Everywhere The Queer Eye Guys Eat In Season 6
Season 6 of "Queer Eye" recently made its debut on Netflix. This season, in spite of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the stars of the show and their heroes were able to go out and about in Austin, Texas, as they filmed the new episodes. Austin is one of the best food cities in the country (via U.S. News & World Report) and between food expert Antoni Porowski's passion for good eating and the food connections of some of the heroes ("Queer Eye"'s term for the people they help give life makeovers to) themselves, the Austin restaurant scene got a fair amount of screen time (via Eater).
If you're a "Queer Eye" superfan, an Austinite looking for a few new places to check out, or a road-tripping foodie researching places to eat in Austin, it's worth checking out at least one of the places featured on the newest season of "Queer Eye." After all, if it has the "Queer Eye" seal of approval, chances are you're going to get a tasty meal.
They visited lots of bakeries and cafes
Several bakeries and cafes were featured on this season of "Queer Eye," but if you can only visit one, make it OMG Squee. OMG Squee is a gluten-free bakery owned and operated by Sarah Lim, the star of episode 9, who draws inspiration from "cute foods, pop culture, and her third culture Asian American experiences" (via Squee Club). The bakery serves up Asian-inspired desserts like taiyaki (stuffed fish-shaped mochi waffles), soft and chewy butter mochi donuts, boba, soft serve, and more.
Other Austin-area bakeries and cafes you shouldn't miss? There's Easy Tiger, a bakery and beer garden that specializes in old world hearth breads, pretzels, and pastries, which was featured in episode 2, and Sour Duck Market, featured in episode 9, which serves up freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks made with local ingredients. Swedish Hill is another option. The deli, bakery, and cafe was seen on episode 1 and specializes in artisan sandwiches, bagels, and pastries.
Last but not least, there's The Cafe at Native Hostels, but they might not currently be operating a cafe out of that location — according to the cafe's last Instagram post, they were temporarily closed but planning to partner with Idlewild Coffee Company in the future.
The cast enjoyed some Southern favorites
Season 6 was filmed in Austin, Texas, so you know there had to be some classic Southern eateries featured on the show. If you're always down for Southern-inspired seafood, there are two options. Plooky's Cajun Boiling Pot is owned and operated by Todd Maddoxx, the subject of episode 5. They serve up their family's signature gumbo recipe (which got a little help from Porowski), along with classic Cajun seafood boils featuring crawfish or shrimp and add-ins like corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage. You can feast your eyes there, as the space was recently remodeled by "Queer Eye" design expert Bobby Berk. For a slightly more upscale experience, check out Salt Traders Coastal Cooking, which serves items like ceviche tostadas, Gulf Coast shrimp, and fish enchiladas. Anyone who loves Tex-Mex should check out the Taconmaye food truck, which was featured in episode 4, serving up tacos, nachos, and more to students at Navarro Early College High School's outdoor prom.
As for the Broken Spoke, the honky-tonk bar featured in episode 1, enter at your own risk. Apparently, there's a long history of negative reviews associated with the bar and its employees, including the episode one protagonist Terri White, such as serious allegations of racism and homophobia (via Gawker).
Other Austin eateries
For a fancy dining experience, try to eat out at Arlo Grey. The restaurant is owned by Kristin Kish, the winner of "Top Chef" season 10. It was featured on episode 9, when "Queer Eye" hero Reggie Devore and his son (a young aspiring chef) learn how to make filet mignon in the Arlo Grey kitchen with Porowski as their instructor. Kish doesn't appear in the episode, but the menu at her restaurant looks delicious.
Last but certainly not least, is there anything more Texas than beef? "Queer Eye" hero Josh Eilers doesn't think so. He's the founder of Ranger Cattle, a free-range, pasture-raised, Veteran-owned cattle ranch that raises cows for wagyu beef. You can buy Ranger Cattle's quality beef at their tasting room, though according to their website it's currently closed due to high demand. You can also find it served at restaurants in Austin and beyond, and in the past, the ranch itself has hosted outdoor movie nights and events.