Defining the East Side of Austin
The East Side of Austin. For decades, it was a part of town that many glossed over, associated with a past that, while historically significant, didn’t always make it top of mind for culinary exploration. But things change, neighborhoods evolve, and in recent years, the East Side has blossomed into one of Austin’s most vibrant and delicious destinations. Forget what you think you know; the East Side is now a bona fide food lover’s paradise.
This isn’t just a list of restaurants; it’s your comprehensive guide to navigating the dynamic food scene on Austin’s East Side. From award-winning barbecue joints to hidden gems serving up authentic international flavors, from cozy brunch spots perfect for lazy weekends to upscale dining experiences that will tantalize your taste buds, we’ll explore the very best food that this exciting area has to offer. So, ditch the same old routine and prepare your palate for an adventure. This is your definitive guide to the best food East Side of Austin has to offer.
For the purposes of this culinary exploration, when we talk about the “East Side,” we’re generally referring to the area east of I-35, roughly bordered by East Cesar Chavez Street to the south, Manor Road to the north, and extending eastward towards Airport Boulevard. While the lines can blur, this area encompasses several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary flavor. It’s a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and, most importantly, delicious food. Understanding this geographical context is key to effectively navigating the East Side’s diverse dining landscape.
Morning Delights: Breakfast and Brunch on the East Side
Start your day off right with some of the best breakfast and brunch options in Austin. The East Side doesn’t disappoint with its array of choices.
Juan in a Million
A true Austin institution, Juan in a Million is a must-visit for a truly authentic and incredibly affordable breakfast taco experience. Their signature “Don Juan” taco is legendary, a massive concoction of bacon, potato, egg, and cheese that will fuel your entire morning (and maybe even your afternoon!). Don’t expect anything fancy; this is a no-frills, cash-only establishment focused on serving up delicious, hearty food to the community. Be prepared for a line, especially on weekends, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. This is quintessential East Side food.
Paperboy
If you’re looking for a more contemporary brunch experience, Paperboy is the perfect spot. This charming food truck turned brick-and-mortar serves up creative and beautifully presented dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Their breakfast sandwiches are a particular highlight, featuring artisanal bread, perfectly cooked eggs, and delicious toppings. They also offer a variety of pastries, coffee, and other brunch staples, all prepared with care and attention to detail. Expect a slightly higher price point than Juan in a Million, but the quality and atmosphere justify the splurge.
Lazarus Brewing
While primarily known as a brewery, Lazarus also boasts a fantastic brunch menu that’s quickly gaining popularity. Their huevos rancheros are a standout, offering a flavorful and satisfying twist on the classic dish. With a lively atmosphere and a great selection of craft beers to pair with your meal, Lazarus is a perfect option for a boozy brunch with friends. The patio is particularly enjoyable on a sunny Austin morning. This offers a unique East Side flavor.
Lunchtime Adventures: Casual Dining on the East Side
The East Side offers a plethora of options for a quick and delicious lunch, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
Franklin Barbecue
Okay, it’s the elephant in the room. No discussion of Austin’s best food, let alone the East Side’s, is complete without mentioning Franklin Barbecue. Yes, the lines are legendary (or infamous, depending on your perspective), but the brisket is undeniably worth the effort. If you’re serious about experiencing the pinnacle of Texas barbecue, prepare to dedicate a few hours to the queue. Alternatively, consider ordering ahead for larger groups. Whether you brave the line or pre-order, tasting Franklin’s melt-in-your-mouth brisket is a rite of passage for any Austin food lover. This is an East Side treasure.
Veracruz All Natural
Forget every other taco you have had in Austin. Veracruz All Natural is a collection of trailers around the city that offer authentic and fantastic tacos. Located on East Cesar Chavez, it offers fresh ingredients that will make you rethink where you go for lunch. It is one of the most common places for the locals to go to have a fresh and great taco. This offers the best of East Side tacos.
Old Thousand
Craving some delicious and inventive Chinese-American cuisine? Look no further than Old Thousand. This modern eatery serves up classic dishes with a creative twist, using high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Their dan dan noodles are a must-try, as are their spicy wontons and their creative take on General Tso’s chicken. The atmosphere is hip and lively, making it a great spot for a casual lunch with friends or coworkers.
