Every place I’ve eaten in Austin since moving here
Hi Samantha here! When I’m not running Eldest & Co, I’m a huge restaurant nerd. Which is why when I moved to Austin in early 2025, one of the things I was excited about was exploring Austin’s food scene. And whoa is there so much to explore.
Obviously, I’m new to Austin so these are from my experience thus far. I do not claim to be the most knowledgeable or experienced Austin diner but your girl has lived in some amazing food towns so I’d like to think I have a good eye (and taste buds).
So without further ado, here’s everywhere I’ve eaten in Austin in the almost year I’ve lived here.
Where to eat in Austin for great food and vibes
Loro - a true Austin experience, this restaurant is a collab between the famous Franklin BBQ team and the Uchi team, and the result is unique asian-inspired BBQ flavors. If you’re looking for low key, outdoor vibes, great food and drinks, Loro’s always safe
Ezov - I still think about the meal I ate here. A trendy mediterranean restaurant, Ezov has pita you’ll dream about and interesting flavors in cool interior. One of the best meals I’ve had since moving to Austin.
Este - This was my second date with my boyfriend so I’ll always have a sweet spot for it, but it helps that the inventive seafood food (with a sort of Mexican flair) is also excellent. In a cute converted house in East Austin, it’s a great date night or group dinner spot.
Nixta Taqueria - I'd seen this spot on so many round ups of great Austin spots and thankfully, it lived up to the hype. You order at a counter and then grab a table but the food is far more unique and upscale than the environment seems to suggest. Great, unique Mexican flavors, the duck carnitas was epic and the beet salad surprised us to the positive!
Bureau des Poste - tucked into a shopping center with a popular coffee shop and pizza spot, this restaurant has a great outdoor patio and upscale french food in Hyde Park. It’s a small menu but with great fries and rich flavors, it’d be great for a daytime meal or date night.
Canje - this restaurant was on a list of best restaurants in the country which put Austin on another level in terms of food reputation. The inventive Caribbean restaurant features flavors from an often overlooked culinary culture of the world so I loved that I was experiencing something new. The whole place is full of rich colors and flavors, definitely recommend if you can snag a rezzie!
Ember Kitchen - this two story restaurant near the river in downtown (and the Trader Joes) features a wood fired stove that they use to make everything on their menu taste even better. The service here is generous and super welcoming and I left fully truly stuffed.
Clark’s Oyster Bar - this is certainly a well known spot and the patio is a popular spot on good weather days. Thankfully the food is also worth it. I sat here for an early dinner solo so didn’t get to try as much as I wanted but would honestly recommend it on vibe alone.
Comedor - I actually walked past this restaurant dozens of times and had no idea. When you actually spot the door tucked on the side of what looks like a concrete block, you enter a bright, architectural space that goes on to share upscale Mexican items with a similarly impressive approach. Definitely a nicer spot, for a corporate card or with parents in town but wow was the food delish!
Bar Peached - I always love asian fusion but this spot also had a cool outdoor patio, a happy hour deal and a cute interior. Will definitely be going back.
Guest House Austin - This place is intentionally vibey. This reminded me of the RH dining experiences, with sparkling crystal chandeliers and lots of items on the menu that take the opportunity to be just a bit over the top. Definitely would be a special occasion spot for me but if you’re looking for the a place to have an excuse to look hot and ball out, this is perfect.
La Piscina - upstairs in the trendy Proper hotel, this place takes TexMex to an upscale level. Fajitas are served with a bunch of melted cheese and the dips hit all the classic marks with just a bit of a unique twist. It got a bit loud when we were there but would still absolutely go back.
Uchi - the original from this group, this is an inventive upscale sushi spot. It’s no surprise that I loved it because I love sushi. It’s definitely easy to rack up a bill here so I try to to go during happy hour when you can get way more bang for your buck. Reservation is definitely recommended unless you’re down to eat early.
Uchiba - Uchiba ****has both sushi and Japanese food more generally and everything is delish. This spot is downtown and can get pretty bumping but another spot I love to take advantage of the happy hour
Hillside Farmacy - I loved the character in this East Austin spot. It feels like a place that’s been open for decades pouring drinks and slinging plates. I had a great hearty brunch at the bar and have wanted to go back to try dinner.
