Austin is a fast-growing and very popular city for foodies. If you are looking for an amazing culinary experience, then you have come to the right place! We compiled a list of the 15 best and most popular restaurants in Austin, TX.
These places offer a variety of dishes that will keep you coming back and want for more! We are going to share some of the best places to eat in Austin. Here is the list of restaurants that we found to be the most delicious and worth trying!
1. Contigo Austin
Contigo Austin features farm-fresh Texas fare that meets seasonal cocktails & beer. It is a family-friendly restaurant with great food and an atmosphere that you can enjoy with friends and family. The countless events like roundups, parties, and horseshoe tournaments create the inspiration for this restaurant. Contigo is known for its primarily locally grown and sourced meats and vegetables and its menu that specializes in New American cuisine.
2. Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger has many great reasons to visit, with their artisan bread, cured meats, full bar, and craft beer offerings. They also have an in-house bakery that has Old World hearth bread, European-style pastries, and soft pretzels. All of this is paired with seasonal drinks and specialty cocktails to enhance the authentic Austin experience.
Today, folks in Austin enjoy those bread and baked goods all around town. Southern Living, Food & Wine Magazine, and the Food Network recognized Easy Tiger for its success as the best in the city. The humble beer garden and bakery also made it on the List of America’s Best Beer Gardens!
3. Eberly
Eberly is Austin’s must-try restaurant, owned by Eddy Paterson and John Scott. The interior and exterior of this Mid-century/contemporary restaurant will likely leave you speechless. One thing to take note of in the green room is all the books as well as other decor items. You’ll also see stunning ceiling lights and planters. The staff is always pleasant and the hospitality is unbeatable. When you think about hosting events, then you’ll be excited about having it in Eberly. The Tavern in Eberly has a study space as well as a rooftop bar to top it off. It is truly an Austin classic.
4. Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye offers rustic and seasonally inspired cuisine located in Rainey Street that is popular with the locals in Austin, Texas. This restaurant in Austin is the first to incorporate dim sum service as a part of their meal. Guests can order off from circulating carts along with a weekly rotating menu using farm-to-table ingredients. Emmer & Rye has been milling fresh grains daily for delicious bread, pasta, and dessert. American cuisine at its finest!
5. Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue was a barbecue joint opened by pitmaster and businessman, Aaron Franklin in 2009. It is located in East Austin and has a long line out front. They serve up Texas-style brisket, smoked turkey, sausage, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and even smoked beef short rib on a daily basis during limited hours.
The restaurant’s fame can be attributed mainly to Franklin’s skillful use of smoke and meat. The food served at the restaurant is unlike anything else offered in Austin or even elsewhere, where people come from all around the world for a taste of what they call “low and slow” barbecue.
6. Hestia
Hestia’s dishes are inspired by a custom 20-foot hearth that anchors the kitchen and dining room. The chefs play an integral role in service by providing a deeper look into their food philosophy. Hestia’s menu is also rich in options, with one of the most robust wine programs around. Must try are their scallops and their wagyu beef carpaccio!
7. Launderette
This American cafe is located in East Austin in a renovated laundry room and offers an innovative menu of small dishes. This new eatery serves an incredible selection of craft cocktails and rotating beers on tap, making it enjoyable for all. Their menu features a wide range of vibrant & tasty flavors from Executive Chef Rene Ortiz and delightful dessert creations from Executive Pastry Chef Laura Sawicki. If you’re going to visit Launderette, you won’t go wrong with their Burrata, fries, and Brick Chicken.
8. Loro
Located off of Lamar across from Black Sheep Lodge, Loro is an Asian-style smokehouse in Austin and run by the same owners of the famous Uchiko. The restaurant has a relaxing environment plus ample outdoor seating for lounging and dining, a perfect place to enjoy the Austin Sunset. What to get in Loro Austin? We recommend their Kale and Pear salad, Crispy Tofu Bowl, and their famous Smoked Briskets!
9. Odd Duck
If you are looking for a restaurant that envisions all things Southern, Bryce Gilmore’s Odd Duck is one of the best choices. You’ll love the restaurant’s ambiance with its vintage-looking decorations that resemble a touch of home and hospitality. Their menu ranges from South Texas, Southeast Asian, and some Middle-Eastern-influenced cuisine.
10. Perla’s
Experience high-end outdoor dining experience in Austin at Perla’s. Enjoy their fresh seafood a la plancha and champagne cocktails under the oak-shaded patio and dine al fresco with your family and friends in Austin’s favorite oyster bar. Perla’s offers lunch and dinner daily and brunch during Saturdays and Sundays.
11. Salt Lick
A well-known barbecue joint that is famous for its delicious food grub since 1967. Aside from being a popular barbecue joint, Salt Lick also has six unique venues in the area, including a vineyard, garden room, and mansion. There’s a giant pit at the front of the restaurant to welcome customers in. The meat is piled high on top of the grill and some are hung above. It’s definitely an experience to bring your family and friends to this restaurant.
12. The Grove Wine and Bar Kitchen
Looking for a pet-friendly restaurant in the north? The Grove Wine and Bat Kitchen offer New American-style food with plenty to choose from including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with ingredients that are locally sourced. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at the Lola Savannah Coffee lounge which is adjoined to the restaurant.
13. Tillery
Nothing is as refreshing as the pleasant views and food at Tillery. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever had. The waterfront restaurant sits atop an embankment that overlooks the Colorado River and the downtown skyline. Tillery’s menu includes a range of Mediterranean dishes such as Greek and Italian-inspired meals. Did we mention that you can bring your dog on a leash here too?
14. Uchi
Chef Cole is a nationally acclaimed chef who opened the award-winning restaurant in 2003. Uchi restaurant is continually displayed in major publications and has become one of the most sought-after places in the city. It offers a non-traditional Japanese food that provides locals with an authentic dining experience. There are lots of different dishes on the menu, including Hamachi Baby Yellowtail, Sake Toro Salmon Belly, and Wagyu Torch-Seared Beef. Don’t miss out on Uchi’s wide selection of sake too!
15. Urban Eat. Drink
Urban Eat. Drink is a casual and upscale restaurant in Round Rock that offers ample patio seating. This locally owned and operated downtown Round Rock eatery offers delicious food for all tastes, making it everyone’s go-to place to eat and drink. Enjoy live music on the restaurant patio and on the Urban Rooftop. This could be your next brunch spot! Come by to relax with friends over some delicious food & drinks.
Austin is a city of foodies and restaurants. It boasts of a diverse variety of cuisines, with some of the best places to dine. It has something for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free, classic, or anything you can ever think of!