Dinner Dates: Fine Dining on the East Side
For a more upscale dining experience, the East Side offers several restaurants that are perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
Justine’s Brasserie
Step into Justine’s, and you’ll feel transported to a classic Parisian brasserie. This East Side staple offers a romantic and atmospheric setting, perfect for a memorable dinner. The menu features classic French dishes prepared with care and attention to detail, from steak frites to moules frites to coq au vin. The wine list is extensive, and the service is impeccable. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya offers a unique and exciting dining experience that blends Japanese and Texas flavors. This innovative restaurant serves up inventive dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning. Their smoked meats are a particular highlight, as are their creative cocktails and their extensive sake selection. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a great spot for a fun and adventurous dinner.
Odd Duck
Odd Duck showcases the best of Texas cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, depending on what’s fresh and available, ensuring that you’ll always have a unique and exciting dining experience. The small plates are perfect for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service is attentive and knowledgeable.
International Flavors: Exploring Ethnic Cuisine on the East Side
The East Side is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s reflected in its diverse culinary offerings.
Kebabalicious
This food truck turned brick-and-mortar serves up authentic and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Their kebabs are a particular highlight, featuring marinated meats grilled to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. They also offer a variety of other Mediterranean specialties, such as hummus, falafel, and baba ghanoush.
Nixta Taqueria
This small, unassuming taqueria is a hidden gem on the East Side, serving up some of the most authentic and flavorful Mexican food in Austin. Their tacos are made with fresh, handmade tortillas and filled with a variety of delicious meats and vegetables. Their mole is a particular highlight, a rich and complex sauce that’s worth traveling for.
Uchi
While technically closer to South Lamar, its influence is felt throughout the East Side’s culinary scene. Uchi offers an innovative and elevated sushi experience that’s unlike anything else in Austin. Chef Tyson Cole’s creative approach to sushi, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations, has earned Uchi numerous accolades and a devoted following. Be prepared for a splurge, but the experience is well worth it.
Pizza Perfection: Italian on the East Side
When that pizza craving hits, the East Side has you covered.
Via 313
Originally a Detroit-style pizza trailer, Via 313 now has multiple brick-and-mortar locations, and for good reason. Their thick, square pizzas with crispy, caramelized edges are incredibly satisfying. They offer a variety of toppings and combinations, but the “Detroit Deluxe” is a classic for a reason. This is a great East Side pizza experience.
Bufalina
Bufalina is a modern pizza place that elevates the pizza and the environment to something worth enjoying. Located on East Cesar Chavez, Bufalina offers a fun environment while also offering many great pizza options. The pizza is unique and a great place to come with friends for a night out.
After Dark Bites: Bars with Great Food on the East Side
Sometimes you want a great drink and a great meal. These bars offer both.
Whistler’s
This popular cocktail bar also boasts a delicious food menu, featuring creative and flavorful dishes that pair perfectly with their handcrafted cocktails. The atmosphere is hip and lively, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.
The Liberty
The Liberty is a perfect bar that offers delicious Thai food. Located on the East Side, the bar has a laid back atmosphere that is great for a night out or date. The Thai food offered at the bar is fantastic and very popular to locals.
Sweet Endings: Dessert on the East Side
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and the East Side has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Gourdough’s Public House
Gourdough’s is a local donut shop that is loved by the people in Austin. It offers amazing and exciting donuts that can fulfill any of your sweet tooth cravings. Located on the East Side, it is a great place to bring your friends for a sweet treat or desert.
Coffee Culture: Cafes on the East Side
Fleet Coffee
This small, independent coffee shop serves up some of the best coffee in Austin. Their baristas are passionate about coffee and knowledgeable about their craft, and they offer a variety of brewing methods and specialty drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Tips for Navigating the East Side’s Food Scene
Parking can be challenging on the East Side, especially during peak hours. Be prepared to circle the block a few times, or consider using a ride-sharing service.
Reservations are highly recommended for many of the more popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
The best way to discover the hidden gems of the East Side is to simply wander around and explore. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
Conclusion
The East Side of Austin is a culinary powerhouse, offering a diverse and exciting range of dining experiences to suit every taste and budget. From award-winning barbecue to authentic international flavors, from cozy brunch spots to upscale dining destinations, the East Side has something for everyone. So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore one of Austin’s most vibrant and delicious neighborhoods. Get out there and explore. You might discover your new favorite spot! The East Side’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, promising even more delicious discoveries in the years to come. We encourage you to share your own East Side food adventures and recommendations!
