DO512: What to Eat in Austin on 420
For some reason, we’ve noticed that people tend to feel more hungry than usual on April 20th.
We’re not clear on the science involved in this mysterious increase in appetite, but we went ahead and made a list of some tasty spots in Austin for you to wander into when your stomach starts growling. Our friends atIndependence Brewing Co. helped us round up some of the most cheesy, decadent eats your tummy desires. Let this list serve as your road map for 4/20, and may the munchies you seek be found.
Need help getting your mind right for a 4/20 munch-a-thon? Crack open a Stash IPA and check out our list of Smoke Shops in Austin… or read about Chill CBD Spots to get mellow.
PHOTO CREDIT: TORYCH’S TACOS FACEBOOK
Torchy’s Tacos
Various Locations
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Fried Avocado Tacos…
And get a big Queso with it. Dip the tacos in the Queso, dude. If anyone gives you a weird look just be content with the fact that you’re the genius who is enjoying your meal more than anyone else in the restaurant. Also, you’re probably just imagining that people are looking at you.
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PHOTO VIA RESTART CBD
Garbo’s Restaurant
14735 Bratton Ln
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Cheesy CBD Lobster Fries
Looking to get your mind right and make your tummy happy all at once? Two of our favorite Austin establishments, Garbo’s and Restart CBD, have joined forces this 4/20, and you’re gonna want what they have to offer. Let this sink in: Cheesy CBD Lobster Fries. Garbo’s famous buttery lobster over hot fries, topped with a cheesy CBD-infused sauce, bacon, scallions, and Flaming Hot Cheetos. This next-level item is only available on 4/20, so get your butt over to the brick and mortar Garbo’s and try it while you can!
Looking for more CBD eats? Blenders & Bowls has a fabulously fresh smoothie bowl made with mango, banana, pineapple, and spinach. Topped with hemp granola and infused with Restart CBD, this 4/20 friendly healthy snack is available at any of their three locations around Austin.
603 Barton Springs Rd
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Butterscotch Milkshake
Sandy’s is famous for their burgers, but that’s not why we’ve included them in this list. We’re recommending you get into your zen state and then order the Butterscotch Milkshake. You can then email us a quick thank you for the suggestion.
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PHOTO CREDIT: ROGER HO
Habanero Cafe
501 W. Oltorf St
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Deep-fried Habanero Burrito
Buckle up, y’all. This burrito is not for the faint of heart. Seriously… it’s deep-fried. The crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the inside goodness of the Habanero Burrito is a can’t-miss for anyone who calls themselves a burrito aficionado. (Pro-Tip: This place is cash-only, but there is an ATM by the door).
Star Seeds
3101 N. I-35
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Eye Opener
The great thing about Star Seeds is that you can wander in at any old time of the day and get some killer breakfast. Because your vision may be a bit cloudy, go ahead and order the Eye Opener. It’s two biscuits, piled high with scrambled eggs & gravy.
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EastSide Tavern
1510 E. Cesar Chavez
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Heartstopper Burger
There’s a classic paradox that runs rampant throughout human history: we chase the unconquerable. Captain Ahab had his white whale. King Arthur had the Holy Grail. Tom always had Jerry. EastSide Tavern, a newer and very delicious establishment in Austin’s restaurant scene, has created the unconquerable burger. Aptly called the Heartstopper, this sandwich is not for the faint of heart. Intimidating and gargantuan, the burger is topped with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, bacon, jalapeño, onion, and queso. While it’s probably smart to split this bad boy with a friend or maybe five, we won’t stop you from trying to conquer this mammoth by yourself. Beware: those who journey into the land of the Heartstopper rarely live to tell the tale.
Burro Cheese Kitchen
1221 S. Congress Ave
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Waylon & Willie
It’s a grilled cheese sandwich, on weed. Their bread is filled with stout-soaked Redneck cheddar and Gruyere, plus caramelized onion, pepperoncini, and spicy maple bacon.
Big Top Candy Shop
1706 S. Congress Ave
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Grab a plastic bag and go buck wild, kiddo.
Be the proverbial kid in a candy shop. Relive that scene from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and try not to think about how weird that Tim Burton remake was.
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Flyrite
2129 E 7th St.
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Cowboy
Like delicious fried chicken, Sriracha-infused mayo, tallboys of Austin Eastciders Cider (and Lonestar!), and ice cream shakes? Thought so. Flyrite is one of Austin’s best places to munch on some fried chicken and ice cream, a perfect location to cure your 4/20 munchies. Be sure to try The Cowboy, their spicy crispy chicken sandwich topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeños and Hoss Sauce.
Amy’s Ice Creams
1012 W. 6th St
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Ice Cream Sundae
Load that bad boy up with anything and everything Amy’s has available as a topping. All of it. Fulfill your destiny of becoming Mayor of Ice Cream Mountain. You’re unstoppable now. But really, Amy’s Ice Creams Sundae is pure bliss.
