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$$$$ | North Austin |
Reservations are essential at this intimate eatery (and can be made a month in advance), but there are also a limited number of communal tables available for walk-in patrons. The strictly seasonal, locally sourced daily specials blend the artistic style of Japanese sushi with the familiarity of Southern comfort food. Be sure to list any food allergies when reserving as dinner comes in the form of a fixed daily menu of chef-selected small plates ($105 per person). Chef/owner Bryce Gilmore delivers innovative dishes like duck-blood crepes with sweet chiles and pear-and-turnip soup with apple cider and chanterelles. Trust the servers for expert beer and wine pairings.
6555 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Bougie vibe for an elevated date night
- Fixed menu of chef-selected small plates that gives serious street cred for adventurous foodies
- A beer list for the true aficionado
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$ | West Austin |
Local critics consistently rank this Clarksville newcomer as one of the city's best restaurants, and the sprawling patio is almost always packed. It's a lovely downtown-adjacent atmosphere to enjoy upscale, indulgent takes on juicy burgers and pastrami (as a sandwich or a queso topping), and with great coffee and cocktails to boot. There are even more burgers at the Quonset hut next door, where Hold Out Brewing slings food and beer all day. Both eateries have a hot brunch ticket.
406 Walsh St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Pet-friendly patio seating
- Decadent hair-of-the-dog destination
- All-day menus
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$ | Sixth Street District |
Most definitely the best place on the notorious “Dirty Sixth Street” strip of downtown to chow down is Casino El Camino, a longtime favorite of Austin burger lovers. Locals arrive in hungover droves around midday on the weekends, when wait times for signatures like the Amarillo and Buffalo burgers can stretch upward of an hour. But this iconic juke joint is worth the wait as you'll find out once sated by their trademark Bloody Marys, stacked with bacon, pickled okra, taquitos, and, yes, even meatballs. The hearty Angus-beef burgers deliver a classic artery-clogging ecstasy, especially when paired with a greasy basket of verde chili fries.
517 E. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Known For
- Trademark Bloody Marys with wild ingredients like taquitos and meatballs
- Texas-size portions
- Punk rock jukebox and a gritty vibe to match
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$$$ | Clarksville |
One of local restaurateur Larry McGuire's white-hot eateries, Clark’s has occupied a top seat in the Austin repertoire of hot spots since its 2012 debut. The hip, and decidedly cozy, oyster bar tucked into a modest corner lot of West 6th has all the appeal of a sophisticated seafood restaurant, with the comfort of a neighborhood bistro. You'll find a pristine, daily rotation of raw oysters served with fresh horseradish, house cocktail sauce, and a tangy mignonette. The lobster roll is a signature home run, but the house burger is a surprising favorite, which spikes in popularity during the daily happy hour, when select dishes are half-off and all martinis are $5.
1200 W. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Impeccably twee setting and decor
- Decadent happy hour deals
- Reputation for the freshest oysters in town
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$$ | Central Austin/Downtown/Capitol Area |
A tried-and-true destination for homemade Indian cuisine, Clay Pit has developed a devoted following in Austin since 1998. Wash down some of their signature curried mussels with garlic and red wine sauce with one of their sweet lassi drinks. The historic (and maybe haunted) Bertram Building (a favorite on downtown ghost tours) is romantic and stately and just a few blocks from the Capitol, so lunch crowds attract everyone from state workers to tourists.
1601 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Known For
- Popular lunch service
- Amazing vegan options
- Incredible quality without any hype
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | East Austin |
The predominantly outdoor layout of Texas ranch–inspired Contigo consistently draws a steady evening crowd—even when summer temps are well over 100 degrees. With a chef-driven stable of cocktails and a creative Southern-comfort-meets-contemporary-American menu, it's easy to understand why: ox tongue sliders, house-made pigs in a blanket, a gooey cheddar-filled grilled cheese sandwich on brioche, and the cast-iron sautéed okra with jalapeño and walnuts are among the top menu picks. The varied list of weekend brunch offerings includes buttermilk biscuits and gravy, beef tongue hash, and pecan coffee cake.
2027 Anchor La., Austin, Texas, 78723, USA
Known For
- Expansive outdoor seating that's ideal for all ages
- Dog-friendly policy
- Locally sourced comfort food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$$$$ | East Austin |
This Manor Road hot spot hangs their hat on seasonal local cuisine, with an emphasis on farmers’ markets, Texas beer and wines, and even ingredients foraged by the chefs themselves. A butcher-shop display-case greets patrons upon entering, showcasing various charcuterie and house-made canned and pantry goods. The cozy dining room, accented with exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood fixtures, is down the hall. Their initial prix-fixe “supper club” menu quickly expanded to include nightly à la carte items and a breakfast and lunch service (only on the weekend). Chefs and servers are passionate about their carnivore-heavy cuisine, and it shows. Charcuterie plates are an obvious staple, and daily creations span wide-ranging territory, from venison ceviche to turkey tamales. Try the refreshing house libations, like wild persimmon sodas or sparkling peach jam cocktails.
