36 Best Restaurants in Austin, Texas

Start your day at this timeless, Victorian-style café in the historic Driskill Hotel. Admire the classic architecture and expertly appointed interiors as you wait to place your order at the counter, whether it's a Texas-shaped pecan waffle or a cup of their famed cheese soup. The expanded breakfast menu features contemporary additions like the Hippie Hollow Omelet and brunch cocktails like the "Breakfast in a Cup," made with Jameson, orange juice, butterscotch syrup, and spicy maple bacon.

Local critics consistently rank this West Sixth Street hot spot as one of the area'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 served all day 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 weekend brunch ticket and host live music, outdoor vintage markets, and other special events periodically.

What started as a streamlined coffee and craft beer purveyor with sparse hours has evolved into an all-day mainstay of east Austin. The industrial garage vibe blends in well with its I–35-adjacent neighbors and attracts a hip clientele from morning to night, who flock here for cold brews and stacked breakfast sandwiches and then like to stick around for their local lineup of draft brews, full bar, and light café fare including late-night guilty-pleasure snacks.

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.

This downtown food hall—open daily, 11 am to 9 pm—is a wonderfully located one-stop shop for hungry, on-the-go travelers. There are five eateries, including Four Brothers Venezuelan Kitchen and the popular Austin Rotisserie, plus two full-service bars, a self-service water bottle refill station, and plenty of seating in this accommodating (and air-conditioned) space. Outside, the thoughtfully designed Ellis Oak Deck patio hosts free live music and yoga classes most weekends, and it is an unbeatable meeting point during SXSW.

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.

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 migas and huevos rancheros are also above average. A variety of inexpensive Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties is served at lunch.

For quite possibly the best coffee in Austin, visit this little bungalow on West Lynn that draws quite a crowd for the laid-back, cozy vibes that are great for casual patio hangouts or quick business meetings. Here, baristas pull exquisite shots for espresso drinks and leave creative designs in latte and cappuccino foam. It's a great neighborhood feel, tucked just above the bustle of downtown, with friendly staff and regulars. There are other Medici locations in town, but this is the original.

On any given sunny day, Austinites flock to Mozart's spacious lakeside patio to enjoy great coffee and indulgent baked goods. The expansive, multitiered deck overlooking Lake Austin can get crowded with weekend patrons, and weekdays are equally popular times for locals to post up and work remotely. There's an extensive bakery selection, plus an assortment of smoothies, sandwiches, signature sweet treats, and light breakfast fare. Live music on weekends is an added bonus, and their annual Christmas lights display is a seasonal sight to behold.

This local drive-through and fast-food chain turned burger empire is an Austin favorite for a reason. What started as a humble mom-and-pop operation on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Springs Road has evolved into a sprawling web of locations all over Austin and beyond, but the original location is still the ideal spot to experience the simple pleasures of a fresh patty of hormone-free Black Angus beef (or black-bean veggie), hand-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes that make eating bad feel good.

This East Austin success story began as a humble food truck offering just a few breakfast sandwiches. Today, it occupies a two-story, full-service breakfast and brunch destination in the heart of a rapidly developing stretch of East 11th Street. Paperboy specializes in upscale American comfort classics with a gourmet twist, such as their classic B.E.C. sandwich made with bacon, egg, pimento cheese, and jalapeño jam on a bolillo roll, and deviled egg tostadas with pickled cauliflower and cabbage slaw. The full bar features signature cocktail, like Cold Brew Martinis and PB&J Old Fashioneds, which are a huge hit with the brunch crowds that fill the indoor and outdoor rooftop seating areas every weekend.

Hyde Park's iconic neighborhood bakery has been a local staple for over 40 years, serving scratch-made breakfast pastries, cupcakes, cookies, and various seasonal and custom creations. The friendly vibe of the bustling coffee shop attracts a loyal tribe of locals, usually seen hanging out on the outdoor patio tables throughout the day, as well as streams of UT students, families, and fans of the house-made chai.

The morning rush hour can be intense, but locals and tourists don't seem to mind, as a long queue means there's time to snap a picture in front of the famous i love you so much mural found on the side of this walk-up shack. Seating is limited, and it's outside-only, so, especially if it's Saturday, come early and bring a good read. Live music is featured most weeks, and by afternoon, you may witness patrons dancing in the parking lot (local beers and frosé are also available). They also host their own showcase during SXSW. This is Jo's original location, but there are now nine locations in Austin.

