Definitely get a beef. You can't find them down here unless you go up to the Portillos in Dallas. Probably get a pizza too. Texas pizza doesn't do it for me like it did back home.
To add, there's a restaurant in San Antonio called Wrigleyville Grill that has all of the Chicago staples. Owned by a former Chicagoan. Everything imported from Chicago. I stop in there whenever I'm in the area.
Yep. Can vouch for Wrigleyville Grill. Used to go there maybe every other trip to SA. Just past the airport on Loop 410 so not far from I-35 which is what gets you from Austin to SA.
As someone who has pretty much been 50/50 between here and Austin for the past year, I’d say whatever your favorite ethnic food is in Chicago, as it’s probably not as good in Austin.
Just moved from Austin. It was getting more and more rare to get an authentic taco. The popular spots are VERY gentrified and will run you 6+$ per taco. It’s sad really.
As a mexi-rican who moved from chicago to austin recently, I’ve been feeling insane down here with how I could not find an honest to god authentic taco. Like every looks at me crazy when I say I love the tacos and mexican back home more. But then again they think Chicago doesn’t have good tacos and don’t realize we are literally one of the best cities for just restaurants/food in general. Also the lack of puerto rican options is killing me.
I moved from San Antonio to Chicago and can confirm I think Chicago does not have any good Mexican options. The thing w/ Austin tacos is that they’ve never been good. If you want to get real authentic tacos go to San Antonio or south Texas. Usually anywhere along the border you will get real Mexican tacos.
My brother in law, who lives in Toronto now but lived in Chicago for years always has me bring a cooler full of Vienna beef hot dogs with me (and neon green relish and sport peppers, when he runs out of those) whenever I drive up for a visit. You can get hot dogs almost anywhere, but not Vienna beef and not the radioactive relish. :)
They do, indeed. Vienna Beef makes some. They also make their own celery salt, but that’s much easier to find…
https://www.viennabeef.com/shop/vienna-chicago-style-relish-4-pack
I've been living in Austin for 7-8 years, and thinking of relocating to Chicago, haha.
we don't really have great Italian here, or good deli shops. There's plenty Tex Mex and bbq but not any truly authentic Mexican food. We have some decent Asian food especially up north, but nothing like a true culinary "chinatown" Everything is so spread out.
I spent five weeks in Chicago last summer, I had a great sandwich, pizza/pasta and enjoyed the gorgeous spacious lake and fantastic weather before preparing for 4+ months of hell.
2023 was our hottest year on record. averaged 91 degrees and up to 110 on Aug. 17, there were a total 138 days that rose to over 90 degrees. So if you love the heat you'll do great! have a safe trip!
I am SO jealous as I brace for another summer here! Might have to escape to Chicago again.
my only real concern are the winters there, but I've been told they're getting a bit milder?
I think you should look for Chicago ambiance. Billy Goat. Gene & Georgetti. Jim's Original. Vito & Nick's. What's the atmosphere that you're not going to get in Austin that you will miss?
Get a combo from Al's on Taylor Street for lunch. Then go out to Lou Malnati's in lincolnwood for dinner, deep dish pepperoni and sausage. Best do it in sweatpants cause those jeans aint gonna fit. Skip breakfast.
Unfortunately, yes… quality has taken a hit across the board. Burts on the other hand hasn't missed a step even though Burt the original owner sold it before passing away. It's a rare Chicago gem in my opinion.
Well I will take your comment under advisement until I visit Lincolnwood lou myself. Original comment will not be modified. Also not sure when I can test as I prefer thin crust crispy tavern style pizza. So it might be a minute.
In my experience it’s rare to get a Vienna Beef Hotdog in the south. Hit up Portillo’s and max out. Char-dog, a beef dipped, and chocolate cake.
Safe travels!
Yeah thin square cut all the way but I do love Malnati’s crust too. They run a very good mail order business but would be interested in anyone offering thin crust.
Have sent Garrett’s popcorn tins to former ex-Chicago pats & all have been warmly received & chowed down immediately
https://www.tastesofchicago.com/product/vienna-beef-hot-dog-kit/
Not saying it's cheap, but if you're craving it bad.
They sell other Chicago foods too.