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PHOTO CREDIT: VIA313.COM
Via 313 Pizzeria
Various Locations
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Cadillac
Your taste buds will be singin’ happy songs at this Detroit-style pizzeria. Any pizza on the Via 313 menu is a deep-dish slice of heaven, but The Cadillac is especially noteworthy – it comes topped with fig preserves, prosciutto di parma, Gorgonzola, and a heavenly balsamic glaze.
Holy Roller
509 Rio Grande St
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Trash Fries
Don’t let the name fool you; Holy Roller’s Trash Fries are a true national treasure. They come topped with green chili, a sunny egg, sour cream, corn, lime, cotija, jalapeño, and cilantro. They’re a little spicy, a little messy, and hella tasty. The chill punk-diner vibe of Holy Roller is sure to keep your mellow un-harshed, too.
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PHOTO CREDIT: YELP
Churro Co.
1906 S 1st St
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Wake-n-Bake
Churros are pretty good without toppings; you know, it’s hard to go wrong with a lightly fried, crispy, warm, cinnamon sugar-coated stick of dough. At Churro Co., you can get all kinds of dank additions to the good ol’ churro. In the spirit of 4/20, we’re recommending the Wake-n-Bake, a pair of churros topped with rum pecan sauce, espresso whipped cream, frozen banana slices, and waffle crumbs.
888 Pan Asian Restaurant
2400 E Oltorf St
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Crispy Pad Thai
The servings at 888 are gigantic enough to sate your most voracious munchies, especially if you start with some egg rolls. The Crispy Pad Thai is a unique take on everyone’s favorite Thai dish, with satisfyingly crunchy noodles. 888 is open late, so you can try it for your fourth meal of 4/20; or stop by between 11 am and 2 pm for the lunch buffet to sample a little (or a lot) of everything.
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PHOTO CREDIT: PHIL’S ICEHOUSE
Phil’s Icehouse
Various Locations
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Crestview Burger
Before you get your dessert on at Amy’s Ice Cream, grab a hefty burger from their other business, Phil’s Icehouse. Named in memory of Amy’s Ice Cream’s business partner, Phil’s Icehouse is a classic burger joint with diner-style vibes. Try out the Crestview Burger, loaded with chili and topped with a toasted jalapeño cheese bun. Order a side of the sweet potato fries if you’re still feeling hungry.
Bao’d Up
1911 Aldrich Street
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Brisket Bun
4/20 is the perfect time for carb-loading. At Bao’d Up, their variety of bao will leave you wanting more, but probably too full to continue. The warm, soft buns can be filled with your choice of juicy pork, good ‘ole Texas BBQ, or a veggie option. We prefer the Brisket Bun, a mouthwatering combo of softness and melt in your mouth goodness.
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PHOTO CREDIT: @STEPHALUNA
Chi’lantro
Various Locations
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Kimchi Fries
Cheesy fries loaded with toppings are great, but what if they were even more delicious? Chi’lantro’s kimchi fries are a combination of two great late-night eats: loaded fries and Korean food. Topped with caramelized kimchi, Sriracha, onions, cilantro, magic sauce and enough cheese to cover every fry, you’ll dream about this one for a while.
Rosita’s Al Pastor Food Truck
1911 E Riverside Dr
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The Gringa
There’s nothing better than late-night tacos. Luckily, Rosita’s Al Pastor has a food truck serving up al pastor-style tacos until the wee hours of 3 am. The Gringa has everything you need: a freshly-made flour tortilla, buttery meat and melted queso blanco.
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PHOTO CREDIT: HUT’S HAMBURGERS
Hut’s Hamburgers
807 West 6th Street
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: Fudge Brownie
You might be partaking in…another brownie this 4/20, but the fudge brownie at Austin staple Hut’s Hamburgers is TO DIE FOR. Topped with a heaping of whipped cream and Ghirardelli chocolate sprinkled on top, this fudge brownie ain’t nothing to laugh at. If you want it to be even more decadent, order a side of vanilla ice cream for the full malt-shop experience.
Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop
1905 S 1st St
2406 Manor Rd Suite B
WHAT TO MUNCH ON: The award-winning carrot cake cupcake
You might think carrot cake is the most boring-old-lady of all cupcake flavors, the oatmeal raisin cookie of the cupcake world…well, we’ve got news for you. The carrot cake cupcake at Sugar Mama’s is anything but ordinary. It’s uber-moist and topped with sweet, buttery cream cheese frosting. This bakery’s menu is always full of surprises, rotating by weekday and season through next-level options like French Toast and Honey Baklava.
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OTHER GREAT SPOTS FOR A 4/20 MEAL:
24 Diner
600 N Lamar Blvd
Sno-Beach
412 Sterzing St
3402 Guadalupe St
Luke’s Inside Out
1109 S. Lamar Blvd
Juan in a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St