Austin’s culinary scene has absolutely exploded over the last decade, drawing massive national attention for its legendary barbecue and highly trendy downtown spots.
However, the true soul of Austin’s food scene still lives in the quiet residential neighborhoods, unassuming strip malls, and gritty Eastside corners. The city rewards diners who are willing to escape the massive tourist lines and seek out highly authentic, unpretentious, deeply flavorful food. Here are five completely incredible hidden gems in Austin that you absolutely must try.
1. Justine’s Brasserie
Hidden away on a gritty, industrial stretch of East Austin, Justine’s is an absolute masterpiece of moody, highly romantic, late-night dining.
From the street, it is completely unassuming, but stepping onto the property reveals a gorgeous, wildly artistic outdoor patio and a deeply intimate, dimly lit dining room. They specialize in completely flawless, traditional French brasserie fare. The steak frites are legendary—featuring perfectly cooked, highly seasoned meat and a massive mountain of crispy fries.
The massive vinyl record collection and the highly eclectic, effortlessly cool atmosphere make it a fiercely guarded local favorite.
2. Casa Colombia
Located on East 7th Street, Casa Colombia is a bright, deeply welcoming spot serving incredibly authentic, heavily portioned Colombian cuisine.
They do not rely on modern, trendy twists; they focus entirely on executing deeply traditional, highly flavorful recipes. The empanadas are perfectly crispy and heavily stuffed, but you absolutely must order the Bandeja Paisa.
It is a massive, incredibly satisfying platter featuring perfectly cooked steak, chicharron, rice, beans, a fried egg, and sweet plantains. It is a highly affordable, deeply comforting dining experience that feels like eating in a warm family kitchen.
3. Little Deli & Pizzeria
Tucked away in the middle of a completely quiet, heavily residential neighborhood in Crestview, Little Deli is the ultimate, unpretentious neighborhood secret.
This charming, totally old-school deli serves some of the absolute best sandwiches and New Jersey-style pizza in the entire city. The deli sandwiches are piled impossibly high with incredibly fresh, high-quality meats on perfectly baked bread.
The pizza is baked on traditional stone hearths, featuring a perfectly thin, highly foldable crust and fantastic, rich sauce. You grab your food, sit out on the quiet, tree-shaded patio, and enjoy a flawless, relaxed meal.
4. Evangeline Cafe
Evangeline Cafe is a true, unfiltered slice of South Louisiana hiding right in South Austin. This deeply beloved, highly nostalgic neighborhood joint serves incredibly authentic, unapologetically flavorful Cajun food.
The walls are covered in massive amounts of Louisiana memorabilia, and the atmosphere is deeply laid-back and welcoming.
The gumbo is built on a dark, heavily developed roux, and their massive, fully dressed po’ boys are absolutely perfect. They frequently feature live local music, turning a standard, deeply comforting dinner into a highly vibrant, completely immersive Southern experience.
5. Titaya’s Thai Cuisine
Located on North Lamar Boulevard, Titaya’s is a massive local favorite that completely shatters standard expectations for Thai food.
While the wait can sometimes be long, the completely authentic, highly complex dishes are entirely worth it. The chefs here do not cater to delicate palates; they serve unapologetically spicy, deeply aromatic curries and noodle dishes that pack a massive, flavorful punch.
The Pad Thai is perfectly balanced and highly savory, but the real stars are their rich, highly complex specialty curries. It is a consistently flawless, deeply satisfying hidden gem.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
