Tired after a long day exploring Zilker Park, battling the traffic on Mopac, or just, well, *existing*? Craving something utterly delicious, but the thought of dirtying a single pot or pan fills you with dread? You’re not alone! Austin, Texas, is a city celebrated for its vibrant and diverse food scene, and thankfully, you don’t have to dine in to experience it. The Austin take out scene is booming, offering an incredible array of options, from classic comfort food to exotic international delicacies, catering to every taste, dietary restriction, and budget. This guide highlights some of the best Austin restaurants ready to serve up their culinary magic to-go. Get ready to discover your new favorite spot for the perfect take out experience.
Austin’s Take Out Champions – Cuisine Specific
Austin’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors, each contributing to its distinct identity. When looking for the best take out in Austin TX, you’re presented with a wealth of choices. Let’s dive into some cuisine-specific champions that consistently deliver exceptional take out experiences.
Tacos: Austin’s Take Out Staple
It’s almost impossible to talk about food in Austin without immediately thinking about tacos. They’re practically woven into the city’s DNA. And thankfully, tacos are inherently perfect for take out. Their portability and explosion of flavor in every bite make them an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a picnic in the park, or a satisfying late-night snack.
When searching for the best tacos for take out, Veracruz All Natural immediately springs to mind. This family-owned business started as a food truck and quickly grew into a beloved Austin institution. Their migas tacos are legendary – a perfect blend of crispy tortilla strips, scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, and pico de gallo. They pack beautifully and travel well, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as it is fresh. Expect to pay around five to eight dollars per taco, depending on your choice.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is another must-try for take out. As the name suggests, they combine the best of both worlds: traditional Texas BBQ and authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Their smoked brisket tacos are a revelation, offering a smoky, savory, and incredibly satisfying experience. Their handmade tortillas add another layer of quality to this already exceptional dish. Be prepared to spend about six to ten dollars per taco here; they’re worth the investment.
For a truly unique taco experience, consider Discada. They specialize in Northern Mexico style tacos cooked on a discada, which is a large, concave steel disc. The meats are slow-cooked with spices creating incredibly flavorful tacos. The El Original taco is a customer favorite with options for vegetarian eaters. Expect to pay seven to twelve dollars.
Pizza: A Classic Take Out Choice, Perfected in Austin
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s the quintessential take out food, and Austin boasts a thriving pizza scene with options to satisfy every craving, from classic New York-style slices to innovative artisan pies.
Home Slice Pizza is an Austin institution, renowned for its authentic New York-style pizza. Their thin, crispy crust, tangy sauce, and high-quality toppings make every slice a true delight. Ordering a whole pie for take out is a surefire way to please a crowd, or simply treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal. Expect to spend around twenty-five to thirty-five dollars for a whole pizza, depending on the toppings you choose. A few slices will cost around four to seven dollars.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Via is a Detroit-style pizza joint that has become a local favorite. Their square pizzas, with their thick, airy crust, crispy cheese edges, and generous toppings, are a must-try. They’re incredibly satisfying and perfect for sharing (or not!). Pricing is similar to Home Slice, with whole pizzas ranging from twenty-eight to forty dollars.
Pinthouse Pizza offers both delicious pizza and craft beer, making it a great choice for a casual take out meal. Their pizza is known for its creative toppings and well-balanced flavors. Plus, you can order a growler of their house-brewed beer to enjoy with your pizza at home. A pizza here will range from twenty to thirty dollars.
Asian Cuisine: Global Flavors, Ready to Go
Austin’s Asian food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from traditional ramen to innovative fusion dishes. Thankfully, many of these restaurants offer take out, allowing you to enjoy these global flavors from the comfort of your own home.
Uchi, a renowned sushi restaurant, offers a sophisticated take out experience. While some sushi dishes are best enjoyed immediately, Uchi carefully prepares its take out orders to maintain their quality and freshness. Their meticulously crafted nigiri, sashimi, and rolls are a true culinary indulgence. Ordering from Uchi for take out is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself to a truly exceptional meal. Be prepared to spend a bit more here; sushi can be an expensive option, but the quality at Uchi is undeniable. Entrees start at twenty dollars and can cost up to sixty dollars.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya is a must-try for ramen lovers. Their authentic tonkotsu ramen, with its rich, creamy broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and flavorful toppings, is incredibly satisfying. They carefully pack their take out orders to ensure that the noodles don’t get soggy, so you can enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at home. Expect to pay around fifteen to twenty dollars per bowl.
