As a Seattle native, I’m accustomed to an abundance of fresh seafood, diverse Asian cuisine (we are the home of teriyaki, after all), and a thriving beer scene.

In Ballard alone, you can grab a “Ballard Brewed Passport” and explore its numerous breweries within walking distance of each other. It’s also worth noting (for Beer lovers), that the Pacific Northwest (PNW) powers most of the hops in the nation—Yakima Hops.

But Texas is a world apart, and Austin is the antithesis of Seattle—vibrant, eclectic, “weird,” replete with sunshine and abundant outdoor spaces. It’s even home to the oldest honky-tonk in Texas, The Golden Spoke.

For the adventurous, there’s bat watching—yes you heard that bat watching—on the Congress Bridge, where the structure’s unique design attracts bats that help control the mosquito population before they migrate to Mexico in the fall.

Eager to dive into Austin’s unique flavor, I embarked on a culinary adventure, sampling as many spots as possible during my trip. Here are some highlights you might enjoy:

Austin BBQ Showdown: Terry Black’s vs. Micklethwait Craft Meats

If you’re looking to grab a quick bite but want to check out one of the more popular BBQ spots in town, I definitely recommend Terry Black’s.

We went right around 12:30PM, which was an optimal time to go. It was pretty busy with a line, but the line moved along quite well. If you’re in a group, they will help to group you together and speed up the ordering process and make it easier for you to get a table.

I opted for their popular recommendations, so that means I chose the brisket, ribs, jalapeño cheese grits, and potato salad. The ribs really shone, full of flavor. Be sure to try out their sauce too, which more than complements the meal.

Just up the road from Franklin’s (one of the more popular spots that I didn’t bother trying due to the extremely long lines I saw and my tight time schedule) is Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering, another excellent option if you wish to try a different and less busy spot.

Here the atmosphere is more relaxed, and the quality of the meats stands out as genuinely top-notch.

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Austin Brewery Crawl: Nomadic Beerworks & Hold Out Brewing

Nomadic Beerworks

Nomadic Beerworks was a standout during my brewery explorations. There’s nothing like capping off a day of multiple back-to-back sessions with some cold beer.

Usually, I try to go for microbreweries, and I stumbled upon Nomadic Beerworks. I picked this one mostly because the name. I mean, what better brewer matches my lifestyle? Nomad is in the title! And, everyone was beyond friendly.

Unsure of what I wanted, I simply mentioned I was in town and asked for recommendations. What followed was a series of taste tests with various drafts to see which I’d like best. If you’re there, give a shout out to Dale Watson—he made the experience truly memorable.

When I arrived on Thursday, it was trivia night, which attracted a diverse and eager crowd, complete with randomly named teams like “Christ Punchers”—a name the trivia host had to read twice to get right.

The beers were all really good, and despite the smaller venue, it was the one brewery I most enjoyed in terms of atmosphere and conversation. Discussions ranged from beer to writing workshops, like The Texas Writers Guild and the Thriller Novel Fest, and included tips for submissions and other places to try food around Austin.

If you’re in town, I definitely recommend a stop by. You’ll be amazed at how they remember people’s names when they come back for a refill and at their exceptional service and hospitality.

Hold Out Brewing

Hold Out Brewing was another recommended stop, somewhat near the Westin hotel.

After making my pit stops around Austin, I ended the night here with some good beer and a hot chicken sandwich, recommended by Micole, paired with curly fries suggested by Devon who also recommended the beer selection.

Both paired really well. Plus, if I see a Hazy IPA on the list, I have to try it since that’s obviously a popular option where I’m from in the PNW.

After all, Cascade Hops are a predominant variety powering many beers across the nation. If you really want to get beer-nerdy, I’d recommend picking up the “How to Brew” homebrewing book or checking out Oregon State University’s Brewmaking course.

Here’s a list of the beers I selected:

• Leaf Pepper
• Liquid Television
• She’s Speaking

I’m definitely a fan of Liquid Television, plus it matches their cool merch. They have some pretty cool TV-themed t-shirts that I tried to get, but of course, they were all sold out except for a size Small.

