A heaping plate of tasty, Texas-style barbecue

Travelers who turn up their noses at the usual collection of bland fast-food restaurants in airport terminals should take note that Austin-Bergstrom International (www.ci.austin.tx.us) has branches of several independent Texas eateries in the concourse area past airport security, offering a good selection of local fare for departing passengers.

If you're leaving town on Southwest Airlines (which serves no meals onboard), or if you simply didn't get your fill of smoked brisket and hot links while staying in Austin, leave time for a last supper before boarding — or have food packed to go for a memorable in-flight meal.

Dining options include authentic Texas-style barbecue from The Salt Lick and Houston-based Harlon's Country Barbecue; burgers and sandwiches from the Waterloo Ice House and Lefty's Bar & Grille; and Tex-Mex snacks from Matt's Famous El Rancho. Schlotsky's Deli, a national chain, qualifies as a local favorite as well, as the original shop opened here on South Congress Avenue back in 1971.

Amy's Ice Creams, a small Austin-based chain, also has an airport location that serves a tempting selection of frozen desserts, with some flavors hard-frozen and packed to go in your carry-on bag.

If you happen to pass through the terminal in the late afternoon, get your food to go and head over to the airport bandstand adjacent to the Highland Lakes Bar, where there's a good chance you'll be serenaded by local musicians as you slurp a Fuzzy Navel ice cream from Amy's or tuck into a plate of chicken tacos from El Rancho.