Even if the Austin temps haven’t caught up, we’re officially declaring it soup season. From pho and ramen to chowders and classic tomato bisque, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl to welcome fall, even if it still feels like summer outside. Whether you’re dining out or grabbing takeout for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner at home, here are some of our favorite spots around Austin to get your soup fix.
— All of the options @ Soupleaf Hot Pot
6929 Airport Blvd.
This family-owned, all-you-can-eat hot pot hot spot is always busy, but somehow always makes space as well. (Note: they do take reservations, but we’ve never had to wait!) This is our editor’s kids’ favorite restaurant, and with so many options for broth, and a buffet of fresh choices of veggies, noodles, seafood, and meat, each member of your family can make a soup uniquely for them. Soupleaf Hot Pot also has special kids’ pricing, and you can check out their menu here. Soupleaf is located in the same plaza as 99 Ranch, and there’s lots to do and see before and after dinner – we’re talking some of our favorite places for boba, Kinokuniya for books, and more, as well as lots of little places for shopping.
— Tomato Basil @ Soup Peddler
Various Locations
Seeing Soup Peddler on this should surprise no one. Our locally grown mini-chain of savory soups, grilled cheeses, and juices is everyone’s go-to when it’s a chilly winter’s day or you’re struck down with a cold. There’s something about how they blend healthy and comfort food that’s hard to resist. Especially with their Tomato Basil Soup. How can anyone resist the staple of tomato soup and grilled cheese? With the touch of basil, this classic cozy night-in meal of choice feels both elevated and familiar.
— Wonton Soup @ 1618 Asian Fusion
1618 E Riverside Dr.
Head over to 1618’s site and order the best wonton soup in the city. This one stands out for tons of flavor, with its light pork broth filled with the most delicious shrimp and pork wontons, cilantro, and what really makes us keep coming back for more – fried onions and bacon crumbles.
— Tonkotsu Original @ Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Various Locations
Ramen Tatsu-Ya has been serving high-quality ramen to the Austin community for five years. Started by two hip-hop DJs determined to “educate people on what ramen really is,” Ramen Tatsu-Ya hit the big time when TimeOut rated the restaurant as America’s best place to get ramen. The good news is, Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s acclaim is well-earned. While their menu boasts many delicious variations of ramen, the Tonkotsu Original is without a doubt the restaurant’s classic dish. Chock full of pork bone broth, chashu, ajitama, woodear mushroom, and scallion, the Tonkotsu Original is filling, savory, and bursting with flavor. An unforgettable bowl of ramen. For more of our favorite ramen around town, check out our full list of Where To Get Ramen In Austin
— French Onion Soup @ June’s
1722 S Congress Ave
Nestled in a cozy corner on South Congress, June’s is a petite bistro that serves gourmet coffee, wine, brunch, and pastries. Equipped with a professional sommelier and decorated with a vintage, fun design, June’s is at once sophisticated and casual. While their menu offers tons of great food, the French Onion Soup persists as one of its strongest dishes. Filled with fresh onions, savory beef broth, sourdough croutons, parmesan, and gruyère, the French Onion Soup is packed with a particular flavor and zest that goes unrivaled in Austin. June’s is a perfect spot to relax, grab a drink, down a bowl of soup, and pass the time.
— Crab Bisque @ Nordstrom Cafe Bistro
2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy
We know what you’re thinking: “Why in the H-E-double hockey sticks would I go to Nordstrom to eat Crab Bisque?” We understand your reservations. After all, Nordstrom is a department store, not a coastal New England eatery. However, unbeknownst to many, the delicious Cafe Bistro sits at the back of the store, serving gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizza. While the cafe’s menu offers a variety of tasty cuisine, the crab bisque—for whatever strange, inexplicable reason—stands out as one of the menu’s most memorable dishes. Thick, creamy, and loaded with freshly cooked crab, Nordstrom’s Crab Bisque is inarguably one of Austin’s best-kept secrets.
— Clam Chowder @ Garbo’s
Various Locations
Hailing from Connecticut, Heidi Garbo, owner of the aptly named Garbo’s food truck, knows how to cook some mean seafood. Lucky for us, she brought her talents to the Austin area in 2013, serving some of the freshest lobster rolls, oysters, and lobster bisque to hungry patrons. While everything on the Garbo’s menu is without a doubt delicious, the clam chowder certainly stands out as a favorite. Thick, creamy, and filled with clam chunks, Garbo’s Clam Chowder tastes like New England in a bowl. It’s fresh, flavorful, and arguably the best bowl of clam chowder in Austin. We highly recommend visiting Garbo’s and grubbing down.
— Chicken Tortilla Soup @ Bartlett’s
2408 W. Anderson Lane
Upscale but affordable and unpretentious, Bartlett’s has been serving gourmet food to Austin since 1990. With countless awards under its belt, the restaurant has become something of a stalwart, loyal to the Austin community and true to its customers. While Bartlett’s menu contains a multitude of great dishes, it also offers an excellent daily soup special that includes arroz con pollo soup, chili, and clam chowder. But our favorite is undoubtedly their Chicken Tortilla Soup, a classic to make grandma proud. Bartlett’s is one of Austin’s best places to warm up with a hearty bowl of soup.
— Cheese Soup @ Upper Crust Bakery
4508 Burnet Rd.
Locally owned and cherished by many longtime Austinites, Upper Crust Bakery has served delectable pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more to our city for over 28 years. While you can’t go wrong with anything from the European-style bakery’s menu, their Cheese Soup stands out as a local favorite. A creamy concoction made with fresh carrots, garlic, onions, celery, and a hint of cayenne, the cheese soup is highly satisfying, refreshingly light, and undeniably delicious. Order the lunch combo and get a sandwich, chips, and a cookie along with your Cheese Soup. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
More:
- We hear Biderman’s Deli will be coming back soon – we’re anxiously awaiting the return of their Matza Ball Soup!
- Ramen @ Sazan Ramen. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!
