Words Fallon Alexander | Photo Baptiste Despois
As a media company, we are constantly invited to try all the new places and menus, not to mention the R&D that goes into each scrumptious food issue has our bellies bursting with goodness. So we’ve compiled a list of the team’s favorite menu items from women-owned concepts around town. It consists of cozy cafés, bustling brunch spots, and dreamy date-night dinners, all from women-owned businesses that bring creativity and style to Austin’s food scene.
Codi’s Pick: Comadre Panaderia’s Pink Cake
Comadre’s Pink Cake feels like a celebration in dessert form. Made with heirloom Texas corn flour and sweet corn sheet cake, it’s topped with prickly pear buttercream and colorful sprinkles, making it sweet, nostalgic, and almost too pretty to eat. The best part is that it’s gluten-free and naturally colored, proving dessert can be both playful and “healthy.” 1204 Cedar Ave. | @comadre_panaderia
Ashley’s Pick: Stargazer’s Lion’s Tail cocktail
Equal parts cocktail bar and creative sanctuary, Stargazer brings artistry into every pour. The Lion’s Tail combines bourbon, allspice, fresh lime juice, bitters, and an orange twist, shaken and served in a coup. This drink has a depth of flavors, yet finishes bright and citrusy. Owner Moya’s passion for art and advocacy shines throughout the space and the bar menu, making every sip feel inventive and intentional.
979 Springdale Rd., #130 | @stargazerbar
Abby’s Pick: Sweet Chive’s Vegan Lo Mein
Sweet Chive knows exactly how to deliver comfort food that keeps you coming back for more. Their Vegan Lo Mein is savory, satisfying, and packed with wok-fired flavor in every bite. Pair it with an order of scallion pancakes, and suddenly you’ve got the kind of meal that fixes just about any bad day. 2515 E Cesar Chavez St. | @sweetchive
Jessi’s Pick: Justine’s Moules Frites
Justine’s has mastered the art of romantic dining, and their Moules Frites is a perfect example why. PEI mussels are steamed marinière-style and served with crispy pommes frites ready to soak up every last drop of broth. Rich, buttery, and elegant, this dish is so much better than your classic fries. 4710 E 5th St. | @justinesbrasserie
Fallon’s Pick: Buenos Aires Café’s Verdura Empanada
Sometimes the simplest dishes leave the biggest impression. Buenos Aires Café’s Verdura Empanada stuffs spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, and onions into a perfectly flaky pastry shell for a bite that feels hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful all at once. Their empanadas are served with a chimichuri sauce that will have you craving a trip to Argentina itself. 1201 E 6th St. | @buenosairescafeatx
Ainsley’s Pick: Rockman’s Dirty Banana Bread Chai
Warm spices, rich espresso, and sweet banana notes make Rockman’s Bakeshop’s Dirty Banana Bread Chai taste like pure comfort in a cup. Pair it with one of their gooey cinnamon rolls, and you’ve officially achieved the peak of cozy-morning energy. It’s sweet, indulgent, and exactly what you want when you didn’t know you needed it. 2400 E Ceasar Chavez St. | @rockmanatx
Sandy’s Pick: Veracruz Fonda’s Cochinita Pibil Taco
Veracruz’s Cochinita Pibil Taco delivers bold flavor from the very first bite. Orange juice and achiote-marinated pork are topped with red onion, habanero lime escabeche, and fried sweet plantains, all wrapped in blue corn tortillas. Smoky, bright, sweet, and spicy, it’s everything that makes Veracruz a longtime Austin favorite. 1905 Aldrich St., #125 | @veracruzfonda
Honorable Mentions:
The xiaolongbao at 1618 Asian Fusion, shrimp tacos at Ensenada ATX, Siti’s Charred Cabbage, Cucuma’s Gold Milk, Muffuletta Sandwich at Spread & Co., and mochi donuts from OMG Squee deserve their flowers, too.