Paperboy East - an airy cute spot that I think is mostly known for brunch. I had a great drink and a little bite here one day and the energy was super fun. They also have a grab and go coffee window if you’re walking around the neighborhood
Perla - a seafood forward spot on South Congress with a gorgeous big tree out front. You’ll enjoy the menu more if you’re with a group to share some of the larger format fish options.
June’s - this feels like many of my old haunts in New York: a long bar, bistro chairs and great french fries. I ate a late burger dinner here and felt like I had transported back to a different stage in life but there’s plenty more on the menu for anybody.
Elizabeth Street Cafe - this might be one of my favorite Austin spots, period. Cool vietnamese food with a girly environment, it’s adorable and delicious. Great for brunch to maximize the bright space but honestly, would recommend any time of day.
Aba Austin - a vibey upscale mediterranean spot tucked into the shopping development on South Congress, near the Soho House. It’s a great spot for a birthday party or just a fun dinner out - I’ve enjoyed the food and drinks both times I’ve gone. It’s a big space but popular, so recommend a reservation.
Odd Duck - Another highly recommended spot in Austin, appears on many restaurant lists. The food was inventive and delicious and the space feels cozy without being crowded.
Carve - an upscale steakhouse with multiple locations. There’s one right near where I live and we love popping in for their happy hour. The bar has tons of wine available on tap, with multiple pour sizes but they’re especially known for the steakhouse menu staples. Could be a great birthday dinner, corporate meal or just for when you’re craving a Texas steak.
Mother’s Ruin - I used to frequent the original Mother’s Ruin in New York and loved the Nashville location when I was there trying it out. So when I heard they’d opened an Austin location, I was thrilled to discover that the vibes are as consistent and elite as they are in the other locations. Great bar food, funny cocktail names and great energy. Single girls, this is a spot to start your night ;)
Low-key neighborhood spots in Austin
Sometimes the best places are the hidden gems right around the corner. While I love a boujie night out, sometimes you want great food with low key vibes that fit a variety of energy levels or crowds.
Kiin Di - When I tried it was a food truck but I think they’re getting a real location. This is solid Thai food. Reviews said they’re known for the fried chicken which I didn’t try so might have to go back!
Ichiban - This Japanese spot reminds me of a place we used to go when I was a kid, where you took off your shoes and sat on the ground. That might have started me and Ichiban on the right food but the yummy sushi and affordable prices truly won me over. My boyfriend enjoyed from the entree menu which includes asian classics across more than just Japanese. An great spot for a low key dinner.
P Thai’s Khao Man Gai - I saw this on too many lists of great places in Austin not to try it. You order at the counter of this Thai-Chinese spot on Airport Blvd. and the food lived up to the hype, in my opinion. Khao Man Gai is what they’re known for, clearly from the name, and the combo platter allowed us to try the classic and fried version - we preferred the fried. But their noodle soup was super flavorful (and spicy). Outdoor and indoor seating with excellent service solidified this one as a must repeat.
Thai Fresh - this Zilker area Thai spot is a true neighborhood spot. Order via QR code at your table and the food is to your table almost incredibly fast. Also a great pickup spot, it’s got all the great Thai classics.
Tancho - Tancho is aiming to make omakase accessible. Some might not consider it “low key” in the sense that the go to order there is north of $50 dollars but the quality of sushi you can get for a relatively cheap price makes it feel more of a low key go to than a special spot. The first location was near Bee Caves but they recently opened a new one near me in the Grove shopping center and I can’t wait to go again.
Top Notch Hamburgers - This place feels like stepping back in time to a bygone era of drive-in buger spots. It’s almost like this is the original neighborhood version of what Sonic modeled the drive in after. The burgers are greasy and delicious, shakes thick and the fries come out fresh. No fuss here for sure.
Where to try Tex Mex, Tacos & BBQ in Austin
Matt’s El Rancho - You can’t discuss Tex Mex in Austin without hearing about Matt’s El Rancho. They fill every table of this sprawling old restaurants with diners who are ready for queso, fajitas and strong margaritas. They refill the chips often and the service is very speedy so you get bean and cheese plate as quickly as possible. It’s exactly what I think a Tex Mex place should be - delicious, no fuss and with plenty of options. I understand why it’s a classic.
