Episodes

  • Austin's 2026 Food Explosion: Oysters Meet Tacos, Sushi Meets BBQ, and Everything Gets Weird

    Austin's 2026 Food Explosion: Oysters Meet Tacos, Sushi Meets BBQ, and Everything Gets Weird
    Feb 10 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    **Austin's Culinary Renaissance: Fresh Flavors Igniting the Live Music Capital**

    Listeners, Austin's food scene is sizzling hotter than a summer scorcher on Sixth Street, blending bold Texas traditions with global flair and hyper-local ingredients. As your guide Byte, I'm thrilled to spotlight the wave of 2026 openings that promise to redefine dining here, drawing from East Coast oysters to Middle Eastern elegance, all infused with the city's farm-fresh bounty and cultural mash-ups.

    Kicking off early 2026, Austin Oyster Co on East Cesar Chavez Street flies in Maine oysters for briny raw bar bliss, paired with chilled martinis in a breezy indoor-outdoor haven—think salty pops of sea mingling with Southern warmth. Nearby, Bad Larry’s channels pop-up energy into juicy burgers and live music vibes. Over in EastVillage, Aburi TORA Sushi rolls out high-tech conveyor-belt sushi with premium fish and sake, a futuristic twist on Japanese precision. Chef Amir Hajimaleki's Roya Austin elevates shareable Middle Eastern plates like spiced lamb and refined cocktails in an upscale Northwest spot, while TzinTzunTzan – Desayuno y Loncheria from the Fonda San Miguel team serves vibrant Mexican breakfasts from Oaxaca and Mexico City, complete with panadería pastries and aguas frescas.

    Farm-to-table shines at Local Foods' massive North Lamar outpost, dishing seasonal sandwiches and salads under Martin Berson's watch. Plant-powered The Butcher’s Daughter lands on South Congress with veggie feasts and juices, evoking sun-soaked Cali vibes. Poeta in East Austin Hotel crafts house-made pasta with natural wines, and Ēma brings Mediterranean mezze to Domain Northside. BBQ fans, mark Two Goose Market for weekday blue-collar smokes and weekend primes, plus The Driskill Grill's classic Texas steaks in a historic hotel revival.

    Events amp the excitement: Sazón Latin Food Festival on March 29 at Cabana Club bursts with Caribbean and South American bites, music, and family fun. Austin's gastronomy thrives on local pecans, Hill Country produce, and Tex-Mex roots, fused with immigrant ingenuity.

    What sets Austin apart? This city's eats pulse with unpretentious innovation, where BBQ meets sushi and oysters hug tacos—proof that Keep Austin Weird extends to every plate. Food lovers, drop everything; this scene demands your fork now..


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    3 mins
  • Austin's Spicy Secrets: BBQ Rebels, Michelin Stars, and the Taco Truck That Sells Out by 6pm

    Austin's Spicy Secrets: BBQ Rebels, Michelin Stars, and the Taco Truck That Sells Out by 6pm
    Feb 7 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Explosion: Where BBQ Meets Global Fusion in 2026

    Listeners, buckle up for Austin's food scene, a sizzling fusion of Texas heart and worldly innovation that's redefining American dining. According to Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 list, four Austin-area gems shine bright: Taqueria De Diez at number 47, Whip My Soul at 62, and Bird Bird Biscuit at 66, with Sushi Yume in nearby Round Rock at 57. Taqueria De Diez delivers hidden-gem tacos bursting with fresh cilantro and lime, while Whip My Soul comforts with soulful Southern plates like creamy grits and fried chicken that hug your taste buds. Bird Bird Biscuit indulges in deep-fried sandwich bliss, embodying the "sandwiches for dinner" trend.

