Competition

Best Places to Grab a Bite in Austin During the 2023 Rogue Invitational

October 22, 2023 by
Photo Credit: @saltysow
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It seems like we were just enjoying cheese curds in Madison, but it is already time for the CrossFit competition season to get going again. 

Not competing? No worries. 

Spectating is also a full-time sport; if you are in Austin for the 2023 Rogue Invitational, you’ll need sustenance. Check out some of the best places to eat in Austin while you cheer on your favorite athletes.

  1. Salty Sow

1917 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722

Who doesn’t love a good gastropub in the heart of Texas? The Salty Sow puts a spin on the traditional gastropub with more farmhouse fare that includes hand-crafted meats sourced from local purveyors. Come check out the farm-to-table menu with a great happy hour at this neighborhood gem just east of the University of Texas.

  1. Jack Allen’s Kitchen

2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681

In 2009, Jack Allen’s Kitchen was opened, boasting a Lone Star state of mind and serving southern comfort food with a Texas twist. Specials change daily, and there are multiple locations around the Austin Area, only a stone’s throw from the Rogue Invitational at Dell Diamond.

They work with local farmers, ranchers, and brewers and pride themselves on highlighting the artisans of Texas whenever they can, honoring the area’s many cultures. They also have a killer happy hour, with half-off all starters and $1 off all drinks from 3  to 6:30 PM every weekday. Brunch is big on the weekends, too!

  1. Ramen Tatsu-Ya

1234 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704

Photo Credit: @ramentatsu_ya

Craving something other than BBQ? There are plenty of options. Local chefs and DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto came together to create a place to educate people on what Ramen truly is. After some time in Los Angeles and Japan, Aikawa was craving good Ramen back in Austin and wanted to provide that same quality and authenticity in Texas that existed back in Japan.

  1. Round Rock Donuts

106 W. Liberty St., Round Rock, TX 78664

A trip to the greater Austin area isn’t complete without a stop at Round Rock Donuts. Created in 1926, people worldwide have visited Round Rock Donuts looking to try their famous yellow/orange donuts, the color created from fresh eggs. The store makes yeast-risen donuts, which must be hand-rolled, cut, fried, and iced and cannot be machine-made like baking powder donuts.

The original Round Rock Donuts building was destroyed by fire in 2000, but the owner rebuilt it bigger and better than ever.

  1. Salt Lick BBQ

3350 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665-3905

Photo Credit: @saltlickbbq 

If you haven’t had a traditional BBQ meal when in Austin, have you really gone to Texas? In 1967, Thurman Roberts, known for bringing his incredible barbeque to family get-togethers, decided to try cooking for paying customers. The family built a huge barbeque pit, then eventually a screened porch around it, and the Salt Lick was born.

They finish their meat over a live oak wood open fire, so be prepared for a delicious and distinct flavor. The restaurant is located right by Dell Diamond and also has a full bar.

Honorable Mentions:

Whiskey Cake – 2600 N. Interstate Highway 35, Round Rock, TX 78681

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