The Yummiest Food Stands in Austin

Biscuits and Groovy

★★★★☆ 4 (708) • $

"Biscuits and Groovy has been on my Austin bucket list for years and I finally got the chance to cross it off the list on my most recent trip to Austin. This place is an Austin favorite, so I planned an early arrival to beat the crowds. Parking sucks here. Pay attention to the signs in front of the business as it clearly says, do not park in the alley or the gas station. I found street parking in the neighborhood very easily. The business itself is a cool looking trailer, next to the bike shop with a small patio off to the side. I got there early, so ordering with the cool and friendly staff was a breeze. They give you a buzzer to let you know when your food is ready.The menu is pretty simple. You got freshly made buttermilk biscuits served in a variety of different ways. The common denominator in most of the dishes is white pepper gravy but topped with different toppings. You can also get a regular ole biscuit, topped with butter and jam. You really can't go wrong here. I was undecided like usual so they suggested I go with their best seller, the Gloria Gaynor. It's a large dish and can easily be shared, but I did a pretty good job of knocking most of it out myself. It was three open faced biscuits, topped with their delicious gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, jalapenos, cheese, pepper and chives. This dish not only looked glorious and comforting, but it also tasted absolutely delicious. That gravy was one of the better white gravies that I've had. The biscuits were buttery, light and flaky. Just like I like them. The eggs were done just right, not too runny, not too hard. I will say I felt the proteins were a little light. I would've liked a little more sausage and bacon in every bite. The jalapenos were of the pickled variety and added a little bit of heat. The green onions added a nice bite of freshness to the dish to cut through all the richness of all the other components. I was thoroughly satisfied with this dish. As far as drinks go, the only options is freshly squeezed OJ. I was all about that and really liked it, but a coffee option would have came in clutch too. Luckily there is a coffee shop next door if you really have to get that caffeine fix. I am so glad I finally got to the check this spot out. It definitely did not disappoint and I would gladly come back!"

Asador

★★★★★ 4.5 (52)

"Came here on a Thursday night. You have to go through the mezcal bar to get there. The guy who took our order wasn't very friendly and looked like he hated his job. But man were those brisket quesadillas delicious! I would stop by and give them a try if you're in the area. You won't regret it."

Taqueria 7 Estrellas

★★★★☆ 3.7 (61) • $

"This is my spot. Everything rules. It's open late, there might be a band, maybe a guy selling candy. Get a pombazo and change your life."

El Super Taco

★★★★☆ 4.4 (39) • $

"My late night jaunts in Austin have usually lead me to a number of late night spots, most of which has been food truck taquerias and cater to us hungry night owls in the local food scene. One such spot has been El Super Taco, which is east of I-35 and a stone's throw from the airport. While I wouldn't call their food super per se, I would note that they've been a solid option practically every time. (#1)The truck itself is parked at an old gas station, which they've converted to an outdoor dining space complete with parking and picnic benches for folks who want to chow down on the spot. During the pandemic they had built an where they take payment straight through a window and of course, it's cash only. The wait isn't too long for the food and during their heydey, the tables were usually filled with people. At 2AM, not so much.Unlike the Houston taco scene, they have asada (#2) as one of their choice meats, followed by pastor, barbacoa, cecina, pollo, chicharron, campechano, and deshebrada. The latter is a shredded beef that has been one of their best sellers and is not commonly found at most taco spots. Their barbacoa and pastor are good, but they are commonly sold out before their night is over.They also have breakfast tacos during select times of the day, and that's do a very good huevos based taco with nopales or tocino or salchipapa or the classic chorizo and/or spinach. The tortas, sopes, quesadillas, and sincronizadas are worth considering, but the gorditas and tostadas are very underrated.Speaking Spanish isn't required (#3), it is helpful. The staff is quite good about expediting the food, especially when there is a line. It hasn't been a problem during their later hours and there's been plenty of seating.Lastly, I recommend taco selfies for that sick mural. Most taco stands / trucks won't have something that artistic, so I recommend taking advantage of it while it's still here.___________(#1) Consistency and reliability. It matters in life and in tacos.(#2) Seriously, what's the deal with the meat "fajita" in Houston?(#3) Welcome to Austin!"

Los Arcos Taqueria

★★★★★ 4.9 (23) • $

"Found this little gem on my walk back from Buddha's! Tacos were cooked extremely fresh! Had the carnitas, barbacoa, and pescado! Wonderful little local spot"

Pueblo Viejo Meanwhile

★★★★☆ 3.8 (29)

"My wife and I were in Austin for a long weekend and i ordered the fish tacos and al pastor taco. The fish taco was one of the best grilled fish tacos I have ever had. It was ready in about 5 minutes but their salsas were weird. They were more like dressings instead of salsa. The ghost was spicy, but not crazy hot and I like the jalapeno.The chips and guac looked great as well. I didn't try them, but it looked fantastic!The atmosphere of the brewery was wonderful and during COVID, the outdoor seating was huge. Dog friendly and super nice people serving the beer.Totally try this place!"

Marinara Miracles

★★★★★ 4.6 (17)

"Simple and sweet. This was one of the three best pasta dishes I've had in Austin.Best in a dive bar, period. Also had the meatball heroz which was delicious, well seasoned, and a hearty sub.This pasta was amazing however, and worth a stop for anyone chasing the best pasta in Austin."

Tommy Zmoke BBQ

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"Yes!!! They are open 24/7 on Friday and Saturday! He is up smoking the meats and said he might as well be open! Brisket: super smoky. Ask for burnt ends--awesome!Green beans: spicy, smoked with tomato (Rotel?) also awesome!Terry devoured his brisket, potatoes n beans. He preferred the potatoes, but I don't know why. He ate all of it and didn't let me try...Expect a few minutes of wait time. It's all made freshly for you. There are picnic tables to eat, but we just take it togo. White Water concert goers: Only food open late at night. This is your go-to spot. Enjoy!"

Turf N Surf Po' Boy

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"Turf N Surf is pretty expensive for a "po' boy" shop, but I do enjoy their sandwiches. They're pretty big! The blackened fish is very flavorful. They stuff their sandwiches with crunchy vegetables. And they have 5 or 6 hot sauces (these are po' boys, so I go with the classic Louisiana Hot Sauce).When I first visited, I was taken aback by the prices - all in w/ tax & tip well over $20 for most proteins - but the tilapia option was much cheaper, so I went with that. And I was not disappointed! I think blackened was the right way to go too, but they do have fried and grilled options. The blackened spices add a nice amount of flavor to the white fish, one reason why I don't think you really need the more expensive versions.The bread isn't noticeable, but it stands up to a fairly moist sandwich, so it does it's job. On top of the fish, is a heaping pile of slaw. lettuce, tomato, onion & pickles. Always served with lime, which is necessary to contrast the creamy slaw. Choose your hot sauce from the many options, and your tastebuds will be occupied for a little while They also serve 2 sauces on the side, but honestly, I don't really like them. I suggest ordering w/ out sauce on the side, they're not needed since you've already got your hot sauce of choice.The service is pretty quick, so I'm happy there. There's also never a line when I go - usually 2-3pm - so that's a plus. And if you have time for a pint, you're already right there in Lavaca Street Bar The interior is pretty dark & divey, but they do have a small backyard area, so if you need some fresh air, just head that way."