$$Barbecue, Deli
Geoffrey Ellis and Travis Crawford are the brains behind this popular spot in Mueller that is equal parts Texas barbecue and delicatessen. Located in a shared space, it's a classic no-fuss spot with concrete floors and booths made from wooden slats, but you're here for the food, most likely the house-made pastrami sandwich. Brined, then rubbed with black pepper and coriander before being smoked, they take their meat seriously. Piled high on house-made rye sourdough with mustard, it's their signature item for a good reason. Other sandwiches, meat by the pound, a variety of sides like collard gr
$$$European
This East Austin darling from Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and partner Arjav Ezekiel looks and feels like the quintessential neighborhood place but one glance at the line out the door and it's clear Birdie's is also a destination for visitors. Be prepared for a wait to order at their counter, then find a seat indoors or out on the shaded patio.Everyone is here for a taste of their unfussy but well-executed, regional European cooking. Each month, a set menu focuses on a different location, with France and Italy often appearing as the firm favorites. Homemade pasta is always a highlight, while so
$$$Israeli
This family-style Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant comes from the same group behind Emmer & Rye. Terrific for groups, it's the kind of place where you want to snack on a little bit of everything. First up, smashed cucumber marinated with amba and set atop luscious labneh is an ideal starter. Beef and lamb kebab on a bed of fire-roasted eggplant and charred onions is even better with dipping sauces like tahini with herbs, schug, and a spicy chili sauce. It's even better with a glass of wine from their keenly organized list. Meanwhile, baklava is a treat enough on its own, but here it's g
$Tex-Mex
This East Austin standby, run by the Avila family since 1962, is no frills but all heart. Slide into one of their built-in booths to enjoy Tex-Mex offerings available by the plate or platter. Not an early riser? Breakfast is offered all day here, and their twice-fried bacon is legendary for its crisp texture, so a bacon and egg taco is always a good idea. Another morning standout is the Migas tacos. Served on their house-made flour tortilla and filled with scrambled eggs mixed with crispy corn tortillas, peppers, and cheese, it's a delicious treat. Craving something sweet? The bakery case is b
$$$$Fusion
Appt 115 is an intimate wine bar with a cozy ambience. It's the sort of place you'll want to stop in for a glass or two of wine paired with a charcuterie board or perhaps a parade of dishes from the full menu. Texas Ruby Red grapefruit with toasted coconut and fermented chili presents an intriguing surprise before a crispy rice cake topped with langoustine and sweet tamarind. A single Hokkaido scallop with red curry followed by duck cassoulet and Texas wagyu are among the bites on the multicourse tasting menu. Food may be the focus, but wine is taken just as seriously. The list is a passionate
$$$Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine
Chef Rene Ortiz's spot is good, clean fun, and not just because it's a former laundromat converted into this contemporary diner. Inside, tables and bar seating welcome diners, while patio seating is ideal for nice weather. The cocktail selection is notable (think mezcal negronis and other inventive drinks), and their happy hour is a nice way to sample without busting your budget. From beef tartare with tonnato, chestnut mushrooms, and an ash- infused rye bread to grilled octopus served over roasted yellow tomato sauce with Calabrian chili mayonnaise and bottarga, the dishes are creative and cr
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Launderette offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with generally high praise for food quality, service, and atmosphere. Dishes like fried shrimp, white bean hummus, carrot cake, branzino, arancini, and sticky pork ribs are frequently highlighted. Staff members such as Jon, Niamh, Chandler, and Emma receive commendations for attentiveness. However, concerns include flies on the patio, excessively loud music hindering conversation, and rigid small-plate ordering policies that may limit pacing. Some guests reported issues with dry, salty brick chicken and questioned the value for money. While many enjoy the creative menu and friendly service, others find the experience inconsistent regarding portion sizes and noise levels.
