Updated Jan 2023
This is your ultimate guide to navigating the best downtown Austin restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, happy hour, and late-night munchies.
SXSW 2023:
Welcome to SXSW 2022! Jane here from A Taste of Koko, Austin’s top food and travel blog, where I share the hottest restaurants and weekend getaways. Follow me on TikTok and Instagram at @atasteofkoko to keep up with me during SXSW. If you’re a brand or agency that’s interested in working together on an SXSW activation, please email me at jane@atasteofkoko.com.
If this is your first time to Austin, we’re all about local restaurants, smokey barbecue, craft cocktails, and breakfast tacos. And my guide on the best hotels in Austin. Please enjoy the city while you’re here, but please don’t move here. ☺
SEE ALSO: 45 Top Things To Do In Austin
Table of Contents
Breakfast
Veracruz All-Natural
Austin’s favorite breakfast taco spot, Hestia, has expanded to the Line Hotel, offering their renowned tacos and agua frescas. Conveniently, there’s a walk-up window on Congress for takeout, making it easier than ever to enjoy their delicious offerings. It’s the perfect blend of James Beard-worthy flavors and the casual vibe of food trucks. Forget Sixth Street chaos; indulge in Hestia‘s culinary delights, including unique dishes like soup dumplings. It’s a true Austin experience that even the most discerning foodies, like those who appreciate Olamaie‘s sophistication, can savor. Don’t miss out, and maybe even consider ordering through Caviar for an added touch of luxury.
111 E Cesar Chavez St
Tacodeli
Another local’s favorite breakfast taco spot is now open in downtown Austin until 3pm
301 Congress Ave
Walton’s Fancy & Staple
Avocado toasts, challah French toast, biscuits & gravy, shrimp & grits, and breakfast tacos at Sanda Bullock’s bakery.
609 W 6th St
Forthright
Healthy cafe with toasts (avocado, mushroom), salads, chia pudding, coffee, and tea.
35 Brazos St, forthright.cafe
Fareground
Austin’s first food hall, Fareground, located off of Cesar Chavez just reopened with six eateries with over 120 dish offerings with cuisine inspired by global fare including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. There’s a huge grassy outdoor seating area to dine al fresco at tables or on the turf.
- Austin Rôtisserie
- Little Wu
- The Market
- Taco Pegaso
- Henbit
- TLV
- DRINK
- Ellis
111 Congress Ave, faregroundaustin.com
The Well
All-day healthy menu with superfood powered smoothies and smoothie bowls, coffee, tea, juice, and wellness shots.
All menu items featured at The Well are nonGMO, soy free, trans fat free and refined sugar free. Additionally, nearly every menu item can be made vegan, nut free, dairy free, and gluten free. Grab-and-go bottled beverages, cold-pressed wellness shots and other freshly prepared wholesome snacks are also available in addition to a retail section including local brands such as Moontower Matcha, Bearded Brothers, Culina yogurt and more.
440 W 2nd St, eatwellatx.com
Stella San Jac
Hungry and need a bite to eat near the Austin Convention Center? Stella San Jac is just a couple of blocks away.
310 E 5th St, stellasanjac.com
Caffé Medici
Not only does Caffé Medici serve the best coffee in Austin, but they also have the best breakfast tacos in Austin (aka Tacodeli).
200 Congress Ave, caffemedici.com
Jo’s Coffee
Breakfast tacos, and 6 different egg dishes – welcome to Austin.
242 W 2nd St, joscoffee.com
1886 Cafe & Bakery
Morning meeting? Head to 1886 Cafe & Bakery inside the historic Driskill Hotel for a quiet breakfast filled with baked goods and a Texas-shaped waffle.
604 Brazos St, 1886cafeandbakery.com
RELATED: 23 Best Breakfasts In Austin Worth Waking Up For
Brunch
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Sunday brunch buffet filled with plenty of moonshine – bourbon, whiskey, single malt scotch, tequila, Texas vodka, and gin.
