Colorful tree leaves hang as a backdrop while people walk on the Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail in downtown Austin on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022.
Ricardo B. Brazziell / American-Statesman
As temperatures finally dip and leaves start to turn, Austin restaurants are rolling out menus that embrace the flavors of fall — think pumpkin, maple, squash and spice. From cozy comfort dishes to creative desserts, here’s a look at what local spots are serving this season.
Amy’s Ice Creams
Amy’s brings back a fan favorite: pumpkin pie ice cream made with pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. For gatherings, the shop’s salted caramel pumpkin pie ice cream cake layers pumpkin pie ice cream between spiced cake and icing, finished with Biscoff cookie crumbs and a drizzle of salted pumpkin caramel.
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Multiple locations, check amysicecreams.com for the closest option.
Birdie’s
Diners wait to order at the counter at Birdie’s in Austin, Oct. 9, 2024. The counter-service restaurant serves a small menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on pasta, seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
The East Austin restaurant is offering a prix-fixe fall menu titled “Chapter 7: Autumn in Austin.” Priced at $79 per person, the menu is designed to be shared and served family style, with no à la carte options. The seasonal spread includes potato croquettes with cime di rapa and Parmesan fonduta; butternut squash soup with brown butter and pumpkin seeds; and sweet potatoes with roasted pears, apples and pecans in an apple cider vinaigrette.
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Guests then choose between hot-smoked Mt. Lassen trout with Marcella beans and dried tomatoes or chargrilled Wagyu beef with mushrooms, turnips and rosemary beef sauce (for a $21 supplemental charge). Dessert options include sugar pie pumpkin soft serve with Capezzana olive oil or a seared Granny Smith apple cake with warm caramel.
2944 E. 12th St., Unit A. birdiesaustin.com.
Gati
Known for its dairy-free desserts, Gati is offering a rotating seasonal Bundt cake made with Texas fruit and a sour cream coffee cake topped with brown streusel. On the savory side, fall brings comforting sides like roasted squash and a maple pecan peach waffle. Gati is also offering gluten-free desserts through pre-orders on their website.
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1512 Holly St. 512-220-1077. gatiatx.com.
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Kerbey Lane is serving seasonal pumpkin pancakes this fall.
Provided by Kerbey Lane
A longtime Austin staple for seasonal pancakes, Kerbey Lane’s fall favorites are back. The menu features pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin French toast and pumpkin pie lattes — all cozy classics that return each year to mark the start of the season.
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Central: 3704 Kerbey Lane. 512-451-1436.
Mueller: 2200 Aldrich St. 512-879-2818.
University: 2606 Guadalupe St. 512-477-5717.
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Local Foods
Local Foods is serving a caramel apple French toast in their new fall menu.
Provided by Local Foods.
Downtown’s Local Foods has launched a new lineup of dishes highlighting Texas produce and fall flavors. The fall harvest salad combines roasted squash, cauliflower and red grapes, while the butternut squash bisque and spicy crunchy munchy Brussels sprouts offer warm, comforting options. The caramel apple French toast headlines the brunch menu, and the walk-up window serves fall drinks like pumpkin pie and tiramisu lattes.
454 W. Second St. 512-614-1212, localfoodstexas.com.
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Ramen Del Barrio
This East Austin ramen shop blends Latin and Japanese influences with its fall menu. Highlights include the Cochinita Tonkotsu, made with cochinita pibil, pickled onions and tortilla strips in a rich pork broth, and the fall crudo, a bright dish with Hokkaido scallops, yuzu-jamaica vinaigrette and pickled habanero mushrooms.
1700 W. Parmer Lane. 512-720-1469, ramendelbarrio.com.
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Tómalo Grill
Tómalo Grill’s new seasonal menu spotlights Latin flavors and Texas produce. Dishes include a harvest salad with roasted corn and pumpkin vinaigrette, pescado con maíz and a hearty barbacoa huarache.
44 East Ave., Suite 100. 512-517-1656, tomaloatx.com.