Suitable for diners seeking creative Mediterranean small plates who tolerate noise; avoid outdoor seating due to flies.
$$$Mexican, Regional Cuisine
Chef Fermín Núñez and his team turn out a tempting take on Mexican cuisine in a rustic-contemporary space with an open kitchen and a buzzy vibe. The menu details an array of masa-based items and hearty large plates. Standouts include tuna tiradito, presented with diced pieces of bigeye tuna and ripe avocado in a zesty, burnt habanero-apple broth; bits of candied red chile and a hefty shard of yellow corn tostada complete the enticing dish. The suadero tacos featuring confit wagyu brisket are a house specialty; but several vegetable-forward preparations like the tlayuda with white bean aligot a
$Mexican, Regional Cuisine
Head to East Austin to find this stationary food truck where they only have one thing on their mind—discada. It may be the easiest order you've ever made, and the only decision you'll need to make is how many taquitos you want. As for the food, it's all in the name. Discada is a Northern Mexican style of cooking with different cuts of beef and pork cooked together with aromatic vegetables. Their version also adds bacon, onion, and roasted poblano peppers, all cooked down and served taquito style in single layers of yellow corn tortillas. Topped with a pulverized pineapple slaw and served with
$$$Mexican, Seafood
Set in a converted bungalow in East Austin, Este sparkles with a cool vibe while highlighting contemporary Mexican cuisine with a seafood focus. Ceviche amarillo with white fish and a piña turmeric broth is a delicious way to kick off the meal. From there, piña preparada with slices of pineapple topped with a piloncillo salsa and dusted with cacao nibs and chile salt is incredibly simple yet highly memorable. Main dishes are largely inspired by the grill, while the fish of the day is wrapped in banana leaf served with hoja santa salsa verde and refried beans. Round out the meal with one of the
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 52 reviews
This establishment serves classic Italian cuisine with generally high marks for food quality, particularly for chicken, veal, and pasta, though some guests reported issues with freshness and oily sauces. Service is polarizing; regulars praise the warm, attentive care, while new visitors often cite cold treatment or slow pacing. The ambiance is described as comfortable and quiet with a vintage feel, yet others find the decor sparse and uninviting. Perceived value varies significantly, with some finding prices reasonable and others considering them average for the experience offered.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional Italian flavors who can tolerate inconsistent service; reservations are recommended.
$$$$Vegan
Note: Temporarily closedIt's small but charming inside this ambitious East Austin restaurant where Chef/co-owner Je Wallerstein delivers a creative and seasonally minded vegan tasting menu. As might be expected, local ingredients are the star of the show here, where purveyors share space on the menu and the kitchen lets those ingredients shine. First bites with a corn and onion theme span a sweet potato crisp with onion chutney to polenta with white bean cream and fried onion. The bread course pairing freshly baked focaccia and Parker House rolls with chermoula and caramelized garlic butter is
$$$South East Asian
Inspired by Singaporean shop houses and offering an updated take on Asian colonial decor, Siti is located at the base of East Austin's Frances Inn. Inside, it's contemporary cool, where different colors and textures create an intriguing and inviting space.Chef/owner Laila Bazahm honors her Filipino background with a menu that presents a broad sweep of Southeast Asia, with nods to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Designed to be shared, dishes like wagyu spring rolls with house-made sweet chili glaze and smoked aioli are bold and nuanced. Char kway teow, or rice nood
$$$American, Regional Cuisine
Located within the landmark Commodore Perry Estate, Lutie's is a grand space done in a green and gold palette with windows overlooking a stunning patio with gardens and a fountain. Run by the husband-and-wife team of Chef Bradley Nicholson and pastry chef Susana Querejazu, Lutie's offers a seasonally inspired, refined approach to Texas heritage cooking, available à la carte and as a tasting menu. Their estate bread, made with a decades-old starter and fermented corn grits and given a good sear, is even better with their exquisite cultured butter with layers of brown butter. House-smoked trout
$$$$Sushi
Omakase counters can often be a hushed affair but Toshokan strays from the pack. Their location inside Holey Moley, an adult recreation center home to indoor mini golf and a bar with tiki drinks, is the first sign to expect something slightly irreverent. Discover this counter helmed by Chef Saine Wong hidden behind a wall lined with books. Inside, the small, soundproof boîte has room for just a handful of guests.It's far from traditional nigiri; instead find whimsically embellished, playful pieces, as in a spicy margarita-inspired Japanese hamachi topped with finely diced jalapeno, grated lime
$$$$American
Though it's nestled inside the chic, contemporary Fairmont Austin, Garrison has an identity all its own, standing out from the pack with its large open kitchen and live fire cooking. There's plenty of grilling and smoking going on here, but the kitchen's dishes really shine. Start with a balance and bright kanpachi crudo with slightly seared avocado and Espelette pepper or chickpea panisse with lemon aioli and za'atar. A flaky leek tart accompanied by goat cheese and a quenelle of onion and bacon jam is another delicious opener before tucking into the main event—grilled meat like the Akaushi w
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 79 reviews
Located at a former golf course near the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Garrison offers scenic valley views. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, utilizing fresh, seasonal local ingredients, and attentive service often managed by James Brown. However, inconsistencies exist; some guests report slow pacing, inexperienced staff, or poor manager attitude. While many find the cuisine exceptional, others criticize cold dishes, under-seasoned items, or overcooked meat. The atmosphere is generally well-regarded, but value and service reliability vary significantly across different visits.