Relaxed and locally sourced, this no-frills café is a staple for lovers of high-quality Thai food in a casual neighborhood setting. Part grab-and-go market and coffee bar, part café, and part cooking-class destination, Thai Fresh is a popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot, with a diverse range of curries, stir-fries, and noodle and fried-rice dishes. Homemade breakfast tacos are also available throughout the day. Locals drop by for their iced chai lattes and sparkling Thai basil lime aguas frescas, or stick around to indulge in one of their organic vegan ice creams and kombucha cocktails with sake, sparkling rosé, or white wine. Brunch is served on weekends.

This downtown Veracruz location, tucked on the ground floor of The LINE, services the bustling hotel crowd with early morning to late night operating hours. There is also a walk-up window, just steps off the hike-and-bike trail, that's perfect for a grab-and-go taco and coffee before you start a day of sightseeing.

Veracruz wears a taco tiara in the Austin food scene and for good reason. Their migas taco lives up to the local lore, and this always-hopping original location has a convivial patio seating area for enjoying tasty quesadillas, barbacoa, vegetarian and fish tacos on homemade tortillas, and fresh aguas frescas alfresco.

This casual Bouldin Creek neighborhood bistro with a breezy back patio is a refreshing respite for a leisurely happy hour or a midday meal during a day of shopping around nearby South Congress. The French-inspired cuisine is light and straightforward, with a wonderful wine list and craft cocktail selection.

The upscale breakfast fare and comfort food eatery might carry an unconventional price tag for a diner, but the quality of dishes (from Belgian waffles to meatloaf sandwiches) has earned a loyal fan base. The always bustling interior is a welcoming mix of mid-century retro and contemporary efficiency, with booths and barstool seating at high tables. The menu rotates with the seasons, but staples include chicken and waffles, three types of breakfast hash, and a weekly chicken and dumpling special. There’s an expected list of coffee drinks, plus a full bar and specialty milkshakes, from chocolate cherry to coconut cream, to satisfy any craving.

A vegetarian-only restaurant might sound bland at first, but even local carnivores frequent this hip South First neighborhood café, home to some of the best meat-free dishes in the city. Friendly servers can help newcomers navigate the rich bevy of vegan and gluten-free options, whether it’s a maple latte and plate of zucchini migas, a tofu and broccoli salad, or a draft beer to pair with their fajitas Italianas, made with roasted portobello and zucchini strips and chipotle pecan pesto. The lively gathering place always seems to be buzzing, from brunch crowds to late dinner rushes.

This fine-dining destination tucked away on the UT campus is a convenient bonus for guests staying at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. The simple but elegant interiors are a classic backdrop for gourmet, locally sourced fare at anytime of day. Buffet and à la carte items are available for breakfast and lunch, and the three-course, prix-fixe dinner ($45) is an artfully presented, well-proportioned sampling of any starter, main entree, and dessert on the menu. Full dinner offerings fluctuate, with evergreen signatures like Rosewood Ranch steak and Niman Ranch pork shanks and seasonal standouts, like creamy carrot risotto and crispy pork belly with peach butter and fennel.

Downtown’s Radisson hotel finally ousted an outdated TGI Fridays location on their ground floor and made way for yet another hit from chef and restaurateur Shawn Cirkiel. The delicious contemporary Southwestern cuisine is delivered in shareable or a la carte portions, from oyster taquitos to grilled hen with yellow mole. A limited menu is available in between lunch and dinner service and the Sunday brunch features more than 50 dishes served buffet style. Interiors are chic and floor to ceiling windows show off spectacular views of Lady Bird Lake.

The interior of this family-owned east-side bakery and restaurant might be shabby, with worn linoleum floors and various Texas-themed memorabilia and fading newspaper articles hanging on the walls, but the hole-in-the-wall's classic Mexican fare still attracts a loyal breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowd seven days a week. They are drawn by straightforward trademarks like their famed huevos rancheros, which aren’t accompanied by the typical Austin price tag. Diners are offered the choice of flour or corn tortillas or a side of homemade biscuits that can be dressed with drawn butter or honey, both found in squeeze bottles on the tables.

