Brown's Bar-B-Que is one of the featured South Austin eateries for Black Food Week this year.

Brown’s Bar-B-Que is one of the featured South Austin eateries for Black Food Week this year.

AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE

Black restaurant owners in Central Texas celebrate the foodways of Texas and the African diaspora with diverse offerings ranging from Cajun classics to barbecue. The area is home to dozens of restaurants serving oak-smoked brisket, chicken and waffles, curry goat and so much more.

In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at more than 35 restaurants in the area that help make Central Texas a rich and exciting place for dining.

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Twin Isle is opening on Sept. 1 at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin.

Twin Isle is opening on Sept. 1 at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin.

Provided by Twin Isle / Jessica Attie

Anything’s Baked Potato

Shrimp, fried chicken, bacon and eggs. Almost anything you can imagine, loaded into a baked potato.

1326 Rosewood Ave. 512-243-7702, Instagram.com/anythingsbakedpotato. 

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Big Easy Bar and Grill

Serves authentic, family-owned Cajun cooking. Gumbo, crawfish étouffée, po-boys, boudin and chargrilled oysters — led by New Orleans-born chef Darold Gordon.

7221 McNeil Dr. 512-406-9237; Instagram.com/bigeasyatx.

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Bigg Belly BBQ Co.

Brisket served by the pound, on a bun, in a taco and more.

9313 Anderson Mill Road. 512-903-0714, Instagram.com/biggbellybbq28.

Bird Bird Biscuit

A standout from Bird Bird Biscuit is the Firebird biscuit sandwich. The restaurant's new Austin location is now open at 2121 S. Lamar Blvd.

A standout from Bird Bird Biscuit is the Firebird biscuit sandwich. The restaurant’s new Austin location is now open at 2121 S. Lamar Blvd.

Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman

Biscuits stuffed with fried chicken served at three locations.

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East: 2701 Manor Road. 512-761-4922

North: 1401 W. Koenig Lane, 512-551-9820

South: 2121 S Lamar Blvd., Suite 110, 512-768-5288

birdbirdbiscuit.com; IG: @birdbirdbiscuit.

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Brown’s Bar-B-Que

Daniel Brown has been operating his Brown's Bar-B-Que trailer in South Austin for more than a decade.

Daniel Brown has been operating his Brown’s Bar-B-Que trailer in South Austin for more than a decade.

Laura Skelding, Austin American-Statesman

Daniel Brown serves some of the best chicken, brisket and ribs in town from his red trailer at Corner Bar.

1901 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-517-8520; brownsbbqatx.com; IG: @brownsbarbecue.

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Community Kitchen + Taproom

Marlon Rison, Community Vegan food truck co-owner and vegan cook, makes lemon pepper wings inside his food truck.

Marlon Rison, Community Vegan food truck co-owner and vegan cook, makes lemon pepper wings inside his food truck.

BRIANA SANCHEZ

The menu of oyster mushroom wing baskets, beer-battered cauliflower chicken sandwiches and avocado bites at the food truck from co-owners Marlon Rison and Ericka Dotson proves vegans don’t have to sacrifice flavor.

3110 Windsor Road. communityeats.co.

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Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls

The shop with one of the best names of any business in Austin serves massive cinnamon rolls with over-the-top flavors like blueberry banana doodle and banana pudding.

16051 Dessau Road, Suite F. Pflugerville. crankygrannys.com; IG: @crankygrannys.

Crimson Creek Smokehouse

Rib tips and pork belly burnt ends from Crimson Creek Smokehouse.

Rib tips and pork belly burnt ends from Crimson Creek Smokehouse.

MATTHEW ODAM / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Marcus McNac grew up eating pork barbecue in Oklahoma, so don’t be surprised when you find the delectable sweet rib burnt ends at this trailer. But his tomahawk steak nights place this truck squarely in Texas. Open on weekends at the Deep Eddy Vodka tasting room.

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2250 US 290, Dripping Springs. 512-774-4739, crimsoncreekbbq.com; IG: @crimsoncreekbbq.

