(Out of towners) What is the1st place you go to...

[Longhorn_in_LA]

eat at when you get back to Austin?

I'm going back to Austin next weekend for the first time since I graduated (4yrs ago). Most of the food in Austin I've found comparable/better versions of in other places. However, the first place I'm going next week is Freebird's, b/c even with the hispanic population in SoCal I haven't found a place that can make a better burrito.

I tried a Freebird's in Santa Barbara, which I thought would be comparable...not even close.

 

[TxArch]

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[rtchorn]

If I get into town in the morning, it's going to be Taco Express/Maudies/Taco Shack. If I get in around lunch time, it's usually Texadelphia. If I get in around dinner time, it's almost always Shady Grove for a Green Chile Chicken Fried Steak.

 

[hank_gathers]

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[TxArch]

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[Punt on 1st Down]

Not sure what the question is since you reference "out of towners" and those who "get back to Austin." It sounds like you're simply asking Austinites, or those who have lived in Austin for a long time, where they like to eat.

But yes, I like Freebirds ... and then there are another 30 restaurants we can talk about.

 

[HornZealot]

tex-mex and casino el camino and firemans 4


chain burritos is not something that is unique to austin

 

[Longhorn_in_LA]

Punt on 1st - This topic specifically addressed to those folks who have left Austin, but come back every once and a while. Those who basically can't get their Austin food fix in other places.

Let me say this whole discussion is of course to each his own, so this could go round in circles b/c of everyone's diff. palate. For my palate, which has been questioned before, the only thing i truly remember craving was freebird's after I left Austin. Everything else...eh, not so much. Except maybe BBQ...tough to find good places in certain parts of the country.

 

[Gen. Applewhite]

that freebirds you mentioned in santa barbara is actually the original restaurant, its a shame they cant replicate the quality of their expansion branches.

as for your question, there is a thread somewhere on this board asking for everyone's three must-eats on return trips to austin. its probably 4-5 pages long and has a ton of great opinions and insight.

link to thread

 

[Benson32]

freebirds was founded in santa barbara. odd you come to austin to go to freebirds, but to each his own.

 

[Longhorn_in_LA]

Gen. Applewhite - Thx for the link.

The quality of the ingredients at the Frebird's in SB isn't close to the texas locations. It is strange since it started in SB.

 

[blkshoes]

used to be mars. then fonda san miguel. i live in sa, a texmex meca, so usually skip those in austin. however, there are some unique ones that i crave - el azteca, juan, la tapatia, las manitas, taco express, etc. kerbey lane is a great breakfast choice. shady grove or threadgills maybe for lunch (we have a texadelphia and a chuy's). jeffrey's for dinner.

 

[HoustonHorn]

Delaware Subs. I can't find anything in Houston that comes close. I'm open to suggestions.

 

[bigg78]

Z-Tejas, Roaring Fork, Moonshine, Central Texas BBQ... those are my stops. Obviously the 1st 3 are more for dinner and are nicer options, but the food those restaurants serve is unique and delicious.

 

[rtchorn]

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[HoustonHorn]

RTC...thanks, there's one of those opening almost around the corner from my house. I will definitely be going there alot if its even close to Delaware.

 

[Idahorn2]

Going to come down for the TCU Horny Toads (aka Cockroaches) game. Plan to go to Matt's, the Hofbrau, Luling City Market (new to me) and Maurice's Real Pit BBQ up in Harker Heights (several times). Hope to make the Hornfans' Tailgate.