Alex goes to Austin!

So as some of my readers may know, I made my way to Austin, Texas for Thanksgiving break where I had a less than enjoyable (and certainly emotional) experience in the middle of a tattoo parlor. My micro-breakdown aside, my time in Austin was an absolute blast. Having Melinda’s home as a base made for the perfect balance between playing tourist and relaxing with my surrogate family for the weekend.

But let’s be real here. Famous for its food scene, there was no way this trip was not going to be food-focused. Our little crew ate out for almost every meal, so my wallet and I now have extensive familiarity with the Austin food scene. I’ve picked out my absolute favorites that any Austin visitor would be plead to eat. So without further ado, here’s my best of Austin list for the next time any of you find your way down south.

Kerbey Lane Dinner
Get the migas with verde sauce for faux-Mexican deliciousness and pre-game your meal with the Cowbody queso. Open 24/7, it’s always time for migas.

Shady Grove
Arguably one of the best meals I had in Austin, this road side restaurant makes a mean chili verde chicken fried steak (INCREDIBLE) and the decor has a funky Austin flavor.

Torchy’s
The best taco I had in Austin. Hands down. Be sure to order the Trailer Park (fried chicken with their special Torchy’s sauce) and ask for it trashy. And to top it off, some of the best queso I had in Austin. Certainly not traditional Mexican food, but so Austin in the best way possible.

Hey Cupcake!
Cupcake truck! Light fluffy cupcakes that aren’t too heavy and avoid the sugar overload most cupcakeries seem to indulge in. They look big, but you’ll find your treat gone quicker than anticipated. The most epic flavor they have? The Michael Jackson! Delicious desserts AND political incorrectness! Brilliant.

Maria’s Taco Xpress
The BEST exterior decor at a resteraunt. Ever. Hands down. Also, great, authentic Mexican food. And an incredibly close rival to Torchy’s. Fun and funky, Maria’s also has live music on certain nights of the week. Paired with the incredible food (fish tacos!) and ambiance, Maria’s was one of my most memorable culinary experience in Austin.

Thunder Cloud
Subway’s hipster, fresher, tastier, Austin based cousin. Great options for vegetarians (best damn ficken parmesan sub I’ve had) and a safe choice for anybody looking to have Austin quality food without any twists.

P. Terry’s
Austin’s answer to In-N-Out. Great griller burgers with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Although nothing can beat In-N-Out, P. Terry’s burgers give them a good run for their money. And while you’re there, don’t forget a caramel shake!

In addition to our feasts, we hit up some Austin hot-spots. A swim in Barton Springs, the UT Austin fight rally before their last game against Texas A&M (I even memorized the fight song!), listening to live music on 6th street, and the annual 5-mile Austin Turkey Trot (a run really) on Thanksgiving morning. Oh, and going to the original Whole Foods! What could be better than that!?

The perfect blend between hipster hobbies and Southern flavor, I was surprised with how quickly I fell for Austin. I was sad to leave the city but needless to say, my stomach and bank account were more than ready to jet out of Texas’s cultural (oh, and governmental) capital.