Austin’s downtown area is a vibrant hub of culinary experiences, offering a diverse range of restaurants to cater to every taste and budget. Here we covered where to eat in Austin downtown. From upscale dining establishments with breathtaking views to casual Tex-Mex joints and authentic ethnic eateries, downtown Austin has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Austin downtown offers a diverse range of restaurants to satisfy every taste and budget.
- For upscale dining with stunning views, consider Swift’s Attic or Aba-Austin.
- For casual Tex-Mex fare and live music, head to Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill.
- For authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine is a must-try.
- For Southern-style dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, check out Salty Sow.
Where to Eat in Austin Downtown, Top Restaurants, Eateries and Cafes
These are just a few of the many great restaurants to choose from in Austin downtown. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next meal.
Olamaie
About: Olamaie is a Southern European-inspired restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and wood-fired oven.
Recommended Dish: The roasted bone marrow with grilled bread is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Olamaie is constantly changing, but you can expect to find dishes such as grilled octopus, roasted bone marrow, and grilled branzino. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Olamaie is open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Address: 1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 474-2796
Web and Customer Reviews: Olamaie has been praised for its delicious food, impeccable service, and stylish atmosphere. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
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Saturn
About: Saturn is a modern American restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine and its commitment to sustainability.
Recommended Dish: The grilled octopus with smoked paprika aioli is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Saturn is constantly changing, but you can expect to find dishes such as grilled octopus, roasted cauliflower, and seared scallops. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Saturn is open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Address: 906 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 474-2796
Web and Customer Reviews: Saturn has been praised for its innovative cuisine, impeccable service, and stylish atmosphere. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Dirty Bill’s
About: Dirty Bill’s is a dive bar located in the heart of downtown Austin. The bar is known for its cheap drinks and its live music.
Recommended Dish: The cheeseburger is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Dirty Bill’s is limited, but you can expect to find dishes such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and fries. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $15.
Opening and Closing Time: Dirty Bill’s is open daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Address: 511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 474-2796
Web and Customer Reviews: Dirty Bill’s has been praised for its cheap drinks, live music, and divey atmosphere. The bar has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps.
Walton’s Fancy & Staple in Austin Downtown
About: Walton’s Fancy & Staple is a bakery, deli, and flower shop located in the heart of downtown Austin. The store is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and its commitment to quality.
Recommended Dish: The chocolate chip cookies are a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Walton’s Fancy & Staple includes a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You can expect to find dishes such as pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $15.
Opening and Closing Time: Walton’s Fancy & Staple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Address: 609 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 542-3380
Web and Customer Reviews: Walton’s Fancy & Staple has been praised for its delicious food, friendly service, and charming atmosphere. The store has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7
Sure, here are some details on Cheer Up Charlies, Small Victory, Wu Chow, and 1886 Cafe & Bakery:
Cheer Up Charlies
About: Cheer Up Charlies is a neighborhood bar located in the heart of East Austin. The bar is known for its friendly atmosphere, its live music, and its extensive selection of craft beer.
Recommended Dish: The nachos are a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Cheer Up Charlies includes a variety of bar food options. You can expect to find dishes such as nachos, burgers, and tacos. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $15.
Opening and Closing Time: Cheer Up Charlies is open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Address: 1014 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 474-5239
Web and Customer Reviews: Cheer Up Charlies has been praised for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of craft beer. The bar has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Small Victory
About: Small Victory is a restaurant located in the heart of East Austin. The restaurant is known for its seasonal American cuisine and its commitment to sustainability.
Recommended Dish: The roasted chicken with lemon and herbs is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Small Victory changes seasonally, but you can expect to find dishes such as roasted chicken, roasted cauliflower, and grilled fish. The cost of an entree is typically between $20 and $30.
Opening and Closing Time: Small Victory is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1309 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 994-3513
Web and Customer Reviews: Small Victory has been praised for its delicious food, impeccable service, and stylish atmosphere. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Wu Chow
About: Wu Chow is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of East Austin. The restaurant is known for its authentic Szechuan cuisine and its spicy dishes.
Recommended Dish: The mapo tofu is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Wu Chow includes a variety of Szechuan dishes, such as mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and dan dan noodles. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $20.
