Austin is typically known for its live music and technology startup scene, but it’s slowly becoming recognized for its impressive selection of restaurants. With a wide variety of options, from barbecue to Japanese, Austin has it all and everything in between. Check out these restaurants if you’re ever in ATX and get ready to eat your heart out.
1. Franklin Barbecue
Photo courtesy of Franklin Barbecue
With a Twitter account dedicated to how long the line is each day, Franklin Barbecue serves up the some of the most coveted BBQ in Austin. Don’t let the long lines turn you away, though; even Kanye West had to wait in line when he visited this famous BBQ joint.
2. East Side King
Photo by Gabby Phi
Top Chef: Texas winner Paul Qui and former Uchi chef Moto Utsunomiya turned their Asian fusion side project into a food truck empire. Beet fries and crispy brussels sprouts, yes please.
3. Home Slice Pizza
Photo courtesy of @dank_austin_eats on Instagram
If giant slices of New York-style pizza are your thing (and if they aren’t, they should be), Home Slice is your go-to place — they serve pizza by the pie or by the slice.
4. Koriente
Photo by Shivani Pandya
Craving Asian takeout without all the MSG, added sugar and calories? Koriente serves healthy Asian dishes, and the most expensive meal is only $11. Ballin’ on a budget.
5. Launderette
Photo courtesy of austinway.com
It’s guaranteed that your meal will be all over Insta with pictures of artfully plated Mediterranean food that Launderette serves. True to its name, Launderette is located in a quaint, remodeled laundromat.
6. FoodHeads
Photo courtesy of foodheads.com
Located in a tiny wooden house, FoodHeads feels like you’re noshing at your grandma’s without actually having to see your family. Definitely one of Austin’s best kept sandwich secrets.
7. Uchiko
Photo by Nikki Shiner
Feel fancy and pretend you’re not a college student with these Japanese tapas. Stay within that college student budget and visit Uchiko for happy hour, 5-6:30pm daily. You’re welcome.
8. Elizabeth Street Cafe
Photo by Shivani Pandya
If the fact that the Vietnamese and French-inspired Elizabeth Street Cafe was recently featured on The Food Network isn’t enough for you to give it a try, go for the banh mi — it’s definitely worth it.
9. Josephine House
Photo by Evan Rauch
Your hungover Sunday brunch just got a whole lot better. Whether you’re into avocado toast or lemon ricotta pancakes, Josephine House will remedy a night out in no time.
10. Michi Ramen
Photo by Shivani Pandya
Throw out those instant ramen packets immediately, get in your car and drive to Michi Ramen. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant on North Lamar serves up huge, customizable bowls of delicious ramen noodles.
11. Hopdoddy
Photo courtesy of @forked_up on Instagram
Forget your spring break diet — you’re going to want to order a burger, fries AND a shake from Hopdoddy. Named the best burger in America, their unique burgers are worth every calorie.
12. Sway
Photo courtesy of Melody Fury
There’s a reason for all the buzz around the modern, Thai-inspired Sway — the food is just as innovative as the interior design. Enjoy your jungle curry on the outdoor patio for the full experience.
13. Second Bar + Kitchen
Photo courtesy of @secondbarkitchen on Instagram
Second Bar + Kitchen is the perfect place to brunch and sip on cocktails with your squad. The large, open patio seating also makes for perfect people-watching.
14. Zocalo Cafe
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Cara S.
A fresh take on Mexican food that won’t wreck your wallet or your pre-spring break diet. Zocalo Cafe makes everything in-house, including their delicious tortillas.
15. Fricano’s Deli
Photo courtesy of @whutthe_hil on Instagram
This gem in the heart of West Campus is often overlooked, but is definitely worth a visit. Fricano’s serves up huge deli sandwiches with everything you could ever want, from corned beef to pastrami to an assortment of veggies.
16. Kerbey Lane Cafe
Photo courtesy of slonerangerblog.com
Known as everyone’s favorite joint for drunk eats, Kerbey Lane is famous for their “Kerbey Queso,” which is guacamole smothered in queso and topped with pico de gallo.
