10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Austin, TX

Austin’s Downtown offers a diverse dining canvas packed with amazing places to eat, involving new and established restaurants, making it a true foodie’s paradise.

Whether you’re searching for trendy or casual restaurants in Downtown Austin, the city offers everything from farm-to-table delights to Texas-inspired classics.

This blog will help you discover the best restaurants in Downtown Austin, offering signature dishes that are enough to define Austin’s dining scene.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Downtown Austin

Here is the list of Austin’s 10 best downtown restaurants that guarantee exceptional eats with an unforgettable dine-out experience.

Caroline is an American restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in modern surroundings, along with cocktails, craft beer, and wine.

Their chicken enchiladas and breakfast potatoes stand out, and the cold brew is next level. Visit the Coffee House at Caroline for a good coffee time with their tasty pastry collection.

  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Friday (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
  • Menu: Online Menu
  • Vegan menu: Yes
  • Reservations: Yes, via OpenTable or by phone.
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Parking: Yes, valet parking is available on 7th Street (Alternate Street parking is available during busy hours)
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes. Beer, Cafe, Cocktails with counter seating
  • Special diets: Gluten-free options available
  • Outdoor dining: Yes, an outdoor patio is available
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Dogs Allowed: Yes. Special puppy menu available every day with $3 Peanut Butter Pup Cup and $5 Pup Ice Cream
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Yes
  • Special Features: Group and private dining are available upon reservation.
  • Private Events: Yes.
  • Good For: Breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner in a modern establishment with several alcoholic options.

Swift’s Attic is a stylish, retro-chic spot located in a historic space in Downtown Austin. It is known for its inventive small plates, craft beer, cocktails, and intimate setting.

Their menu transforms familiar dishes into something unexpected, including steak sushi, shrimp and grits, and a playful take on Pad Thai.

Their churros are a standout dessert, and they craft cocktails that complement every dish. The service is generally attentive, but seating can be tight, so reservations are a good idea.

  • Happy Hour: Yes, on weekdays (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • Menu: Online Menu available (Don’t forget to check their exclusive happenings)
  • Reservation: Yes, via OpenTable or by phone
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Delivery: No
  • Parking: Yes, street parking is available (the nearest garage parking is in the basement lot on 4th between Congress and Brazos)
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Special Features: Group and private dining are available on reservations.
  • Good For: Couples, small groups, dinner

Taquero Mucho is the coolest pink-themed restaurant on Sixth Street. It serves tacos, Mexican fare, and margaritas.

The restaurant not only celebrates bold flavors but also embraces women’s empowerment and self-love themes, creating a unique and inclusive atmosphere.

Whether you’re sipping on their signature margaritas or savoring a well-crafted taco, this spot offers a memorable experience focusing on celebrating individuality and flavor.

  • Hour Hour: Yes, Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday: Closed
  • Menu: Online Menu available
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Delivery: No
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes; patio available
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Special Features: Pink-themed decor, perfect for Instagram-worthy photo sessions
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Good For: Girl’s night out

ATX Cocina is a modern Mexican fare that includes seafood, mezcal, and tequila cocktails, anchoring this upscale eatery. Their menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a strong focus on masa-based dishes.

The Queso Fundido with brisket is rich, melty, and packed with smoky flavor, while the Crab Relleno balances sweetness from honey cornbread with a tangy tomatillo sugo

  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Friday to Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Menu: Online Menu
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Delivery: No
  • Reservation: Yes, via OpenTable
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes; patio available
  • Parking: Yes; valet available
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Good For: Brunch, dinner, large and small groups

Aba is a good spot that serves seafood and Mediterranean classics such as kebabs, hummus, and falafel, plus cocktails in South Congress, Austin. It brings heaven of flavors from Israeli, Lebanese, Turkish, and Greek influences.

The outdoor patio, full of lush greenery and soft lighting, creates a serene atmosphere, and the chic interior adds a touch of elegance.

Their Signature dishes like corn hummus, lamb and beef kebabs, and grilled halloumi showcase bold flavors with a fresh, modern twist. The bar program highlights Mediterranean-inspired wines and cocktails.