    New openings amplify the buzz. Chef Laila Bazahm's Siti in East Austin weaves Southeast Asian magic—think spicy sambal striped bass and tender 44 Farms beef cheeks—from influences in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Paprika's North Lamar taqueria upgrades its food truck legacy with pork carnitas and chipotle-braised chicken tacos, sold out by 6 p.m. most days. Old Alley Hot Pot in North Austin invites interactive feasts with spicy Sichuan beef tallow broths, fresh meats, and custom dips in a vibrant brick-walled hideaway. Soul Seoul Sol's Korean-fusion truck now parks at Stargazer bar, slinging wagyu Seoul hamburguesas with charred jalapeño and poblano-bacon jam.

    Local ingredients ground it all: Nixta Taqueria's on-site garden earned Chef Edgar Rico a MICHELIN Green Star for hyper-local sourcing, blending with Texas traditions like those at retained Bib Gourmand spots InterStellar BBQ and la Barbecue. Festivals fuel the fire—mark March 29 for Sazón Latin Food Festival at Cabana Club, showcasing Caribbean, Central, and South American vendors with vibrant music, or FoodieLand March 6-8 at Circuit of the Americas for 200-plus global flavors.

    What sets Austin apart? It's this unpretentious mashup of ranch-raised beef, immigrant ingenuity, and live-music energy, all on hyper-fresh plates. Food lovers, this is your cue—Austin's not just eating; it's a flavor revolution demanding your fork..


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    3 mins
  • Austin Eats 2026: Tacos, Soul Food, and Michelin Stars - Your Spicy Guide to the Hottest Tables in Texas Right Now

    Austin Eats 2026: Tacos, Soul Food, and Michelin Stars - Your Spicy Guide to the Hottest Tables in Texas Right Now
    Feb 5 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Scene Sizzles: A Byte-Sized Guide to 2026's Hottest Bites

    Listeners, buckle up for Austin's food frontier, where barbecue smoke mingles with Southeast Asian spice and taqueria tacos steal the spotlight. As Byte, your go-to culinary sleuth, I'm buzzing about the city's explosive 2026 vibe, blending local grit with global flair.

    Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 list crowns four Austin-area gems: Taqueria De Diez at No. 47 for its hidden, inviting tacos; Whip My Soul at No. 62, dishing soulful Southern comfort; and Bird Bird Biscuit at No. 66, frying up indulgent deep-fried sandwiches that crunch with every bite. Nearby, Round Rock's Sushi Yume hits No. 57 with premium sushi at wallet-friendly prices. Trends like grandma-core dining and Japanese flavors are surging, per Yelp data.

    New openings amp the excitement. Chef Laila Bazahm's Siti in East Austin weaves Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai, and Filipino influences into stunning plates like spicy sambal striped bass and 44 Farms beef cheeks. Paprika's North Lamar taqueria elevates pork carnitas and chipotle-braised chicken from its food truck roots. Rocco’s Neighborhood Joint serves nostalgic Italian-American meatballs and red-sauce pastas with big-hearted hospitality. Food trucks shine too: Soul Seoul Sol's Korean-fusion fried chicken sammich with kimchi fries now parks at Stargazer bar, while Knuckle Sandwich piles mortadella and spicy slaw at Ants Beer Cave.

    Local ingredients ground it all—think Nixta Taqueria's on-site garden earning Chef Edgar Rico a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainable sourcing. Austin's Michelin stars persist at spots like Barley Swine and la Barbecue, nodding to Texas traditions.

    Festivals fuel the fire: Sazón Latin Food Festival on March 29 at Cabana Club bursts with Caribbean, Central, and South American vendors, live music, and family vibes. FoodieLand hits March 6-8 with 200-plus global flavors.

    What sets Austin apart? It's this fearless mash-up of ranch roots, immigrant ingenuity, and live-music energy, turning every meal into a party. Food lovers, drop everything—this is Texas tasting tomorrow, today..


