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$$ | North Austin |
Another rave-worthy hit from the team behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya, this modern take on traditional Japanese hot pot is Austin's long-awaited answer to a new-school shabu-shabu–style destination. The required meal here is in the name: thinly sliced meats and veggies designed for dipping shabu-style in various house-made broths and dips. A decadent omakase menu and sake pairings are also great for date nights.
7301 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas, 78757, USA
Known For
- A to-die-for "Baller Omakase" menu
- Sleek shabu shabu–style hot pot creations
- Intimate interior that makes seating limited and reservations essential
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations required
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$$ | South Congress District |
Known for its tantalizing deli counter of antipasti, charcuterie, and pâté, this bistro café has an authentic trattoria feel, complete with cheerful Italian countryside tablecloths and patio seating. Sink your fork into a bowl of plump gnocchi bathed in garlicky tomato-arrabiata sauce or nibble on a slice of classic margherita pizza studded with garden-fresh basil. Juicy hanger steak and crispy fries leave you wanting more, but don't fill up on dinner. The patio is a popular spot to enjoy an espresso and phenomenal homemade desserts, from tiramisu to lemon panna cotta.
1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Lively atmosphere that can get a little overwhelming at peak hours
- Homemade Italian desserts
- Pasta made from scratch
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$$ | Hyde Park |
With a classic but eclectic menu focusing on comfort foods, this welcoming neighborhood hangout has kept the locals coming in since 1982. Both the original on Duval Street and the newer south Austin location decorate with pleasant, colorful paintings (for sale) by local artists, and maintain an easygoing atmosphere for both the shorts-and-T-shirt crowd and the dressier, special-occasion fraction. The variations on simple fare run from black-bean veggie burgers and chicken-fried steaks to fresh seafood. Weekend brunch and lunch hours are busiest—look for the hungry crowd milling around the fork-in-the-road sculpture staked in the front parking lot.
4206 Duval St., Austin, Texas, 78751, USA
Known For
- Giant fork towering over the entrance, decorated with seasonal impalements on holidays
- Buttermilk-battered and peppered fries, served on shareable platters
- Lovely neighborhood location
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$$ | East Austin |
The “ranch-to-table” cuisine of this east-side hot spot speaks to the Southern comfort cravings of Austinites, with savory classics like stuffed Salisbury steak, pickled fried green tomatoes, and shrimp-and-grits. The interiors, boasting natural hardwoods and salvaged materials from the Jacoby family ranch, provide an ideally casual place to kick back and relax with cocktails like mezcal margaritas and West Texas shandys; the scenic back patio overlooks the Colorado River. Central Texas Jacoby-brand beef is featured in the house burger and chicken-fried steak, but seasonal entrées like Cornish hen and pumpkin and goat cheese dumplings are also signatures. Sides like mac 'n' cheese, braised greens, and acorn squash are served family-style.
3235 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Impressive signature house burger
- Shabby-chic decor
- Scenic patio views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch weekdays
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$$ | East Austin |
The long lines, rain or shine, at this east-side food truck make no secret of its epic Texas barbecue. The cheesy brisket kolaches wrapped in mouthwatering sweet dough (only sold on Sunday) have been lauded by everyone, including the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, who samples the fiercest and finest BBQ all across the state. Thankfully, the standard Texas plates heaped full of pork ribs, hot links, and prime Angus brisket, plus contemporary sides like blue-cheese coleslaw and jalapeño-dill potato salad, are also heaven-sent.
2207 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Signature brisket kolaches that live up to the hype
- Reputation for selling out fast
- Classic Texas barbecue done right
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | East Austin |
The Mueller development has welcomed several eateries over the last few years, and this top-notch neighborhood Italian restaurant, which means "the Golden Goose," might be its most delicious addition. Whether it's date night or a quick happy hour with friends, dishes like Texas Wagyu tartare and from-scratch cavatelli al pomodoro will dazzle.
1900 Simond Ave., Austin, Texas, 78723, USA
Known For
- Frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Texas
- Great for groups and celebratory dinners
- Italian classics made from scratch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$$ | Downtown |
After an award-winning start in 2013, this sophisticated spot for modern Mexican cuisine has remained solid. Diners can still expect reliable mainstays, such as crispy pork shoulder carnitas tacos with black beans and tangy tomatillo-avocado salsa, and don't miss the the house ceviches (try the Acapulco) or the guacamole sampler, with varying seasonal combinations like watermelon with queso fresco or toasted almonds and chipotle puree. The popular Sunday brunch doesn’t disappoint.
