Making healthy food choices while traveling is a challenge but if you search for healthy restaurants ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to make smart choices. The key to making healthy choices while on the road is choosing restaurants serving fresh, whole food made from scratch. Restaurants with a focus on using organic or local ingredients are great places to try, as the food is less likely to be highly processed. Since you’re eating out you will likely be consuming more calories than if you cooked dinner for yourself, so accept that fact and focus on making the best choice of what’s available. Steer clear of fast food and quick service establishments, and you’ve already got one good decision under your belt.
There are many great restaurants in Austin, TX, and during my recent visit I found several great ones serving up food made from scratch with quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. I also may have found myself at a not-so-healthy restaurant indulging in one of Austin’s specialties. More on that later, but let’s start with the healthier options.
Blenders & Bowls
The best part about this downtown spot is it’s connected to a yoga studio. Yoga and acai bowls seem to be a natural fit! (Costa Rica is a prime example of this.) Center yourself with a gentle yoga class or get your sweat on with power yoga at Wanderlust Yoga. Then refuel with a nutritious smoothie, acai bowl or build-your-own oatmeal at Blenders & Bowls. I stopped in for breakfast and started my day with a bowl full of goodness in the form of oatmeal topped with anti-oxidant rich blueberries and cacoa nibs. Don’t worry if you can’t visit the downtown location. Blenders and Bowls has three additional locations in Austin. They also cater events.
Flower Child
I try not to eat a large lunch that will leave me dragging during the afternoon. I was thrilled to find Flower Child on 2nd St.in downtown Austin. A second Austin location can be found farther north at The Domain shopping complex. The menu is mostly plant based, offering creative salads and bowls. Protein is available to add to your plate or bowl. You also have the option of ordering a few veggie or grain plates (sides) to create your own entree. I was full and satisfied with my plates of grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach and Indian spiced cauliflower.
Manuel’s
This caught my eye when I noticed the news article posted on the window recognizing the restaurant owners for their commitment to sustainable, quality food. The traditional Mexican menu is prepared with local ingredients and all-natural chicken, beef and pork. The seafood is wild caught from sustainable waters and never frozen. I tried (and highly recommend) the Lomo de Puerco with avocado pumpkin sesame seed salsa. The pork tenderloin was juicy and perfectly cooked and the side of black beans was the best I’ve ever tasted! The beans are slow-cooked, and I really wish I could remember the herb providing the unique flavor. Ugh. Guess I’ll have to go back for more and ask what it is!
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Any restaurant paying homage to the TV show Breaking Bad gets my business. The creative vegetarian fare, friendly service and vibrant, community-centric atmosphere is more than enough to earn my return business. I stopped by Bouldin Creek for lunch the day I arrived in Austin. Being in the South, the Soul Food Plate spoke to me. I figured for my first time in Texas I should keep trying new things, and the Soul Food Plate came with collard greens, which I had never had. The collard greens, along with the red and black beans and house-made vegan cornbread was more than enough to prepare me for an afternoon walking around Austin. In addition to the delicious food, the baristas serve up locally roasted, organic and fair trade coffee. If you’re in need of coffee with a kick, try “The Leveler”, made with Guinness, Espresso and chocolate.
Perla’s
Being from New England with access to so much fresh seafood, I never thought I would go to Texas and order seafood. Yet I found myself at this gem of a spot in “SoCo”, one of Austin’s unique, funky neighborhoods. I saw oysters on the menu and had to take advantage of the opportunity. Not only do I love oysters, but they are a nutrient-dense superfood packed with protein, healthy fats and zinc. I normally order raw oysters on the half shell, but I couldn’t pass up the wood grilled oysters, and they didn’t disappoint! I highly recommend them! In addition to oysters, Perla’s keeps it simple and tasty with a menu of pan roasted and grilled seafood.
Terry Black’s BBQ
And now for my not so healthy restaurant. Let’s face it, life and food is all about balance. Just like you won’t lose five pounds by skipping one meal, you’re not going to gain five pounds indulging in one meal. I couldn’t possibly go to Texas and not try the BBQ! Again, being a New Englander, great BBQ isn’t something I can easily find. I went all-in during my visit to Terry Black’s. I filled my tray with brisket, ribs, mac & cheese, beans and peach cobbler. It’s safe to say I’m still dreaming about those ribs. I originally ordered a beef rib, but given one rib weighs one pound, I opted for the smaller pork rib. I wasn’t in any way disappointed. Fall off the bone is an understatement. If you need a BBQ fix while in Austin, definitely make your way to Terry Black’s.
Enjoy your visit to Austin and please let me know which healthy restaurants should be added to this list!
Bonus Tips:
- Many restaurants in Austin have happy hour, so save a little money on drinks and apps by taking advantage. Check Eater’s happy hour recommendations.
- June’s All Day Cafe is another SoCo location, and it’s run by a master sommelier. As such, it has a killer wine list. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a wine expert. June’s has a chill, welcoming vibe.