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    3 mins
  • Austin's Secret Food Wars: How BBQ Kings and Thai Queens Are Fighting for Your Taste Buds This Spring

    Austin's Secret Food Wars: How BBQ Kings and Thai Queens Are Fighting for Your Taste Buds This Spring
    Feb 3 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Scene: Where Barbecue Meets Bold Innovation

    Listeners, buckle up for Austin's food renaissance, a sizzling fusion of Texas traditions and global flair that's redefining Southern dining. At the heart of it all is Leona, a sprawling five-acre haven in South Austin from The Infatuation's latest roundup, blending a cafe, bar, and counter-service spots like Dee Dee for aromatic Thai dishes that burst with lemongrass and chili heat.

    Standout openings channel local bounty—think farm-fresh pecans and brisket smoked low and slow—into inventive concepts. Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue anchors the Hot Luck Festival, typically firing up in mid-May with taco cookouts, jazz-fueled brunches, and chef showdowns across venues like Mohawk and Assembly Hall, as detailed by Escoffier.edu. Meanwhile, Sazón Latin Food Festival hits Cabana Club on March 29, 2026, per Eventbrite, unleashing Caribbean jerk, Central American pupusas, and South American empanadas amid live music and craft drinks, all family-friendly and flavor-packed.

    Trends lean into sustainability and fusion: SXSW's Food Track from March 12-18 spotlights farm-to-table tech, while FoodieLand Food Festival March 6-8 brings 200-plus vendors with Asian bao from The Peached Tortilla and Indonesian satay from Saté Texas. Austin's gastronomy thrives on Hill Country ingredients, from peppery hot sauces at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival to cheesy wizardry at the Cheez Invitational, both benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank.

    What sets Austin apart? It's that unpretentious grit—2,000 food trucks mingling with white-tablecloth innovation, live-fire feasts echoing Willie Nelson's ranch vibes at Luck Reunited, and a calendar crammed with free Pecan Street Festival eats. Food lovers, this is your siren call: a city where every bite tells a story of bold chefs, vibrant cultures, and endless reinvention. Dive in before the lines form..


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    2 mins
  • Austin's Spicy Secrets: Why Chefs Are Ditching Fine Dining for Fried Chicken and Kimchi Fries in 2026

    Austin's Spicy Secrets: Why Chefs Are Ditching Fine Dining for Fried Chicken and Kimchi Fries in 2026
    Jan 31 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's culinary scene pulses with bold innovation, where barbecue legends meet global fusion and local festivals ignite the senses. As Byte, your go-to culinary explorer, I'm thrilled to dive into the city's hottest spots and trends shaping 2026.

    Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants list spotlights Austin's rising stars: Taqueria De Diez at number 47, serving crave-worthy tacos that blend authenticity with hidden-gem charm; Whip My Soul at 62, a Southern comfort haven dishing soul-warming plates like fried chicken and collards; and Bird Bird Biscuit at 66, where crispy, deep-fried biscuit sandwiches deliver indulgent bites of buttery bliss. Nearby, Round Rock's Sushi Yume ranks 57 for pristine, affordable sushi rolls bursting with fresh ocean flavors. Trends like grandma-core dining, all-day breakfast, and Japanese influences are everywhere, per Yelp data.

    New openings amp up the excitement. Chef Laila Bazahm's Siti in East Austin weaves Southeast Asian magic—think spicy sambal striped bass and tender 44 Farms beef cheeks plated with artistic flair. Paprika's brick-and-mortar taqueria on North Lamar offers pork carnitas and chipotle-braised chicken tacos, evolving from its food truck roots. Food trucks shine too: Soul Seoul Sol's Korean-fusion fried chicken sammich with kimchi fries at Stargazer bar, and Knuckle Sandwich's mortadella-packed namesake at Ants Beer Cave. Grá Mór brings Irish cafe vibes downtown with Scotch eggs and jalapeño-cheddar sausage rolls, while Old Alley Hot Pot invites interactive feasts of spicy Sichuan broths and custom dips.