2406 Manor Rd., Austin, Texas, 78722, USA
Known For
- Hyper-local offerings focusing on meat
- Outstanding cocktail program
- Servers with encyclopedic knowledge of the menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays
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$ | University of Texas Area |
This greasy spoon just north of the UT campus has been satisfying the guilty pleasures of students (and those from all walks of life) since 1926. There might not be dirt floors and open-flame grills anymore, but the burgers and sides are still classically unpretentious (with no grass-fed menu descriptions) but with plenty of flavor (and grease). Sit at the counter to watch the longtime short-order chefs at work at the grill, flipping hundreds of burgers, patty melts, and chicken-fried steak sandwiches for hungry diehards. The outdoor patio tables fill up fast during UT home games, when the football game is broadcast on large HD TVs. The O.T. Special is a signature, and the draft beers seem to taste best in their icy schooners.
2808 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas, 78705, USA
Known For
- Best stick-to-your-gut burger in town
- Raucous game-day crowds
- Classic campus vibe complete with cheap prices
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$$ | East Austin |
The newest location of this beloved German-style bakery and beer garden features 15,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus a spacious interior, for beer and sausage lovers. The sprawling outdoor patio attracts lively lunch, happy hour, and late-night crowds with a full menu of artisan sandwiches, house-made sausages, and “big as your face” pretzels, as well as one of the best beer selections in the city. The wholesale bakeshop, which provides several local restaurants with specialty breads and pastries, opens bright and early every morning; don't miss the $6 “Easy Morning” deal (weekdays, 7–10 am) that includes a small coffee and any pastry.
1501 E. 7th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Dog-friendly outdoor patio and weekend crowds
- Wholesale bakeshop with excellent early-morning special
- Charcuterie-fueled happy hours
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$$ | South Austin |
This clever nouveau Vietnamese-French concept from chef-restaurateur Larry McGuire—of Lamberts and Clark's fame—sits on the corner of South First and Elizabeth Streets as a cozy little café serving a delectable menu of banh mi and pho as well as a fantastic array of French pastries, including daily macaron specials. Fresh shrimp spring rolls, pork meatball banh mi (served on fresh baguettes), and spicy beef and pork buns with thick, soft, airy noodles are safe bets. In addition to sake, beer, and creative punch offerings, the wine list is short and sweet, brimming with French-only wines that pair beautifully with this cuisine. Brunch is offered on weekends.
1501 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Bright and cheery wait staff
- Mouthwatering macaron display cases at the hostess stand
- Cozy outdoor patio that's perfect for a weekday happy hour
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$$$ | Downtown |
The standard for Rainey District fine dining since 2015, eating at Emmer & Rye is an immersive experience that's best enjoyed when the expert servers take the reins. Prix-fixe dinner menus of their signature rustic American cuisine are available, but this exclusive dining delight comes with the option to partake in creative dim sum offerings from a circulating fleet of carts that crisscross the sleek interiors.
51 Rainey St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Known For
- Savory stand-outs, like dry-aged Wagyu tartare and Blue Beard Durum spaghetti
- Popular with preshow Moody Theater crowds
- Dim sum service that creates memorable culinary experience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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$$$ | North Austin |
This beloved villa-style North Loop spot combines sophisticated ambience with a solid menu of authentic Mexican classics. Start with the ceviche Veracruzano (with chiles, onion, tomato, and spices), and continue with a multilayered dish like the ancho relleno San Miguel—a roasted pepper stuffed with chicken, capers, raisins, and cilantro cream—or try the pollo pibil, chicken baked in a banana leaf. Yes, it’s pricier than other Mexican hot spots, but the lovely, romantic atmosphere makes up for it.
2330 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78756, USA
Known For
- Signature ancho relleno
- Striking interiors that transport patrons to interior Mexico
- From-scratch ingredients, most notably their homemade tortillas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$ | East Austin |
If Central Texas is the hub of the state's best barbecue, then this place has become its favorite darling. The former food truck become full-fledged, world-renowned restaurant, owned by pit master Aaron Franklin, attracts a daily throng of fans who wait in line upward of three hours in hopes of devouring a paper-lined tray of brisket, sausage, and pork ribs pulled straight from the smoker. Sides of classic potato salad, pinto beans, and coleslaw are simply filler for the main event. Franklin’s continues to receive national acclaim—and even served President Obama during an Austin visit. Doors open daily at 11 am and stay open until the meat sells out, which is usually well before 2 pm.
