Craving the vibrant flavors of Austin but short on time or prefer to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own home? You’re in luck! Austin boasts a diverse and dynamic culinary scene, and thankfully, a huge number of its exceptional restaurants offer convenient and delicious takeout options. From smoky barbecue to globally-inspired cuisine, finding the perfect meal to-go in Austin is easier than you might think. This guide will navigate you through the best takeout destinations in Austin, highlighting different culinary specialties and providing tips for a seamless takeout adventure. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to experience Austin’s incredible food scene!
Austin is a city that thrives on its unique character and independent spirit, and that certainly extends to its food. Takeout isn’t just about convenience here; it’s about accessing a world of flavors, supporting local businesses, and enjoying high-quality meals without the formality of a restaurant setting. Whether you’re a seasoned Austin resident or a visitor eager to sample the city’s best, exploring the takeout landscape is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Why Austin Takeout Excels
The appeal of Austin takeout is multifaceted. First and foremost, it’s undeniably convenient. Juggling work, family, and social life can leave little time for cooking elaborate meals or spending hours at a restaurant. Takeout allows you to bypass the prep work, the cleanup, and the potential wait times, leaving you free to focus on what matters most.
Beyond convenience, the sheer variety of cuisines available for takeout in Austin is staggering. From iconic Texas barbecue joints to innovative Asian fusion eateries, and everything in between, there’s a takeout option to satisfy every craving. This accessibility to diverse flavors is a hallmark of Austin’s culinary scene.
Furthermore, opting for takeout allows you to support local businesses directly. By choosing independent restaurants over national chains, you’re contributing to the local economy and helping to preserve the unique character of Austin’s neighborhoods. It’s a win-win situation: you get a delicious meal, and a local entrepreneur benefits from your patronage.
Barbecue Takeout Delights
No discussion of Austin food is complete without mentioning barbecue. Austin’s barbecue scene is legendary, attracting food lovers from around the world. Fortunately, many of the city’s most renowned barbecue joints offer convenient takeout options, allowing you to enjoy smoky brisket, tender ribs, and delectable sides without the wait.
Franklin Barbecue
While the lines at Franklin Barbecue are infamous, they do offer pre-orders for whole briskets and other large quantities, which you can pick up and enjoy at home. This is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Their brisket is legendary for a reason, and the sides, such as their coleslaw and potato salad, are equally impressive. Make sure to plan ahead and order well in advance, as pre-orders tend to fill up quickly. You can find them downtown, check their website for online ordering or to call in for availability. The prices reflect the quality, making it a special splurge.
La Barbecue
Known for its mouthwatering meats and spicy kick, La Barbecue is another standout option. Their brisket is particularly noteworthy, boasting a rich, smoky flavor and incredibly tender texture. Their sides are also fantastic, with options like chipotle coleslaw and mac and cheese adding a delicious complement to the barbecue. La Barbecue has multiple locations and generally offers easy ordering, often through online platforms, making them a convenient option. The price point is consistent with high-quality Austin barbecue.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Blending Texas barbecue with Mexican flavors, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Their smoked meats are infused with bold spices and served with flavorful salsas and tortillas. Their signature dish, the smoked brisket taco, is a must-try. They have a brick and mortar and often have food trucks parked around town. They provide ample ways to pre-order and pick up to get this famous hybrid takeout food. This innovative approach sets them apart from traditional barbecue joints.
Mexican and Tex-Mex Takeout Treasures
Austin has deep roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, which means you can expect some of the best takeout options available, ranging from comforting classics to creative contemporary creations.
Veracruz All Natural
This iconic Austin taco chain has several locations throughout the city, each offering a selection of authentic and flavorful tacos. Their migas taco is a local favorite, featuring scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado. Veracruz All Natural also offers a variety of other Mexican dishes, such as quesadillas, tortas, and aguas frescas. Their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and their commitment to traditional recipes make them a consistent and delicious choice. You can order ahead online or via apps. Their pricing is extremely affordable for the quality and amount of food that you receive.
