Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives puts Austin back on the national food map—again. Guy Fieri’s Favorite Austin Restaurants, the flame-shirted Food Network legend and culinary showman, has revisited the Texas capital, showcasing some of the most mouthwatering and wildly inventive dishes the city has to offer.
From brisket pancakes at Industry Eastside to crispy beef rice at a Laotian hotspot, three Austin eateries have earned a coveted spot on this summer’s episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
The appearances are a delicious reminder of why Austin’s food scene continues to captivate the country—and locals across Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Pflugerville are ready to dig in.
If you’re looking for the best restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in Austin this summer, here’s your guide to where—and what—to eat.
Brisket for Breakfast: Industry Eastside Wows with ‘Beef Cakes’
The first of the featured restaurants, Industry Eastside, made its debut on the July 26 episode titled Sandwiches and Soul. The East Austin spot, helmed by chef-owner Harlan Scott, is no stranger to big flavors and bold combinations.
In the episode, Fieri sinks his teeth into two brisket-based dishes: a smoky, savory pastrami on Texas toast, and a sweet-meets-smoky breakfast delight known as “beef cakes.” These buttermilk pancakes are layered with smoked brisket, bacon, berry compote, and pecan syrup. It’s a Texas brunch dream with a twist.
From Industry’s regular menu, the pastrami sandwich is stacked with Swiss cheese, dijon mustard, house pickles, and a smoky bacon-onion jam. It’s served with a brisket jus for dipping—a carnivore’s version of French dip gone full Texas.
Located on East 5th Street, Industry Eastside is already popular among Austinites for its casual-yet-creative fare. Now, with national recognition, expect the lines to grow longer. But the reward? Worth it.
Coming Soon: Lao’d Bar Brings Laotian-American Flavor to Flavortown
Next on the lineup is Lao’d Bar, an unassuming but wildly inventive spot that will be featured on Flavortown Flavorfest, airing Friday, August 22. While the Food Network keeps details under wraps until release, their episode notes drop some juicy hints.
The description highlights “a legit Laotian-American spot in Austin… servin’ the-bomb beef in a crispy rice salad and killer coconut escolar ceviche.” Based on that alone, fans of the local scene have pointed straight to Lao’d Bar.
Known for blending traditional Laotian flavors with modern Austin style, Lao’d Bar has built a cult following. Dishes like their nam khao (crispy rice salad with seasoned beef) and coconut escolar ceviche elevate the city’s Asian fusion game.
These aren’t your average dishes—Fieri’s inclusion of Lao’d Bar signals a broader shift in American palates toward Southeast Asian flavors, and Lao’d is leading that charge in Central Texas.
What It Means to Be Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Getting featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is no small feat.
The Food Network keeps its vetting process tight-lipped, and restaurant owners are often unable to promote their episodes until after airing.
But the payoff is major. Restaurants often experience a massive spike in foot traffic, online orders, and media buzz.
Past Austin favorites that have made the list include Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, Magnolia Cafe, and Casino El Camino—each of which saw significant boosts in recognition. With the spotlight now on Industry Eastside and Lao’d Bar, they’re likely to see similar success.
For locals in Round Rock, Pflugerville, or Georgetown, this is a golden opportunity to taste nationally-acclaimed dishes in their own backyard—without the road trip.
Austin’s Culinary Cred Gets a National Nod—Again
This latest DDD spotlight is another chapter in Austin’s long history of culinary excellence. But what’s especially exciting is the variety: from soul food to Laotian fusion, the diversity on display reflects Austin’s evolving identity.
Even beyond these three episodes, the city’s dining landscape continues to impress. Think Kemuri Tatsu-Ya’s Japanese-Texan izakaya, Uchi’s fine-dining sushi, and Bird Bird Biscuit’s cult breakfast sandwiches. With Guy Fieri in town, though, it’s the bold and creative comfort food that gets top billing.
Where Flavortown Meets Austin
If you’re hunting for the best restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in Austin, start with Industry Eastside and keep your calendar marked for Lao’d Bar’s debut on August 22. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Fieri or simply hungry for something different, these eateries serve up more than meals—they offer an experience. Make your reservations (or get in line early)—because Flavortown just got a new ZIP code.