303 Red River St, moonshinegrill.com
Swift’s Attic
Brioche french toast, peanut butter, house-cured bacon, salted caramel bananas – try and say that 7 times fast. But really, Swift’s Attic is a top pick for Sunday brunch.
315 Congress Ave, swiftsattic.com
Lambert’s Downtown BBQ
Looking to indulge? Lambert’s all-you-can-eat brunch features brisket, pork ribs, prime rib and more. They also have a live music schedule.
401 W 2nd St, lambertsaustin.com
The Well
For a “feel good” brunch, The Well has a brunch menu centered around clean ingredients without sacrificing the bold flavors of your favorite brunch classics with a nutrition-focused twist featuring local and sustainably farmed ingredients, including a beloved Texas staple, the Patty Melt served with texas wagyu beef patty on a homemade gluten-free toast, vegetarian Chilaquiles and overnight oats served with oat milk, hemp hearts, ground flax, cinnamon, monk fruit, housemade granola and almond butter with a choice of cinnamon apple or blueberry banana. Add ons include MCT oil, goji berries, ground flax, hemp hearts, bee pollen, golden berries and coconut.
The better-for-you beverage program with brunch-inspired cocktails with nutrient-rich ingredients such as in-house cold pressed organic juices and bloody mix, and utilizing only natural sugars like agave, honey, dates, and coconut sugar.
440 W 2nd St, eatwellatx.com
SEE ALSO: 24 Spots With The Best Brunch In Austin
Coffee
Houndstooth Coffee
Out-of-town coffee snobs will love Houndstooth Coffee’s premium coffee. And I mean this in a nice way because the coffee is really good. For a cold option, try their Japanese iced cold brew.
401 Congress Ave, houndstoothcoffee.com
Caffé Medici
Needing a pick me up to kick start a long day of panels? Head to Caffé Medici for one of the best cups of coffee in Austin! They’re famous for their cortados.
200 Congress Ave, caffemedici.com
Halcyon
Want something sweeter? Halcyon has a fine selection of flavored iced frappes or even a coffee martini. Network over Halcyon’s tabletop s’mores.
218 W 4th St, halcyoncoffeebar.com
Alta’s Cafe
Get away from the crazy crowds at the convention center and escape to Alta’s Cafe. The balcony overlooking Lady Bird Lake has one of the best views of the lake.
74 Trinity St, altascafe.com
Jo’s Coffee
Necessary coffee stop when you’re in Austin that’s loved by the locals and celebs on 2nd Street. Head to Jo’s South Congress location for the iconic “I Love You So Much” wall.
242 W 2nd St, joscoffee.com
SEE MORE: Best Coffee Shops In Austin
Business lunch
La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas
Located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina is a convivial poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine with a view.
600 W 2nd St 5th Floor
Wu Chow
Who doesn’t love dumplings with tiki cocktails?
500 W 5th St #168, wuchowaustin.com
La Condesa
Order me the house margarita and guacamole sampler at this modern Mexican restaurant and I’ll be ready to sign any deal.
400 W 2nd St, lacondesa.com
SEE ALSO: 27 Best Options For Lunch In Downtown Austin TX
Networking lunch
Fareground
With 6 restaurant concepts at Fareground, there’s something for everyone to eat in the same space.
- Austin Rôtisserie
- Little Wu
- The Market
- Taco Pegaso
- Henbit
- TLV
- DRINK
- Ellis
111 Congress Ave, faregroundaustin.com
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
If you have a group of people, go to Gus for Southern fried chicken around the table and sides to share.
117 San Jacinto Blvd, gusfriedchicken.com
Parkside
One of Austin’s finest restaurants for a plate of freshly shucked oysters and head upstairs to the best view of 6th Street.
301 E 6th St, parkside-austin.com
Backspace
On this list of best restaurants in downtown restaurants for a quick lunch, Backspace is my fav. Neapolitan-style pizza with thin-crisp crusts blistered in the giant woodfire Italian brick oven. I love the Bianca pizza – it’s a veggie pizza.