Opening and Closing Time: Wu Chow is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Address: 1708 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 320-8888
Web and Customer Reviews: Wu Chow has been praised for its authentic Szechuan cuisine, spicy dishes, and affordable prices. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps.
1886 Cafe & Bakery
About: 1886 Cafe & Bakery is a cafe and bakery located in the heart of East Austin. The cafe is known for its fresh pastries, delicious coffee, and friendly atmosphere.
Recommended Dish: The chocolate chip cookies are a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at 1886 Cafe & Bakery includes a variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups. You can expect to find dishes such as cookies, muffins, breakfast tacos, and sandwiches. The cost of an entree is typically between $5 and $10.
Opening and Closing Time: 1886 Cafe & Bakery is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address: 1886 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 444-4838
Web and Customer Reviews: 1886 Cafe & Bakery has been praised for its fresh pastries, delicious coffee, and friendly atmosphere. The cafe has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Sure, here are some details on Arturo’s Underground Cafe, Qi Austin, Red Ash Italia, and Hestia:
Arturo’s Underground Cafe
About: Arturo’s Underground Cafe is a hidden gem located in the heart of downtown Austin. The cafe is known for its cozy atmosphere, its live music, and its extensive selection of coffee and tea.
Recommended Dish: The avocado toast with tomato and feta is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Arturo’s Underground Cafe includes a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as pastries, sandwiches, and salads. You can expect to find dishes such as lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, and croissants. The cost of an entree is typically between $5 and $10.
Opening and Closing Time: Arturo’s Underground Cafe is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 215 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 426-8344
Web and Customer Reviews: Arturo’s Underground Cafe has been praised for its cozy atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of coffee and tea. The cafe has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Qi Austin
About: Qi Austin is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its upscale Chinese cuisine and its stylish atmosphere.
Recommended Dish: The Peking duck is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Qi Austin includes a variety of upscale Chinese dishes, such as Peking duck, dim sum, and seafood. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Qi Austin is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1000 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 477-7088
Web and Customer Reviews: Qi Austin has been praised for its upscale Chinese cuisine, stylish atmosphere, and impeccable service. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Red Ash Italia
About: Red Ash Italia is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas, its fresh pasta, and its extensive wine list.
Recommended Dish: The Margherita pizza is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Red Ash Italia includes a variety of wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, and salads. You can expect to find dishes such as Margherita pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and Caesar salad. The cost of an entree is typically between $15 and $30.
Opening and Closing Time: Red Ash Italia is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 300 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 474-0597
Web and Customer Reviews: Red Ash Italia has been praised for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and extensive wine list. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Here are some details about the restaurants you mentioned:
Hestia
About: Hestia is a Greek restaurant located in the heart of Austin, Texas. The restaurant is known for its authentic Greek cuisine and its friendly atmosphere.
Recommended Dish: The moussaka is a must-try dish. It is made with layers of ground beef, eggplant, and béchamel sauce.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Hestia includes a variety of authentic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, gyros, and dolmas. You can expect to find dishes such as moussaka, gyros, and dolmas. The cost of an entree is typically between $15 and $30.
Opening and Closing Time: Hestia is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 400 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 478-9100
Web and Customer Reviews: Hestia has been praised for its authentic Greek cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and affordable prices. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps.
Sammie’s Italian
About: Sammie’s Italian is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Austin, Texas. The restaurant is known for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and extensive wine list.
Recommended Dish: The spaghetti and meatballs is a must-try dish. It is made with fresh pasta, homemade meatballs, and marinara sauce.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Sammie’s Italian includes a variety of Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken Parmesan. You can expect to find dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken Parmesan. The cost of an entree is typically between $15 and $30.
Opening and Closing Time: Sammie’s Italian is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1222 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone Number: (512) 444-6226
Web and Customer Reviews: Sammie’s Italian has been praised for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and extensive wine list. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Comedor
About: Comedor is a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Austin, Texas. The restaurant is known for its traditional Mexican dishes and its lively atmosphere.
Recommended Dish: The enchiladas are a must-try dish. They are made with corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and mole sauce.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Comedor includes a variety of Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. You can expect to find dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $20.
Opening and Closing Time: Comedor is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1200 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone Number: (512) 441-2223
Web and Customer Reviews: Comedor has been praised for its traditional Mexican dishes and its lively atmosphere. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps.
