Paleo orange chicken at Picnik Austin (Credit: Sarah Doliver)
I’ll admit, when my doctor first suggested I adopt a paleo lifestyle, I was nervous. Sure, I could adapt my cooking habits. Hand me a zucchini–I’ll make noodles. Toss in a butternut squash–you’ve got rice.
But what about my profound love for restaurant exploration? Would I be able to navigate the menus of up-and-coming eateries, or would my favorite hobby turn into a daunting task? Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.
During my first Whole30 journey, I remembered Picnik. The wholesome walk-up-turned-brick-and-mortar is known for its paleo offerings. They also have an entire menu of hand-selected dishes that are Whole30-compliant. And they aren’t all salad!
Inspired by Picnik’s commitment to the dietary goals of its customers, I decided to compile a list of other Whole30-complaint restaurants in Austin for my fellow restaurant explorers.
1/ Picnik
Picnik interior
This is Austin’s first all-paleo restaurant. If you eat paleo all the time, you can’t go wrong with any dish here. Let your server know you’re doing a Whole30.
Order: Anything off the Whole30 menu!
4801 Burnet Road – Website
2/ Wholly Cow Burgers
Part craft beer market, part burger joint, Wholly Cow prides itself on local pasture-raised, grass-fed beef and tons of substitution options. The bun on any of their sandwich options can be substituted for two portobello caps.
Order: The Fit Cross (paleo burger). Add a fried egg and avocado to makeup for not ordering fries!
3010 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
3/ Snap Kitchen
Snap Kitchen recently earned official Whole30 approval. Meals from Snap Kitchen can help ease you into a Whole30 by offering a transition to home-cooked paleo meals without all the shopping and prep.
Order: Ask for Whole30-compliant meals or search the online menu.
Multiple locations – Website
4/ Odd Duck
Odd Duck (Credit: Odd Duck Facebook/Jody Horton Photography)
The cheekily-named fine dining spot on South Lamar prides itself on being allergen-aware. Unfortunately, you can’t try any of their delicious cocktails during your Whole30. But if you are invited to a happy hour or dinner with friends, you’ll still have a wide variety of things to snack on.
Order: Ask your server about the paleo selections of the day.
1201 S Lamar Blvd. – Website
5/ P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Our hometown heroes wouldn’t leave us hanging. Although the Whole30 restrictions on dairy and tempting snack foods will keep you from shakes and fries, you can still enjoy the star of the show.
Order: Any sandwich dry, wrapped in lettuce. Add grilled onions and a tomato, skip the cheese.
Multiple locations – Website
6/ Soup Peddler
Mango peach smoothie at The Soup Peddler (Credit: Brittany Highland)
Fresh-pressed juice is a quick way to get in your veggies if you feel the need for an extra nutritional kick. The Whole30 program doesn’t necessarily recommend replacing meals with juice, but for a post-workout snack or nutrients on the fly, The Soup Peddler has you covered.
Order: Any juice and Tomato Basil soup.
Multiple locations – Website
7/ Mañana Coffee and Juice
Who would have thought you even had to monitor your coffee on Whole30? If you’re someone who can’t live without a fancy coffee drink, never fear! Head to Mañana in South Congress Hotel. This chic coffee and juice bar offers housemade almond milk. Make sure you don’t add any sweetener to your latte, but enjoy the cream without the chemicals with their nutty alternative. The fresh-pressed juices are also compliant, but be wary of too much sugar consumption (even if it is all plant-based).
1603 Congress Ave. – Website
8/ Farmhouse Delivery Supper Club
This online grocery of all-things-local offers its own meal kit service. Recently, the company started offering “Resolution Friendly” supper club options that are Whole30-complaint and incredibly gourmet. You can subscribe to the Supper Club on their website and–soon enough–everything you need for an incredible meal will show up at your door.
720 Bastrop Highway, Suite 110 – Website
Let’s be real. If you can survive an I-35 traffic jam, you can certainly make it 30 days without a few food groups. Nevertheless, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always ask. Especially in an accommodating city like Austin, many servers and kitchen staffs are used to being asked for ingredient lists or substitutions.
- Double check. Remember to watch out for hidden sugar, gluten and soy. (Did you know all lamb gyro meat is held together with gluten? I was crushed when I heard.)
- Easy swaps. Depending on what type of oil meat is cooked in, most burger and sandwich places are open to putting your protein on a bed of greens or wrapping it in lettuce as a bun alternative. Some sushi and sashimi places will replace your rice with lettuce, too!
- Keep it simple, then accessorize. Look for dishes with short ingredient lists. If your meal is feeling too boring, look for add-ons like egg, avocado or bacon.
We are so lucky to live in a city like Austin, where sticking to our health goals while satisfying our inner foodie is encouraged! Whole30 is an excellent way to really get in touch with what you’re eating and understand what local eateries offer. Take it slow and enjoy!
@theAustinot wants to know:
What’s your favorite Whole30 meal to eat out in Austin?
Snap Kitchen and Picnik are great and have some good options. Went to Odd Duck for lunch today and there was absolutely nothing on the menu that was Paleo/Whole30 (or anything like it). When we asked our server he said they had a limited gluten free menu, but that was it. So lunch there was a glass of water and a cup of coffee. Not sure if they have options some days and not others, but if you have dietary restrictions be sure to call ahead.