Named after the nearby charming indoor/outdoor coffee shop and café, Cosmic is also home to this open-aired food truck lot right off South Congress. It's ideal for indecisive or group travelers or anyone who wants to sample some of Austin's best food truck fare. There are breakfast tacos and all-day Mexican food from Pueblo Viejo, barbecue (till it sells out) from LeRoy & Lewis, and mouthwatering lollipop-style chicken wings from Tommy Want Wingy—all parked around a large lot of communal picnic table seating. Cosmic slings coffee, tea, boozy day drinks, and specialty cocktails. Live music and special events are hosted periodically.

This east-side location of this beloved upscale diner operation has enough square footage to suit its adoring fanbase. The mid-century-styled interiors are clean and cozy, with wooden countertops and a blackboard of daily specials next to the line of expert short-order chefs who serve up a familiar menu of classic breakfast and lunch dishes. Patrons can find crab cake Benedict, enormous homemade pancakes, succulent grass-fed burgers, and favorites like the quail and eggs.

Dining at this central Austin classic is like having a warm meal at a friend's home; a refreshing change of pace from the trendy decor and steep price tags found at some of the city's hottest eateries. The relaxed counter service and down-home decor at this charming cottage-turned-café matches its appealing, handmade offerings of sandwiches, soups, and salads. An expanded breakfast menu is popular with locals, and the front patio is usually bustling and is a perfect spot for people watching.

It’s hard to think a drive-through could have such high-quality fare, but Fresa’s has built a name for its charcoal-grilled chicken al carbon, which is slow-roasted over post oak and served with homemade tortillas and sides like Mexican street corn and crispy brussels sprouts out of this trendy Clarksville take on fast food. Breakfast tacos, aguas frescas, and Stumptown coffee service the early morning crowd, but the family-style lunch and dinner menu is the real signature, with whole- or half-chicken orders (choose from achiote and citrus or Yucatán spice), accompanied by house-made salsas, corn tortillas, charro beans, and rice. Fresh salads, queso, and guacamole, plus a selection of beer, wine, and margarita kits are available for drive-through or walk-up orders.

Located within the historic Hotel Ella—formerly known as the Goodall Wooten mansion—this stately restaurant is a wonderful added luxury for overnight guests and nonguests alike. The old-world charms of the bright, tastefully decorated dining room are ideal for an indulgent cocktail or special occasion meal. But reviews can be inconsistent regarding service, and many patrons desire an expansion of the limited menu. Breakfast and lunch are served on weekdays, with brunch and special high tea services available on weekends. Snag a table on the wraparound porch if the weather is nice, and valet to avoid the stress of finding parking in west campus.

Housed in a 1920s drugstore owned by one of Austin's first African American pharmacists, this historical landmark now serves up a different kind of "medicine" to the east side with a gorgeous menu of farm-to-table Central Texas cuisine in exquisite antique-laden interiors. Stop by any time of day, whether it's a quick weekday breakfast or a boozy late afternoon happy hour (try their house punch made with gin, hibiscus syrup, grapefruit juice, and bubbles). Dinner service features wonderful seasonal specials and weekly offers like a popular Sunday Steak Night. Weekend brunch is first come, first served.

This is another South Congress standby that matches its impeccable style with a heft of substance. The sunny-side-up neighborhood café and wine bar is a sophisticated injection of Parisian, alfresco attitude on the pedestrian-heavy strip of south Austin. Kick up your heels after a day of SoCo window-shopping to enjoy tasteful bistro classics like smoked salmon Nicoise salad, croque madame, and snapper carpaccio. And as the name implies, there's something on the menu to satisfy any type of craving, at any time of day.

Housed in an old East Austin tire shop, this counter-service outdoor café is a favorite of families and on-the-go locals. Local hospitality juggernauts Larry McGuire and Liz Lambert kept the Aztec iconography, walk-up service, and sparse layout of the preexisting spot, and the new back patio is ideal for lazy lunches, family outings, and weekend day-drinking. The rotisserie chicken and burgers are popular, and ice-cold draft beer keeps things cool on hot summer days.