dishes like hama chili (cool yellowtail with ponzu and thai chili) and beautifully plated desserts. Those looking to spend less at the restaurant should line up at 5 p.m. for the solid sake social hour, which runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every day. Otherwise, reservations are recommended. Check out sibling spot Uchiko too.

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Masaba from Uchi

Juan in a Million

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Those people waiting at Juan’s line will likely be cranky (though it does move fast), as the restaurant is home to the hangover cure of many. The Don Juan is a massive potato, egg, bacon, and cheese concoction served on a warm tortilla. Some say that the filling could make two or three tacos, but these people don’t understand that everything’s bigger in Texas.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

Juan in a Million’s Don Juan

Odd Duck

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Lauded native-Austin chef Bryce Gilmore’s restaurant Odd Duck pays careful attention to sourcing (the names of the farm are proudly listed on the website and menus). The result is oft-changing innovative plates like a pretzel with pig face carnitas or flavorful fish heads. Sunday brunch isn’t to be missed. Reservations are recommended, or hole up at the bar (that happy hour is good too). Gilmore also has his finer dining restaurant Barley Swine and the everything spot Sour Duck Market.

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website