In January we decided to take a weekend trip to Austin! Max lived there until he was about ten and I had never been before, so I did a ton of research before we left. When we travel, we are largely in it for the food; sight-seeing and shopping are merely ways to burn calories as we make our way towards our next food stop. So here's our impossibly long list of places to eat, with an asterisk next to the places we actually made it to. We barely scratched the surface...

BRUNCH
*Tacodeli I'm not a breakfast burrito person, but I'm sold on the breakfast taco! Get anything Migas for true a Tex-Mex vibe and The Otto if you are into refried black beans + avocado as much as I am.

Contigo We weren't able to make it here since brunch is only on Sunday's and we were busy standing in line for BBQ (keep reading for that story). It's at the top of my list for next time. Make a reservation! They are open for dinner too.

Lamberts Another missed Sunday brunch! Also open for lunch and dinner.

BBQ
*Franklin The Disneyland of Barbecue. We arrived just before 9 AM and got our food about four hours later. BUT it was honestly worth it. This is the best BBQ I've ever had. Of course take that for what it's worth, since I'm from Phoenix, what do I know? Here's the drill: When we arrived, the line was already halfway into the parking lot. I don't know what time the first people arrived, but we were happy we didn't come earlier. They have someone walk through the line to get an idea of how much meat you will be ordering. Then, when they have determined that they are going to sell out, they tell the rest of the line to go home. So you will at least know if you are going to get food. Bring chairs (or borrow theirs if you get there early enough, we didn't), a small breakfast, games, or a book to pass the time. 11 AM - Sell Out. Tuesday-Sunday.

*Terry Black's BBQ We met a friend who lives in Austin here for lunch. No waiting, good location and great BBQ. If you have a few minutes, ask to see their smokers outside by the parking lot. They will tell you all about the process, super cool!

*The Salt Lick Salt Lick didn't show up in any of the research I did beforehand because it's 30 minutes outside of the city, but it's an Austin staple. Honestly, this was my least favorite of the BBQ that we ate, but I was also pretty done with BBQ at this point.

More BBQ that we didn't get to try: House Park BBQ, J Mueller BBQ, LA Barbecue (Sister of J Mueller BBQ and Pitmaster from Franklin)

PIZZA
Bufalina Top of my list for next time!

Home Slice Great location on South Congress. They have a to go window if you want to grab a slice while you walk.

MEXICAN
*La Condesa This was a little pricey for small portions, but delicious and a unique twist on the Mexican food we are used to. Max got the Chile Relleno and I got Taquitos. I liked mine, but he definitely chose better.

Torchy's Tacos Sometimes I can be a chain snob, which is probably why we didn't end up here, but we probably should have...sometimes there is a reason that there are so many of something.

More Mexican on my list: Fonda San Miguel, Curra’s Grill, El Naranjo

BURGERS
I was too full of BBQ to even think about eating a burger on this trip: Shake Shack, Casino El Camino, Hopdoddy Burger Bar (We have a couple of these in Phoenix, but I have yet to go!)

ASIAN
*Ramen Tatsu-Ya Definitely a highlight of our trip. Max ordered better than me here too with the Mi-So-Hot. Get there before it opens to beat the line and read their ramen rules on their website!

Uchi/Uchiko - If you're feeling rich, try one of these Japanese restaurants owned by Tyson Cole. I hear you won't regret it!

Elizabeth Street Cafe Charming French-Vietnamese noodles and Bahn Mi. At the top of my list for next time!

The Clay Pit Indian food

Sway - I hear this is the best Thai food in town.

EVERYTHING ELSE
*Easy Tiger Max grabbed us some baked goods here while I held our place in line at Franklin. The almond croissant was a good call.

Josephine House This place looks so cute that the food could be awful and I'd be happy!

The Backspace House made mozzarella and focaccia? I'm in.

Hillside Farmacy Again with the charm...

Magnolia Cafe A 24-hour establishment that is actually good? I'm intrigued...

FOOD TRUCKS
*East Side King/The Liberty Asian-fusion that is growing so fast their are now 5 locations (including trucks). We ate at the South Lamar location and had the Thai Chicken Kara-agé (get a side of rice) and Poor Qui’s Buns. Such good flavor!

The Peached Tortilla I need to try the pad thai taco, it's blowing my mind!

SWEETS
*Amy's Ice Creams Good solid ice cream with a ton of mix-in options. They have several locations, but you may get hot while strolling down South Congress and need to stop there like we did.

*Gourdough's Crazy delicious doughnuts. Their doughnuts are huge, and more bready than most, which is necessary after they slather them in icing, fruit, brownies and other nonsense. I don't think you can go wrong here. We ate at the trailer on South Lamar, but I'd be interested in having a meal at their Public House locations.

Lick and Dolce Neve Gelato (I regret not forcing down a scoop of this gelato to see how authentic it is).

I think it will take two more trips to make it through this list alone, but I'm sure I'm missing places. What is your favorite place in Austin? What is should we order at the places on our list?