Dia’s Market

Dia’s Market sells a number of deli sandwiches, hot soups and, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, rotisserie chicken. Contributed by Vanessa Cerday

Dia’s Market sells a number of deli sandwiches, hot soups and, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, rotisserie chicken. Contributed by Vanessa Cerday

Austin American-Statesman

This specialty market that opened in 2016 selling groceries, wine and beer, also has a deli that serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

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812 Justin Lane. diasmarket.com. IG: @diasmarket_austin.

Distant Relatives

Distant Relatives makes some of the best barbecue in town, and you have acres of space to enjoy it at Meanwhile Brewing Co.

Distant Relatives makes some of the best barbecue in town, and you have acres of space to enjoy it at Meanwhile Brewing Co.

MATTHEW ODAM

Chef Damien Brockway explores the foodways of Africa with his modern smoke shack at Meanwhile Brewing Co. that serves some of the city’s best barbecue.

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3901 Promontory Point Drive, distantrelativesatx.com. IG: @distantrelativesatx.

Down South CaJJun Eats

Down South CaJJun Eats' fried catfish baskets with CaJJun French fries and beaucoo sauce.

Down South CaJJun Eats’ fried catfish baskets with CaJJun French fries and beaucoo sauce.

Photo courtesy of Down South CaJJun Eats

Cajun seafood pasta, fried fish and crawfish étouffée bring Louisiana energy to this restaurant that stays open late and features DJ sets on Friday nights.

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15424 FM1825, Pflugerville. cajjuneats.com; IG: @cajjuneats.

Down South Texas BBQ

Ribs, brisket and pulled pork served in all forms make up the heart of this barbecue trailer located in Alice’s Food Court in North Austin.

1716 Howard Lane. dstxbbq.com/; IG: @dstbbq.

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Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group

Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who used to sneak sugar as a kid in Guyana, is an award-winning pastry chef and partner in the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group.

Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who used to sneak sugar as a kid in Guyana, is an award-winning pastry chef and partner in the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group.

Mikala Compton / American-Statesman

Guyanese chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph is a partner in the restaurant group that operates Canje, which serves Caribbean cuisine, along with Emmer & Rye, Ezov, Kalimotxo and Hestia.

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Gigi’s Cupcakes

This cupcake shop was founded by lifetime Longhorns Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin.

3944 FM 620 S. Bee Cave. 512-953-9833, thecupcakeguys.com; IG: @thecupcakeguys.

Gossip Shack

The Judi Jai Cajun Hot Honey Voodoo Meal at this wings and soul food restaurant comes with crispy fish and shrimp topped with a Cajun hot honey.

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1615 Grand Ave. Pkwy. Pflugerville, thegossipshack.com; IG: @gossip_shack.

Habesha

The combination vegetarian platter at the Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant in north Austin is among Austin's vegetarian-friendly options.

The combination vegetarian platter at the Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant in north Austin is among Austin’s vegetarian-friendly options.

Austin American-Statesman

Springy injera bread comes loaded with lentils, greens, doro wat and more at this Ethiopian restaurant.

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6019 I-35 N. 512-358-6839, habeshaaustin.com; IG: @habeshaatx.

Hoover’s Cooking

Hoover Alexander, owner of Hoover’s Cooking, on Tuesday September 1, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]

Hoover Alexander, owner of Hoover’s Cooking, on Tuesday September 1, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]

Jay Janner, Jay Janner

Few chefs in Austin have the history with the city that native Austinite Hoover Alexander does, a fact evident by the roster of longtime regulars who still show up for his chicken fried steak and convivial hospitality.

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2002 Manor Road. 512-479-5006, hooverscooking.com; IG: @hooverscooking.

JP’s Pancake Company

Pancakes stacked high that would make any sweet tooth blush. JP’s has shifted to a pop-up and event-based business. 

jpspancakecompany.com; IG: @jpspancakecompany.