    Local ingredients and Texas traditions fuel it all—nixtamalized corn at Nixta Taqueria earns green stars for its on-site garden, nodding to Michelin-recognized spots like la Barbecue and Olamaie. Festivals add fire: Sazón Latin Food Festival on March 29 at Cabana Club showcases Caribbean and South American vendors with vibrant music; FoodieLand March 6-8 features 200 global flavors; and Panda Fest in November celebrates Asian street eats at Republic Square.

    What sets Austin apart? It's this fearless mash-up of live music energy, farm-fresh bounty, and chef-driven reinvention—no stuffy fine dining, just electric, shareable experiences. Listeners, drop everything and taste why this Keep Austin Weird capital is America's must-visit food frontier..


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    3 mins
  • Austin Spills the Tea: Taco Legends, Fried Chicken Secrets and Why Everyone's Moving Here for the Food

    Austin Spills the Tea: Taco Legends, Fried Chicken Secrets and Why Everyone's Moving Here for the Food
    Jan 29 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Scene: Where Southern Soul Meets Taco Triumphs and Global Flavors

    Listeners, if you're craving a city where barbecue smoke mingles with sushi precision and Latin spices dance on your tongue, Austin delivers in spades. Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 list spotlights this vibrancy, with four local gems ranking high: Taqueria De Diez at No. 47 for its masterful tacos bursting with fresh cilantro and lime-kissed tortillas; Whip My Soul at No. 62, a Southern comfort haven where fried chicken crackles with soulful spice; and Bird Bird Biscuit at No. 66, indulgence central with deep-fried sandwiches that ooze cheesy, crispy perfection. Nearby in Round Rock, Sushi Yume at No. 57 wows with high-quality nigiri at wallet-friendly prices, proving Japanese flavors are surging here.

    New openings amp up the excitement. Ēma, debuting January 31 from Chef CJ Jacobson, transports diners to the Mediterranean with hyper-seasonal small plates like grilled octopus drizzled in foraging-inspired herb oils, blending Austin's farm-fresh bounty with coastal zest. The Infatuation highlights Leona in South Austin, a five-acre haven featuring Dee Dee's Thai counter-service, where vibrant curries steam with lemongrass and coconut milk.

    Local ingredients shine through Texas traditions—think brisket nods and pecan accents—infused with cultural mashups. Trends like grandma-core dining and all-day breakfast fuel spots like Bird Bird Biscuit, while Yelp notes sandwiches reigning supreme.

    Mark your calendars for culinary events: Sazón Latin Food Festival on March 29 at Cabana Club showcases Caribbean empanadas, Central American pupusas, and South American arepas amid live music; FoodieLand Food Festival March 6-8 promises 200-plus global vendors; and the Austin Food & Wine Festival in November pairs top chefs with Auditorium Shores vibes.

    What sets Austin apart? It's this fearless fusion—live music energy meets hyper-local sourcing, birthing a scene that's innovative yet rooted. Food lovers, tune in now; this is where your next obsession ignites..


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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    2 mins
  • Austin's Hottest Bites: Taco Queens, Fried Chicken Royalty and Why Your Grandma Would Approve of 2026's Food Scene

    Austin's Hottest Bites: Taco Queens, Fried Chicken Royalty and Why Your Grandma Would Approve of 2026's Food Scene
    Jan 27 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Scene Sizzles: From Taqueria Triumphs to Global Fusion Feasts

    Listeners, buckle up for Austin's food renaissance, where Texas barbecue meets innovative global twists and Yelp's 2026 Top 100 list crowns local gems like Taqueria De Diez at number 47 for its crave-worthy tacos, Whip My Soul at 62 with soulful Southern comfort plates steaming with collards and cornbread, and Bird Bird Biscuit at 66, where crispy fried chicken sandwiches drip with indulgent sauce. These spots pulse with "grandma-core" nostalgia and sandwich supremacy, trends Yelp data highlights as dominating 2026 dining.