507 San Jacinto Blvd, thebackspace-austin.com
Koriente
If you’re wanting a healthier lunch, Koriente is a small Asian restaurant that’s family-owned. Popular items include the miso honey-glazed mahi-mahi but they also have vegan bowl options.
621 E 7th St
Dinner
La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas
You can choose from table top sizzling fajitas like prime steak arrachera al carbon, pineapple & soy marinated ribeye, Australian rack of lamb, or even whole Maine lobster. Gulf red snapper tacos, grilled whole branzico or lobster quesadillas, and 4 different margaritas to choose from.
600 W 2nd St 5th Floor, properhotel.com/austin/restaurants-bars/la-piscina/
TenTen
Modern Japanese restaurant with sashimi, robata, Japanese-styled grilled meats, and vegetables with a full sake selection. TenTen is offering curbside pick up and delivery.
501 W 6th St, tentenaustin.com
Parkside
Top dinner option in downtown Austin – head up to the rooftop for free 6th street entertainment during SXSW 2019.
301 E 6th St, parkside-austin.com
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
When you step inside Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, you know you’re entering a special place. This historic home has been beautifully restored to capture the warmth of a simpler time while also offering contemporary comfort food and cocktails that keep the locals coming back for more.
Moonshine is known for its innovative take on classic American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and handcrafted tacos featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can’t get enough of their bestsellers like The Grandma Burger topped with bacon jam, pickled okra, pepper jack cheese & smoked barbecue sauce; the Shrimp N’ Grits with Andouille sausage and onions served over creamy grits; and the signature Moonshine margarita made from freshly squeezed lime juice and house-infused tequila.
What really sets Moonshine apart is its inviting atmosphere and commitment to hospitality. The cozy interior features warm wood accents and dim lighting to create a relaxed ambiance perfect for dining or catching up at the bar. In warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco meals on their picturesque patio surrounded by lush foliage – it’s hard to resist meeting up here on balmy Texas evenings! Plus, they offer outdoor games like cornhole, so you can bring your friends along and make an evening out of it.
303 Red River St, Austin, TX moonshinegrill.com
Taquero Mucho
This pink Instagrammable restaurant is by the owners of Gabriella’s in East Austin. You can get queso and pink tortillas here! Super cute spot for date night.
La Condesa
La Condesa does get pretty packed for dinner so enjoy a tequila cocktail or two at the bar before heading to your table. Don’t miss their homemade ice cream for dessert.
400 W 2nd St A, lacondesa.com
ATX Cocina
Out of all the downtown restaurants, ATX Cocina is a popular spot for it’s modern Mexican with a focus on corn and seafood. The restaurant is also 100% gluten-free too!
110 San Antonio St Suite 170, atxcocina.com
Red Ash
Northern and Southern Italy come together at Red Ash with the wood-burning grill and oven – this is the most of all Italian restaurants in Austin.
303 Colorado St #200, redashgrill.com
J Carver
The newest steakhouse by the team behind ATX Cocina and Red Ash, J Carvers also has an oyster bar, chop house, and extensive wine and liquor selection.
509 Rio Grande St, jcarveratx.com
Backspace
Craving pizza and really good wine? Parkside’s sister restaurant, Backspace, is my favorite.
507 San Jacinto Blvd, thebackspace-austin.com
Comedor
Comedor is the newest modern Mexican restaurant to downtown Austin with a spacious outdoor patio – crowd favorites include the bone morrow tacos and sweet and savory chocolate tamal.
Driskill Grill
Austin’s oldest and finest institution serves up a killer steak that’s comparable to any steakhouse in downtown Austin in a sophisticated fine dining experience.
604 Brazos St, driskillgrill.com
Wu Chow
Best Chinese food in Austin? Wu Chow, and they have tiki drinks.
500 W 5th St #168, wuchowaustin.com
SEE ALSO: Wu Chow Serves Up Best Dim Sum In Austin
Fixe Southern House
Upscale Southern restaurant for grits, biscuits, and steak.
500 W 5th St
Emmer & Rye
Looking for a fine dining option on Rainey Street? Emmer & Rye boasts a curated, weekly shifting farm-to-table menu with innovative craftsmanship that pays homage to local farmers. You can order off a menu that changes weekly or partake in the evening’s seasonal small plates passed on circulating carts.