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Lady T Kitchen

This Pflugerville restaurant serves African specialties like goat head and ogbono soup, along with the West African staple fufu.

15608 Spring Hill Lane, Pflugerville. ladytkitchen.com; IG: @lady_t_kitchen.

Les Bobos Crepes

Sweet and savory crepes and a solid coffee program near the University of Texas campus.

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2707 Rio Grande St. 281-786-0428, lesboboscrepes.com; IG: @lesboboscrepes.

Lonestar Crabshack

Casual seafood spot serving boiled snow crab, shrimp and combo platters with corn, potatoes, sausage and sauces.

1100 Grand Ave Pkwy, Pflugerville. 737-677-7432; Instagram.com/lonestarcrabshack.

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Mama Jambalaya

Check the website and social media of this roving food truck and catering operation to track down gumbo, po’ boys, and, yes, jambalaya.

mamajambalaya.com; IG: @mamajambalaya.

Midway Dogs

With their hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago natives Bonita and James Allen bring a taste of the Windy City to Austin.

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5333 Fleming Court, midwaydogs.devournow.com; IG: @midwaydogs.

Mr. Catfish

Scenes from the food court - waiting for Mr. Catfish at the 9th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, 2017, at Old Settlers Park. Henry Huey for Round Rock Leader.

Scenes from the food court – waiting for Mr. Catfish at the 9th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, 2017, at Old Settlers Park. Henry Huey for Round Rock Leader.

Austin American-Statesman

This Airport Boulevard staple has been serving up massive fried catfish fillets, along with wings, gizzards and more since 1998.

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1144 Airport Blvd. mrcatfishatx.com; IG: @mrcatfishatx.

Mr. Pimento

Serves bold, Jamaican-inspired Caribbean food, offering fresh, made-from-scratch comfort dishes rooted in jerk cooking.

7221 McNeil Dr. 512-900-1361, mrpimento.com; IG: @mrpimento.

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Nyam

This food truck fills tacos, bowls and plates with the flavors of Texas (beer-braised beef), Mexico (achiote pulled chicken) and the Caribbean (jerk chicken and curried goat).

703 Shady Lane. nyamcuisine.com; IG: @nyamsunshinecuisine.

The Potluck

Wings and Cajun cuisine from this food truck that stays open late in South Austin.

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5700 Menchaca Road, thepotluckatx.com; IG: @thepotluckatx. 

Rolling Rooster

The Rolling Rooster serves fried chicken and fish, along with soul food plates that include oxtails, collard greens and more.

The Rolling Rooster serves fried chicken and fish, along with soul food plates that include oxtails, collard greens and more.

Facebook

Wings, waffles, oxtails and soul food sides pack the menu at this North Austin spot.

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13717 Burnet Road, therollingrooster.com; IG: @therollingrooster.

Roots Chicken Shak

Duck fat-fried chicken will be on the menu at Roots Chicken Shak, a restaurant inside a new food hall at H-E-B at Mueller that is a partnership with chef Tiffany Derry.

Duck fat-fried chicken will be on the menu at Roots Chicken Shak, a restaurant inside a new food hall at H-E-B at Mueller that is a partnership with chef Tiffany Derry.

Contributed

Dallas chef Tiffany Terry’s restaurant inside the Mueller H-E-B serves duck-fat-fried chicken.  

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1801 E. 51st St. 512-236-1020, rootschickenshak.com. 

Sam’s Bar-B-Que

You'll get served mutton with a side of community and East Austin history at Sam's BBQ.

You’ll get served mutton with a side of community and East Austin history at Sam’s BBQ.

BRONTE WITTPENN / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

This iconic barbecue restaurant and community hub operated by Brian Mays has been serving the Eastside for almost 70 years.

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2000 E. 12th St. 512–478-0378, Instagram.com/samsbbq_atx. 

