Best Restaurants In Austin, TX For Any Occasion: A Local’s Guide
If you asked me to make a list of 10 places you must go while visiting Austin, TX – All 10 of those places would be restaurants or food trucks.
Is that a result of my food-obsessed brain or is the food scene in Austin as spectacular as I claim anytime I’m asked about my city? You tell me… But only after you try the following 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Austin, TX!
1. Phoebe’s Diner
Phoebe’s Diner is where you go when you want the flavor combinations of a trendy Austin brunch spot with the vibes of an old school 50’s diner – A time before brunch was the foundation of a solid weekend in a foodie city.
Type of Cuisine: American Fusion
What to Order: Anything!
When to Go: Brunch – Available 7 Days A Week
2. Tumble 22
After spending the day floating in the crispy waters of Barton Springs, hiking up the steeper-than-it-looks Hill of Life or fighting to keep your balance on a paddle boarding excursion through Lady Bird Lake – You’re going to be ready for a hearty meal and a big ol’ Margarita – Tumble 22 is where you want to get that.
Type of Cuisine: Fried Chicken
What to Order: (Option 1) Korean BBQ O.G. (Option 2) 2 Piece Tender + Fries
When to Go: Early Dinner
3. Terry Blacks
Never trust an Austinite without Terry Blacks at the top of their foodie bucket list. It’s difficult to find BBQ in Austin that doesn’t hit, but Terry Blacks is the most efficient, consistent, and mouth-watering BBQ in Austin, TX.
**Warning: Do not start your day at Terry Blacks unless you want to spend the rest of the day in a food coma!! This is a DINNER activity… You will want to be horizontal shortly after your meal.
Type of Cuisine: Texas BBQ
What to Order: Sliced Brisket, Sausage, Mac and Cheese, Cream Corn
When to Go: Early Dinner
4. Hestia
Unlike most of the restaurants on this list, Hestia is not a quick food stop after a long day of activities. Hestia is a culinary adventure, where you should expect to spend at least a couple hours and soak in every bite you take with every taste bud you have. Expect to spend at least $100/person for the A La Carte Menu or $195/person for the tasting menu, and don’t be surprised when you find that every penny was worth it.
Type of Cuisine: Modern Live-Fire Grill House
What to Order: (A La Carte) Tomato Tart, Scallop, Halibut, Charcoal Ice Cream OR The Tasting Menu
When to Go: Late Dinner
5. Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe
Ready to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and some killer Thai food? Give Tuk Tuk a call and get ready for some of the best Pad Thai in Austin. Tuk Tuk is take-out only… But where else would you want to eat Thai Food than at home with a good movie?
Type of Cuisine: Thai
What to Order: Pad Thai
When to Go: Take-Out Only; Cozy Night In
6. Aba
As I was exploring the Albanian Riviera this summer… I found myself craving this Austin Mediterranean gem of a restaurant – That should tell you all you need to know! One of the most beautiful patios in Austin, Aba is the perfect place for a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the midst of a South Congress shopping day or before a night on the town.
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean
What to Order: Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Whipped Feta, Brussel Sprouts
When to Go: Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
7. Polvos
You absolutely cannot leave Austin without a Tex-Mex feast of chips & queso, guacamole, some enchiladas or even a combo plate – All with a Margarita pitcher, of course. While there’s endless places to grab Tex Mex in Austin, it is surprisingly difficult to find a 10/10 Tex Mex Restaurant – Luckily, Polvos hits every time.
Type of Cuisine: Tex Mex
What to Order: Chile Con Queso, Breakfast Tacos, Enchiladas De La Casa
When to Go: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Patrizi‘s
When I say Patrizi’s, I am specifically referring to the food truck outside of one of the best bars in Austin – The Butterfly Bar. (Owned and Operated by The Vortex) A 100 year old bar in Austin, The Butterfly Bar is an Austin local’s dream – Big eccentric patio, great cocktails, great music, and the best Italian food in Austin available until supplies runs out… So come for Happy Hour and stay for an early dinner!
Type of Cuisine: Italian
What to Order: Fresh Pasta of Your Choosing
When to Go: Early Dinner
9. Banger’s
As an Austin local, I hold pride in the experience of Sunday brunch at Banger’s. No Austin tourist weekend is complete without dancing to the Banger’s marching band singing the Billboard Top 100 while you’re stuffing your face with some of the best brunch food in Austin… Oh yeah, don’t forget to order a Manmosa or choose from one of Banger’s 200+ Beers on tap!
Type of Cuisine: German Beer Garden & Southern-Style Comfort Food
What to Order: Banger’s Bennie
When to Go: Late Night Dinner
10. Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
This list wouldn’t be complete without a place I’ve spent the last few years celebrating my birthday, Loro South Lamar. The reason I end up here year after year – They’ve simply got it all. After ordering almost every item on the menu, I can firmly state that the food here does not miss. Plus, the Happy Hour specials are hard to come by these days in Austin! All enjoyed at the best patio on South Lamar.
Type of Cuisine: Asian BBQ Fusion
What to Order: Chicken Karaage, Crispy Potatoes, Texas Sweet Corn, Char Siew Pork Belly
When to Go: Lunch or Happy Hour
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Heading to Austin and not sure where to start with your culinary adventure through the city? Download this FREE AUSTIN FOODIE CHECKLIST and ensure to check each box if you want to experience everything the Austin food scene is known for!
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What are your favorite restaurants in Austin? Drop them in the comments and share the Austin foodie greatness!
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[…] on the list of Austin’s first 7 restaurants to earn a Michelin star. If you’ve read my Local’s Guide To The Best Restaurants in Austin, TX, you know that Hestia is an all-time favorite and is where I would send any foodie visiting Austin […]
[…] Interested in my personal favorite places to eat after living in Austin for over 10 years? Check out my Local’s Guide To The Best Restaurants in Austin, Texas! […]