It’s election season in Texas now — early voting starts on Monday, October 21, and runs through Friday, November 1 and Election Day takes place on Tuesday, November 5. And Austin restaurants are ready to encourage people to go out and perform their civic duties in the form of free or discounted food for voters.
There are a bunch of important races on deck for Austinites: the presidential election between Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump; the Texas Senate race between Democratic Representative Colin Allred and incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and other state offices; the city’s mayoral race and City Council seats; propositions; and more.
It’s important to note that, technically, offering free food and drinks to voters is illegal. However, restaurants can legally get around that by opening up these offers to everyone, even those without “I Voted” stickers.
Here are the Austin restaurants offering free food or discounts to voters (and, legally, non-voters).
- Austin Beerworks: Both brewery locations will offer a free beer on Election Day to people with their voting stickers. (3001 Industrial Terrace, North Burnet; 10300 Springdale Road, Northeast Austin)
- Home Slice: Both locations of the pizzeria will offer a free slice to people with stickers throughout early voting and Election Day. (Home Slice: 501 East 53rd Street, North Loop; More: 1415 South Congress Avenue, Travis Heights)
- Joe’s Bakery: The Mexican restaurant is offering two-dollar discounts on meals for people with their voting stickers. (2305 East Seventh Street, Holly)
- Kerbey Lane Cafe: The diner mini-chain is offering a free pancake to people with voting stickers on Election Day (people who vote early are encouraged to keep their stickers for Election Day). (multiple locations)
- Mochinut: The mochi doughnut bakery will offer a free doughnut to people with their proof of voting. (Hana World Market, 1700 West Parmer Lane, Unit 100, Scofield Farms)