Suitable for diners seeking Hudson Valley views and seasonal cuisine, though verifying service consistency is advised.
$$$Mexican, Contemporary
Celebrated Chefs Mikel Alonso Garcia and Jonatan Gómez Luna Torres combine their talents at this stylish East Austin spot, offering refined takes on classic Mexican preparations. Diners can start things off with the requisite guacamole, or choose from a small assortment of carefully prepared ceviches and aguachiles featuring excellent seafood. Sauces especially impress, as in the case of a complex, layered mole manchamanteles made with plantain and pineapple, paired with a masa-based tetela topped with unctuous bites of slow-cooked pork belly. A collection of inventive cocktails adds interest
$$$Mexican, Contemporary
Located in Austin's Central Business District, Comedor is a stunner with a carefully curated sense of cool. Inside, traditional and contemporary furnishings are combined with industrial but refined materials (think leather, polished woods, concrete, and glass), and when the weather permits, the courtyard is the place to be. No matter the time, Chef/owner Philip Speer's spot is nearly always packed, and they're here for more than the scene. Dishes such as bone marrow tacos with smoked butter and pecan gremolata play well with the more traditional tuna aguachile. Campechano de hongos is even bet
$$$Steakhouse, American
Tucked inside the South Congress Hotel, this festive spot from Chef Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie is always hopping. The menu almost reads like a traditional steakhouse, but this place is anything but, with cooking that is inventive and heartfelt at once. Everything is shareable and seafood-focused starters are a good place to start. Tackle the pile of blue crab claws in a garlic-butter sauce so good you'll be sopping it up with bread. Meats stray from standard with selections like whiskey-brined pork chop and chicken fried steak with black pepper-dotted white gray. The sides are creative and se
$$$Mexican, Regional Cuisine
Blending industrial design accents with soft lighting, this spot has a chic, modern ambience that's just right for bringing people together. La Condesa honors and celebrates the cuisine of Mexico with a particular focus on Mexico City. Seafood enthusiasts can expect a menu featuring the freshest ceviche or tiradito alongside an eye-catching grilled whole fish. Savor the tangy, delicious flavor of silky raw tuna atop a super crisp tortilla with aji amarillo. Sided by creamy cubes of avocado and salsa macha, it's a refreshing way to begin a meal here. Huarache de huitlacoche is a well-known dish
$$$Contemporary, Regional Cuisine
Inside this cozy whitewashed bungalow, find a gem of a place with a sprinkling of tables and a few seats at the bar. These tiny digs turn out big, impressive dishes. The farm-to-table menu is one of the most creative around and changes every six weeks or so. Owners Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher tempt guests with seasonally shifting dishes available as an a la carte or a multicourse chef's tasting. Served family style but focused on a different global theme, a recent menu spotlighted French Cajun cooking with the likes of pan-roasted cobia with cremini mushrooms, andouille duck with dirty ri
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Lenoir, a contemporary regional cuisine restaurant in Folly Beach, holds a 4.3/5 rating from 80 reviews. Food quality is frequently praised, particularly for dishes like the tomato pie and chicken, though some guests noted inconsistent availability or average flavors. Service is generally outstanding, with friendly and attentive staff, although isolated incidents of billing errors or poor drink preparation were reported. The atmosphere is described as intimate, stylish, and relaxed, featuring a pleasant covered patio and unique decor. While the ambiance is appealing, some reviewers felt the portion sizes were small relative to the cost, suggesting it offers a refined experience rather than high value for money.