Matt’s El Rancho
A long-standing Austin institution, Matt’s El Rancho is known for its classic Tex-Mex fare and lively atmosphere. Their menu includes all the usual suspects, from enchiladas and fajitas to nachos and quesadillas. Matt’s El Rancho also boasts a wide selection of margaritas and other cocktails, perfect for pairing with your takeout meal. Their recipes have been honed over generations, and they are consistently reviewed well, meaning that you cannot go wrong with this choice.
Discada
For a more modern take on Mexican cuisine, Discada is worth checking out. Discada serves food prepared on a discada plow disc. This cooking method results in flavorful and juicy meats and vegetables. Their tacos and burritos are particularly popular, and their selection of salsas is sure to please any palate. Located on East Cesar Chavez street, they offer takeout and delivery options.
Asian Takeout Adventures
The Asian food scene in Austin is incredibly diverse, encompassing everything from traditional Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine to innovative fusion dishes. Finding excellent Asian takeout is effortless.
Uchi
For those looking for an upscale sushi experience at home, Uchi is the perfect option. While dining in is a treat, their takeout menu offers a curated selection of their most popular sushi rolls, nigiri, and other Japanese dishes. The quality is consistently excellent, and the presentation is impeccable, even for takeout. Uchi’s takeout offerings can be conveniently ordered online through their website. Prepare for a higher price point reflecting the premium quality and culinary expertise.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
This vibrant Vietnamese cafe is a favorite among locals for its delicious pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese specialties. Their takeout menu is extensive and features all of their most popular dishes. Elizabeth Street Cafe is known for its fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and perfectly balanced seasonings. They have locations on South First and offer delivery and pick-up. Pricing is slightly higher than standard Vietnamese, but the quality makes it worth it.
Din Ho Chinese BBQ
For those craving authentic Chinese barbecue, Din Ho Chinese BBQ is a must-try. Their menu features a variety of roasted meats, including Peking duck, char siu pork, and crispy pork belly. Din Ho’s meats are expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender dishes. They are located in North Austin and they offer convenient pick up options by phone or online. Their pricing is quite reasonable.
Pizza Perfection for Takeout
Pizza is a timeless takeout classic, and Austin boasts a number of exceptional pizzerias offering a variety of styles, from classic Neapolitan to New York-style slices.
Via 313
Famous for their Detroit-style pizza, Via 313 offers thick, square pies with crispy crusts and generous toppings. Their pizza is cooked in seasoned steel pans, resulting in a unique and delicious texture. Via 313 has multiple locations across Austin, and they offer convenient takeout and delivery options. Via 313 pricing is pretty typical for pizza.
Home Slice Pizza
Home Slice Pizza is known for its classic New York-style slices and whole pies. Their pizza is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Home Slice Pizza also offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, and other Italian dishes. They have two locations on South Congress and they are a great casual option. Pricing is great for large portions.
Pinthouse Pizza
If you are looking for a place with great drinks and great Pizza, Pinthouse Pizza is for you. With four locations around town, you are sure to find a place near you. They offer all of their pizza and beer for pick-up. The price and quality cannot be beat.
Tips for a Phenomenal Austin Takeout Experience
To make the most of your Austin takeout adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan Ahead: Browse online menus and read reviews to get a sense of each restaurant’s offerings and customer feedback.
- Call It In: Especially during peak hours, calling ahead to place your order can save you a significant amount of time.
- Specify Your Needs: When ordering, clearly communicate any dietary restrictions, allergies, or special requests.
- Confirm Pickup Details: Make sure you understand the pickup location and estimated time to avoid confusion or delays.
- Curbside Convenience: Many restaurants now offer curbside pickup, allowing you to collect your order without even leaving your car.
- Inspect Your Order: Before leaving the restaurant, double-check your order to ensure that everything is included and correct.
- Delivery Delights: If you opt for delivery, consider using a reputable delivery app and tipping your driver appropriately.
- Reheat with Care: If your meal needs reheating, follow the restaurant’s instructions or use your best judgment to preserve the quality of the food.
- Plate it Nicely: Transfer your takeout meal to your own plates to elevate the dining experience and make it feel more special.
- Savor the Flavors: Most importantly, relax and enjoy the delicious food that Austin has to offer!
Austin takeout is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Whether you are craving the down-home smoky taste of Texas barbecue or a sushi dish, Austin has many options for take out, to cater to your needs. Get out there and support local Austin business today, with these exceptional choices!
