Sep 10, 2026 - Things to Do

Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman

Asher Price

A hand holds a large fried chicken sandwich with a glossy, golden-brown bun, a crispy chicken fillet, melted cheese, pickles, and sauce, set against a pale beige background. — The fried chicken sandwich at Joshua Weissman's new restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of Ben and Lynn's

As part of our running feature about Austin chefs' favorite meals, we recently caught up with Joshua Weissman, whose restaurant Ben & Lynn's opens this weekend in a 1920s bungalow on East Cesar Chavez Street.

The backstory: Weissman, 30, has worked in the kitchens of Odd Duck and Uchiko, but lately has been building an online audience for his cooking videos, with more than 22 million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Named for his parents, his new restaurant has a short, fried-chicken-focused menu, including honey-dipped fried chicken glazed with Texas wildflower honey, gochujang, Fresno chile and garlic and a chicken sandwich with homemade pickles on a toasted milk bun.

Between the lines: Weissman and his wife, an Austin attorney, have a 1-year-old — and they're moving to near Dripping Springs.

"It feels weird to constantly produce content for millions of people about how to cook … without a space where they can try my food," he tells us about his decision to open a restaurant.

You're on a desert island. What's the meal you're bringing with you?

"I mean, if it's an actual island? A big meal from Canje."

What about for dessert?

"Mango sticky rice for sure."

You can bring a drink with you.

"The Don Dario from Suerte."

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Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman

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