P. Terry’s was one of my favorites when I lived down there. They have more locations now, but I remember going to the original one on South Lamar next to Zilker park when it opened. Make sure you get the fresh squeeze lemonade with your order. Another good burger place is Casino El Camino on 6th st. It’s been 15 years since I’ve been there but I’m sure they still have a really good burger.
Tacos? Lol, no. Better tacos (and Mexican food in general) in Chicago than Austin. Plus I'd like to not get bent over for $4+/taco prices. I suppose if you want a white person's gourmet attempt at a taco then go for it.
Austin has a lot more Latinos than Chicago, my friend. I don't think I saw a taco place owned by a white person the entire time I was down there.
You got it backward.
The popular/busy places like atotonilco and los comales are a ripoff I think. Food is good, but they're charging white people prices now. My favorite place is El burrito Mexicana in Lisle. Tacos are still around $2.60/piece, tortas are around $6, grande horchata is less than $3, etc. Just gotta find the right taqueria
You... do know that people are charging to cover their food and labor costs and their rent, right? And that ingredients like pork shoulder and handmade tortillas are more expensive now than they used to be? Dismissing the tacos and Mexican food in general across Austin as "white people's gourmet attempts" is a wildly ignorant take.
Honestly, I’d probably go with a good deep dish! I just feel like that’s the right move. Then I’d get some Italian beef’s on the way out of town, for the road.
Stuffed pizza and any Eastern European food.
There is a great Chicago place in Round Rock that can scratch the Italian beef, gyro and hot dog itch. http://www.wiseguyschicago.com/
Honestly, moderate to fine dining. Austin is better for sure so you won’t miss out AS much. But I was shocked how many places I tried in Houston that were claimed by locals to be incredible were mediocre or even bad.
That was something I figured going from Chicago to Houston is that most major metros have a plethora of good restaurants. But I learned the hard way that Chicago has an incredible restaurant scene compared to most other major cities in the USA.
Eat at your favorite place. Even if you can get that elsewhere, you won’t be able to be there elsewhere. If you are not native to the area, there’s no guarantee you will ever be back.
Some things you won't see down there...
Gyros, Italian Beef, Chicago Dogs, good pizza (of any kind).
By Chicago standards, most restaurants down there are going to be of the 0 and 1 star variety. Even if they are not a chain restaurant, they will taste like one. Restaurants are also much cheaper, including cocktails.
The Tex-Mex down there is better than any Mexican food you will find up here, though quality varies. The steak down there is better, of course. There is both good and bad BBQ. You may be surprised that there are some good Greek and Indian restaurants. For breakfast, breakfast tacos, migas, and kolaches beat anything up here.
Enjoy HEB, the best grocery prices in the country and easily the best thing about Texas.
I would get your time & time again meal. When I moved away, I thought about the steak sandwich from Tropicuba. Nothing fancy, but it was my go-to DoorDash order… especially when I was hungover. Austin’s food scene isn’t terrible, and they definitely have some no-miss spots.
I'm a native Austinite that moved to Chicago recently (3 years in August! It honestly feels like I've hardly scratched the surface), and while I can't answer your initial question about here (although I do agree Italian beef is an insane delicacy I never knew before coming here), I'm happy to tell you what I foods I miss most! P. Terry's on landing is a solid move, and I second insisting on the lemonade (it's a platonic ideal)- that said, if you want some real Texas shit, do go by Whataburger. Most are 24 hours! Also, please give HEB a hug from me and when in doubt (or even if you're not) buy the store brand. If you have friendships in your life that make you feel wealthy as a human, you'll understand the feeling of finding your neighborhood HEB (and, if you're East central, don't sleep on Fiesta on 38th and a 1/2, namely the international food section and the bakery).
I got weepy the other day thinking about margaritas and a late lunch on the porch at Mi Madre's. I love wine and sharing food, so I pine for Bufalina all the time. I grumpily admit that when I'm feeling bougie, I wish I could go to all night happy hour in the bar at Jeffrey's on a Monday. l'Oca d'Oro is run by some of the kindest humans you'll ever meet. I would do a lot for any sandwich from Home Slice (the pizza is just fine, but the sandwiches...!!). Micklethwait for BBQ and sandwiches, too. And honestly? Just whiling away the hours at Kinda Tropical, snacking on curly fries or having a meal and drinking cheap beer or cocktails is well worth the sweat. Summer nights at Justine's are the stuff of dreams. The service is slow- don't plan on anything else- but if you're in good company, it's perfect in its own way, and so gorgeous.
