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Best Restaurants in Austin, TX

Wondering where to eat in Austin? Red Roof® has put together this guide to some of the standout restaurants in Austin, TX, to help you make the most of every meal during your stay. From breakfast and brunch to dinner, late-night cocktails, and everything in between, Austin's food and drink scene offers an incredible range of flavors and experiences to suit every taste and occasion.

Whether you are in the mood for stone-baked pizza and a glass of wine, an authentic taqueria experience at a local food truck, Texas barbecue, fresh pastries, or a reservation at one of the city's most memorable dining destinations, the Austin restaurants featured here offer something for every kind of appetite. Explore neighborhoods across the city to discover casual local favorites, longtime institutions, creative new concepts, and restaurants that showcase the character of Austin's food scene.

From quick bites before a day of sightseeing to leisurely dinners after exploring the city, there are plenty of places to eat in Austin throughout the city. Take some time to explore the options below and find a restaurant that fits your plans, then make the most of your Austin visit.

A group of drinks on a table
A pizza with pineapple and jalapeno peppers on a wooden table
A plate of food on a table

Austin's Standout Dining Spots

A french toast with butter being poured onto it

Ovenbird

Described by owner and executive chef Sarah Koslosky as a "Tex-Baltic fusion," Ovenbird is a bistro and coffee shop offering coffee, baked goods, and cocktails crafted with care. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it is a welcoming and distinctive spot for anyone exploring where to eat in Austin for breakfast or a mid-morning bite.

A biscuit with fried chicken inside

Better Half Coffee and Cocktails

Located west of downtown Austin, Better Half Coffee and Cocktails serves breakfast and brunch daily with a menu of classic dishes including chicken biscuits and breakfast sandwiches. Beverages span coffee, espresso, cocktails, wine, and beer, making it a flexible and popular morning stop among Austin, TX restaurants.

A group of cinnamon rolls

Jacoby's

Jacoby's operates as a dinner restaurant during the week and transforms into an iconic brunch destination on weekends. The extensive brunch menu includes starters, sweets, main dishes, and brunch cocktails, with options covering hearty meat dishes alongside vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Weekend brunch hours are available on Jacoby's website.

A skillet of food with eggs and meat

The Peached Tortilla

The Peached Tortilla is an Asian fusion restaurant offering brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The menu features a unique range of items alongside a variety of creative cocktails, making it one of the more distinctive places to consider when deciding where to eat in Austin on a weekend morning.

A muffins on a plate

Foreign and Domestic

A chef-owned and operated small bistro, Foreign and Domestic offers a Sunday brunch menu in an intimate atmosphere that provides an exceptional dining experience. It is a thoughtful and carefully crafted Austin, TX restaurant not to be missed for those seeking something refined on a Sunday.

A plate of food with a fried egg and cheese

Tamale House East

Owned by Austin natives, Tamale House East is a staple of the local community, serving traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Currently open for breakfast and brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it is one of the most beloved and authentic spots for anyone deciding where to eat in Austin for a flavorful morning meal.

A pizza on a pizza pan

The Backspace

An Austin-original pizza restaurant with locations in the downtown neighborhood and off Anderson Lane, The Backspace serves stone-baked pizzas alongside wine and desserts, including cannoli. It is a satisfying and reliable choice among Austin, TX restaurants for a relaxed dinner after a full day of exploring the city.

A sliced meat on a tray

InterStellar BBQ

Located in northwest Austin, InterStellar BBQ focuses on crafting quality BBQ smoked to perfection, open Wednesday through Sunday and serving until sold out each day. For visitors wondering where to eat in Austin for an authentic Texas BBQ experience, InterStellar is well worth an early arrival.

A bowl of soup with dumplings and chopsticks

Himalaya Kosheli Nepali and Indian

Tucked into a spot off Spicewood Springs Road, Himalaya Kosheli Nepali and Indian is one of the best options for affordable Indian food in Austin. The kitchen prepares classic Indian dishes at a variety of spice levels, making it a welcoming choice for a wide range of palates among Austin, TX restaurants.

A plate of shrimp rice and rice

Con Todo

Con Todo is one of Austin's many celebrated food trucks, offering an authentic taqueria experience with a menu packed with some of the tastiest tacos in the city. Located near a local brewery, it is a natural stop for anyone looking for where to eat in Austin during a casual day out on the town.

A plate of fried chicken wings

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Open daily, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken serves an enticing and affordable fried chicken menu complete with Southern-style sides and desserts. It is a straightforward and satisfying Austin, TX restaurant experience for anyone craving a classic plate of fried chicken while in the heart of Texas.

A group of glazed donuts on a plate

Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts

With two locations across the city, Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts is one of Austin's most beloved food trucks, offering everything from classic glazed and filled donuts to more creative specialty creations. It is a fun and flavourful stop for anyone looking for where to eat in Austin for something sweet.

A sandwich cut in half on a plate

Papi's Food Truck

Papi's Food Truck is the go-to spot for a handcrafted hoagie made from quality ingredients, including turkey, roast beef, and other cold cuts. Quick, affordable, and consistently satisfying, it is one of the most reliable Austin, TX restaurants for a tasty sandwich on the go.

A close up of pastries

Nate's Baked Goods and Coffee

A popular bakery and coffee shop offering handcrafted beverages, sweet treats, and small bites throughout the week, Nate's Baked Goods and Coffee is a welcoming stop for anyone deciding where to eat in Austin for a relaxed mid-morning or afternoon break.

A hot dog with relish and onions on a wooden board

DittyDog

DittyDog is one of Austin's exceptional food trucks, serving unique hotdog combinations with creative ingredients alongside a wide selection of loaded fries. Whether you go traditional or fully loaded, it is a fun and affordable Austin TX restaurant experience for a casual meal out.

A hand holding an ice cream cone

Connor's Creamery

A soft-serve ice cream food truck with locations in Austin and Central Texas, Connor's Creamery offers plain flavors and popular swirls for a sweet and creamy treat. No visit to Austin is complete without finding a great ice cream spot, and Connor's Creamery fits the bill perfectly among Austin, TX restaurants.

A person pouring a drink into a glass

Barfly's

Considered Austin's most iconic dive bar, Barfly's is a sports bar and grill where you can grab an affordable bite and a cold drink while soaking up the city's authentic nightlife atmosphere. It is a great introduction to Austin's historical bar scene for locals and visitors alike.

A person pouring liquid into a glass

Mama Dearest

A bar and cocktail lounge with a dive bar aesthetic and a deliberately eclectic twist, Mama Dearest attracts a diverse crowd from across the Austin community. Open throughout the day and into the late evening, it is a lively and characterful spot on the east side of the city for anyone deciding where to eat and drink in Austin.

A person pouring liquid into a glass

Midnight Cowboy

One of the oldest speakeasies in Austin and a staple of the city's nightlife history, Midnight Cowboy is a reservation-only bar accepting parties of eight or fewer in an exceptionally intimate setting. Formerly a brothel, this storied venue is one of the most unique Austin, TX restaurant and bar experiences available in the city.

A person pouring liquid into a glass

Garage

Garage is a cocktail bar hidden inside a parking garage in the heart of Austin, one of the city's well-known "secret" bars. Open Monday through Saturday until 2 a.m. and requiring a reservation to visit, it is one of the most atmospheric and memorable spots for anyone exploring where to eat and drink in Austin after dark.

A man and woman in a car

Ready to explore Austin?

Red Roof® offers affordable, comfortable hotels conveniently located near the city's top attractions. Book your stay at redroof.com or call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). RediRewards® members earn 10 points per dollar on every stay  -  join for free at redroof.com.