Go Texan Roundup
Go Texan with these must-try meals from favorite Austin restaurants
Nothing tastes better than homegrown food from deep in the heart of Texas. And Go Texan Restaurant Round-up, a monthlong celebration between the Texas Department of Agriculture and restaurants across the Lone Star State, is a great way to get your fill. The event not only supports Texas food producers but also raises money for local food banks to help feed hungry Texans.
Many of Austin’s favorite restaurants are participating with deals, curated menu items, and exclusive events. Here are eight must-visit restaurants serving up all things local all month long:
24 Diner
Sourcing from farmers across the state, 24 Diner has been changing the local food game since day one. A new Go Texan menu features a delicious farm-to-glass bourbon-based peach cocktail, as well as a locally sourced snack plate spotlighting Johnson's Backyard Garden, Cooper Farms, Antonelli's Cheese, and more.
Carmelo's
Carmelo's will have you saying "grazie" in no time. In addition to local beer and wine, a special Texas-made menu, including a pancetta-wrapped jumbo Gulf shrimp dish and Kane prime rib, has been released for Go Texan. Fifteen percent of all proceeds will go to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.
Easy Tiger
Who doesn’t like booze and carbs? Easy Tiger combines these two in a deliciously elevated way with its Go Texan beef board with smoked beef and garlic sausage from Heart Brand Beef, Greens Creek gruyere, German rye, pickled jalapeños, and a Lone Star red chili mustard.
Irene’s
The new '50s-inspired eatery is featuring a locally sourced salad using ingredients like baby kale and mustard greens from Francis & Thatcher in Allen, cucumbers from Buena Tierra in Fredonia, charred corn from J&B Farms in Hondo, cherry tomatoes from Oak Hill Farms in Poteet, and watermelon radish from Gundermann Acres in Wharton. Fresh at its best.
Iron Works BBQ
Head to Iron Works on July 16 for a special wine-tasting event from 7 to 9 pm. Featured wines include local purveyors Red 55 Winery, Valley Mills Vineyards, Texas Legato Winery, and Bingham Family Vineyards. Additionally during July, when you purchase a Texas beer to complement your barbecue, you get to keep the glass.
Jacoby's
Why not eat for two? For every burger purchased throughout July, Jacoby's will donate a second burger to the Capital Area Food Bank. The half-pound cheeseburgers are sourced from the Jacoby family farm, and the calories are worth every bite.
Quality Seafood Market
Quality Seafood is offering a peel-your-own Gulf shrimp deal at only 25 cents a piece and Gulf oysters for $1 each this July. It also has its usual offerings of Texas wild-caught fish with Austin-grown produce, Texas wine and beer pairings, and daily rotating specials. Keep an eye out for the Quality Seafood truck, which is partnering with local breweries and will be onsite at Austin Beerworks on July 9; Live Oak Brewing July 16, 17, and 21; and Independence Brewing on July 30.
Swift's Attic
Join Swift's Attic and Executive Chef Zack Northcutt on July 26 for a farm-fresh, four-course Texas dinner. The menu consists of a lemongrass granita from Springdale and HausBar farms; a Gulf shrimp and green mango salad from Quality Seafood, Springdale Farm, and Boggy Creek; a steak and egg dish from Broken Arrow Ranch and served with Dos Lunas queso; and for dessert, brown butter and pecan peach ice cream featuring ingredients from Mill-King, Good Flow Honey, and Vital Farms. Tickets are $58 per person and a portion of proceeds benefits Operation Turkey.