South & East Austin

Tacos & Mexican Food in South & East Austin

El Tacorrido ($) - Authentic and unbeatable fast food option. You can either drive through or walk up to the counter. $2.75 Breakfast tacos. The original location is a divey drive-through on Oltorf Rd in South Austin. They now have 3 more locations with indoor ordering and seating in East, North, and far North Austin.

Papalote ($) - Tacos. Delicious variety of fantastic, authentic tacos. $2.84 Breakfast tacos. The style is walk-up to order, sit-down to eat.

Suerte ($$$) - Upscale Mexican Fusion. I, the founder of Real Austin Tours, once risked my life to get to Suerte in an ice storm. Later, my husband proposed to me there. This place is my favorite. It's really, really tasty.

El Alma ($$) - As far as service, presentation, authenticity, location, price, and delicousness, El Alma is the best in Austin. A must if you're looking for a high quality Mexican meal that doesn't break the bank. Tip: Go in good weather so you can enjoy the rooftop patio seating.

Discada - Food truck on 11th street that serves only one kind of taco. You just tell them how many you want. So good.

**See Salty Sow under Lunch & Dinner

Barbeque in South & East Austin

Brisket is important to Texans. Good brisket should fall apart. The meat should barely be holding itself together on your fork, and it should shimmer with goodness. There’s plenty of decent barbeque in town, but there are only two which stand above the rest in terms of quality, texture, and flavor.

Terry Black's Barbeque ($$$) - Started right near Austin in Lockhart Texas, their barbeque is among the best in Austin. Also, try the beef rib. Pro-tips: The line is long but moves fast, and you probably have to park up in the neighborhood.

Franklin Barbeque ($$$) - This is the one that wins all the awards. It’s supposedly the greatest barbeque on earth or something. It’s really good. This place is famous for their long line. Some people arrive hours early, and they close up shop when they sell out. If you want to do something iconic and culturally unique, go to Franklin. If you want to skip the fuss, go to Terry Black’s.

Breakfast in South & East Austin

Phoebe's Diner ($$) - Southern Comfort Breakfast, done to perfection. This place is hiding next to a convenience store and it just says "Diner." Tip: get there early or join the online waiting list before you arrive because this place is popular (for good reason). There's also a Downtown location near the Capitol.

Juan in a Million ($) - A hangover is not required to enjoy a delicious, massive authentic Mexican breakfast at Juan in a Million, but if you do manage to stumble in after a night out, we thank you for doing your part to preserve a decades-old Austin tradition.

Magnolia Cafe ($$) - This is the most authentic Austin breakfast experience you can have. Established in a time when Austin was known for slackers and singer/songwriters, Magnolia in an iconic Austin breakfast dive. While you're visiting, consider supporting our iconic local businesses. We really want to keep them.

Lunch & Dinner in South & East Austin

Loro ($$$)- South Lamar. Austiny Asian fusion. Walk-up ordering. If there were a Top 10 restaurant dishes list, the Char Siew Pork Belly Rice Bowl would be on it.

Eberly ($$$)- South Lamar. Named for our fearless, cannon-firing 1840's hotelier Angelina Eberly, this this beautiful place manages to be gorgeous, grand, and cozy all at once. And the food is excellent, too. Perfect for a romantic luch or dinner.

Salty Sow ($$$)- East 12th St. If you want a taste of Austin, this is where you go. This place is run by authentic Austin chefs who understand authentic Austin food. Try the tacos on their appetizer menu.

Soup Peddler ($$)- Several Locations. This guy started out 20 years ago delivering homemade soup on a bicycle. Definitely an Austin classic, and darn good soup, sandwiches, and salads. Walk-up counter style.

Elizabeth Street Cafe ($$)- This French-vietnamese fusion is fresh and delectable, as are their unique cocktails. Vegetairan options.

Vegetarian/Vegan in South & East Austin

Bouldin Creek Cafe ($$)- South 1st St. Vegetarian restaurant with plenty o' vegan options. Top-rated Austin Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The spicy pesto appetizer is highly addictive.

Some of the best Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants are North of downtown. We especially love The Beer Plant and Citizen Eatery.

Dietary Restrictions in South & East Austin

Picnik ($$)- This healthy, tasty spot can accommodate almost anything from AIP, vegan, keto, seed-oil free, you name it. And the food is good, too.

Of course, these are not the only great restaurants in Austin. These are just the ones we know and love. If what you're looking for isn't here, see what you can find on Eater Austin.