Luckily, I stopped in here just as it oddly began to downpour. I would definitely recommend checking this place out. As I’ve noticed throughout Austin, everyone here was super friendly, and even the Austin natives gave me a litany of recommendations that I still need to try.

Unique Austin Eats: Arlo Grey & Shoal Creek Saloon

Arlo Grey by Top Chef Winner Kristen Kish

Arlo Grey by Top Chef Winner Kristen Kish is where you head for a more upscale experience, whether for work, leisure, or maybe you’re just read this to get recommendations—then great!

I highly recommend heading to Arlo Grey, which is located inside a very quaint hotel called The Line. Kristen Kish, the 10th season winner of Top Chef and now the new host of the same show, leads the kitchen.

We (my co-workers and I) opted for the prix fixe menu, although you can choose from either a prix fixe or a 4-course menu. If you want to replicate what we had, I’d suggest the following:

• Garden (Appetizers): AG Grilled Sourdough and Grilled TX Beets.
• Grains & Pasta: Mafaldini (I should have asked for two servings—it was that good).
• Protein: Honey Roaster Organic Half Chicken (Note: if others in your group are ordering this dish, it will take about 10 minutes longer to come out. In my case, there was a longer delay, but that was offset by a complimentary beer, so I can’t complain).
• Beer: I opted for the (512) IPA and Live Oak Hefeweizen.

Shoutout to our server Taco! The pasta was super scrumptious, and if I give any more descriptions as a non-legit food writer, I’ll sound like Keanu Reeves poking fun at haute cuisine in the movie clip from “Always Be My Maybe” titled “Kissing at Dinner Scene” (2019).

However, I assure you this place is nothing like that and actually offers a much more enjoyable experience. I definitely recommend coming before 6 PM since you will beat the rush crowd. However, if it does get busy, the bar replenishes pretty quickly compared to the dining room.

Shoal Creek

I had to stop by this restaurant after it was recommended by two Lyft/Uber drivers, so I decided to give it a try.

I was intrigued to find out that Texas has its own crawfish, sourced near Louisiana, and even more so because it was just the start of crawfish season. According to National Geographic, and from conversations with the folks at Shoal Creek, “the best crawfish are found in the spring and early summer, from late February through May.”

Visiting in April meant I was right on time, especially since there’s an ongoing crawfish shortage due to climate change.

I arrived before noon, which I found to be the perfect time before the place filled up, both at the bar and on the outside patio. Inside, there’s plenty of space, which allows you to take advantage of the venue’s eccentricities.

The owner, a big fan of Colorado and ski trips, has decorated with skis along the walls, and you can even sit in ski chair lifts.

Opting to sit at the bar was ideal for going solo, as it’s a great spot to strike up conversations and discover local insights.

I ordered the Boiled Crawfish with Andouille Sausage, Corn, Potato, Melted Butter, and Cajun Boiled Shrimp—just about everything. Wanting to try a variety of items, a pro tip recommended was to dip the corn and potato in the melted butter, enriching their flavor before eating.

I wasn’t prepared to get my hands dirty, but the flavorful seasoning of the crawfish, the andouille sausage, and the shrimp was truly delightful. You might want to order extra crawfish or shrimp, as it might take a few to satisfy your hunger.

To complement the meal, I chose the Saloon’s custom-made beer, “Three on the Tree”—a rice lager specifically brewed to pair with the crawfish.

Austin Coffee Culture: Barrett’s vs. Figure 8

Barrett’s Coffee

This was one of the most recommended spots for coffee and one I had to try. Barrett’s, located in Austin’s Highland neighborhood, may not offer the same neighborhood accessibility as Figure 8, but it compensates with its exceptional coffee and a variety of pour-over options.

Notably, when you buy a bag of their beans, you receive a free cup of coffee per bag. I wish I had known this sooner since I ordered a coffee before purchasing two bags—effectively tripling my caffeine intake, which was practically heart palpitations in a cup.

I opted to use the free drink on one of their more popular offerings, the “Black Sesame Latte.” I can see why it’s a favorite; it was quite good and definitely lived up to the hype.

This coffee spot offers ample space for studying and socializing. I managed to get a few hours of studying done, but note that because it’s a popular spot, it can fill up quickly, so space may not always be readily available.

