Words Fallon Alexander | Photo at Spread & Co. by Paige Newton
Hidden Menu Gems
The Eastside has long been a hub of creativity, and its expanding culinary scene continues to celebrate Austin’s innovative spirit. From reimagined comfort food to bold global flavor-fusions, these seven menu item gems reflect the curiosity, culture, and character that make East Austin a dining destination unlike any other
Oseyo’s
Korean Fried Chicken
Sundays at Oseyo are for comfort food done right. Brined, marinated, and twice-fried to perfection, the Korean Fried Chicken is served with creamy potato salad, crisp cabbage slaw, and house pickles. Choose between regular, Tong Ddak, or spicy, and savor the crunch that keeps Austinites coming back week after week.
1628 E Cesar Chavez St. | @oseyoaustin
Spread & Co.’s
The Mortadella
Spread & Co. is serving up the most Instagram-worthy sandwiches that taste as amazing as they look. The Mortadella layers silky mortadella, whipped ricotta, pistachio pesto, arugula, and balsamic on house-made focaccia, finished with a snowfall of grated Parmesan. It’s a simple, yet indulgent, creation that is perfectly enjoyed in the quaint, antique-filled bodega in Cherrywood.
Canje’s
Pepper Fish
Canje has quickly grown into an Eastside staple for authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and ceviche. New to the menu, the Pepper Fish features a rotating market catch that is pan-seared and glazed with pepper marinade, ata din din, and rof oil, then topped with a bright fennel and onion salad. It’s spicy and fresh, and one bite will easily explain why it’s such a hit.
1914 E 6th St. | @canjeatx
Il Brutto’s
Prosciutto & Fig Pizza
Sweet and savory collide in Il Brutto’s Prosciutto & Fig pizza. Fior di latte and ricotta form the creamy base for ribbons of prosciutto di Parma and ripe figs. Each slice is decadent and perfectly paired with one of their featured mini martinis.
1601 E 6th St. | @Ilbruttoaustin
Justine’s Brasserie’s
Poulpe Grillé
Romantic and unapologetically French, Justine’s Poulpe Grillé stars wood-grilled Spanish octopus with piment d’Espelette, lemon, and house mayo. Served with a toasted baguette, it’s smoky, tender, and exactly as indulgent as it sounds.
4710 E 5th St. | @justinesbrasserie
Granny’s Tacos’
Rico’s Mole Chicken Taco
Granny’s has delivered family traditions in East Austin for over 10 years. The Rico taco is continuously a menu staple with tender chicken and Spanish rice wrapped in a warm tortilla and drenched in Granny’s signature mole. This authentic comfort food is rich, smoky, and layered with warm spice.
1401 E 7th St. | @grannystacosatx
Gati Ice Cream’s
Olive Oil Drizzle
One drizzle changes everything. Gati’s plant-based ice cream is already a fan favorite, but the addition of olive oil with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a total game-changer. Somehow, the drizzle draws out each flavor’s natural richness, amplifying every bite with a velvety, almost savory, depth. Food science aside, it’s simply addictive.
More Team Picks!
Baptiste’s Fave: Fabrik’s home-made bread with preserved butter & Charred Scallion Tortellini
Ashley’s Fave: Siti’s Charred Cabbage & La Santa Barbacha’s
Quesebarbacha
Will’s Fave: Juniper’s Puffy Potato & Micklethwait’s Pickled Veggies
Deven’s Fave: Bar Toti’s Focaccia with Whipped Butter
Fallon’s Fave: Woodneck Kitchen’s Brussel Sprouts & Justine’s Royal Burger
Codi’s Fave: Sa-Tén’s Crispy Tofu Teriyaki with Potato Salad
Key Takeaways
- East Austin features a vibrant culinary scene showcasing unique dishes and diverse flavors.
- Oseyo serves Korean Fried Chicken, known for its crunch, paired with comforting sides.
- Spread & Co. offers The Mortadella, a delectable sandwich that marries rich ingredients beautifully.
- Canje’s Pepper Fish highlights fresh, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, while Il Brutto’s pizza combines sweet figs with savory prosciutto.
- Granny’s Tacos and Gati Ice Cream provide comforting favorites like mole chicken and intriguing olive oil drizzled ice cream.