900 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Infamous lines if you don't preorder
- Mouthwatering brisket that lives up to the hype (and usually sells out by 2 pm)
- Crowds of fellow, cheerful barbecue lovers
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$ | East Austin |
Local chef and native east Austinite Hoover Alexander has created one of the city’s best comfort-food oases, blending Mama's home cooking, diner short-order specials, Tex-Mex favorites, and Cajun influences in one Southern comfort mecca. The self-styled "Smoke, Fire & Ice House" is known for its large portions and flavorful recipes, like a Jamaican jerk chicken and a chicken-fried steak that puts most others to shame. "Side mates” like mac 'n' cheese, fried okra, and creamed jalapeño spinach round out any home-style cravings. A full bar serves popular staples like beet margaritas. It’s hard to save room for dessert, but the homemade pies are excellent—and their New Orleans–influenced breakfasts are worth a try.
2002 Manor Rd., Austin, Texas, 78722, USA
Known For
- Fast and casual service
- Portions that will have diners leaving with leftovers
- Finger-licking-good pies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | South Congress District |
Though its sister location in the Second Street District attracts a more chichi crowd, the original Jo's on South Congress is where you're likely to run into your neighbor, catch the latest gossip on the Austin music scene, or spot a celebrity visiting town. The morning rush hour for their delicious coffee is intense, yet somehow cool and lively; local beers and frozen rosé (frosé) are also available. There's limited seating, and it's outside-only, so come early on a Saturday and bring a good read. You may witness patrons dancing in the parking lot by afternoon. Jo's is an integral part of South by San José during SXSW—a definite must-visit, with live music in a lively outdoor setting throughout the week.
1300 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Limited, outdoor-only seating
- SXSW hot spot
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$ | East Austin |
The not-so-secret weapon of this classic east Austin breakfast spot is its owner and namesake, local legend Juan Meza, who has run his modest eatery since 1981 and still greets every diner with a bone-crushing handshake and a smile. Juan's strong community spirit is infectious, but the simple, filling, and reliably good fare will start your day off right on its own. The Don Juan taco (a massive mound of eggs, potato, bacon, and cheese) is the true east Austin breakfast of champions; the machacado con huevo (shredded dried beef scrambled with eggs), migas (eggs scrambled with torn corn tortillas, onions, chile peppers, cheese, and spices), and huevos rancheros are also above average. A variety of inexpensive Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties is served at lunch.
2300 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Hangover cure for the ages
- Weekend crowds of sunglasses-wearing hipsters
- Extra tortillas to help finish the signature Don Juan breakfast taco
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Hyde Park |
This North Austin sushi joint is the best place to find superior sashimi, sushi rolls, and Japanese cuisine without daunting prices. The izakaya-style menu (an homage to Japan’s casual pub-style eateries) offers a wide range of cold, fried, grilled, and rice dishes. Sit at the sushi bar to watch the experts at work, creating specialties like the crunchy dynamite roll (tuna, avocado, and crunchy tempura flakes), or grab a table to enjoy Japanese comfort food like yakitori skewers (beef tenderloin, chicken thigh, and chicken and taro croquettes), gyoza (pork dumplings), and ikayaki (grilled squid).
5301 Airport Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78751, USA
Known For
- Outstanding sushi and Japanese signatures without the upscale prices
- Wonderful selection of beer, wine, sake, and cocktails
- Casual izakaya-style dishes and service that's great for lunch dates
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | East Austin |
This lovely east-side spot has moved from its original trailer location into a shared space within Quickie Pickie, the quaint local neighborhood grocery and bodega, and remains another top spot for Texas barbecue. Portions of their prizewinning BBQ are Texas-size, including their popular El Sancho brisket sandwich with "Bobby Sauce." Lines are to be expected, but service is friendly and swift.
2401 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- A line that's worth the wait
- Equally fine backup if Franklin BBQ sells out
- Free taste of brisket at the counter while you order
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
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$$$$ | South Austin |
Bouldin Creek’s best date-night destination might have limited dining space, but the seasonal prix fixe selections and shabby-chic decor is worth the hype. In addition to the nightly menu offerings, diners can indulge in a chef's choice menu ($64) with five courses that could be creations like striped-bass crudo and bowfin caviar, green curry fumé, seared antelope heart, or jerk quail with pecan butter and watermelon radish. Menus change weekly, and single off-menu dishes are available. An impressive European-focused wine list elevates the experience. The shady backyard wine garden has additional seating for weekly happy hours and dinner service. Walk-ins are accommodated.
1807 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Exceptional service
- Romantic atmosphere with delicate interiors and decor
- Inspiring prix-fixe menus and wine pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$ | Clarksville |
For quite possibly the best coffee in Austin, visit this little Clarksville coffee house that draws quite a crowd for quick business meetings and weekend socializing. Here, baristas pull exquisite shots for espresso drinks and even leave creative designs in latte and cappuccino foam. Don't be surprised to hear music wafting from inside during SXSW. There are also branches on Congress Avenue and Guadalupe Street along with a location in the airport.
1101 W. Lynn St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Family-friendly outdoor seating
- Exceptional house roasts popular with coffee aficionados
- Homey neighborhood feel
