So many soups, so little time (Credit: Favordelivery.com)
Austin lucks out this time of year in terms of weather. Our porches and patio spaces remain vibrant meeting places, even through the winter months. As I wrap my scarf around my neck, I relish the excuse to indulge in my favorite decadent, warming soups. Whether it’s a spicy posole or nutritious chicken broth ramen, these seven Austin soups make the chilly evenings feel that much cozier and delicious.
#1 Soup Peddler: Green Goddess Soup
David Ansel is Austin’s scratch-soup-crafting pioneer. Starting his formidable soup empire in 2002 with a bike-delivered-soup-subscription service, Soup Peddler now serves an array of ever-changing soups, juices, salads and pressed sandwiches from two brick and mortar locations.
Check their Instagram for daily creations before you call in your order. The rotating lineup of soups are fresh and seasonal. This is the place to try an unusual flavor combination—they know what they’re doing.
The Green Goddess is a go-to staple for me year-round. Garlic-y and thick with broccoli, spinach and brown rice, this creamy soup is surprisingly rich and filling, especially when you consider it’s vegan and gluten-free. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you cheated the system—it’s rich and filling, yet unequivocally wholesome and nutritious.
501 W. Mary St., 13219 Hwy 183 and 2801 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
#2 Foodheads: Tortilla Soup
Between crunchy strips of tortilla, pulled chicken, tomato-y broth and creamy avocado garnish, nothing hits the spot like tortilla soup. And at Foodheads, every sandwich or salad that comes out of the kitchen to accompany the soup is thoughtfully crafted and spot-on.
Even though this north campus cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch, it’s the perfect funky spot to grab soup and sandwich with a friend.
616 W. 34th St. — Website
#3 Fricano’s Deli: Tomato Basil Soup
If you like your tomato soup with a killer sandwich, Fricano’s Deli is the place to indulge in the best of both words.
The tomato basil soup is garlic-y with welcomed chunks of carrot and onions throughout. It’s the perfect soup for pairing with a salty pastrami on rye during a chilly winter afternoon.
2405 Nueces St. — Website
#4 Daruma Ramen: Shoyo Ramen
Yum yum yum (Credit: Laura Darby)
In a town with a handful of up-and-coming ramen shops, Daruma is a tiny East 6th Street lunch and dinner spot that consistently cranks out amazing, whole chicken broth ramen like it’s no big thing.
Watch the chefs go at it as you slurp noodle goodness at the bar, or pull up a seat next to another thankful soup devotee bent over a giant bowl of steaming broth.
There are four choices of ramen and you really can’t go wrong. Whether you want to try their shoyo ramen with seaweed dashi, or miso ramen with flecked chili threads, there’s a lot to love on this short, solid menu.
612 E. 6th St. — Website
#5 Black Star Co-op: Bowl of Red
In true Texas chili fashion, there is nary a bean in sight within this deep red, thick, beefy stew. Jalepenos, onions, cheddar and local beef meld together in Black Star Co-op’s rich, cumin-laced bowl that is hearty and addictive. This brewery lures you with unique micro brews, but you’ll keep coming back for their seasonal, locally-sourced dinner menu.
7020 Easy Wind Drive — Website
#6 Las Palomas: Chicken Consommé
Las Palomas in West Austin takes their soups seriously. If you’re not swooning over the delicate posole, then give the elevated chicken consommé a try. It’s like a deconstructed chicken noodle soup, with a broth that is as rich and flavorful as it is haunting.
3201 Bee Caves Road —Website
#7 Xian Sushi and Noodles: Tom Yam Chicken Noodle Soup
Tom Yam chicken noodle soup at Xian Sushi and Noodle
Step inside this noodle house, tucked away in the Mueller development, and prepare to be impressed with Xian Sushi and Noodles’ expansive menu.
If you love coconut milk-based soups, thick with cilantro, chicken and hand-pulled noodles, it doesn’t get much better than the Tom Yam chicken noodle soup. It’s like a bowl of pasta and coconut soup had a baby. I, for one, am not complaining.
1801 E. 51st St. and 13201 Ranch Road 620 N. — Website
@kristimleigh wants to know:
What’s your favorite place to enjoy a bowl of soup in Austin?
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