17. P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Photo courtesy of @rageofmars on Instagram
This retro burger joint serves up some of the cheapest and best burgers in Austin. Take it from a long time vegetarian: P. Terry’s has a veggie burger that is unmatched by any other.
18. Freedmen’s
Photo courtesy of @freedmens on Instagram
Freedman’s is located inside a beautiful, historic building and is also one of the best barbecue joints in Austin. Stuff your face with ribs or enjoy a cocktail on the back patio.
19. Komé
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Debbie L.
Find Japanese comfort food that’s mouth-watering and reasonably priced at Komé. With a large selection of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes, everyone will be able to find something they enjoy.
20. Café No Sé
Photo by Gabby Phi
Located inside the swanky South Congress Hotel, Café No Sé features fresh, California-inspired dishes that are perfectly paired with any of their signature cocktails. If the rustic interior and food aren’t enough to charm you, the baked in-house pastries will definitely win you over.
21. Épicerie
Photo courtesy of @epicerie_austin on Instagram
Feeling French? Enjoy the heavenly cheese plate and the unique exterior of the restaurant. Épicerie is located in an ivy-covered bungalow tucked away in north Austin.
22. Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
Photo courtesy of austinot.com
Get your chicken fix with Fresa’s wood-grilled chicken plated with sides, stuffed in tacos or served over salads. Drive-thru or sit outside, the choice is up to you.
23. Bouldin Creek Café
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Ashley A.
This one’s for all the vegetarians that are fed up with trying to find meat-free options at regular restaurants. Don’t worry, Bouldin Creek Cafe is there for you. With an all vegetarian and vegan menu, you’ll forget you even liked meat in the first place.
24. Titaya’s
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Becca F.
Comforting Thai food doesn’t get any better than at Titaya’s. Go for lunch and enjoy a full meal for under $15.
25. La Condesa
Photo courtesy of @juliet_ate_romeo on Instagram
Head to La Condesa for upscale Mexican street food and an impressive tequila list. Happy hour is from 5-7 pm on weekdays, so #treatyoself and order that extra tequila shot with your tacos.
26. Torchy’s Tacos
Photo courtesy of Torchy’s Tacos
Ever since 2006, Torchy’s has been blessing Austin (and now Dallas, Waco and College Station) with some damn good tacos. Order off the secret menu if you want to feel legit.
27. Wu Chow
Photo courtesy of Wu Chow
The dim sum and small plates at Wu Chow are definitely drool-worthy. This somewhat unconventional Chinese restaurant serves farm-to-table Chinese cuisine at its finest.
28. Emmer & Rye
Photo by Gabby Phi
Rainey Street is more than just hipster bars (although those are worth a try too). Emmer & Rye offers a contemporary spin on the local food movement with appetizers and entrées centered around local produce.
29. Sweetish Hill Bakery
Photo courtesy of @nicolesometimes on Instagram
Since its opening in 1975, Sweetish Hill has been Austin’s go-to for anything sweet. Go ahead, indulge in one of the delicious custom cakes. What are calories again?
30. Chi’Lantro BBQ
Photo courtesy of @srat_eats on Instagram
Two words: kimchi fries. Chi’Lantro serves Korean-Mexican fusion that combines the best of both cuisines, with dishes like bulgogi tacos and kimchi burgers.
31. Mandola’s Italian Market
Photo courtesy of @mandolasitalian on Instagram
Pretend you’re part of a big Italian family while dining on authentic Italian food at Mandola’s. The portions are large, the prices are reasonable and the complimentary focaccia and olive oil with spices will make you feel like you’re in Italy.
32. Odd Duck
Photo by Gabby Phi
Odd Duck on South Lamar serves up inventive, appetizer-style plates that are meant to be shared (or not, we won’t judge). The current restaurant is a brick-and-mortar revival of where the original trailer once stood.
33. Eastside Café
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Christine N.
This quaint East Austin eatery grows their own produce and herbs in a huge garden in the back of the restaurant. Eastside Cafe is casual enough for a first Tinder date, but also nice enough for brunch with your parents.
