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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Takeout in Austin

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, delicious food, and unique culture. When you’re craving a fantastic meal but don’t want to dine in, the city offers a plethora of takeout options to satisfy every palate. From Tex-Mex staples to innovative culinary creations, finding the perfect takeout Austin experience is easier than ever. This guide will walk you through some of the best spots for takeout Austin has to offer, ensuring you get a taste of the city’s diverse culinary landscape from the comfort of your own home.

Why Austin is a Takeout Paradise

Austin’s thriving food scene has adapted to cater to the growing demand for convenient dining options. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on a budget, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space, takeout Austin provides a solution. The city’s restaurants have embraced online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery services, making it incredibly easy to enjoy your favorite meals without stepping foot inside a crowded dining room. Plus, exploring takeout Austin allows you to try a variety of cuisines and support local businesses simultaneously.

Top Takeout Restaurants in Austin

Tex-Mex and Mexican Cuisine

No visit to Austin is complete without indulging in some authentic Tex-Mex or Mexican food. Luckily, many of the city’s best Mexican restaurants offer excellent takeout Austin options.

Veracruz All Natural: This popular food truck chain serves up delicious tacos, migas, and agua frescas. Their breakfast tacos are a local favorite, and their vegetarian options are equally impressive. Ordering ahead for takeout Austin is highly recommended, as lines can get long, especially during peak hours.
Matt’s El Rancho: A long-standing Austin institution, Matt’s El Rancho offers a wide variety of Tex-Mex classics. From enchiladas and fajitas to their famous Bob Armstrong Dip, there’s something for everyone. Their family-style takeout Austin meals are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ: Combining the best of both worlds, Valentina’s offers mouthwatering BBQ with a Tex-Mex twist. Their brisket tacos and smoked carnitas are a must-try. Check their website for daily specials and takeout Austin availability.

Barbecue

Austin is a barbecue mecca, and many of its top BBQ joints offer takeout Austin services. Be prepared for long lines, but the smoky goodness is well worth the wait.

Franklin Barbecue: Arguably the most famous barbecue restaurant in Austin, Franklin Barbecue is known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Pre-ordering for takeout Austin is essential, and slots fill up quickly.
La Barbecue: Another top contender in the Austin BBQ scene, La Barbecue offers a range of smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and sausage. Their takeout Austin options are popular, so plan ahead.
Micklethwait Craft Meats: This East Austin gem offers a more laid-back atmosphere with equally delicious barbecue. Their brisket and house-made sausage are standouts. Takeout Austin is available, but arrive early to avoid sell-outs.

Pizza

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a good pizza. Austin has a wide array of pizzerias offering takeout Austin, from classic New York-style slices to gourmet wood-fired pies.

Via 313: Known for their Detroit-style pizza, Via 313 offers thick, square pies with crispy edges and a generous topping selection. Their takeout Austin service is quick and efficient.
Homeslice Pizza: This South Congress staple serves up classic New York-style pizza by the slice or the pie. Their takeout Austin window is always busy, but the pizza is worth the wait. [See also: Best Pizza in Austin]
Odd Duck: While not exclusively a pizzeria, Odd Duck offers creative wood-fired pizzas with seasonal ingredients. Their takeout Austin options are perfect for a unique pizza experience.

Asian Cuisine

Austin’s diverse culinary scene includes a wide range of Asian restaurants offering takeout Austin. From sushi to noodles to curries, there’s something for every Asian food lover.

Uchi: This award-winning sushi restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience, and their takeout Austin options allow you to enjoy their innovative dishes at home. Pre-ordering is highly recommended.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya: Specializing in authentic Japanese ramen, Ramen Tatsu-Ya offers a variety of flavorful broths and toppings. Their takeout Austin service is popular, especially during colder months.
Titaya’s Thai Cuisine: Titaya’s offers a wide range of Thai dishes, from classic Pad Thai to spicy curries. Their takeout Austin options are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Other Notable Takeout Options

Beyond the categories above, Austin offers a variety of other notable takeout Austin options.

Odd Duck: Again, Odd Duck deserves another mention for their unique small plates and seasonal dishes. Their takeout Austin menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar: This collaboration between Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi and Chef Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue offers a unique blend of Asian and barbecue flavors. Their takeout Austin options include smoked meats, rice bowls, and snacks.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: If you’re craving a gourmet burger, Hopdoddy is the place to go. Their takeout Austin service allows you to customize your burger with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Tips for Ordering Takeout in Austin

To make the most of your takeout Austin experience, consider these tips:

Order Ahead: Many popular restaurants get busy, especially during peak hours. Ordering online or by phone ahead of time can save you time and ensure your order is ready when you arrive.
Check for Specials: Many restaurants offer special takeout Austin deals or promotions. Check their websites or social media pages for the latest offers.
Consider Curbside Pickup: Curbside pickup is a convenient option for avoiding crowds and minimizing contact. Many restaurants offer this service, making it easy to grab your food and go.
Support Local Businesses: By choosing takeout Austin from local restaurants, you’re supporting the community and helping small businesses thrive.
Plan Your Pickup Time: Traffic in Austin can be unpredictable. Allow extra time for travel, especially during rush hour, to ensure you arrive on time to pick up your order.

The Future of Takeout in Austin

The takeout Austin scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and innovative dining options emerging all the time. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more convenient and efficient ways to enjoy takeout in the city. From drone delivery to AI-powered ordering systems, the future of takeout Austin is bright.

In conclusion, Austin offers a diverse and delicious array of takeout Austin options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex, barbecue, pizza, or Asian cuisine, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. So, the next time you’re looking for a convenient and delicious meal, explore the best takeout Austin has to offer and support the city’s vibrant culinary scene.