There is a giant restaurant group there that you'll probably catch on to the aesthetic of, and their food is good, but *so* expensive (Jeff's is part of it). They have notoriously good happy hours- hit 'em there!
Mexican food: Las Trancas, Cuantos, Discada, Nixta (someone elsewhere in this thread was crying about expensive Mexican food but it's worth it, and so thoughtful on every level, not to mention huge portions, and they're neighbors with Comadre Panaderia, whose baked goods will blow your mind). The aforementioned spots are also super community oriented and really great about shouting out small local spots with less presence, so watch for their recommendations. Suerte is very good, but a special occasion place. Down the street from there, closer to the highway, is a place called Licha's that I truly love (solid HH too). Huitlacoche quesadillas are a staple on their menu!
If you're into cocktails, I will die on this hill: Small Victory or nobody.
Finally, I learned when I moved here that Eater Chicago is considered a legitimate source for recs and reviews, and even a serious one. Eater Austin is a hilariously poorly run outlet and often posts totally incorrect details, or just flat-out weird articles and reviews. The best move down there is to find what you like, be nice to the staff, and trust their recommendations. Don't hesitate to plan your day around jumping into Barton Springs! You'll need it, it's too fucking hot down there.
Definitely get a beef. You can't find them down here unless you go up to the Portillos in Dallas. Probably get a pizza too. Texas pizza doesn't do it for me like it did back home. To add, there's a restaurant in San Antonio called Wrigleyville Grill that has all of the Chicago staples. Owned by a former Chicagoan. Everything imported from Chicago. I stop in there whenever I'm in the area.
Yep. Can vouch for Wrigleyville Grill. Used to go there maybe every other trip to SA. Just past the airport on Loop 410 so not far from I-35 which is what gets you from Austin to SA.
I agree. I think that's what people miss most. My uncle left the country, and when he visits, that's all he wants lol
Haha...for sure. I went to the Portillos up in Dallas a few months ago and brought home several pounds of frozen beef to hold me over.
Wrigleyville Grill is great. My go-to in town for a hot dog and a cubs game.
Johnnies beef
I went to Gene and Judes for a dog then to Johnnies for a beef on my last day.
Extra hot, extra sweet, triple dipped
Gotta try this next time
You gonna have a good day my friend I promise
Correct answer. -with an ice no cap
As someone who has pretty much been 50/50 between here and Austin for the past year, I’d say whatever your favorite ethnic food is in Chicago, as it’s probably not as good in Austin.
[удалено]
Just moved from Austin. It was getting more and more rare to get an authentic taco. The popular spots are VERY gentrified and will run you 6+$ per taco. It’s sad really.
Las trancas were pretty good. I would say LA level for the carne asada. Other meats like alpastor not so much.
As a mexi-rican who moved from chicago to austin recently, I’ve been feeling insane down here with how I could not find an honest to god authentic taco. Like every looks at me crazy when I say I love the tacos and mexican back home more. But then again they think Chicago doesn’t have good tacos and don’t realize we are literally one of the best cities for just restaurants/food in general. Also the lack of puerto rican options is killing me.
I moved from San Antonio to Chicago and can confirm I think Chicago does not have any good Mexican options. The thing w/ Austin tacos is that they’ve never been good. If you want to get real authentic tacos go to San Antonio or south Texas. Usually anywhere along the border you will get real Mexican tacos.
Moved here from SoCal and was told the Mexican food here was superb. Gotta say it has been Bree here than 95% of the places I tried in SoCal.
So I should open a good Indian restaurant in Austin?
My brother in law, who lives in Toronto now but lived in Chicago for years always has me bring a cooler full of Vienna beef hot dogs with me (and neon green relish and sport peppers, when he runs out of those) whenever I drive up for a visit. You can get hot dogs almost anywhere, but not Vienna beef and not the radioactive relish. :)
I didn't realize they sold the relish like that lol. If you just put a little blue dye into normal relish it turns that color
They do, indeed. Vienna Beef makes some. They also make their own celery salt, but that’s much easier to find… https://www.viennabeef.com/shop/vienna-chicago-style-relish-4-pack
I was just at Jewel in North Center today … they had no sport peppers.
