East Austin is a lot more than Franklin Barbecue and gentrification. Oh yes, that famous barbecue joint with the long lines is there … as are several other worthy competitors for the best pits in Austin. And yes, the area is up and coming, but you can still find great food at reasonable prices on the east side. Check out these 10 places and their nicely priced options.
10.) All You Can Eat Gumbo on Fridays at Nubian Queen Lola’s
Photo: Courtesy, Nubian Queen Lola’s on Facebook.
Gumbo is the quintessential cajun food, and if you want to eat your weight in it, Nubian Queen Lola’s is where you can get your fix. This little restaurant serves all-you-can-eat gumbo on Friday nights for just $10.
9.) Migas Taco at Cisco’s Restaurant
Photo: Courtesy, Cisco’s Restaurant on Facebook.
Cisco’s Restaurant is an Austin legend. This spot is a favorite among downtown workers picking up breakfast tacos for the office and those venturing to the east side for lunch. Try the migas taco!
8.) Thai Chicken Karaage at East Side King
Photo: Courtesy, East Side King on Facebook.
You wouldn’t know it by the name, but East Side King is an Asian fusion restaurant. Asian fusion in central Texas? You bet! Good luck pronouncing their menu items. One of the first things you should try is the thai chicken karaage which is deep fried chicken thigh with a sweet and spicy sauce, basil, cilantro, mint, onion and jalapeno.
7.) The Bacchus at Gourmands Neighborhood Pub
Photo: Courtesy, Gourmands Neighborhood Pub on Facebook.
Gourmands Neighborhood Pub is truly a neighborhood bar, but they also serve up tasty sandwiches. Their slogan is “Love thy sandwich,” and we bet you will do just that. The Bacchus has fajita marinated chicken breast, bacon, sautéed poblanos, onions, Swiss, avocado, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce and Sambal mayo on on a hoagie roll. So many flavors!
6.) Thai Pork Belly Tacos at Cenote
Photo: Courtesy, Cenote on Facebook.
When restauranteurs set out to create a restaurant for their own neighborhood, you know they’re going to put their hearts and souls into it. The folks at Cenote took their time in getting the place off the ground, so you know they’re itching to show you what they’ve got! The the meat in the Thai pork belly tacos is caramelized and topped with apple jicama slaw.
5.) Split a Specialty Pizza at East Side Pies
Photo: Courtesy, East Side Pies on Facebook.
East Side Pies has developed a great reputation over the past few years, so you need to get in there and see what all the fuss is about. Take a date, and split one of their specialty pies.
4.) Don Juan El Taco Grande at Juan in a Million
Photo: Courtesy, Juan in a Million on Facebook.
Juan in a Million is a weekday lunch favorite for downtown workers. Most days, you’ll get a hearty handshake from owner Juan Meza when you walk in the door. You don’t have to wait for lunch to enjoy Juan’s food. Their mega-size Don Juan taco will hit the spot in the morning.
3.) Fried Catfish at Hoover’s Cooking
Photo: Courtesy, Hoover’s Cooking on Facebook.
Hoover’s Cooking is synonymous with comfort food. You’ll always leave Hoover’s full. The fried catfish (with your choice of sides) is delicious and will fill you up.
2.) J. Edgar Hoover Burger at Sputnik
Photo: Courtesy, Sputnik on Facebook.
What is an Austin food list without a burger? The J. Edgar Hoover burger at Sputnik is a traditional burger topped with cheddar jack cheese and a fried egg. Get it with bacon if you dare!
1.) Shrimp Mac-n-Cheese at Hi Hat Public House
Photo: Courtesy, Hi Hat Public House on Facebook.
Shrimp? Good. Mac-n-Cheese? Good. Put them together? Awesome! Hi Hat Public House is a great spot to satisfy your desire for craft beers, but don’t sleep on the food! Shrimp mac-n-cheese should definitely be in front of you as you sample the different brews.
—
Feature photo: East Side Pies on Facebook.
