Cheap Eats: Austin, TX

If you're planning on visiting Austin, but haven't figured eating into your schedule, it's time to change your plans. Austin has no shortage of exceptional food, and you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Below you'll find some places the check out, and pig out at, when you go.

Meals on Wheels
Austin has no shortage for quick eats in offbeat outlets. When you're in Austin, be sure to grab a snack from a food truck, a food cart, or even a vintage airstream trailer.

Torchy's Tacos offers a variety of cheap tacos. This one sounds sinful: Trailer Park-Fried chicken, green chili’s, lettuce, pico, and Cheese served on a flour tortilla with poblano ranch. Get it trashy! Take off the lettuce and add queso!

Hey Cupcake has cupcakes, need I say more?

Go enjoy sweet, savory, and even meaty crepes with a side of fresh air at Flip Happy Crepes.

Grab a savory or sweet gourmet empanadas from mmmpanadas.

The Best Wurst will make you forget what a regular hot dog tastes like.

BBQ
BBQ is always a contentious subject, and while Austin locals might all agree on what is Texan BBQ, the best place to get it is a different story. Here are a few notable front runners. (note....most of these places are out of the city, makes one wonder about all those downtown BBQ establishments)

You've got your choice of any amount of beef, sausage or turkey BBQ at Salt Lick, topped with their signature sauce. Don't forget to save space for a slice of pecan pie, though. Bring cash, because it's all they take.

Rudy's Country Store has locations all over the state, and is the self-proclaimed "worst BBQ in Texas."

When it comes to BBQ, I'm letting my nose lead me. Whatever has a line and looks the least pretentious is going to have good BBQ in my book. But we all know, Texas BBQ isn't "real" BBQ anyways....get me to North Carolina for some pulled pork, please.

Other Yummy Eats

Koriente offers healthy, asian-inspired meals for people who hate to cook. There's tea, as well.

Have you ever heard of Mexonesian? Get yourself over to Hula Hut for this twist on Mexican food on the banks of Lake Austin.

And what's Austin without some TexMex? Get some at Chuys.

Home Slice Pizza has NY-style pizza by the slice.

The grocery chain, Whole Foods, got it's start in Austin, Texas. Check out their headquarters on Lamar Blvd for some tasty eats.

For more ideas

Check out this SXSW food tour for more ideas for your next trip. And if you're headed to SXSW check out these half price specials, Yelp Deals at SXSW.

And, of course, we know this list barely scratches the surface. Leave us your favs in the comments!