We all know that Austin has amazing restaurants, but do you know the history behind them? From ghostly kitchen inhabitants to famously delicious tacos, the capital city has so much more than just live music. These ten amazing historical restaurants in Austin don’t only have mouth-watering dishes; they’re full of fascinating stories.
- Texas Chili Parlor
Texas Chili Parlor/Facebook The Texas Chili Parlor has been an Austin staple ever since 1972. Featured in the Quentin Tarantino film, Death Proof, this historical restaurant is also immortalized in Guy Clark’s ballad “Dublin Blues.”
- Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel/Facebook As one of the the first interior Mexican food restaurants in the country, Fonda San Miguel opened the eyes and expanded the taste buds of foodies all over.
- Matt’s El Rancho
Matt’s El Rancho/Facebook Matt’s El Rancho has been charming taste buds since 1952. It’s no surprise that Lyndon B. Johnson often flew from D.C to Austin just for some chile rellenos.
- Hill’s Cafe
Hill’s Cafe Congress/Facebook Opened by the Goodnight family in 1947, Hill’s Cafe has rugged cowboy tradition in its recipes.
- Scholz Garten
Scholz Garten/Facebook As the oldest operating business in Texas, Scholz Garten draws customers for both its unique menu and rich history. Their menu fuses Mexican, German, and southern style cooking.
- The Clay Pit
The Clay Pit/Facebook The Clay Pit resides in the historic Bertram building, which was a well-traveled trading post in the mid 1800s. So many people stopped by this building, it’s rumored that they don’t want to leave. Ghosts are said to haunt this delicious Indian restaurant.
- Cisco’s
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery/Facebook Over 70 years ago, Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros wowed Texas politicians by bringing his scrumptious tacos to jury meetings. It’s no surprise that this East side restaurant still attracts lawmakers and taco enthusiasts alike. There’s even a wall of fame showcasing the well-known people who have eaten there.
- Threadgill’s
mirsasha/Flickr Two Threadgill’s locations grace this musical city. Threadgill’s World Headquarters on West Riverside sits where The Armadillo World Headquarters used to dazzle music fans across the city. The original Threadgill’s on North Lamar jumpstarted the career of Janis Joplin.
- Victory Grill
Wally Gobetz/Flickr This historic Victory Grill saw talent from the likes of Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown, Etta James, and Billie Holiday. A gorgeous mural surrounds this building to remember the days of the Chitlin’ Circuit.
- Guero’s Taco Bar
John Swords/Flickr Formerly the Central Feed and Store, Guero’s Taco Bar has been satisfying taste buds on South Congress for decades. When the building was renovated, old currency was found beneath the floorboards.
What are your favorite historical restaurants in Austin?
Texas Chili Parlor/Facebook
The Texas Chili Parlor has been an Austin staple ever since 1972. Featured in the Quentin Tarantino film, Death Proof, this historical restaurant is also immortalized in Guy Clark’s ballad “Dublin Blues.”
Fonda San Miguel/Facebook
As one of the the first interior Mexican food restaurants in the country, Fonda San Miguel opened the eyes and expanded the taste buds of foodies all over.
Matt’s El Rancho/Facebook
Matt’s El Rancho has been charming taste buds since 1952. It’s no surprise that Lyndon B. Johnson often flew from D.C to Austin just for some chile rellenos.
Hill’s Cafe Congress/Facebook
Opened by the Goodnight family in 1947, Hill’s Cafe has rugged cowboy tradition in its recipes.
Scholz Garten/Facebook
As the oldest operating business in Texas, Scholz Garten draws customers for both its unique menu and rich history. Their menu fuses Mexican, German, and southern style cooking.
The Clay Pit/Facebook
The Clay Pit resides in the historic Bertram building, which was a well-traveled trading post in the mid 1800s. So many people stopped by this building, it’s rumored that they don’t want to leave. Ghosts are said to haunt this delicious Indian restaurant.
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery/Facebook
Over 70 years ago, Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros wowed Texas politicians by bringing his scrumptious tacos to jury meetings. It’s no surprise that this East side restaurant still attracts lawmakers and taco enthusiasts alike. There’s even a wall of fame showcasing the well-known people who have eaten there.
mirsasha/Flickr
Two Threadgill’s locations grace this musical city. Threadgill’s World Headquarters on West Riverside sits where The Armadillo World Headquarters used to dazzle music fans across the city. The original Threadgill’s on North Lamar jumpstarted the career of Janis Joplin.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
This historic Victory Grill saw talent from the likes of Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown, Etta James, and Billie Holiday. A gorgeous mural surrounds this building to remember the days of the Chitlin’ Circuit.
John Swords/Flickr
Formerly the Central Feed and Store, Guero’s Taco Bar has been satisfying taste buds on South Congress for decades. When the building was renovated, old currency was found beneath the floorboards.
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