De Nada - It says something about a spot when there’s a limit on how many of their signature margaritas they’ll serve. (They’re that strong.) Much of the seating at this spot looks out over the parking lot but amazingly, that doesn’t hurt the vibe. Food was good but most people flock here for the energy and the drinks. Won’t be my frequent stop but great for when you’re looking to be a bit festive.
Guero’s - Guero’s takes up a prominent stretch of South Congress, right in the thick of things. Whether you’re outside where they have live music regularly or in the well worn space, the food and drinks are good, including the Tex Mex signature chips and salsa. A far more low key vibe than many of the places on South Congress, this is definitely worth a stop.
Licha’s Cantina - a converted tiny house in East Austin, Licha’s serves up really good Tex Mex in a town with plenty of it. The entrees are sizeable and rich in flavor. I’d never seen a fajita set up with bacon on it and now I can’t unknow it. The outdoor seating has shade and fans for warm time of year but in the months of year when the temperature is manageable, it’d be an especially great spot to share margaritas with friends.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que - Pick your meat, pick your sides, pick your drink (hopefully a crisp Texas beer) and carry the very heavy tray to a wooden table. Texas does brisket like no other state and when I was fresh to Austin, I was excited to have access to the classic BBQ experience again. People say that Terry Black’s is even better but since I haven’t made it there yet, I can only report that this food was delicious and if you’re looking for BBQ in downtown Austin, you can’t go wrong here.
Veracruz All Natural - this taco spot has many locations through Austin. They’re most known for their Migas breakfast taco. But here’s the thing: I don’t love eggs, so migas is just never going to deeply speak to me. They have a vegan queso, which as a lactose intolerant girl who doesn’t often get queso, deeply speaks to me. I’ve had better tacos in Austin but perhaps it’s a reflection of different tastes over quality?
OneTaco Tacqueria - this downtown taco spot has a menu of all the classics in a grab and go spot under an office building. The salsas are great and the various meat tacos I’ve had were delish (even with my aforementioned dislike of eggs, I’ve ordered breakfast tacos here before and always wish I’d stuck to the more lunch options, but this is a me thing).
La Santa Barbacha - these are probably the best tacos I’ve had since moving to Austin. Another taco truck style spot (but it’s a permanently installed structure) with seating around that serves all the trucks in the area. Every bite was insane and I love my agua fresca as well. Will happily return.
My favorite coffee shops in Austin so far
Merit Coffee Downtown - A popular coffee spot downtown, Merit is a solid spot with medium amounts of seating (I go elsewhere if I really want to work). I see videos on TikTok of their seasonal lattes which look cute but I haven’t personally partaken out of concern. Maybe next time :)
Manana Dos (Downtown) - This spot is a popular meet up spot for group walks and bike rides so if you get into the active scene in Austin, it’s likely you’ll end up here at one point or another. The good news is the coffee is delicious and like many coffee shops in Austin, they stock Taco Deli breakfast tacos for purchase. There’s plenty of seating inside and outside, free wifi and generally respectful patrons. When I lived downtown this was a go to spot for me.
First Light Book Store - First Light is coffee shop, book store, wine bar and neighborhood spot all in one. It’s no secret anymore, for good reason, because this is exactly the vibe you want for a cool bookstore coffee shop in your neighborhood to be. Check out the hand written recommendations on books on each of the shelves and grab a coffee or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day, from the baristas which you can take to any seats inside or outside. I love when people suggest this place to meet!
Mazur Coffee - this new spot in Rosedale is attached to a boutique and feels built ~ for the girls ~. Think checkered floors, bistro tables and a tree outside for the background of your Instagram story. Parking and seating is limited though so be aware!
Happy hour spots in Austin (or just an easy drink)
Many of these spots also have merits outside of happy hour but since I know we all love to be able to enjoy some food and drink at even lower prices, I thought it’d be helpful to pull out the spots that feature a nice happy hour deal!
