Lifestyle

Five Places to Grab a Bite in Austin During the 2022 Rogue Invitational

October 20, 2022 by
Photo credit: Mackenzie Smith Kelley for The Infatuation (Kinda Tropical)
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Listen: Don’t come after the messenger. This is a shortlist of eateries to try during your trip to the 2022 Rogue Invitational, but it by no means does justice to the incredible food scene that is Austin, TX. You truly can’t go wrong in the capital, culture-rich city, but if you need a place to start, go ahead and save this article. Pull up a seat and get the apps ordered, it’s our five food joint recommendations in the greater Austin area.

1. Urban Eat.Drink

110 S Harris St, Round Rock, TX 78664

Founded in 2016 by a Round Rock local couple and re-invented in a historic house, Urban Eat.Drink is the epitome of a family restaurant feel and located less than 10 minutes from the competition. There’s a wide variety of salads, burgers and entrees on the menu, plus they source many ingredients from local purveyors. And, brunch is offered until 3PM! For our fellow planners out there, they offer curbside pick-up for to-go orders and reservations online. 

2. Round Rock Donuts

106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664

Round Rock Donuts Instagram (@roundrockdonuts)

This was hands down the most recommended in our comment section! Y’all must be on to something, because this is the first time we’ve seen 9,000+ 5-star reviews on Google. Open 4:30AM – 6:30PM and just seven minutes from the venue, we’ll just say this: if you see us eating donuts in our seats at Dell Diamond… no you didn’t. 

3. Kinda Tropical

3501 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

The eastside is a local favorite for Austinites, as it’s away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but still packed with lively restaurants. The island vibe and delicious menu items (try the yucca fries!) make Kinda Tropical a must for lunch or dinner. 

“Kinda Tropical is special because not only is the food bomb and the drinks delicious, but the playlist is always on point, the seating is ample, and there’s occasionally a great vintage market or show happening on the patio,” said Courtney Goforth, Director of Marketing. “You can come and sit inside with a cold brew and your laptop to knock out emails one day and then the next day drink some frozen margaritas on the patio and see a punk band.” 

Her recommendation for what to order?

“My favorite item on the Kinda Tropical menu is the Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich. Even if you are not vegetarian, this can do the trick for almost anyone. It’s savory with a little kick from the jerk slaw and it’s kind of like eating a more healthful sloppy joe,” Goforth said. “It’s 100 percent Kinda Tropical and delicious.”

4. Gabriela’s

900 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 and 9600 S I-35 Frontage Rd Ste. B-500, Austin, TX 78748

This bright and cheerful Mexican restaurant was founded by Gabriela Bucio, who worked as a bartender for nearly 10 years learning the tricks of the trade before opening her own restaurant. Their menu boasts a modern twist to classic dishes, and the ceviche is second to none. With an inviting outdoor patio and an expected high of 82 degrees outside, we know where we’ll be grabbing chips and salsa.

5. Terry Black’s 

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

We’d be remiss to not include BBQ on this list, and you really can’t go wrong city-wide. That said, Terry Black’s has a line out of the door everyday for lunch for a reason (have no fear, it moves pretty quick!). If you’re going to go, lean in and get the mac and cheese — it’s worth it. Open 10:30AM – 9:30PM (10PM on Friday/Saturday), grab your friends and indulge in some brisket; you are in Austin, after all. 

Honorable mentions: 

  • Lou’s: 1900 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 and 1608 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704
  • Chilantro: 301 W Parmer Ln #204, Austin, TX 78729 (several locations)
  • Veracruz: 2711 La Frontera Blvd, Ste 320, Round Rock, TX 78681 (several locations)

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