400A W. 2nd St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Known For
- Staggering tequila and mezcal selection
- Weekend crowds from surrounding Second Street shops
- Slightly steep price tag
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Reservations strongly recommended
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$$ | South Austin |
No one knows meat better than the James Beard award–winning team (namely, chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin) behind this Asian-Texan fusion smokehouse. The carnivore-centric menu features smoked meats, like Malaysian chicken bossam and incredible smoked baby back duroc-pork ribs, paired with Southeast Asian and Japanese sides and sauces that are all best enjoyed when shared. The vibe is friendly and communal. Reservations aren't accepted.
2115 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Sprawling patio
- Barbecue fusion from two of Austin's most famous chefs
- Innovative spirit on the food and drink menus
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$$ | South Austin |
This south Austin landmark has been slinging classic Tex-Mex cuisine since 1952, and while the latest Austin food trends have overlooked the establishment as a bland flyover, you'll hear few complaints from the steady crowd of happy diners. Combination dinners are many and varied, with all the usual standbys: tamales, crispy tacos, and more. Diehards swear by the chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and Bob Armstrong dip (queso with taco meat, guacamole, and sour cream). House margaritas, like the prickly pear, are pleasant palate cleansers. The expansive dining room can get noisy at peak hours, but the large outdoor patio is lovely in good weather.
2613 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Bustling family-friendly atmosphere
- Patio happy hour done right
- Signature "Bob" starter queso dip
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$$ | East Austin |
Korean for "please come in," this Korean restaurant on César Chávez has a chic, organic atmosphere complete with an inviting garden courtyard. Dinner menus include traditional and nontraditional dishes "inspired by mom's recipes," from bibimbap (rice with seasonal veggies) to the comforting kimchi bokkeumbap (fried rice), alongside wood-grilled bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated meat) and japchae (stir-fried noodles) with banchan (condiments). A kids' menu is very accommodating for families.
1628 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Soju specials and rotating kimchi cocktails
- Tasty bibimbap served in hot stone bowls
- Share-size portions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$$ | North Austin |
Serving the landlocked city's freshest seafood (fresh off the plane, if not the boat), this combination seafood market and casual eatery traces its history back to 1938 and has been at its Airport Boulevard address—amidst one of Austin’s major commercial arteries—since 1970. Prices are low, preparation is straightforward, and blackboard specials include regional and Cajun favorites like gumbo and bacon-wrapped scallops. The oyster bar serves up po'boys, steamed mussels, seafood tacos, and platters with catfish, cod, salmon, shrimp, or rainbow trout. A full lunch menu is offered, along with beer and wines by the glass.
5621 Airport Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78751, USA
Known For
- Oysters on the half shell that won’t put a dent in your wallet
- No-frills atmosphere complete with basic counter service
- Classic Gulf Coast cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | East Austin |
Sure, it’s become a hipster-certified option for locally sourced charcuterie, meatball subs, and an intimate (and meat-heavy) dinner service, but many Austinites still frequent Salt & Time solely for their expert butcher selections and services. Traditional salumi, tartare, and daily offal specials aren’t always for the faint of heart, but the lunch and dinner menus are extremely satisfying, with entrées like a popular “butcher’s burger” and a braciole stuffed with Parmesan, garlic, smoked tomatoes, and okra. Be sure to ask for the day’s butcher’s cut special. A weekend brunch offers hearty options like smoked-pork hash, deep-fried eggs Benedict, and pancakes with seasonal butters like smoked jalapeño and peach and chili.
1912 E. 7th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Decidedly not vegan-friendly
- Expert butchers
- Adventurous specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | East Austin |
This porcine-theme gastropub in the midst of Manor Road's burgeoning food scene might sport a range of pig illustrations and artwork on their walls, but their contemporary farmhouse cuisine extends far beyond pork. Diverse options include bacon and gruyere–roasted bone marrow, slow-cooked beef shoulder, and chicken liver mousse. Sides like crispy brussels sprout leaves with golden raisins and duck-fat fries, topped with a 110-minute egg and béarnaise sauce, are equally indulgent. The daily happy hour is one of the city’s best, with crowds filling out the patio and two indoor dining rooms for specialty cocktails and spectacular small plates, like honey-rosemary–dipped fried chicken, for around $5 each.
