Austin, Texas, is a city known for its vibrant food scene. Beyond the famous barbecue and Tex-Mex, lies a hidden world of delicious breadsticks. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best 17 breadsticks Austin has to offer, exploring various styles, flavors, and dipping sauces to help you find your perfect match. We'll be considering factors like texture, flavor, sauce pairings, and overall dining experience to provide you with the most informed decision possible. Get ready to embark on a crusty culinary adventure!
Exceptional Breadstick Experiences: A Diverse Selection
This isn't just a list; it's a journey through Austin's breadstick landscape. We've categorized the best to help you navigate this delicious dilemma:
Classic Italian Breadsticks
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Via 313: Known for its Detroit-style pizza, Via 313's breadsticks are a revelation. Thick, chewy, and generously seasoned, they're the perfect complement to their incredible pies. Their signature garlic butter is a must-try.
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Home Slice Pizza: Another pizza powerhouse, Home Slice offers classic New York-style breadsticks. These are thinner and crispier than Via 313's, providing a delightful contrast in texture.
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Pinthouse Pizza: Pinthouse Pizza's breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser, perfectly balancing soft interior with a crisp exterior. Their variety of dipping sauces elevates the experience.
Beyond the Basic: Innovative Breadstick Creations
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Odd Duck: Odd Duck elevates the humble breadstick to an art form. Their seasonally inspired breadsticks often feature unique flavors and textures, making each visit a surprise.
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Josephine House: Josephine House's breadsticks are a testament to artisanal baking. Expect beautifully crafted breadsticks with interesting flavor combinations.
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June's All Day: June's offers a twist on the classic, incorporating seasonal ingredients and creative flavor profiles. Think rosemary, parmesan, or even a hint of chili.
Unexpected Breadstick Delights
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Hopdoddy Burger Bar: While primarily a burger joint, Hopdoddy's breadsticks are a surprisingly delicious addition to the menu. These soft and buttery sticks are perfect for sharing.
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The Peached Tortilla: This modern Asian-inspired restaurant offers a unique take on the breadstick with their kimchi breadsticks. Spicy and savory, these are a surprising and delightful treat.
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Uchi: Uchi's breadsticks might not be the star of the show, but they're a delightful accompaniment to their exceptional sushi and other dishes.
Breadsticks as a Side Dish: Complementary Experiences
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Matt's El Rancho: A classic Austin establishment, Matt's offers traditional Tex-Mex fare, and their breadsticks are a staple. Simple, yet satisfying.
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Chuy's: Similar to Matt's, Chuy's provides a reliably good Tex-Mex experience, complemented by their crispy and flavorful breadsticks.
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Torchy's Tacos: While not the primary focus, Torchy's provides decent breadsticks, perfectly acceptable for soaking up any leftover deliciousness.
The Sweet Side of Breadsticks
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Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden: This bakery boasts a range of incredible breads and pastries, including a unique cinnamon breadstick that's a sweet treat worth seeking out.
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Gourdough's Public House: Gourdough's offers unique, over-the-top donut creations, including a unique breadstick-style donut that is a surprising addition to this dessert menu.
A Unique Breadstick Experience
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Lazarus Brewing Co.: Lazarus Brewing Co. pairs well with its craft beers, offering a unique, flavorful breadstick option that perfectly compliments their brewing philosophy.
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Azul Tequila Bar: Azul's breadsticks are a fun addition, elevated by their vibrant atmosphere.
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Foreign & Domestic: This restaurant's focus on seasonality and local sourcing extends to their breadsticks, promising a constantly rotating menu of surprising and delightful flavors.
The Ultimate Breadstick Experience: Choosing Your Champion
Choosing the "best" breadstick is subjective. Consider your preferences: Do you crave crispy perfection or a soft and chewy interior? Do you prefer classic flavors or innovative twists? The table below summarizes our findings to help you make an informed choice.
| Restaurant | Breadstick Style | Flavor Profile | Sauce Pairing Suggestions |
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| Via 313 | Thick, Chewy | Savory, Garlicky | Garlic Butter |
| Home Slice Pizza | Thin, Crispy | Classic Italian | Marinara Sauce |
| Odd Duck | Artisanal, Seasonal | Varies seasonally | Varies seasonally |
| Easy Tiger | Cinnamon | Sweet, Spiced | None (Enjoy as is!) |
| The Peached Tortilla | Kimchi | Spicy, Savory | Kimchi Mayo |
This list is not exhaustive, and new breadstick contenders emerge in Austin's dynamic food scene regularly. This guide should, however, provide a solid foundation for your breadstick adventures. So grab a friend, explore these locations, and embark on the tasty journey of discovering your favorite Austin breadstick! Remember to always check restaurant websites for current menus and hours. Happy eating!
