Locally Owned Austin Eats

Part of what makes Austin so incredible is all of the fantastic restaurants in the city. We could never highlight all of the food-coma-worthy attractions, but our lifestyle experts at Moreland Properties have created a short list of locally-owned, iconic Austin restaurants to visit this summer.

 

 

Austin food is synonymous with Tex-Mex, and Matt’s El Rancho is one of the most iconic Tex-Mex restaurants in the city. Open since 1952, this family-owned and operated restaurant off East 1st Street has survived the test of time. With a scratch-made cooking philosophy, Matt’s El Rancho harbors some of the most delicious eats in the area. Go to experience the impossible-to-duplicate Bob Armstrong Dip (queso), and stay for the homemade tortillas and strong margaritas. If you aren’t convinced, know that former President Lyndon B.Johnson used to send a plane from D.C. to acquire his El Rancho favorites. Take your family and friends and experience a true presidential meal. They do not take reservations, so arrive early to avoid the crowd!

 

 

Nothing says Austin like finishing up a long, hot day at Barton Springs and making your way to Sandy’s Hamburgers. Another oldie but goodie, Sandy’s Hamburgers has been serving Austin since 1946. The old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs, sundaes, and soft-serve ice cream make Sandy’s the ultimate, affordable summer treat. Located off Barton Springs Road, this mom and pop burger joint is not one to miss. Prepare for a bit of a line at the drive-through. Food this good isn’t a secret.

 

For the honky-tonk fans, another Austin favorite is Broken Spoke, the last true Texas dance hall. Here, experience comfort food like no else. With barbeque, chicken fried steak, and peach cobbler all under one roof, it's hard to go wrong. The Broken Spoke stage has hosted George Strait, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and many more country music legends since its opening in 1964. Experience the live music capital of the world here with free, live music Tuesday-Saturday from 6-8pm. Put on your boots and get ready to eat, drink, and dance the night away!

 

 

In a list of Tex-Mex, honky-tonks, and burger joints, this contemporary Austin eatery looks like a bit of an… Odd Duck. However, Odd Duck has been a locally-owned Austin spot since 2009. In the beginning, Odd Duck was based out of a trailer. The trailer-restaurant gained intense notoriety through Chef Bryce Gilmore’s commitment to ingredients and innovation. This allowed Odd Duck to become the upscale restaurant it is today. The food itself is locally sourced from Austin farmers, guaranteeing that your meal is the freshest it can be. The menu rotates based on what is available, so come with an open mind and an empty stomach. Reservations are recommended during the dinner hours.