If you find yourself at the Austin airport (aka Austin-Bergstrom Airport), consider yourself ahead of the game when it comes to food. With its 2019 renovation, a whole new slew of restaurants were added to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, including in the extension of the international section.
The AUS airport is unique because it doesn’t allow large, chain restaurants. You won’t see a McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A around here. This could be seen as an inconvenience to some; however, I believe it gives travelers a more authentic experience.
Let’s talk vegan and vegetarian options. Sure, there are endless options for getting just about anything you could think of here—but when you want to opt for something a little lighter, it’s nice to know where to look. Here are my top go-to’s for eating something tasty without the regret:
Juiceland
While fairly self explanatory, Juiceland offers a plethora of all natural ingredients to make just about any juice or smoothie. They also offer plant based, vegan to-go meals. It’s perfect for early morning flights or for any time you simply want something to hold you over. My favorites are the Blue Hullabaloo Smoothie the Wundershowzen smoothie, and the Dr. Doctor shot
Location: Gate 16
Peached Tortilla
The Peached Tortilla is a unique Southern and Asian fusion (think; Bahn mi tacos). If I have a decent appetite for breakfast, I order their Japanese sweet potato taco that comes with egg, avocado, fried shallots and a tomatillo salsa (vegetarian). For lunch, I opt for their cauliflower tacos. They are accompanied by arugula, peanuts, toasted coconut and watermelon reddish. These can be made vegan by asking for the vegan mayo.
Location: Gate 17
Second Bar + Kitchen
If you’re looking to grab a drink or two with your meal, this is your place. Second Bar + Kitchen has a sophisticated vibe for those who are looking to sit down and relax. Although their menu is not vegan friendly, it’s a great place for vegetarians to indulge. My favorite is the Bianco pizza which has ricotta, goat cheese, wild arugula and grana padano. I like to pair it with a glass of Prosecco, but don’t forget to check out their cocktail menu.
Location: Between Gates 15 & 16
Tacodeli
You can find it by following the sound of upbeat Latino music at 7:00am. Tacodeli is an Austin cult classic featuring handcrafted, Mexican inspired tacos. My favorite breakfast item at the airport is their Freakin’ Vegan breakfast taco (on flour). I usually get two so I can eat one now and save one for the plane ride. Tip: use the self service tablets out front to order and pay for your meal. It’s so much faster than waiting in the line of 10 people.
Location: Gate 24
Mad Greens
My favorite place for a custom made salad or wrap. It’s an easy place to fill up on your favorite veggies. My favorite is the Harvest Wrap (sub cucumbers for the carrots). Their ingredients are fresh and it’s the perfect lunch to have without feeling sluggish afterward. They offer vegetarian options for breakfast that look good, but I have yet to try them.
Location: Gate 16
Enjoy!
I’m lucky to call the Austin Airport home base. Not only do they have nice options for vegans and vegetarians, but the restaurants really reflect the food culture of the city. From BBQ to bruschetta, just about every type of cuisine is represented. If you find yourself at the Austin Airport, take advantage!
For more information on the Austin Barbara Jordan terminal food and shopping, visit their site.
