Austin has staked its claim as the seat of innovative culinary movements, and its food culture mirrors the transformations taking place across the city. The evolution of the east side is reflected in joints like Franklin Barbecue, while landmarks like Scholz Garten, the oldest restaurant in the capital, testify to the contributions of the town's college presence and a healthy German influence. Joe's Bakery isn't just one of the town's most beloved Tex-Mex spots; it's the place where the real wheeling and dealing in Texas politics happens. Food writer Melanie Haupt samples Austin's iconic restaurants and the rich heritage that produced them.

There are hundreds of restaurants in our state that have been around for more than twenty years. Some boast lots of atmosphere and a few gimmicks, like the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. Others are more refined and elegant, like the Green Pastures Restaurant in Austin. Many double as a community watering hole, where locals gather to drink coffee and discuss what’s happening around town. The Blue Bonnet in Marble Falls fits that bill. Large or small, fancy or plain, these restaurants share three things in common: long histories, established reputations, and loyal customers. Author Sheryl Smith-Rodgers scoured the state to find the best of these old-time restaurants and cafes, and then collected some of their tried-and-true Texas recipes, making this an excellent gift book, recipe source, and weekend travel guide.

Tired of the boring chain restaurant scene? Recipes from Historic Texas will please your palate and nourish your mind. Enjoy a unique bit of Texas history by visiting a wide variety of restaurants located in unusual historic settings-a gritsmill, a Dr. Pepper bottling plant, a church, and a funeral home, to name a few. Two recipes from each establishment are offered to form a well balanced selection of Texas cuisine. A brief history of each of the 70 restaurants is included, followed by basic information such as hours of operation, location, and other important details. The recipes themselves are an eclectic mix of the simple and the exotic, from the Cowboy Omelet at Beaumont's The Pig Stand to the Jicama Salad at Dallas's famous Mansion on Turtle Creek. Two indexes, one to restaurants and the other to recipes, make the book equally useful as both a travel guide and a cook book.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free recipes that sound and look way too delicious to be healthy from The Defined Dish blog, fully endorsed by Whole30.

Sip and taste your way through Austin. Austin Food Crawls is an exciting culinary tour through this trendy Texas city. Discover hidden gems and long-standing institutions. Each crawl is the complete recipe for a great night out, the perfect tourist day, a new way to experience your own city, or simply food porn to enjoy from home. Head to Cesar Chavez for some of the best tacos, get weird in East Austin, and bring the whole family to Allendale. Put on your walking shoes and your stretchy pants, and dig into the Capitol City one dish at a time.

Discover the savory culture and traditions that have made Austin, Texas, the self-proclaimed Breakfast Taco Capital of the World. Fresh tortillas, fluffy huevos con bacon and spicy salsa—good morning, Austin. Or good afternoon, evening, night—whenever. From taco tailgates to taquerias, there is a taco for every occasion and persuasion. Some say that it was born in the days of cowboys and vaqueros, and others say it was a creation of the Tex-Mex culture, but one thing is certain: The breakfast taco has taken over the Capital City. From South Congress to North Austin, neon and chalkboard signs tempt hungry passersby with their best morning-time handheld bites. With over forty breakfast taco recipes, Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece investigate (and masticate) the history, culture, and traditions of that indelible and delectable Austin treat: the breakfast taco. Includes photos! “Casual, fun, and approachable . . . I’m betting Austin Breakfast Tacos becomes one of Austin’s favorite culinary mementos during the coming year.” —The Austin Chronicle

The acclaimed food writer’s “go-to guide for Austin eating” shares classic and creative recipes from the city’s greatest restaurants (Publishers Weekly). The story of Austin food is equal parts deep Texan traditions and a booming food scene. It is this atmosphere that has fostered some of the hottest restaurants in the country, a lively food truck community, and a renaissance in the most Texan of foods: barbecue. Austin food is also tacos and Tex-Mex, old fashioned Southern cooking, street food and fine dining, with influences from all over the globe. Above all, it’s a source of pride and inspiration for chefs and diners alike. Organized by Austin’s “major food groups”, The Austin Cookbook explores the roots of Texas food traditions and the restaurants that are reinventing them, revealing the secrets to Bob Armstrong dip, Odd Duck’s sweet potato nachos, East Side King’s beet fries, and of course, smoked brisket that has people lining up to eat it—even in the Texas summer. Part cookbook, part restaurant guide, and 100 percent love letter, The Austin Cookbook is perfect for proud locals, curious visitors, and (t)ex-pats.