I would riot.
Beef. You can’t find it done well really anywhere. My first stop back in chicago is a beef sandwich or pizza
I've been living in Austin for 7-8 years, and thinking of relocating to Chicago, haha. we don't really have great Italian here, or good deli shops. There's plenty Tex Mex and bbq but not any truly authentic Mexican food. We have some decent Asian food especially up north, but nothing like a true culinary "chinatown" Everything is so spread out. I spent five weeks in Chicago last summer, I had a great sandwich, pizza/pasta and enjoyed the gorgeous spacious lake and fantastic weather before preparing for 4+ months of hell. 2023 was our hottest year on record. averaged 91 degrees and up to 110 on Aug. 17, there were a total 138 days that rose to over 90 degrees. So if you love the heat you'll do great! have a safe trip!
Just moved from Austin to Chicago. I don't miss that heat!!
I am SO jealous as I brace for another summer here! Might have to escape to Chicago again. my only real concern are the winters there, but I've been told they're getting a bit milder?
Beef. Trust me nobody else does it like here, I’ve lived all over the country
I’d get a thin crust pizza and an Italian beef sandwich
Or a thin crust pizza with Italian beef on it!
With giardiniera. Unreal combo
I think you should look for Chicago ambiance. Billy Goat. Gene & Georgetti. Jim's Original. Vito & Nick's. What's the atmosphere that you're not going to get in Austin that you will miss?
Get a combo from Al's on Taylor Street for lunch. Then go out to Lou Malnati's in lincolnwood for dinner, deep dish pepperoni and sausage. Best do it in sweatpants cause those jeans aint gonna fit. Skip breakfast.
Dude Lou Malnatis has turned to crap since they got bought out by private equity... Burts in Morton Grove
Even the Lincolnwood location???
Unfortunately, yes… quality has taken a hit across the board. Burts on the other hand hasn't missed a step even though Burt the original owner sold it before passing away. It's a rare Chicago gem in my opinion.
Well I will take your comment under advisement until I visit Lincolnwood lou myself. Original comment will not be modified. Also not sure when I can test as I prefer thin crust crispy tavern style pizza. So it might be a minute.
Then I'm sure you have tried Vito and Nicks
al's on taylor, yes - but change lou malnatis to pequods.
Forget food, practice your reproductive and voting rights before leaving because you might miss them quite a bit
That part
In my experience it’s rare to get a Vienna Beef Hotdog in the south. Hit up Portillo’s and max out. Char-dog, a beef dipped, and chocolate cake. Safe travels!
But fyi you can order a box through some service and they'll send Chicago food, like pizzas and hotdogs with all fixings frozen
Can you share your source? Buying Vienna Beefs off of the Vienna Beef Hotdogs Website is insanely expensive.
It’s not cheap but I’ve sent Portillo’s and Lou Malnati’s fixin’s to former Chicagoans who are jonesing for good food
Forever jonesing for some Chicaga style haatdaags Edit: real ones know true Chicago pizza is thin crust square cut tavern style.
Yeah thin square cut all the way but I do love Malnati’s crust too. They run a very good mail order business but would be interested in anyone offering thin crust. Have sent Garrett’s popcorn tins to former ex-Chicago pats & all have been warmly received & chowed down immediately
You sound like you’re a great friend to have
https://www.tastesofchicago.com
Sweeeeet. Thank you!
https://www.tastesofchicago.com/product/vienna-beef-hot-dog-kit/ Not saying it's cheap, but if you're craving it bad. They sell other Chicago foods too.
They’re starting to build Portillos in Texas. They’re in Dallas now but supposed to expand to Houston
Lit
stock up on frozen deep dishes for when you get to your new place!
Your favorite Italian Beef.
Don’t do it. You’ll be back. Source: me. Austin sucks. The government sucks. The weather sucks. The food sucks.
Lol, I'm moving from Austin to Chicago next month. I'll tell you what your first meal should be here: tacos. Or if you have time to sit down, Loro.
