Austin, Texas, boasts a vibrant food scene, and soup plays a surprisingly significant role. From classic comfort food to innovative culinary creations, the city offers a diverse range of soupy delights. This comprehensive guide explores 18 of the best soups Austin has to offer, categorized for your convenience, ensuring you find the perfect bowl to warm your soul.
Hearty & Comforting Soups in Austin
These Austin soup spots specialize in providing rich, satisfying bowls perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy lunch.
1. Odd Duck's Seasonal Soup: A Culinary Masterpiece
Odd Duck, known for its farm-to-table ethos, consistently features a seasonal soup that showcases the freshest ingredients. Their soups aren't just meals; they're edible works of art, reflecting the chef's creativity and commitment to quality. Expect unexpected flavor combinations and perfectly balanced textures. Their butternut squash soup with toasted pepitas in the fall is legendary.
2. Franklin Barbecue's Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup: Texan Comfort Food
While primarily known for its legendary barbecue, Franklin Barbecue also offers a smoked sausage and potato soup that's a true testament to Texan comfort food. The smoky flavor of the sausage infuses the entire pot, creating a rich and deeply satisfying experience. It's the perfect pairing with a slice of their brisket.
3. Hopdoddy Burger Bar's French Onion Soup: A Classic Done Right
Hopdoddy Burger Bar's French onion soup is a testament to the power of simplicity done exceptionally well. The rich broth, caramelized onions, and perfectly toasted croutons make this a classic choice for soup lovers. It's the ultimate comfort food, elevated to an art form.
Spicy & Adventurous Soups in Austin
For those who enjoy a little heat, Austin's culinary landscape offers several spicy soup options that will ignite your taste buds.
4. Veracruz All Natural's Caldo de Res: A Mexican Comfort Classic
Veracruz All Natural, renowned for its authentic Mexican street food, offers a Caldo de Res that’s a true taste of Mexico. This rich beef broth is simmered for hours, resulting in a deeply flavorful and warming soup, perfect for a chilly day.
5. Thai-Kun's Tom Kha Soup: Aromatic and Zesty
Thai-Kun's Tom Kha Soup is a vibrant explosion of flavors. The creamy coconut milk base is perfectly balanced with the zesty lime juice and fragrant lemongrass. This is a must-try for any fan of Thai cuisine. The spice level is adjustable, catering to everyone's preference.
6. Matt's El Rancho's Chile Relleno Soup: A Southwestern Delight
Matt's El Rancho delivers a unique spin on traditional Southwestern flavors with its Chile Relleno Soup. This hearty soup features tender poblano peppers, creamy cheese, and a flavorful broth. Be prepared for a rich and satisfying experience with a kick.
Light & Refreshing Soups in Austin
Austin's diverse culinary scene also extends to lighter, refreshing soups ideal for warmer days or those seeking a less heavy option.
7. Josephine House's Gazpacho: A Spanish Summer Classic
Josephine House’s Gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup made with blended tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions, is a refreshing alternative to heavier soups. It's a perfect light lunch or a starter for a larger meal. The vibrant flavors and refreshing nature make it a summer staple.
8. Uchi's Miso Soup: A Taste of Japan
Uchi, a celebrated sushi restaurant, offers a simple yet sophisticated Miso Soup. This classic Japanese soup is a perfect accompaniment to any sushi order. The savory broth, tender tofu, and delicate seaweed offer a comforting yet light experience.
9. Justine's Brasserie's French Onion Soup: A Lighter Take
Justine's Brasserie presents a lighter variation of the classic French onion soup, retaining the familiar flavors while offering a less heavy experience. The subtle sweetness of the caramelized onions is perfectly balanced with a lighter broth.
Unique & Creative Soups in Austin
Some restaurants in Austin push the boundaries of traditional soup-making, creating truly unique and innovative culinary experiences.
10. Emmer & Rye's Rotating Soup Selection: A Culinary Adventure
Emmer & Rye is known for its ever-changing menu, and their soups are no exception. They regularly feature unique and inventive soup creations, often using locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. Expect the unexpected!
11. Loro's Smoked Brisket & Bone Marrow Soup: A Smoky Masterpiece
Loro's Smoked Brisket & Bone Marrow Soup combines the bold flavors of smoked brisket with the richness of bone marrow, creating a unique and unforgettable soup experience. The combination of smoky, savory, and rich flavors is truly extraordinary.
Vegetarian & Vegan Soups in Austin
Austin's commitment to plant-based cuisine shines through in its diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan soups.
12. Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden's Vegetarian Chili: A Hearty Veggie Option
Banger's offers a vegetarian chili that's surprisingly hearty and flavorful. Packed with vegetables and spices, it's a satisfying choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. The inclusion of beer adds a depth of flavor that is truly unique.
13. Counter Culture's Vegan Soup of the Day: A Daily Surprise
Counter Culture changes its vegan soup of the day regularly, providing a culinary adventure for those seeking plant-based options. Expect creative and flavor-packed soups crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
International Flavors: A Global Soup Tour in Austin
Austin’s diversity is reflected in its global cuisine, making it a wonderful destination for an international soup journey.
14. Daruma Ramen's Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich Pork Broth Perfection
Daruma Ramen offers a deeply flavorful Tonkotsu Ramen, a Japanese ramen soup made with a rich pork broth. It's a true culinary masterpiece, highlighting the art of ramen-making. The tender pork belly and perfectly cooked noodles complete the experience.
15. Torchy's Tacos' Green Chile Queso Soup: A Southwestern Twist
Torchy’s Tacos offers a Green Chile Queso soup, merging the hearty flavors of green chiles with the creaminess of queso. This is a perfect option for a light yet satisfying meal that delivers a pleasant kick.
Casual & Quick Soups in Austin
Sometimes, you just need a quick and satisfying bowl of soup. These Austin spots offer delicious options without the fuss.
16. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill's Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Classic Comfort Choice
Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill offers a delicious chicken tortilla soup, a classic choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The flavorful broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips make this a crowd-pleaser.
17. Pinthouse Pizza's Soup of the Day: A Rotating Selection
Pinthouse Pizza regularly offers a rotating soup of the day, providing a convenient and affordable option for a quick lunch or dinner. Expect both classic and creative choices.
Beyond the Bowl: Unique Soup Experiences in Austin
Some Austin restaurants take the soup experience to the next level, offering unique and memorable moments.
18. Food Trucks: A Culinary Adventure on Wheels
Austin's vibrant food truck scene offers a surprising variety of soups, from classic chili to exotic international flavors. Exploring food trucks is an excellent way to discover hidden culinary gems and unexpected soup creations.
This list showcases only a fraction of Austin's soup scene. Each restaurant offers its unique charm and culinary expertise. Exploring these 18 soups will be just the beginning of your culinary adventure in Austin. Happy Souping!
