Starting your orthodontic journey with Dr. Briggs and the Austin Orthodontics Team is an exciting step toward the smile of your dreams—but let’s be real: the first few days after getting your braces on can come with a little soreness. That tenderness might have you wondering what foods you can eat without making things worse.
Good news! Austin is full of amazing local spots serving up delicious soft foods that are perfect for sensitive teeth. Whether you’re looking for something cold, warm, creamy, or cozy, Dr. Briggs is dishing up the 411 on our top local picks for soft foods that won’t stress out your sore smile.
🥤 Smoothies: Cold, Soothing, and Sippable
📍 JuiceLand
An Austin original, JuiceLand is a local staple for made-to-order smoothies packed with real fruits and veggies. Their delicious smoothies and cold-pressed juices are among locals looking for a refreshing, nutrient-rich option. When your teeth are sore, smoothies are perfect—no chewing required and always soothing.
The Honey-Beary is an Austin Orthodontics Team favorite!
✅ Source: JuiceLand.com, instagram.com/juiceland/
🧀 Mac & Cheese: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
When you need warm, soft comfort food, mac and cheese is the MVP. Here are a few local spots that do it right:
📍 Moonshine Grill
A cozy Austin classic nestled in a historic downtown building, Moonshine’s mac and cheese is beloved for its rich flavor and crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a hug in a bowl—soft, cheesy, and comforting.
✅ Sources:MoonshineGrill.com,Roadfood, TripAdvisor reviews https://www.instagram.com/moonshine_atx/
📍Terry Black’s BBQ
While known for legendary BBQ, their creamy mac and cheese holds its own. Smooth, cheesy, and fresh-made daily, it’s one of the most popular sides—so much so, they go through over 41,000 pounds of noodles a year!
✅ Sources:TerryBlacksBBQ.com,MySanAntonio, https://www.instagram.com/terryblacks_bbq/
📍 Tumble 22
This hot chicken spot serves a mean mac & cheese with cavatappi pasta and rich sauce. Even if you skip the spicy stuff (for now), their cheesy side dish is a must-try for sore days.
✅ Source: Tumble22.com
📍 la Barbecue
This East Austin favorite offers some of the best mac & cheese in town, with a creamy, slightly spicy twist that makes it stand out. Smooth, satisfying, and super local.
✅ Source: LaBarbecue.com, Texas Monthly
🥞 Pancakes: Fluffy, Filling, and Easy to Chew
📍 Kerbey Lane Cafe
An Austin institution since 1980, Kerbey Lane’s pancakes are thick, fluffy, and perfect for sore teeth. Bonus: they offer seasonal varieties like lemon poppyseed or blueberry cornbread. Soft, warm, and satisfying—no knife required.
✅ Source: KerbeyLaneCafe.com, instagram.com/kerbeylanecafe/
📍 Paperboy
Started as a food truck and now a breakfast staple, Paperboy’s single-stack buttermilk pancake is legendary. Made with a hint of cornmeal and served with brown butter and sea salt, it’s soft, slightly savory, and full of flavor.
✅ Source: PaperboyAustin.com
🍨 Ice Cream: Sweet Relief
When all else fails, there’s ice cream—and luckily, Austin has some of the best around.
📍 Amy’s Ice Creams
Austin-born and beloved since 1984, Amy’s is famous for its creamy texture, variety of flavor options, and playful scoop tricks. It’s cool, soft, and soothing—ideal for sensitive teeth.
✅ Source: AmysIceCreams.com, instagram.com/amysicecreams/
📍 Bésame Ice Cream
This local food truck serves up small-batch ice cream with creative, chef-driven flavors like pretzel milk jam or Texas corn. Always freshly churned and ultra-soft.
✅ Source: @besameaustin, instagram.com/besameatx/
📍 Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
Known for their iconic cookies and creamy ice cream combos, Tiny’s delivers nostalgic comfort in every scoop—especially when you’re craving something sweet but soothing.
✅ Source: TinysMilkAndCookies.com, instagram.com/tinysmilkandcookies/
Final Thoughts
Just because your teeth are sore doesn’t mean your taste buds have to suffer. Austin has no shortage of soft, delicious, braces-friendly options to help you through those tender first days—and beyond.
Remember: Skip anything too crunchy, or chewy during your braces journey—and when in doubt, ask Dr Briggs, Dr. Devgon, or any of the amazing team at Austin Orthodontics for advice.
Until then, enjoy exploring these local gems— don’t forget to smile & Keep Austin Weird!