Ideal for travelers seeking refined regional cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere; verify dish availability in advance.
$$$French, American
France meets Texas at restaurant tucked at the base of a contemporary building in South Austin. It's equal parts mod (concrete floors and exposed ductwork) and moody (dark colors, leather chairs) and has the bistro vibe down pat. The compact menu is designed for sharing and though elegant, it's far from fussy, as in the daily catch with almondine sauce and salsa macha. Seared gnocchi Parisienne may be a side, but it gives main dish energy with a decadent brown butter sauce, and for a twist on tradition, order the baked Texas with honey pecan dacquoise cake, olive oil semi freddo and torched me
$$$$Chinese, Contemporary
Chef Ling Qi Wu owns several restaurants around town, but here at Ling Kitchen, she invites guests to experience something entirely different. There is just one seating per evening at this dinner party-style experience where about 20 guests are invited to join her in the kitchen for a tasting menu of elevated Chinese and Asian cuisine. Before long, the mood is convivial as guests chat over dishes like a trio of dumplings with animal shapes and exquisite fillings such as steamed lobster, turmeric-tinted beef, and crawfish with XO sauce. Pan-seared pork belly is beautifully presented wrapped in
$$Barbecue
Scions of the legendary Black barbecue clan (whose original Lockhart location has spawned multiple outlets), left the fold to forge their own path, naming Terry Black's BBQ in honor of their father. As is expected for central Texas barbeque, beef takes the pride of place: the slow-smoked prime sliced brisket and behemoth bone-in beef ribs are the main events here, but all of their meat offerings, like pork ribs and sausage, demonstrate the team's dedication to their craft. You'll also find respectable sides, like tangy potato salad or fresh green beans. Seating is first-come, first-served, but
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Terry Black’s BBQ in Sunset Valley offers a classic Texas barbecue experience with an average rating of 4.0/5. Food highlights include praised brisket, sausage, and beef ribs, though sides receive mixed reviews and some find the taste unremarkable. Service is generally warm and efficient, despite isolated delivery delays. The atmosphere is lively, but parking is scarce and traffic can be chaotic. Value perception is polarized; while many find the quality justifies the cost, numerous tourists consider it overpriced with poor性价比.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Texas barbecue who can tolerate crowds and queues.
$$$$Contemporary, Steakhouse
Ensconced in the quiet historical Clarksville neighborhood, this smartly appointed space offers a genteel retreat from worldly troubles. Your table might be shy on elbow room, but posh furnishings and gracious service are sure to put you at ease. The menu features skillfully composed plates of contemporary fare boasting enticing seasonal flavors, as in an appetizer of English pea tortellini with morels and sweetbreads, or a crisp-skinned Pekin duck breast "au poivre." Alternatively, you can choose from array of elevated steakhouse offerings paired with deliciously updated sides like a creamed
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Jeffrey's is a legendary steakhouse in the Clarksville neighborhood, known for its classic, traditional approach without following modern fads. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, particularly perfectly cooked steaks, lobster bisque, and fried oysters, alongside excellent wine service. The ambiance is elegant, highlighted by white-jacketed staff. However, opinions on value are mixed, with some finding it overpriced relative to portion sizes or meat quality. Service experiences vary significantly; while many commend the professionalism, others report slow pacing, booking issues, and occasional incompetence. Despite recent inconsistencies, it remains a staple for those seeking a sophisticated, old-school dining experience.
Suitable for diners seeking a classic, elegant steakhouse experience who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
$$$$Japanese
Found on the second floor of a North Austin professional building, Tare's odd location makes for a curious first impression. There is no signage, but an attendant is stationed out front to welcome diners before each seating. Once inside, the space is attractive with a dark granite counter. Chef Michael Carranza and his small team prepare a kappo-style experience, and the foundation of the meal is an array of embellished nigiri. Fish is sourced from Japan and dry-aged in-house, but tuna from Spain and ocean trout from New Zealand may also make an appearance. There is a creative streak with a Te