Postino - they’ve got a steal of a deal on wine, beer and bruschetta during happy hour. This is on of those places that has something for everybody!
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge - cute little spot in a house on a side street. Minorly leans southern in menu and their brunch menu looked delicious too. We stopped by on a night where there was half of bottles of wine all evening!
Hold Out Brewing - a low key brewery near downtown with picnic tables and low key food. Perfect for meeting for a casual drink.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails - Better Half and Hold Out share the same courtyard, which is perfect for groups where some want cocktails and another wants beers. It’s even a good daytime coffee/lunch spot, something for everybody.
Loro - love this Franklin BBQ and Uchi collab anytime but their happy hour menu has some selected bites and drinks at both locations (South Lamar and in the Domain) with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at both! I end up here often when I need a place I know will have easy seating.
Uchi/Uchiba - relatedly, this group of Japanese restaurants both do great early happy hours where you can get selections of excellent sushi and Japanese bites at discounted prices. They can be a bit pricey otherwise so this is the best way to get to experience them without blowing the budget!
Wu Chow - it’s an upscale Chinese restaurant downtown with a sneaky little happy hour of selected bites and their drinks. The wine selection was limited (my fave), but if you’re a cocktail drinker there were more options there!
La Condesa - right downtown, this Mexican restaurant is far too quiet on it’s happy hour deal which is half of ALL alcohol at the bar. Yes, even the fancy mezcals are included. We felt like we were getting away with something to be able to take our pick of the menu!
Swift’s Attic - another downtown spot, this is an upstairs rustic feeling bar with a solid selection of options if you’re looking for an early drink.
Joann’s Fine Foods - you might have seen the neon sign outside Joann’s on South Congress but inside there’s a nice happy hour to enjoy. I didn’t eat so can’t attest to the food though!
Cafe No Se - you tell me a happy hour includes unlimited french fries and I can’t get there fast enough. Add on half of bottles of wine and I’m sold. I love this spot on a Friday afternoon.
The Little Darlin’ - down in South Austin, this plays feels like old Austin with a run down building and a big yard of picnic tables. Would be great for when friends are in visiting, especially if they have live music. Loved the burger.
daydreamer - in East Austin, this place is vibey and makes you feel cool.
Violet Crown Wine Bar - a cute wine bar in Crestview, this place is a wine bar and coffee shop so with great working space as much as it has a cute selection of wine and space to chat with a friend. A great spot to have in your back pocket!
Frequently asked questions about dining in Austin
What are some must-try foods in Austin?
Austin is famous for its Tex-Mex, BBQ, and classic breakfast tacos but the scnee is increasingly diverse and inventive. Still if its your first time in Austin, I’d make sure you get either Tex-Mex or tacos and BBQ on your schedule at some point.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan options in Austin?
Absolutely! I can’t speak to too many specifics because it’s not what my eye is screening for but almost every place will have vegetarian options and just like most major cities, there are plenty of spots that make a priority to serve those with dietary restrictions. As always, check menus ahead of time.
Where is the best happy hour in Austin?
Most happy hours in Austin happen between 4 PM to 7 PM, but times can vary by location. And with so many varieties of food and drink offerings, I don’t think there’s an objective best. My personal fave is probably Cafe No Se because unlimited fries is just the fast track to my heart but when I’m in the mood for wine, the good news is there’s too many options to count. Perhaps a cop out answer but I really think this is a matter of personal preference.
Do you need reservations to eat in Austin?
Austin is increasingly a major city. As a result, there is more and more demand for the best spots especially around weekends like ACL and Formula 1. That said, there’s still plenty of neighborhood spots and counter service spots that are totally walk in friendly. If you’re looking for fancier or trendier vibes, plan to make reservations out of an abundance of caution. If you’re more in “play it by ear” mode, just know that you may end up with a more casual side of Austin’s food scene. Neither is better or worse - in fact, I think the fact that there’s so much of both is a great testament to this town!
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There you have it! As of a few weeks before my one year anniversary in Austin, this is everywhere I’ve tried. I hope you can use this to plan an amazing visit to my now hometown or if you’re here in Austin, a way to explore more new spots (also say hi, I love meeting fellow Austin girls)!