The menu features a wide range of flavors and ingredients through dishes such as handmade pasta, bread, and empanadas featuring heritage grains milled fresh daily
51 Rainey St #110, emmerandrye.com
Polvos
If you want Tex-Mex for dinner, head to Polvos on Red River Street.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
This American restaurant is known for their iconic pork chop. Roaring Fork is also a popular option.
SEE ALSO: Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms In Austin
Happy hour
ATX Cocina
Happy hour is Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 6pm and Friday to Sunday from 4-5pm with $8 tacos del dia, $10 cocina guacamole, and $8 margaritas.
110 San Antonio St Suite 170, atxcocina.com
SEE ALSO: Best Happy Hours In Austin
Swift’s Attic
Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4pm — 5:30pm.
315 Congress Ave, swiftsattic.com
La Condesa
Happy hour is Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm-6pm featuring half-off all alcoholic beverages. Brunch Happy Hour runs on Sundays from 11am-3pm.
400 W 2nd St, lacondesa.com
Bars
Garage
Tucked inside a parking garage, Garage is a hidden gem in downtown Austin with solid craft cocktails!
503 Colorado St, garagetx.com
SEE ALSO: 7 Top Austin Speakeasies & How To Get Into All Of Them
Firehouse Hostel and Lounge
Nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, our craft cocktail lounge is located in the city’s oldest standing fire station, built in 1885. Discover speakeasy charm in the Firehouse Lounge, accessible through a hidden bookshelf in the hostel lobby. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, further heightened by our selection of craft cocktails, prohibition-era drinks, and timeless attention to detail.
605 Brazos Street, firehousehostel.com
Midnight Cowboy
Reservation-only speakeasy-style luxury cocktail lounge with quality drinks.
313 E 6th St, midnightcowboymodeling.com
Devil May Care
Sultry underground lounge with Mediterranean-inspired menus, bottle service and craft cocktails.
500 W 6th St Suite 100
Higher Ground
A house of worship to food and beverage, Higher Ground is a multi-level destination offering designer cocktails, delicious bites and a place to dance the night away. Austin’s newest social club catering to enlightened spirits with elevated souls is located in a historic space, right below a Juliet balcony with panoramic views of Congress Avenue and the Capitol.
Italian-inspired menu with an extensive drink selection of holy spirits cocktails named after the Seven Deadly Sins as well as beers and wine. There is a drink for every occasion: Sloth (chamomile and lavender infused bourbon, lemon, honey and ginger) for sitting on the back patio with friends during happy hour; Lust (tequila, mezcal, lime, house made strawberry syrup, blackberries and absinthe) for a romantic dinner date and even Gluttony (vodka, heavy cream, cafe bustelo coffee infused demerara, licor 43 and nutmeg) for after dinner.
720 Congress Ave, highergroundatx.com
Péché
Austin’s first absinthe bar with French comfort food like escargot and craft cocktails in downtown’s Warehouse District for over a decade.
208 W 4th St, pecheaustin.com
Small Victory
Intimate cocktail bar with killer drinks.
108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701, smallvictory.bar
The Roosevelt Room
Industrial-chic cocktail bar with over 70 different mixed drinks categorized by era. The bar has over 80 different mixed drinks!
307 W 5th St, therooseveltroomatx.com
Late night
Voodoo Doughnuts
Needing something sweet? Voodoo Doughnuts are available 24/7.
212 E 6th St, voodoodoughnut.com
Casino El Camino
This dive bar is the spot for ultimate late-night food – trust me, the 3/4-pound burgers is what you need after a night of drinking.
517 E 6th St, casinoelcamino.net
SEE ALSO: 13 Best Burgers In Austin, Ranked
Chi’Lantro BBQ
Two words: KIMCHI FRIES. (see below). Chi’Lantro BBQ also has a location on South Lamar.
SEE ALSO: Best Spots For Late Night Food In Austin
RELATED CONTENT
