Cookbook author and Dallas-based culinary creator Alex Snodgrass of The Defined Dish has a deep love for Austin—and especially its food. “I love taking trips from Dallas to Austin for its vibrant food scene,” she says. “From iconic BBQ and killer tacos to creative chef-driven spots, there’s always something exciting.” She’s especially drawn to the city’s “next-level food truck culture,” which blends casual bites with elevated flavors, all driven by a shared respect for quality ingredients. “Every meal feels like an adventure."
When asked to describe Austin’s culinary identity, Alex doesn’t hesitate: “Bold, eclectic, and a little rebellious—in the best way,” she says. While BBQ and Tex-Mex form the backbone of the city’s cuisine, she’s just as excited by the wave of Asian, farm-to-table, and fusion-forward restaurants making waves across town. “From classic brisket to inventive ramen or vegan tacos, it all works deliciously. It’s a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but seriously loves good food.”
So what makes the perfect barbecue bite? “For me, brisket is the MVP of Texas BBQ,” Alex says. “It’s about that smoky, peppery bark with a tender, juicy inside that melts in your mouth. The perfect bite includes a bit of bark, a slice so tender it’s barely holding together, and a swipe of tangy sauce—or a pickle for balance. Pure heaven.”
Without further ado, read on for Alex’s top dining picks in Austin. And while you're mentally mapping your next meal, check out her latest venture, Side Dish, along with the limited-edition, paleo-friendly Uncle Ronny’s BBQ 3-pack she created with @Primal_Gourmet’s Ronny Lvovski.
Where to Eat in Austin, According to The Defined Dish
Breakfast & Coffee
“I’m a sucker for Swedish Hill Bakery,” Alex admits. “It’s my go-to for coffee and a baked good.” She also loves a long morning walk that ends at Mañana Coffee, where she orders a Fronk’s Almond Milk Latte and grabs a quick breakfast taco. For something more active, she recommends a bike ride into East Austin for Veracruz All Natural’s food truck—“get the migas!”—with a coffee from the neighboring Desnudo trailer.
BBQ Stops
Choosing the best BBQ in Austin? That’s a hot debate. “Everyone has their ride-or-die spot,” she says. “I haven’t been to all of them—yet—but I try to make the rounds every visit.”
- La Barbecue: “Bold, smoky flavor.”
- Terry Black’s: “Super consistent across the board.”
- Franklin’s: “Totally worth the hype for that melt-in-your-mouth brisket.”
- Leroy and Lewis: “A little more inventive and modern—love that.”
Her advice? “Each place brings its own magic to the pit. You really can’t go wrong.”
Dinner Destinations
For a lively night out, she heads to Suerte, where the Suadero Tacos with Confit Wagyu Brisket and Black Magic Oil are non-negotiable. Elizabeth Street Café is another favorite: “It’s a Vietnamese café with a French bakery that’s full of colors, noodles, and tangy bites I crave every time I’m in town.”
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Looking for late-night charm? Justine’s is her pick. “The space is dark and sexy, the staff is fun and quirky, and their Steak Tartare and Fries are a must.” For something a bit more elevated, she recommends Emmer & Rye: “Incredible pasta, my favorite restaurant cacio e pepe, and a chef’s counter that feels truly special.”
And for date night? Jeffrey’s all the way. “If you want crisp martinis and fancy steakhouse vibes, nobody does it better. It’s a splurge, but such a fun night with my husband when we sneak off to Austin.”
Drool-Worthy Desserts
- ThoroughBread: The best stop for seriously good cookies.
- Merry Monarch: Their chef creates sweet and savory ice cream flavors that you might not have ever thought of, and I love a sweet and savory combo that leaves you wowed!
Bottomless Brunch You Simply Can’t Miss
Austin’s brunch culture has a special place in Alex’s heart. “It was my favorite activity when I lived there in my early 20s!”
- June’s All Day: “Great South Congress vibes and a perfect boozy brunch.”
- Better Half: “Biscuits and fried chicken? Say no more.”
- Paperboy: “Rooftop seating, a walk-up coffee window, and classic breakfast favorites done right—my kids love the chocolate chip pancakes here.”
Her Favorite Hidden Gem?
Before hitting the road back to Dallas, Alex always makes a pit stop at Picnik for bone broth. “It’s become a road trip tradition—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for the ride back.”
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