While I’ve been to Austin before, it was almost 6 years ago, and I was definitely less adventurous back then. Nowadays when I travel for work, I always make sure I make the right reservations to treat myself to a great meal after the end of a long conference day. Here are my four favorite posts from my most recent trip!

Salty Sow is a gastropub that serves contemporary farmhouse fare. They have a set menu, but also daily specials made with ingredients from local farms. They run happy hour daily from 4:30pm – 6:30pm, which includes small bites and discounted cocktails. While the food at the Salty Sow is good, their cocktails are where they stand out and I highly recommend stopping by for a drink or two during HH. 

Originally a trailer that served food with ingredients  from local Austin farms, the Odd Duck is now a full restaurant that continues to serve locally sourced farm-to-table dishes. Odd Duck was one of my favorite meals in Austin – the staff were so nice and really gave the best recommendations. I was a solo diner, and they were super accommodating. The food is fresh, flavorful, and inventive. If you see a vegan brownie sundae on the menu, definitely order it. 

Terry Black’s BBQ features pit-smoked meats and house-made sides from 4th generation pitmasters. Visitors snake through a queue that takes you through the sides and then their famous smoked meats, which are priced by the pound. Besides delicious brisket, ribs, and sausages, their smoked turkey is a crowd favorite and one of the most tender pieces of turkey that I’ve ever had. 

Established in 2012, la Barbecue is basically a newbie compared to some of the generations-old barbecue spots in Austin. But their food is fresh, and honestly, in my opinion, better than the other spots. Their 8-hour brisket, that’s been smoked low and slow over Texas post oak, was the best that I had during my recent visit to Austin. You absolutely have to try their Shells & Cheese, made with smoked veggies, it has a little kick. And pro tip: order online so you don’t have to stand in the line! You can dine-in or take out, both of which I did and I’m so glad cause the line was easily 50 people deep both times.

Established in 2012, la Barbecue is basically a newbie compared to some of the generations-old barbecue spots in Austin. But their food is fresh, and honestly, in my opinion, better than the other spots. Their 8-hour brisket, that’s been smoked low and slow over Texas post oak, was the best that I had during my recent visit to Austin. You absolutely have to try their Shells & Cheese, made with smoked veggies, it has a little kick. And pro tip: order online so you don’t have to stand in the line! You can dine-in or take out, both of which I did and I’m so glad cause the line was easily 50 people deep both times.