Taste of Ethiopia

Lamb tibbs are among a variety of well-spiced meats offered at Taste of Ethiopia. The restaurant is located on Grand Avenue Parkway in Pflugerville with a second location on South Congress in Austin. Courtesy photo

Lamb tibbs are among a variety of well-spiced meats offered at Taste of Ethiopia. The restaurant is located on Grand Avenue Parkway in Pflugerville with a second location on South Congress in Austin. Courtesy photo

Austin American-Statesman

Owners Woinee Mariam and her husband, Solomon Hailu, make guests feel like family at the two locations of their Ethiopian restaurant.

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South Austin: 3801 S. Congress Ave. 512-814-4131

Pflugerville: 1100 Grand Ave. Pkwy, Pflugerville, 512-251-4053, tasteofethiopiaaustin.com; IG: @tasteofethiopiaaustin.

TaterQue

As the name suggests, this Pflugerville spot specializes in baked potatoes loaded with smoked meats. They also cater, deliver and ship their smoked meats and other products.

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1202 FM 685, Suite B5, Pflugerville. taterque.com. IG: @tater_que.

Tony’s Jamaican Food

Tony and Kim Scott own Tony's Jamaican Food, which has two Austin-area locations. It is one of dozens of Black-owned food businesses that saw a bump in sales over the summer.

Tony and Kim Scott own Tony’s Jamaican Food, which has two Austin-area locations. It is one of dozens of Black-owned food businesses that saw a bump in sales over the summer.

American-Statesman file

Curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken are a few of the traditional Jamaican specialties served at this friendly Pflugerville restaurant and East Austin food truck. 

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East Austin: 1200 E 11th St.

Pflugerville: 2700 W. Pecan St. Suite 650, Pflugerville. 512-358-4949; tonysjamaicanfood.com.

Twin Isle

Twin Isle is located at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin.

Twin Isle is located at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin.

Provided by Twin Isle / Jessica Attie

Trinidad on Rosewood Avenue. Twin Isle, from Shirley’s Trini Cuisine chef Janelle Romeo, makes customizable bowls, roti wraps, bake-and-shark and oxtail fries.

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1401 Rosewood Ave., Suite A-1. 512-647-0689, twinislerestaurant.com.

Victory East

Situated inside the 80-year-old music venue known historically as the Victory Grill, the restaurant last year polished its menu and aesthetic a bit. Now, in addition to chicken wings and mac ‘n’ cheese, you’ll also find dishes like jerk chicken, lamb lollipops and a grilled pork chop. The restaurant, run by Glenn Williams of the Rolling Rooster, serves dinner six nights a week and Sunday brunch.

1104 E. 11th St. victoryeastatx.com; IG: @victoryeast.atx.

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Watts-That Soul Food

Southern fried pork chops and catfish share a menu with wings, Kool-Aid pickles and more at this soul food truck.

4925 Craigwood Drive, wattsthatsoulfoodmore.com; IG: @wattsthatsoulfood.

Whip My Soul

Soul food classics and playful spins like fried egg rolls stuffed with mac n’ cheese and oxtails.

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11416 N. FM 620. 512-514-0103; Instagram.com/whipmysoul.

Willie’s Bar-B-Que

Willie Joe Showels' granddaughters Deja Lyons, left, and Destiny Lyons carry on their late grandfather's legacy at Willie's Bar-B-Que in East Austin.

Willie Joe Showels’ granddaughters Deja Lyons, left, and Destiny Lyons carry on their late grandfather’s legacy at Willie’s Bar-B-Que in East Austin.

RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

The family of the late Willie Joe Showels Sr. continues the legacy established by the community fixture and his late wife Pearlie Mae in 1991 across from Morris Williams Golf Course.

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4505 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. williesbarbque.com; IG: @williesbarbque.

Winston’s Kitchen

Jerk and curry chicken and other Jamaican specialties from this longtime food truck in South Austin. You can also sample Winston’s cuisine every Wednesday at Flamingo Cantina on Sixth Street when Austin’s home for reggae music hosts Dreadneck Night.

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2103 W. Slaughter Lane. 512-541-6282, winstonskitchenatx.com; IG: @winstons_kitchen.