Micklethwait Craft Meats’ brisket chili Frito pie with sliced brisket

Where to Dig Into Austin’s Best Frito Pies

The hearty crunchy snack

by Nadia Chaudhury Updated May 30, 2018, 3:32pm CDT

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Micklethwait Craft Meats’ brisket chili Frito pie with sliced brisket

by Nadia Chaudhury Updated May 30, 2018, 3:32pm CDT

The Frito pie is a perfect balance of spicy chili (hold the beans, naturally), shredded cheese, raw onions, and salty crunchy Frito chips. The snack or meal is even better served in a Fritos bag paired with a cold beer. Learn about the history of the Frito pie too, including its origins and composition, with Eater National’s breakdown.

Austin’s best Frito pies can be found served straight from the chips bag at Yellow Jacket Social Club, barbecue trailers like Micklethwait Craft Meats and Kerlin BBQ. There are traditional takes from Texas Chili Parlor, a vegan version from Frank, eggy brunch ones from Lamberts, and even a Japanese-Texas blend from Kemuri Tatsu-ya.

Likewise, look through Eater’s best bets for chili in Austin, along with the city’s essential barbecue spots, newer barbecue places, sandwiches, and side dishes.

If there are any major missing Frito pies below, let Eater know through the tipline or within the comments.

Stiles Switch

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The Brentwood barbecue restaurant’s Frito pie makes use of chopped brisket of course. For an added bonus, ask to top it with sliced sausage.

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6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

(512) 380-9199

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Texas Chili Parlor

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With chili right there in its name, this place is a sure bet for good Frito pie, in varying levels of spiciness.

1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 472-2828

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Micklethwait Craft Meats

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The barbecue trailer’s brisket Frito pie is made with brisket chili and sliced brisket for a double-hit of meat.

1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 791-5961

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Frank

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The Frito pie at the hot dog palace comes either in traditional form, or meat-free with vegan chili. Add the diced onions, it won’t be a mistake.

407 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 494-6894

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Lamberts Downtown BBQ

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For a fancier take on the dish for brunch, comes to Lamberts where the Frito pie is made with chopped beef brisket, queso, goat cheese, and topped with runny poached eggs. It’s available sans egg at the bar the rest of the week too.

401 West 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701

(512) 494-1500

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