Figure 8 Coffee

Figure 8 Coffee is located in Austin’s Prospect Neighborhood and has a rather quaint setting. It’s small inside but includes a good amount of outside seating and definitely had a more local vibe than Barrett’s Coffee.

They had very good Ethiopian drip coffee and a good selection of beans. I spent some time here doing a bit of work before heading out and recommend it for a more laid-back vibe.

Wait! You made it to the end? Okay, I’ll give you some extra bonus spots I found quite interesting.

Bonus: One Taco
While I wouldn’t call One Taco an authentic taqueria, it certainly earns a spot on the list for its novelty and boundary-pushing menu items.

Located right off 6th Street near downtown, it’s a great spot for a quick lunch or pit stop.

Yhey always feature unique, weekly items on the menu. During my visit, I tried the “420 Blazin’” taco, served just days before April 20th.

It included mac and cheese, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos chicken tenders, Flamin’ Red chile aioli, and fruity pebbles, all on a flour tortilla—I know, it’s not corn!

But trust me, the novelty factor alone makes it worth trying, and One Taco definitely delivers a quirky bite when you’re on the go.

Bonus: Dancing

San Jac Saloon

You can also visit San Jac Saloon late at night to enjoy the 6th Street vibe without getting too wild, especially if you plan to end the night early. On the second floor, you can play shuffleboard and listen to live music.

There’s even a different band playing downstairs. It reminded me of Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk in Nashville on Broadway. Be sure to add this to your list if you want to liven up a work night.

Getting Around

Wait! How are you getting around?

To navigate around these areas, I used two main forms of travel. One is Lyft’s “Wait and Save,” which ties into Delta, and occasionally, if you use a Mastercard, you can get a $5 discount.

To get around, I primarily used two methods. First, Lyft’s “Wait and Save” option, which sometimes offers a $5 discount when used with a Mastercard. If you fly Delta, be sure to link your SkyMiles account to Lyft to earn one mile for every dollar spent on your Lyft ride. (And if you’re not familiar with the Delta and Starbucks partnership, check out this link, too.)

Second, I took advantage of my American Express Gold Card’s Uber benefit, which covers up to $25 in rides each month. This was more than enough for several trips within Austin and even allowed me to snag a few FREE rides. (See the image below for an example of how I combined the Amex benefit with UberOne for extra savings.)

Austin is definitely more affordable for ride-sharing than cities like Seattle, where airport transfers alone can cost $60. Even if you don’t max out the Amex credit each month, you can still save a significant amount on transportation in Austin.

Austin Foodie

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Follow the Food Trucks: Austin is known for its vibrant food truck scene. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore different neighborhoods for hidden gems on wheels.
• Check Out the East Side: The East Side is a hotbed for innovative and diverse cuisine. Explore local favorites like Franklin BBQ, Veracruz All Natural, and Nixta Taqueria.
• Embrace the Weird: Austin prides itself on being “weird.” Don’t shy away from trying unconventional dishes or restaurants with quirky themes.
• Ask the Locals: Strike up conversations with bartenders, baristas, and locals. They often have the best insider tips on hidden food spots and off-the-menu specials.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Drake Vs Kendrick Lamar - The 100% Full Story Explained

Conclusion

Austin proved to be a delightful surprise for this Seattleite. While I’ll always cherish the Pacific Northwest’s seafood and Asian cuisine, Austin’s unique blend of BBQ, craft beer, and eclectic eateries won me over. The city’s vibrant energy and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its delicious food and drink scene, make it a must-visit destination for any food lover. Whether you’re seeking upscale dining experiences, casual bites, or unique brews, Austin has something to satisfy every palate.

If you’re planning a trip to Austin, don’t hesitate to dive into the city’s diverse culinary landscape. From savoring mouthwatering brisket at Terry Black’s to sipping on innovative beers at Nomadic Beerworks, your taste buds are in for a treat. And who knows, you might even discover your new favorite coffee shop or stumble upon a hidden gem that’s not on any list. So pack your bags, embrace the “weirdness,” and get ready to experience Austin’s unique flavor for yourself.

Have you been to Austin? Share your favorite food and drink spots e-mail me at info@homsontravels.com! And if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out my detailed reviews and recommendations for each of the places mentioned in this guide.