Austin Restaurants Where Takeout Dinners Match Quality of Dine-In

As a restaurant critic, one thing I almost never did at my favorite restaurants prior to the pandemic was to order a meal to-go. But things have changed. While I still prefer dining in with enhanced safety measures in place, there are times that’s just not possible.

So where does one go for curbside takeout where the order matches the real meal that can be had inside?

I do have a list of recommendations for your consideration.

III FORKS
While the recently reopened steakhouse on Lavaca Street is as good as always with highly enhanced safety standards, they have benefited from the time spent during the mandated shutdown where they perfected a damned near perfect curbside dinner. Meals (yes, ribeyes as well) travel quite well and lose none of their texture and flavor in the process.

FONDA SAN MIGUEL
This Austin classic can muster up a curbside meal that’s equal to anything you might find on their dine-in menu.

EMMER & RYE
While this artisanal Italian restaurant on Rainey Street offers wonderful food in a cozy atmosphere, their curbside dinners meet all the standards and offer a very smooth curbside procedure too.

DAI DUE
This splendid butcher shop/restaurant on Manor Road offers a great meal to go that will please your innermost gourmand.

TEXICAN CAFE
I love the Texican’s cabrito and always get it when we dine in. But I tried it to go at the Brodie Oaks location the other night along with one little zap in microwave and voila! It was perfect.

These recommendations include a nod to the uncertainty we all face. But do these restaurants a favor and let them know you care as much as they do. They are working their butts off!