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10 Austin Restaurants for Affordable Takeout

By Vox Creative Updated Sep 21, 2020, 6:14pm EDT

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By Vox Creative Updated Sep 21, 2020, 6:14pm EDT

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Texas does a few things exceptionally well: BBQ, Tex-Mex, and heat (temperature or jalapenos, you decide). Particularly in its capitol city of Austin, the Texas food scene is making waves even during a time when restaurants aren’t fully open for dine-in service. With everything from tacos and nachos to cheeseburgers and Cokes making it home without a scratch and tasting fresh, Austin is setting a new bar for takeout dinner. Take note of these 10 Austin restaurants for delicious and affordable to-go food, and start planning your next few meals now.

Be sure to check each of these spots before you go, as the state continues to adapt to new guidelines and regulations. A number of Austin’s restaurants have resumed (or pared down) dine-in service, and this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit austintexas.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Rice Bowl Cafe

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There’s something for everyone at this Chinese cafe. From dumpling beef soup to kung pao chicken to moo shu pork, all the hits are here. For appetizers, go for classic egg rolls or eight-piece potstickers, and order enough to have leftovers.

11220 N Lamar Blvd building c306, Austin, TX 78753

(512) 835-8888

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DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana

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Nashville-based DeSano has made it to Austin, with two locations. Here you’ll find Neapolitan-style pies, calzones, salads, and, of course, desserts like cannoli, and Nutella dessert “pizzas.” A vacation to Italy might be out of the question these days, but order from DeSano and you might just feel transported.

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8000 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

(512) 323-2426

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Arpeggio Grill

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Since 2005, Arpeggio has brought the tastes of the Mediterranean, specifically Greece, to Austinites. Halal meats, kebabs, gyros, and baklava are just a few of the options for takeout or delivery. There’s even a Greek pizza, with feta cheese, gyro meat, tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and black and green olives.

6619 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

(512) 419-0110

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Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

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You don’t have to leave Texas to get Memphis-style fried chicken. Gus’s offers hot chicken with comforting sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad, all at affordable prices. (Kids can get simpler dishes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a hot dog.) Finish off the meal with pie — pecan, coconut, or sweet potato — for maximum comfort.

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117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 474-4877

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Via 313 Pizza

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Order here for your choice of 14 different Detroit-style pizzas, or seven bar-style pizzas. Options on the menu worth noting: the Detroit-style Bobo Brazil pie, with hot calabrese, sausage, red pepper flakes, and hot honey; and the bar-style Stooge pizza, topped with spinach, artichokes, shallots, and parmesan crisps. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, too.

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1802 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 580-0999

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Pepperoni and sausage pizza from the Austin restaurant Via 313 Pizza. — Courtesy of Via 313 Pizza

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Papa Joe's Tex-Mex

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Homemade salsa and corn tortillas, plus all-day breakfast, are just a few of the perks at Papa Joe’s. The restaurant is known for its carnitas and migas, and most entrees are under $10. If you’re not feeling Tex-Mex, though, you can always get comfort foods like buttermilk pancakes or omelettes your way.

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917 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 385-4000

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Where to Find Large Family-Style Meals for Takeout and Delivery in Austin Right Now

Terry Black's Barbecue

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This family-run business serves smoked meats and barbecue sandwiches that keep locals raving. Sandwich combos cost under $15, and you won’t want to sleep on their sides, like mac and cheese, green beans, creamed corn, or classic coleslaw.

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1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 394-5899

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Maudie's Too

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A local staple for 25 years, Maudie’s knows how to please every palate. Also worth noting: most menu items are under $12. You could start your day with Sunrise Sweet Potato Hash or some chilaquiles, then pop over to a variety of burritos, chalupas, or enchiladas for lunch or dinner. Add a few Cokes to your order, and you’re all set.

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1212 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 440-8088

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Elizabeth Street Cafe

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Want some Vietnamese food with a Texas twist? This cafe has you covered. Traditional options like pho, bahn mi sandwiches, and noodle dishes come in generous portions here. (Try the crispy short-rib bahn mi, with housemade kimchi.) Elizabeth Street also stocks a French bakery selection, with daily macaron specials and sweets like lychee-raspberry beignets. It’s a whole global experience, right in one location.

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1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 291-2881

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Asiana Indian Cuisine

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Soft naan, comforting curries, and tandoor-style chicken: hungry yet? All the classics are on the menu at Asiana, and at affordable prices, too. (For example: you can order dinner-for-two combos for under $35, including sides and dessert.) This is one of the restaurants where we’ll recommend ordering two drinks: a Coke to go, and of course a mango lassi.

801 E William Cannon Dr #205, Austin, TX 78745

(512) 445-3435

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