34. Gourdough’s Public House
Photo courtesy of @juliet_ate_romeo on Instagram
Eating at Gourdough’s is an Austin rite of passage. Clear your schedule for the rest of the day, though, because whether you get a decadent donut or burger with a donut bun, the only thing you’ll want to do for the rest of the day is take a nap.
35. South Congress Café
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Yousuf H.
South Congress Café is the perfect place to sip on a Bloody Mary and eat giant French toast on a lazy Sunday morning. Sign me up, please.
36. Snack Bar
Photo courtesy of @austinfoodstagram on Instagram
True to its name, Snack Bar serves American fare for lunch and transitions to global-inspired bites to share in the evening. The lounge-style seating gives this South Congress eatery a 70’s vibe.
37. G’Raj Mahal
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Tianyu I.
G’Raj Mahal serves quality Indian food that will convert even the pickiest of eaters. This dinner-only venue often hosts a variety of live music events, which is only fitting since the restaurant is in the Live Music Capital of the World.
38. 24 Diner
Photo courtesy of @joshuaweissman on Instagram
Conventional diner food gets an upgrade at 24 Diner. Open around the clock, it’s the perfect place for a comforting late-night bite if you’re in the mood for something a little more classy.
39. Sawyer & Co.
Photo courtesy of @srat_eats on Instagram
Sawyer & Co., famous for their crawfish, brings the heat of the bayou to Austin. Check them out for a blend of New Orleans flavor and Texas hospitality.
40. Perla’s
Photo courtesy of @keepaustineatin on Instagram
Austin might be miles from the beach, but you would never know it while eating at Perla’s. The seafood is fresh, the nautical interior is fun and food is consistently top-notch.
41. Parkside
Photo courtesy of Parkside
Skip the hangover that usually comes after a night on Dirty Sixth and head over to Parkside. The American-style plates and energetic vibe give this Sixth Street restaurant a fresh feel.
42. The Peached Tortilla
Photo courtesy of austinfoodmagazine.com
Get your Southern and Asian fusion fix with kimchi Spam fried rice and brisket hash from The Peached Tortilla.
43. Texas Honey Ham Company
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Austin is known for its breakfast tacos, but you haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried tacos from Texas Honey Ham. If you’re still feeling hungry, try the shells and cheese.
44. Hillside Farmacy
Photo by Gabby Phi
Make all of your brunch dreams come true at this quaint spot located in Central Austin. Hillside Farmacy was originally a drugstore owned by Austin’s first African-American pharmacist, Doc Young, and a framed picture of him still hangs on the wall.
45. El Naranjo
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Katie O.
El Naranjo is the perfect place to take your parents for traditional Mexican food when they’re in town. Don’t miss out on the made-from-scratch guac.
46. Pizzeria Vetri
Photo courtesy of @spoon_texas on Instagram
Pizzeria Vetri is the newest addition to Urban Outfitter’s Space 24 Twenty on the Drag, and is definitely worth the hype. Enjoy thin-crust pizza cooked in a brick oven or gourmet salads on the spacious back patio.
47. Counter Café
Photo courtesy of Counter Cafe
Greasy diner meets farm-to-table in the most delicious way possible at Counter Cafe. Yes, all-day breakfast is a thing, and yes, you can find it here.
48. Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Photo by Gabby Phi
As you probably already know, the ramen craze is still alive and well in Austin. Since 2012, Ramen Tatsu-Ya has continued to dominate the Austin ramen scene with its funky vibe and classic-style ramen bowls.
49. Salty Sow
Photo courtesy of Joshua Weissman
Salty Sow’s triple fried duck fat fries are about to become your new favorite food. Come hungry because everything’s bigger in Texas, including these portions.
50. Walton’s Fancy and Staple
Photo courtesy of @srat_eats on Instagram
In addition to starring in some of the best movies of the 2000’s (Miss Congeniality anyone?), Sandra Bullock is the mastermind behind the rustic Walton’s Fancy and Staple. Doubling as a deli and flower shop, you can grab a sandwich and some fresh flowers while you’re at it.