You know what they say, “At the stroke of midnight on Sept. 1, everything turns into pumpkin spice.” Although temperatures in our capital city have only gone from hot to not so hot, pumpkin everything has spread like wildfire amongst the city’s eateries. In celebration of the season, here’s a roundup of fall treats that are far from basic. In fact, these mouthwatering flavors are sure to put you in the mood for fall. You may even find yourself pulling out those sweaters and scarves, even if it is to wear them in the air conditioning of your own home.
1/ Kerbey Lane
Beloved Austin native Kerbey Lane Cafe recently debuted its seasonal fall menu, complete with old favorites and new additions. There’s no doubt the menu’s combination of hearty flavors will keep you warm when the temperatures eventually drop. Think pumpkin, squash, root veggies, and sweet potato. Choose from small plates, Benedicts, entrees, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, or dessert. My top picks are the pumpkin cream pasta with savory pumpkin sauce and a hint of spice from Pederson’s jalapeño sausage, and fluffy pumpkin pancakes that perfectly balance notes of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Multiple locations – Website
2/ Patrizi’s
Everyone’s favorite purveyor of pasta, located outside Butterfly Bar at the Vortex, is back at it again with its latest fall special: butternut and sage fettuccini. Don’t walk–run–to savor pasta with baked butternut squash and fried sage. Housemade bread crumbs and a drizzle of honey top off this unique fall dish. It’s sure to satisfy all your autumnal cravings.
2307 Manor Road – Website
3/ Regal Ravioli
Note: Unfortunately, Regal Ravioli closed in August 2019.
Regal Ravioli recently put its roasted butternut squash ravioli back on the menu, reminding us why this food truck is King. This supreme fall dish is made with caramelized onions and poblano peppers, topped with gouda veloute sauce and tomato marinara. It’s abundant in royal flavor and sure to satisfy your soul. Don’t miss it.
1502 S. 1st St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “5 Austin Food Trucks Plating Mouthwatering Italian Food”
4/ Tiny Pies
You heard it here first, folks! Pies like grandma used to make, except tinier, make for hand-held happiness. Mother-daughter duo Kit and Amanda have been cranking out tiny pies since 2011, and they have no doubt secured a big spot in the hearts of Austinites.
Tiny Pies recently unveiled its fall menu, which packs a serious seasonal flavor punch. On the menu for a limited time, you’ll find sweet flavors such as Bourbon Chess, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Sweet Potato, each enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. Savory menu standouts include Potato Leek, Pot Pie, and Spinach and Asiago Cheese empanadas. Trust me when I say you’ll have a hard time eating just one.
5035 Burnet Road or 2032 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “How Austin’s Tiny Pies Ended Up on Tables Across the U.S.”
5/ Tèo
“World Acclaimed. Austin Made.” Tèo just released pumpkin pie gelato, and it’s anything but basic. This fall treat is made with passion, fresh ingredients, and homemade bases that add up to the best gelato I’ve ever had. Many other palates must agree because it was ranked among the Top 5 in the 2014 Gelato World Tour Finals, amongst other accolades.
Organic pumpkin, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are lovingly added into every batch to create this seasonal gelato with pure autumnal flavor. Tèo has even managed to make its creamy gelato using half the fat of standard ice cream, so you can indulge with half the guilt. Stop by their brick and mortar location off 38th Street, or swing by the H-E-B nearest you to pick up a pint while it’s still available.
Insider tip: After you devour a pint of your favorite gelato, don’t trash it. Bring it into the Tèo shop to receive a free small cup.
1206 W. 38th St. – Website
6/ Lick Honest Ice Creams
Let the flavors of Thanksgiving dance upon your palates this season, as you enjoy them from a cone or cup. Stop by locally-adored Lick Honest Ice Creams to try unique ice cream flavors such as Spiced Sweet Potato Pie, Caramel Apple Cake, or Sweet Persimmons and Sage.
1100 S. Lamar Blvd., 6555 Burnet Road, 1905 Aldrich St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Churn Yourself On at Lick Honest Ice Creams”
Fall in Love With Austin’s Fall Treats
Whether it’s sweet or savory you crave, the above treats made with pumpkin spice and everything nice are sure to satisfy your taste buds, and have you convinced you’ve found true amor.
@dollarsaenz wants to know:
What are your favorite fall treats in Austin?