1917 Manor Rd., Austin, Texas, 78722, USA
Known For
- "cheeky" pig-theme decor
- Expertly prepared beef and pork dishes
- Popular happy hour that fills up the spacious seating area fast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | |
With all the high-class sophistication you get from Chef/owner David Bull's Congress restaurant, his adjacent brasserie-style restaurant is his answer to presenting diners with a more relaxed style of food. Here you'll find a steady crowd of patrons in for business, pleasure, or both, feasting on a wide selection of small plates, entrees, salads, and brick oven pizzas. You'll find diverse brunch, lunch and dinner options, from blistered shishito peppers with miso aioli and a chart-topping burger to "black and bleu" pizza with pork belly confit, dates, red onion and bleu cheese. Beers are local, cocktails are hand crafted and the wine list is replete with food-friendly selections.
200 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
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$$ | East Austin |
The award-winning team behind local restaurants Odd Duck and Barley Swine opened their "everyday" restaurant in east Austin in 2018 to rave reviews from critics and locals alike. The bustling gathering spot consists of two buildings (the main front entry, with counter service for pastries, snacks, and drinks, plus the back bar) that are connected by an outdoor patio that serves as a beer and wine garden. The alfresco tables are popular with groups (and their four-legged friends) at any hour of the day thanks to Sour Duck's diverse morning-to-night menu offerings.
1814 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Baked goods at the counter that go fast on weekends
- Hopping crowds at any time of day
- Great people-watching in the back courtyard
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$ | East Austin |
This contemporary take on Mexican fare makes for a fun dining experience on the east side. Interiors are spacious and bright (if a bit impersonal and loud during peak hours), and the menu is playful (with categories like "snackcidents," "frio and raw," and "masa y mas"), as is the food, like goat-rib Barbacoa and huarache duck carnitas. Make plans for their popular brunch service on weekends.
1800 E. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Popular items like bite-size brisket tacos
- Daily "Lucky Hour" with $5 "snackcident" plates
- Fun, bubbly atmosphere with great service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$ | West Austin |
This longtime Clarksville institution (formerly known as Sweetish Hill) got a facelift and overhaul in 2019, and the bougie bakery and café came back in full force with updated interiors, more inside seating, and an expanded all-day menu. The stunning pastry case–lined counter is still filled with homemade pastry, bread, and bagel selections, but now there's more room to enjoy standout classics from their housemade coffee and breakfast buns to a deli case of hot and cold bites and a rotisserie-chicken menu. It's an ideal pit stop for a sweet treat, a glass (or bottle) of wine, or a quick pastry on the run.
1120 W. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Frustrating on-site parking situation
- Weekend-only bakery specials that sell out fast
- Caviar and charcuterie menus
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$$ | South Austin |
A relatively recent addition to Austin’s barbecue scene, its newcomer status is bolstered by generations of pitmasters hailing from the famed BBQ epicenter of nearby Lockhart. The laid-back Barton Springs location and cafeteria-style service keep things casual, with diners picking out their sides (all the classics, from mac 'n' cheese to potato salad) before selecting their cut of meat. The brisket is impeccably juicy and tender, ribs (pork and beef) are colossal, and the jalapeño sausage is a crowd favorite. Prices are higher than the average barbecue joint, but the merit is there. Don’t expect a Franklin-type line, but they do occasionally sell out of meat, so call ahead if you’re hungry for anything in particular near closing time.
1003 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Classic cafeteria-style counter service
- Brisket above all
- Pitmasters with pedigrees
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$$ | Downtown |
This stylish pizzeria, another hit from chef/restaurateur Shawn Cirkiel, is one of Austin’s best bets for classic Neapolitan pizza and authentic Italian antipasti. Tables are hard to come by in this intimate downtown space, but the service and menu are laid-back and approachable. Antipasto selections, like baked ricotta and eggplant caponata, rival the main attraction: thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas, from margherita to the popular fennel sausage. Desserts, like ricotta cheesecake and salted caramel panna cotta, are artful—served in small mason jars—and delicious.
507 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Known For
- Cozy date-night ambience
- Seasonal antipasto selections
- Classic Neapolitan pizzas fired in an Italian brick oven
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$ | |
Another upscale New American eatery hit downtown this year, with an impressive culinary and cocktail program led by husband-and-wife chefs. The bistro-style restaurant, just across from Lady Bird Lake, is modern and full of light, making it a great date night or business happy hour option. Lunch and dinner menus change with the seasons, but patrons can expect anything from lamb osso bucco and seared scallops atop a crispy scallion rice cake or flatbread pizzas like the “Fig & Pig” with smoked bacon, fig jam, and caramelized onions. Crowds flock to the Sunday brunch for decadent options like bananas foster french toast, homemade pecan sticky buns, and bacon tater tots.
202 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