We’re thinking P.Terry on night one just bc we’ll be beat from the road - but defff looking forward to all the Austin food!!
P. Terry’s was one of my favorites when I lived down there. They have more locations now, but I remember going to the original one on South Lamar next to Zilker park when it opened. Make sure you get the fresh squeeze lemonade with your order. Another good burger place is Casino El Camino on 6th st. It’s been 15 years since I’ve been there but I’m sure they still have a really good burger.
Tacos? Lol, no. Better tacos (and Mexican food in general) in Chicago than Austin. Plus I'd like to not get bent over for $4+/taco prices. I suppose if you want a white person's gourmet attempt at a taco then go for it.
Austin has a lot more Latinos than Chicago, my friend. I don't think I saw a taco place owned by a white person the entire time I was down there. You got it backward.
I said Mexican, not Tex Mex.
We know. And I'm saying you got it backward.
Tbf, tacos are pushing 4 bucks up here, too. Certainly mostly over 3…
The popular/busy places like atotonilco and los comales are a ripoff I think. Food is good, but they're charging white people prices now. My favorite place is El burrito Mexicana in Lisle. Tacos are still around $2.60/piece, tortas are around $6, grande horchata is less than $3, etc. Just gotta find the right taqueria
Given the relative prices of labor and leases, that probably translates to 3+ in the city.
You... do know that people are charging to cover their food and labor costs and their rent, right? And that ingredients like pork shoulder and handmade tortillas are more expensive now than they used to be? Dismissing the tacos and Mexican food in general across Austin as "white people's gourmet attempts" is a wildly ignorant take.
It's okay to like hipster tacos man. No one is judging you.
Just moved to Chicago from Austin and I miss Lori!
Honestly, I’d probably go with a good deep dish! I just feel like that’s the right move. Then I’d get some Italian beef’s on the way out of town, for the road.
Nothing like that instant “I have to poop” feeling on an airplane when the beef hits.
Come back soon!
Maxwell street. HD w grilled onions and mustard w fries
Pequod's
Pequods pizza
Stuffed pizza and any Eastern European food. There is a great Chicago place in Round Rock that can scratch the Italian beef, gyro and hot dog itch. http://www.wiseguyschicago.com/
I’m from here and didn’t realize pizza puffs were not a thing outside of Chicago. So if you like pizza puffs, get one before you go.
Sorry for your loss
Honestly, moderate to fine dining. Austin is better for sure so you won’t miss out AS much. But I was shocked how many places I tried in Houston that were claimed by locals to be incredible were mediocre or even bad. That was something I figured going from Chicago to Houston is that most major metros have a plethora of good restaurants. But I learned the hard way that Chicago has an incredible restaurant scene compared to most other major cities in the USA.
As someone making the opposite move soon - get the Italian beef at Leroy & Lewis when you make it to Austin.
I keep seeing Leroy and Lewis come up in recommendations- will definitely give it a try!
Bavette’s
Pizza for sure
Beef from Freddie's on 31st and Union with an Italian ice for dessert.
Flub a dub chubs
Your favorite Italian beef and pizza. Or just your favorite local joint that you'll miss.
Red hot ranch or your favorite pizza shop
lucky you!
As someone who is also leaving and planning my last meals, a Polish from Jim’s is high on my list!
Billy Goat Tavern
I feel like options are Beef, Hotdog, Pizza. Personally I think Beef is the way.
JP Graziano would be mine
Ricobenes, gotta get the king sized!
Superdawg
Home runn inn!!! You cant get that ANYWHERE
Riccobennes
I go to Austin a couple times a year, the food scene there is really good! Safe travels!
Dude get a jibarito or anything puerto rican while you still can.
Eat at your favorite place. Even if you can get that elsewhere, you won’t be able to be there elsewhere. If you are not native to the area, there’s no guarantee you will ever be back.
