There’s something so unique and special about pimento cheese. Not exactly a dip, or a spread, or a relish, it’s an entity entirely of itself. The “caviar of the South” is a staple in Southern homes, and Austin is no exception. These five restaurants knock it out of the park:

1. Punch Bowl Social

This part restaurant, part bowling alley, part arcade, part karaoke lounge in the Domain is worth the drive if only for pimento cheese. This masterpiece is served in a sweet mason jar and topped with bacon marmalade. Bacon. Marmalade. Perfect for dipping the buttery pullman toast triangles all night long while you slay at karaoke. Extra points: It’s on happy hour. Extra extra points: the pullman toast is unlimited. 11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758

2. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

One of the best things about Moonshine’s pimento cheese isn’t the cheese at all. Don’t get it twisted: the whipped pimento cheese is phenomenal. Even better that you don’t have to use a spoon or knife to get after it. But the true star of this appetizer are the warm pretzel sticks to dip in the cheese. They are soft and perfect in every way. Order extras to finish off the cheese then order extras just because they’re that good. 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

3. Jack Allen’s Kitchen

The restaurant’s pimento cheese is so good that every table gets a small portion of it when they sit down. You would be remiss to not ask for a full order of this near-perfect pimento cheese. The ingredient list is simple, but the flavor is a slam dunk. Cheddar, Monterey Jack and cream cheeses make this pimento cheese impossibly smooth and creamy, while the Worcestershire sauce gives it just enough edge. Catch it half price on happy hour Monday – Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. 7720 Highway 71 West, Austin, TX 78735

4. Avenue B Grocery and Market

Homemade pimento cheese sandwiches are just one reason to visit the city’s oldest continuously-operating grocery store. A trip to this sweet grocery and sandwich shop will transport you back in time to slow afternoons and Cokes in glass bottles. Grab a sandwich, a few groceries and head outside to enjoy on a wooden picnic table. 4403 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751

5. Freedmen’s

The cozy bar and patio close to UT serves up classic southwestern flavors with its pimento cheese and foccacia. The salty focaccia is a perfect complement to the spicy, jalapeno-filled pimento cheese. The restaurant is known for its extensive whiskey menu, so go ahead and order two fingers on the rocks to temper the bold flavors of this uniquely Texan take on pimento cheese. 2402 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705

Honorable Mention: Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden

Ok this one isn’t a pimento cheese per se, but it’s worth a mention on this list. Easy Tiger serves up a German beer cheese that even your Oma would approve of. Order it alone or as part of one of their signature boards, which feature a variety of meats and other snacks. Be sure to get the pretzel for a well-rounded German experience. 709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701