  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • Menu: Online menu is available (You must check their happenings for special occasions)
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Reservation: Yes, online
  • Delivery: Yes, Order online for delivery or pickup
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes; features a dog-friendly outdoor patio
  • Parking: Yes (public lot available)
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Accepts credit cards
  • Good For: Couples, families, and large groups for brunch, lunch, and dinner gatherings

The Roaring Fork is a stylish restaurant with an old-west vibe serving flame-grilled American fare and cocktails.

Their open kitchen and crackling fireplace create a cozy yet upscale ambiance, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed evening with your loved ones.

It is known for its wood-fired meats and fresh seafood, and its standouts include blackened redfish, mussels with chorizo, and perfectly cooked steaks. The house-made cornbread, served sizzling in a skillet, is a must-try.

  • Happy Hour: Yes, daily from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Menu: Online menu available
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Reservation: Yes, via OpenTable
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Special Features: Private dining options available for groups and meetings
  • Good For: Dinner, business meetings, special occasions

7. Moonshine Grill

+1 512-236-9599

Moonshine Grill offers contemporary comfort food and cocktails in a historic home with a patio. Their Sunday brunch is legendary, featuring everything from cheddar grits and migas to various pastries and fresh-cut fruit.

Signature dishes like the Corn Dog Shrimp and Chicken Fried Steak with Chipotle Cream Gravy bring a creative twist to classic comfort food.

Whether you’re here for brunch, happy hour, or a hearty dinner, Moonshine delivers right on your nerves.

  • +1 512-236-9599
  • Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Happy Hour: Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Menu: Online Menu
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Reservation: Yes; recommended to book in advance during peak hours
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes; patio seating is available
  • Parking: Yes (street parking and valet service available)
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Good For: Families, large groups, brunch, lunch, dinner

Lamberts is a Fancy BBQ and other meaty fare in a refurbished general store with an upstairs bar with live music.

It offers smoked meats in a historic Victorian-era building just steps from Town Lake and Moody Theater.

Their brisket is the star, smoky, moist, and flavorful. The whiskey is perfect for pairing with slow-smoked meats.

  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Friday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM (Bar only)
  • Menu: Online Menu Available
  • Reservation: Yes, online
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: No
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes (patio seating is available)
  • Parking: Yes (self-parking is available in nearby garages and valet parking on 2nd Street)
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Payment Options: Credit cards accepted
  • Good For: Couples, families, large groups, lunch, dinner

Red Ash Italia is a must-visit Italian steakhouse located on Colorado Street near Downtown Austin. It brings Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with wood-fired cooking in town.

The custom-built wood-burning grill and plancha bring bold flavors to their handmade pastas, pristine seafood, and locally sourced prime meats.

Their standout dishes include wood-roasted bone marrow, red snapper crudo, and 50-day dry-aged tomahawk ribeye. The lively atmosphere can get loud, but that’s just diners raving about their meals.

  • Happy Hour: Yes, Monday to Sunday: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Menu: Online menu available
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: No
  • Takeout: Yes
  • Reservation: Yes, online
  • Parking: Yes, valet and paid parking
  • Serves Alcohol: Yes
  • Good For: Couples, special occasions, dinner

Conclusion

We’ve taken you on a delicious journey through the 10 best restaurants in downtown Austin. Each place has its own unique charm, offering tasty food, cozy spaces, and friendly service.

Whether you’re craving a fancy meal, looking to try dishes from different countries, or enjoying classic Texan favorites like BBQ and tacos, downtown Austin has something for everyone. These restaurants are great for family dinners, fun outings with friends, or special date nights.

So, the next time you’re in downtown Austin, don’t miss out on these amazing spots. You’ll find great food, a lively vibe, and memories that will last a long time.

Eva Rogers

Eva Rogers, a proud Texan and contributor for TexasTasty, infuses her writing with a deep passion for the Lone Star State. With roots in the vast plains of West Texas, Eva treasures the unique fusion of tradition and innovation that embodies the Texan spirit. Through her articles, she celebrates the diverse tapestry of Texas, exploring everything from its vibrant urban centers to its tranquil rural landscapes.