Culinary traditions of Austin, Texas

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In Austin, like in other Texas cities, BBQ has a way bigger meaning than simply being local staple food. It is a weekend activity, a way to socialize and bring the entire community together. But barbecue is not just any kind of meat. On the contrary, it is a unique technique of cooking by using a closed lid that helps generate indirect heat. This process is slow, and it might take several hours, unlike the quicker technique of grilling that uses direct heat.

In the USA, there are four main regional BBQ types, including Memphis, Kansas City, Carolina, and Texas. Each of them varies in preferred meats, fuel, sides, and spices. In Austin, you will mostly find smoky wood-fired beef, and there is no better place to try it than Franklin Barbecue.

If you attempt to look up the best BBQ place in Austin online, most of the search results will recommend Franklin Barbecue, and we do not want to underestimate the success of this amazing eatery achieved thanks to years of hard work and dedication. When Aaron and Stacy Franklin opened a small venue back in 2009, they didn’t expect that their passion for cooking smoky meat would lead to worldwide recognition and The James Beard Award.

Today, visitors line up for hours to order their mouthwatering brisket, and the waiting time is worth it, you can trust us on that. The menu will leave every carnivore speechless, featuring jalapeño cheddar sausage, chopped beef and turkey sandwiches, pork spare ribs, and pulled pork. Take an ice-cold can of the local Lone Star beer, and your meal will be just right.

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After surpassing Italian food in April 2023, Tex-Mex has become the most popular cuisine in the USA. This style of cooking was developed by Tejano residents of Texas – cultural descendants of the Mexican population. The main ingredients that characterize this sensational food are generously used shredded cheese, various meats, spicy chili peppers, herbs, and tortillas.

The flatbread doesn’t necessarily have to be a part of each serving. For example, a fajita bowl is a great way to avoid extra carbs while savoring grilled meat with onions and stripped peppers. Tex-Mex has been enhanced by other world cuisines’ spices, such as nutty and aromatic cumin introduced by the immigrants from the Canary Islands.

Headed by Chef Joel Fried – a veteran of Austin’s gastronomy, Eldorado Cafe is best described as a place celebrating Mexican fusion cuisine by serving unparalleled comfort food that will make you beam with pleasure. And thanks to the attentiveness of its co-founder, Joanna Fried, rest assured to be always welcomed here like a dear friend.

The menu offers so many scrumptious dishes that you will need more than one visit to try them all. Relish their crispy tostadas topped with black beans, red cabbage, guacamole, and cheese; beef enchiladas with red chili sauce, cheese, and onion; or taco bowl with lettuce, beans, cheese, avocado, and lemon garlic chicken.

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Texas chili is a bean-free version of the classic dish. For its rich, beefy flavor, it is considered a great fare to enjoy during a big family gathering or a game day with your friends. To cook this treat yourself, you need two main ingredients: stew beef and a paste made from dried peppers. Garlic and onions should not be forgotten either.

The great thing about the warming Tex-Mex staple is that you can experiment with ingredients and spices. Some people prefer to add cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa, and cumin. But there is one thing to keep in mind when preparing your Texas chili: if it is a hugely sized dish meant for a big group of people, it is better to stick to the classic recipe that everyone will truly enjoy. But if cooking is not something you want to do in Austin, head down to Cover 2 or Cover 3 for hearty chili and more.

One of the highest-rated sports bars in the country, the award-winning Cover 3 offers its guests an approachable and friendly ambiance. Managed by two owners – Matt Dodson and Doug Young – the establishment is joined by Cover 2 – its little brother, and both are named after different defensive coverage types in football. The outlets provide exceptional service and are equipped with flat screens and an amazing sound system.

The menu items at the venues are prepared with the freshest ingredients. Here, you will find Matt’s chili with braised beef, cheddar cheese, onions, and cilantro, CR hot chicken sandwich, jumbo shrimp platter, and buffalo chicken sliders. Their fully-stocked bar has fabulous weekday happy hours. Sip on the artisanal margaritas and cucumber-infused martini and enjoy a game or a fun evening with your friends.

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An all-year-round popular American-bord dessert – pecan pie – is a heavenly delight you should indulge in when visiting Austin. Originally composed back in the late 19th century, it was not exactly the most popular dessert in the country until some entrepreneurial enthusiasts at Karo came up with the idea to put the recipe on the sticker of their syrup cans. This is how the simple yet delicious dessert landed in every kitchen across the country.

To bake the classic pie, you will need to mix eggs, syrup or sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans. Some regional variations include bourbon, cornstarch, chocolate chips, whipped cream, coconut, and graham cracker crumbs. If you have a sweet tooth, you must treat yourself to a slice of this sugary guilty pleasure at Fixe Southern House.

The elegant settings of the Fixe Southern House dining room, adorned with the warm colors of natural wood and cushy leather armchairs, create the most stylish atmosphere to enjoy a decadent pecan pie, a hearty meal, or a glass of citrusy full-bodied Chardonnay from Napa Valley.

The menu of the restaurant represents the philosophy of soul food and includes generously portioned dishes, such as Texas red fish with beans and sweet corn, lobster & crawfish pot pie, and fried chicken with kale and spicy honey. Apart from the aforementioned nutty dessert, you can also order the refreshing and fruity Texas strawberry cobbler or the creamy chocolate truffle cake for a long-lasting sweet impression.

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As you can see, Austin boasts smoky BBQ, flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine, and sweet, nutty pies. For our last highlight, we have chosen to introduce you to the official drink of the city, created by bartenders from the local Four Seasons Hotel, the Batini cocktail.

To mix it, you will need vodka, Chambord, Blue Curaçao, sangria, and cocktail cherries. Shake the spirit and raspberry liquor first, strain it into the martini glass, and repeat the same with the orange liquor. To layer your drink for a fabulous presentation, you’ll have to pour the second mix and sangria down the glass rim or a bar spoon. If you are not very good at mixology, the professional bar team at the Driskill Bar will gladly help you out.

Nestled inside the historic hotel built in 1886, The Driskill Bar represents the old-world Texas charm with its intimate lighting, leather couches, custom-made carpets, oil paintings on the walls, and a large wooden countertop in the corner. The relaxing evening vibe here is always accompanied by unintrusive live music.

The impressive bar card of this sophisticated establishment has a lot to offer: the iconic Batini, Barton Springs with rum, Pimm’s, and ginger beer, the classic herb Manhattan, and Lady Bird – a mix of tequila, elderflower, and grapefruit. To have something to munch on, you can take fish ’n’ chips, cupcakes, Caesar salad, and a fried chicken sandwich.

Inspired by different cultures which represent Texas today, the cuisine of Austin has one defining quality – it is incredibly genuine. The portions here are always huge and meant to be shared, and the flavors are rich and intriguing.

What do you think about the culinary traditions of Austin? Have you ever tried local food? Share your thoughts with other foodies in the comment section below. And don’t forget to check out our latest recipes and food & travel guides.