Donuts so big they’d intimidate Homer Simpson? A sausage made of…rattlesnake? These may sound strange, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk on the weird side of Austin’s food scene and maybe you’ll find a new fave. Or at least have a great story. Here are our picks for The Weirdest Foods To Eat in Austin.
Thanks to our Friends at Do512 for originally contributing this article!
Texas-sized donut at Round Rock Donuts
Locations in Round Rock and Cedar Park here
Everything is bigger in Texas, and Round Rock Donuts is no exception. Stop by this world-famous donut shop for their “Texas-sized” donut that can feed the whole fam! You can order this pastry glazed, chocolate, or half and half.
Duck, Rabbit-Rattlesnake Sausage at Lonesome Dove
419 Colorado St.
When hearing the word “rattlesnake,” we’d wager that most people don’t immediately think, “Yum.” At Lonesome Dove, you can find out your take on that. Head to Lonesome Dove for lunch on Fridays, or for dinner six days a week and go with the Duck, Rabbit-Rattlesnake Sausage for your First Course. They may just be onto something.
Corn Dog Shrimp at Moonshine Grill
303 Red River St.
When heading to the classic Moonshine Grill, you’d be remiss if you overlooked this popular appetizer item, Corndog Shrimp. Even if you’re a fan of fried shrimp, this new imagining of that classic dish might be a little strange to blurt out to your server, but have no fear! This concoction is made with jumbo shrimp, and battered and fried in corndog batter with a side of honey mustard with a blueberry swirl. Yum!
Specialty Flavors at Amy’s Ice Creams
All Austin Locations
Do you even live in Austin if you don’t eat Amy’s Ice Creams on a hot summer day? We love this local sweet spot for keeping us on our toes with its rotating flavors of creamy goodness. Flavors you’ve never dreamed of are right here on that longggggg list of delicious — and interesting — flavors. Austin locations are currently featuring the childhood breakfast favorite, Apple Jacks, and for the adults, they have “Alexander’s Sister”, a nod to the classic cocktail, blended with gin, Creme de Menthe, and nutmeg.
Chicken Liver Mousse at Salty Sow
1917 Manor Rd.
This place rocks. Hands down. Their food is high-quality and tasty, but sometimes we just can’t get over the appetizer named “Chicken Liver Mousse.” Served in a jar with bread to spread it on, it’s a butter-like whipped mousse from, you guessed it, chicken liver. And while the name does it no service, it’s honestly very good.
Sake Mac & Cheese at Maiko Sushi Lounge
311 W. 6th St.
We’ve heard of cooking with wine, but sake in your mac & cheese? Honestly, count us in. At Maiko, they use a sake reduction alongside Vermont white cheddar, sesame seeds, and scallions over spiral pasta. You can add bacon, cajun crawfish, or lump crab to the top. Yum!
Jellyfish @ Kemuri Tatsu-ya
2713 E 2nd St
Next time you have friends visiting from out of town and want to show them some Texas-y food with a twist, make a reservation at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya. Their Texan/Japanese fusion menu is certain to have items you’ve never tried before, including one of the most unique dishes we’ve found around town: Jellyfish. Not only is it fun and different, but also delicious. If you end up loving it and are craving more jellyfish, it has been found in the form of sushi at Uchi before.
Chapulines (Grasshoppers) @ La Condesa
400 W 2nd St A
Even the more adventurous eaters wince when they read that this Oaxacan treat comes with fried grasshoppers, but why limit your culinary journey? Take a tortilla, some guacamole, and bite into this buggy off-menu dish. Realizing you’ve got a whole new world of flavors to explore just beyond the ranch and into the insect-filled pastures.
Bone Marrow Tacos @ Comedor
501 Colorado St
Fatty, savory, and completely unique is what you’ll get when you try the Bone Marrow Tacos at one of downtown Austin’s modern Mexican restaurants, Comedor. You’ll receive a plate of bones and be instructed to scrape out the slimy yumminess from the center onto fresh, homemade tortillas.
Nose to Tail Tasting Menu @ Foreign & Domestic
306 E 53rd St
Anyone who claims to be a meat lover needs to put that love to the tastiest test by exploring far beyond the ribs and shoulders of an animal. At Foreign & Domestic, you can experience dishes made from every available part found in a deli. Think goat’s hearts, cow’s tongues, pig’s feet, all the parts you might never consider taking center stage in this four-course tasting.
“Keep Austin Dipping” Queso @ Dip Dip Dip Tatsu-Ya
7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101
Dip Dip Dip is one of the fanciest and most unique hot pot spots you’ll probably ever try. One wacky standout is the “Keep Austin Dipping” dip, which is just a boat of Shiso Kosho Queso that is attached to the side of your pot to stay warm. Immediately after swishing your meat around in your broth to cook it, dip it in the queso, add it onto one of their fluffy steamed buns, and enjoy!
Any of the Donuts at Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts
1503 S. 1st St and 10700 Menchaca Rd
We love donuts and fried chicken, but the two together? A match made in heaven. Now add some honey butter and you’ve got yourself the makings of a downright wacky dish. With a quick little trip down to either of Gourdough’s food trucks, you can try one of these outrageous donuts for yourself.
The Avocado Margarita at Curra’s
614 E Oltorf St and 4215 Duval St
If you’ve lived in Austin for a few years or more, you’re probably desensitized to this one by now. But let us enthrall you with a tale as old as time: do you remember first hearing about the Avocado Margarita upon first moving to Austin? Your first thought was likely, “Ew, what?” Until you try it. Then you are inducted into the insider club, never to snub your nose at the strange concoction ever again. So yes, this one gets a place on our list, even if only for a newcomer’s sake.
The Bloody Mary at Casino El Camino
517 E. 6th St
While Austin was surely not the first city to invent Bloody Mary toppings, we definitely have the last say. And that’s all thanks to Casino El Camino, who serves their ginormous Bloody Mary with an insane array of garnishes like tater tots, bacon, sliders, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, and whatever else they decide to dazzle you with that day. Come prepared—Casino El Camino’s Bloody Mary is a meal of its own.
Seasonal Margaritas at Taco Cabana
Various Locations
While Taco Cabana originated in San Antonio, not Austin, it’s still a staple fast food for lots of Austinites who love this Texas-based quick spot. One of their most divisive menu items is their flavored margaritas. They’ve been known to feature flavors like Dr. Pepper and Pickle, and the current flavor is Big Red – yep, the soda!
EVEN MORE WEIRD (AND GOOD) DISHES TO TRY:
- Hot Cheeto Machete (& Tacos & Burritos) @ Aparicio’s Cafe
- Worm Salt @ Mezcalería Tobalá
- Mustang Grape Latte @ Dear Diary Coffee
Have you tasted something totally weird, delicious, and deserving of a spot on the list? Give us a shout in the comments below.
