Austin Eats

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Do you ever just crave fried chicken? I do. The collard greens at Gus’s are a must.

Odd Duck

This was probably my favorite meal in Austin; everything about it was just beautiful – from the restaurant decor to the fresh, local ingredients they use. The restaurant started as a trailer in 2009, and is fully farm-to-table. Their duck fat fried rice with brussel sprouts and soft egg (pictured above)… I die.

Jo’s Coffee

Jo’s is a lifesaver and best known for their Iced Turbo. However, being anti-sweet coffee, I got the Belgium Bullet (which is ½ Iced Turbo and ½ iced coffee), but it was still way to sweet. Their lattes are much more my speed. During SXSW, I dragged myself to Jo’s every morning because there was no way I’d survive sans caffeine. While you’re there, check out the famous graffiti on the side of the wall.

Franklin’s Barbecue

Franklin’s lived up to the hype, but I also didn’t have to wait 4 hours in line. Not sure I’d wait 4 hours in 100-degree weather but if you get the chance to eat at Franklin’s: go big or go home.

Elizabeth Street Cafe

Brunch here is to die for! Their banh mis are an American brunch take on the traditional Vietnamese banh mi with some serious #yolkporn action going on in there.

Perla’s

Two words: brussel sprouts. Their octopus with papas bravas was also really good but the brussel sprouts stole the show.

Sway

My mouth’s watering looking at pictures from Sway. Sway goes beyond the traditional pad thai and green curry with dishes like their blue crab fried rice and jungle curry. Sway’s a great place to go when you’re with a group of people, so that you get a sample of a wide variety of flavors.

Torchy’s Tacos

President Obama went to Torchy’s the day before I did. We’re basically besties now, right? I don’t think you can go wrong with any taco here, but you’re making a serious mistake if you don’t get the street corn