Titaya’s Thai Cuisine offers a wide range of classic Thai dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Their pad thai, green curry, and drunken noodles are all popular choices for take out. They’re quick, affordable, and consistently delicious. Dishes run around twelve to twenty dollars.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Delicious Plant-Based Take Out
Austin is a very vegan friendly city with plenty of options. For those seeking plant-based take out options, Austin has an abundance of restaurants that offer delicious and satisfying vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Arlo’s is a popular food truck that specializes in vegan comfort food. Their burgers, tacos, and fries are all made with plant-based ingredients and are incredibly flavorful. They’re a perfect choice for a casual and satisfying take out meal. A burger or taco here will cost around ten to fifteen dollars.
Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide range of creative and flavorful dishes. Their tofu scramble, veggie burgers, and enchiladas are all popular choices for take out. They’re a great option for a healthy and delicious meal. Plates are around fifteen to twenty dollars.
The Beer Plant is a vegan gastropub that offers a sophisticated and delicious dining experience. Their menu features a variety of plant-based dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques. Their seitan wings, cauliflower tacos, and vegan mac and cheese are all popular choices. Expect to pay around sixteen to twenty-five dollars for entrees.
Hidden Take Out Gems
Beyond the well-known favorites, Austin is brimming with hidden culinary gems just waiting to be discovered. These are the places that locals rave about, the spots that offer something truly unique and special. Here are a few of our top picks for hidden take out gems in Austin:
Kebabalicious: Authentic Mediterranean Flavors
Tucked away, Kebabalicious is a hidden gem serving up authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Their kebabs, wraps, and salads are bursting with flavor, thanks to their fresh ingredients and homemade sauces. The “OG” kebab is a must-try, featuring perfectly marinated and grilled meats, crisp vegetables, and a generous dollop of their signature tzatziki sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful take out option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Kebabs run around twelve to fifteen dollars. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the service is always friendly and efficient. They are definitely worth the search!
Gourdough’s Public House: Decadent Donuts, Elevated
While Gourdough’s might be known for their over-the-top donuts, their Public House location offers a full menu of savory dishes, all infused with their signature donut flair. Think donut burgers, donut grilled cheese, and even donut pizza! It’s a playful and unique take out experience that’s sure to impress. While not for the faint of heart, Gourdough’s Public House is a fun and unforgettable take out option. The prices range from twelve to twenty dollars per entree.
Odd Duck: Farm-to-Table Small Plates
Odd Duck sources fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and ranches. They feature delicious dishes on the menu, which is updated frequently, making this spot perfect for foodies. Plates range from fourteen to thirty dollars.
Take Out Tips & Tricks for Austin
Navigating the Austin take out scene can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options to choose from. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your take out experience:
Best Time to Order:
Timing is everything! To avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours (lunch and dinner), consider ordering your take out during off-peak hours. Ordering between lunch and dinner, or later in the evening, can often result in faster service and a more pleasant experience.
Delivery Apps vs. Direct Ordering:
While delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer convenience, they also come with fees and commissions that can add up quickly. Consider ordering directly from the restaurant’s website or calling in your order. This often supports the restaurant more directly and can sometimes result in better deals or faster service.
Checking Restaurant Websites:
Always check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for updated hours, menus, and specials. This is especially important during holidays or special events. You might even discover online-only discounts or promotions.
Considering Location:
Austin is a sprawling city, and the location of the restaurant can impact your take out experience. Opting for restaurants in areas with multiple options in a small area can make it easier to try a few different spots if you’re indecisive or ordering for a group with diverse tastes. Areas like South Congress, the Domain, and downtown offer a high concentration of restaurants, making them ideal for take out adventures.
Conclusion
The Austin take out scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From classic tacos and pizzas to innovative Asian dishes and plant-based delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, skip the cooking, explore the options, and support local Austin restaurants. The best take out in Austin TX awaits!
What are your favorite take out spots in Austin? Share them in the comments below! Happy eating!