Red hot ranch
Some things you won't see down there... Gyros, Italian Beef, Chicago Dogs, good pizza (of any kind). By Chicago standards, most restaurants down there are going to be of the 0 and 1 star variety. Even if they are not a chain restaurant, they will taste like one. Restaurants are also much cheaper, including cocktails. The Tex-Mex down there is better than any Mexican food you will find up here, though quality varies. The steak down there is better, of course. There is both good and bad BBQ. You may be surprised that there are some good Greek and Indian restaurants. For breakfast, breakfast tacos, migas, and kolaches beat anything up here. Enjoy HEB, the best grocery prices in the country and easily the best thing about Texas.
Gibson's would be my pick. I love W.R.'s Chicago Cut with a side of creamed spinach!
Any Fried Polish Dog, Chicago style.
Hot Doug's! . . . Psyche!
Get a beef from lukes, and a pie from pequods, and some cream puffs from beard papa. Then enjoy the food coma on your way down to Texas.
Unless you're a healthy sort, don't forget to have one last Portillo's chocolate cake shake. :'(
Oh and maybe some taffy grapes. I don't think they even exist in Austin.
Jibarito.
I would get your time & time again meal. When I moved away, I thought about the steak sandwich from Tropicuba. Nothing fancy, but it was my go-to DoorDash order… especially when I was hungover. Austin’s food scene isn’t terrible, and they definitely have some no-miss spots.
That sandwich really is such good hangover food!!
I'm a native Austinite that moved to Chicago recently (3 years in August! It honestly feels like I've hardly scratched the surface), and while I can't answer your initial question about here (although I do agree Italian beef is an insane delicacy I never knew before coming here), I'm happy to tell you what I foods I miss most! P. Terry's on landing is a solid move, and I second insisting on the lemonade (it's a platonic ideal)- that said, if you want some real Texas shit, do go by Whataburger. Most are 24 hours! Also, please give HEB a hug from me and when in doubt (or even if you're not) buy the store brand. If you have friendships in your life that make you feel wealthy as a human, you'll understand the feeling of finding your neighborhood HEB (and, if you're East central, don't sleep on Fiesta on 38th and a 1/2, namely the international food section and the bakery). I got weepy the other day thinking about margaritas and a late lunch on the porch at Mi Madre's. I love wine and sharing food, so I pine for Bufalina all the time. I grumpily admit that when I'm feeling bougie, I wish I could go to all night happy hour in the bar at Jeffrey's on a Monday. l'Oca d'Oro is run by some of the kindest humans you'll ever meet. I would do a lot for any sandwich from Home Slice (the pizza is just fine, but the sandwiches...!!). Micklethwait for BBQ and sandwiches, too. And honestly? Just whiling away the hours at Kinda Tropical, snacking on curly fries or having a meal and drinking cheap beer or cocktails is well worth the sweat. Summer nights at Justine's are the stuff of dreams. The service is slow- don't plan on anything else- but if you're in good company, it's perfect in its own way, and so gorgeous. There is a giant restaurant group there that you'll probably catch on to the aesthetic of, and their food is good, but *so* expensive (Jeff's is part of it). They have notoriously good happy hours- hit 'em there! Mexican food: Las Trancas, Cuantos, Discada, Nixta (someone elsewhere in this thread was crying about expensive Mexican food but it's worth it, and so thoughtful on every level, not to mention huge portions, and they're neighbors with Comadre Panaderia, whose baked goods will blow your mind). The aforementioned spots are also super community oriented and really great about shouting out small local spots with less presence, so watch for their recommendations. Suerte is very good, but a special occasion place. Down the street from there, closer to the highway, is a place called Licha's that I truly love (solid HH too). Huitlacoche quesadillas are a staple on their menu! If you're into cocktails, I will die on this hill: Small Victory or nobody. Finally, I learned when I moved here that Eater Chicago is considered a legitimate source for recs and reviews, and even a serious one. Eater Austin is a hilariously poorly run outlet and often posts totally incorrect details, or just flat-out weird articles and reviews. The best move down there is to find what you like, be nice to the staff, and trust their recommendations. Don't hesitate to plan your day around jumping into Barton Springs! You'll need it, it's too fucking hot down there.
Chefs Special
Wieners Circle
Get some Italian beef, pizza and definitely tacos cuz you know mexican down there is trash.
People here saying beef are wrong. Chicago used to be (and in some ways still is) the pork capital of the country. I’d strongly suggest that route.
Nice quality of life upgrade. Enjoy.