11 Cities Where US Foodies Are Finding Their Next Obsession

3. Austin—Barbecue and Fusion Capital

Few cities blend classic flavors with boundary-pushing cuisine quite like Austin. Famous for its smoky barbecue joints, the city also thrives on fusion—where Tex-Mex meets Korean, and food trucks peddle fried chicken biscuits beside sushi burritos. As of 2024, Austin boasts the fastest growth in James Beard Award semifinalists outside the coasts, thanks to a wave of energetic chefs and a supportive food community. Barbecue icons like Franklin Barbecue continue to draw crowds, yet forward-thinking eateries are forging new culinary identities with global influences. Food festivals, including Hot Luck and Eat Drink Austin, turn the city into a playground for taste experimentation, while plant-based diners find plenty to enjoy, too. Austin’s food scene values fun, invention, and big flavor, making it a prime destination for foodies eager to discover what’s next.