    New openings electrify the scene: Chef Laila Bazahm's Siti in East Austin weaves Southeast Asian magic from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines into satays and spicy sambal striped bass, paired with 44 Farms beef cheeks that melt on the tongue. Paprika's North Lamar taqueria upgrades its food truck legacy with pork carnitas and chipotle-braised chicken tostadas, while Rocco’s Neighborhood Joint dishes massive Italian-American meatballs in red sauce. Food trucks shine too—Soul Seoul Sol's Korean-fusion fried chicken sammich with kimchi fries now parks at Stargazer bar, and Knuckle Sandwich piles mortadella and spicy slaw at Ants Beer Cave.

    Local ingredients anchor it all: Nixta Taqueria's on-site garden earned Chef Edgar Rico a MICHELIN Green Star for hyper-local sourcing, blending with Austin's Michelin-retained stars like Barley Swine and la Barbecue. Festivals amplify the buzz—mark March 29 for Sazón Latin Food Festival at Cabana Club, bursting with Caribbean, Central, and South American vendors offering salsas and empanadas amid live music; FoodieLand March 6-8 at Circuit of the Americas with 200 global flavors; and the Austin Food & Wine Festival in November for chef showdowns.

    What sets Austin apart? This city's gastronomy fuses ranch-road grit with boundary-pushing creativity, powered by immigrant ingenuity and farm-fresh bounty. Food lovers, tune in—Austin isn't just eating; it's a flavor revolution you can't miss..


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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    3 mins
  • Austin's Food Scene is Spicy: Vietnamese Pho Meets Texas Beef and We're Here for All the Delicious Drama

    Austin's Food Scene is Spicy: Vietnamese Pho Meets Texas Beef and We're Here for All the Delicious Drama
    Jan 24 2026
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's Culinary Renaissance: Where Texas Twang Meets Global Zing

    Listeners, buckle up for Austin's food scene, a sizzling fusion of bold newcomers and timeless flavors that's redefining Southern hospitality. Community Impact spotlighted recent launches like Bites & Basil in Hutto, where owner Phen T. Diep twists Vietnamese classics with Texas flair—think pho wagyu simmering in aromatic broth or wagyu bo luc lac sizzled tableside on a scorching stone, paired with crispy egg rolls that crunch like autumn leaves.

    In Bouldin Creek, High Road DelicaTexan, helmed by chef Russell Dougherty and the Cavalier team, dazzles with house-cured sausages, farm-fresh sandwiches, and craft cocktails, all sourced sustainably from local producers—the salty snap of salumi melting into creamy dairy notes you'll savor all day. North Austin buzzes with Oumi Sushi Grill & Bar's all-you-can-eat frenzy of tempura-crusted bites and sake flows, while Kura Revolving Sushi Bar gears up in Pflugerville for conveyor-belt magic, plates piling with handmade nigiri and ramen.

    Yelp's 2026 top 100 nods to Austin gems like Taqueria De Diez's street-style tacos bursting with carnitas juiciness, Whip My Soul's soulful Southern plates, and Bird Bird Biscuit's fried-to-perfection sandwiches. Sushi Yume in Round Rock elevates Japanese precision with wallet-friendly wagyu rolls. Saté Texas in Round Rock champions Indonesian satay, grilled skewers blending Southeast Asian spices with Texas smoke.

    Local ingredients shine: Texas beef in pho, Hill Country farms fueling DelicaTexan. Cultural mashups thrive, from Latin explosions at the Sazón Latin Food Festival on March 29 at Cabana Club—Caribbean jerk to South American empanadas amid live beats—to FoodieLand March 6-8, showcasing global vendors.

    What sets Austin apart? It's this unpretentious alchemy of immigrant ingenuity, ranch roots, and live music energy, birthing dishes that taste like home and horizon. Food lovers, tune in—Austin's plate is calling..


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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    2 mins