Sure, here are some details on Vaquero Taquero, Taquero Mucho, and Gloria’s Latin Cuisine:
Vaquero Taquero
About: Vaquero Taquero is a beloved Austin institution serving up authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex favorites. Known for its fresh, flavorful ingredients and friendly service, Vaquero Taquero has been a neighborhood staple for over a decade.
Recommended Dish: Their al pastor tacos are a must-try, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and salsa.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Vaquero Taquero includes a variety of Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and nachos. You can expect to find dishes such as barbacoa tacos, carnitas tacos, and veggie tacos. The cost of an entree is typically between $5 and $10.
Opening and Closing Time: Vaquero Taquero is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 603 Sabine St, Austin, TX 78751
Phone Number: (512) 542-3380
Web and Customer Reviews: Vaquero Taquero has been praised for its authentic Mexican cuisine, casual atmosphere, and affordable prices. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Taquero Mucho
About: Taquero Mucho is a vibrant and colorful taqueria bringing the flavors of Mexico City to Austin. With its upbeat atmosphere and creative take on traditional tacos, Taquero Mucho has quickly become a local favorite.
Recommended Dish: The cochinita pibil tacos are a standout, featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote spices.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Taquero Mucho features a variety of Mexican tacos, including al pastor, barbacoa, carnitas, and vegetarian options. They also offer burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and a variety of salsas and toppings. The cost of an entree is typically between $5 and $10.
Opening and Closing Time: Taquero Mucho is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1400 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 444-4838
Web and Customer Reviews: Taquero Mucho has been praised for its delicious tacos, lively atmosphere, and friendly service. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
About: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant serving up authentic and homestyle Puerto Rican dishes. With its warm hospitality and vibrant flavors, Gloria’s has been a beloved Austin institution for over 25 years.
Recommended Dish: The mofongo is a must-try, a traditional dish made with mashed plantains and filled with ground beef, pork, or seafood.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine features a variety of Puerto Rican dishes, including mofongo, pastelitos, bacalaitos, and arroz con pollo. You can also find traditional American dishes like burgers, fries, and salads. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $15.
Opening and Closing Time: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Address: 1212 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 474-0597
Web and Customer Reviews: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine has been praised for its authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable prices. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps.
Sure, here is some information on Swift’s Attic, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Aba-Austin, and Salty Sow:
Swift’s Attic
About: Swift’s Attic is a rooftop bar and restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its stunning views of the city, its innovative cocktails, and its upscale American cuisine.
Recommended Dish: The roasted bone marrow with grilled bread is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Swift’s Attic includes a variety of upscale American dishes, such as roasted bone marrow, grilled octopus, and grilled branzino. You can expect to find dishes such as roasted bone marrow, grilled octopus, and grilled branzino. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Swift’s Attic is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 600 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 542-3380
Web and Customer Reviews: Swift’s Attic has been praised for its stunning views, innovative cocktails, and upscale American cuisine. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
About: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is a casual restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its live music, its extensive selection of moonshine, and its Tex-Mex cuisine.
Recommended Dish: The brisket tacos are a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill includes a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, such as brisket tacos, nachos, and burgers. You can expect to find dishes such as brisket tacos, nachos, and burgers. The cost of an entree is typically between $10 and $20.
Opening and Closing Time: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Address: 308 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (512) 474-2796
Web and Customer Reviews: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill has been praised for its live music, extensive selection of moonshine, and Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps.
Aba – Austin
About: Aba – Austin is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and wood-fired oven.
Recommended Dish: The roasted bone marrow with grilled bread is a must-try dish.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Aba-Austin includes a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as roasted bone marrow, grilled octopus, and grilled branzino. You can expect to find dishes such as roasted bone marrow, grilled octopus, and grilled branzino. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Aba – Austin is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: (737) 273-0199
Web and Customer Reviews: Aba – Austin has been praised for its fresh, seasonal ingredients, wood-fired oven, and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Salty Sow
About: Salty Sow is a Southern-style restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant’s name is a reference to the traditional practice of salting pork to preserve it.
Recommended Dish: The roasted bone marrow with grilled bread is a signature dish at Salty Sow. The bone marrow is roasted until it is tender and flavorful, and it is served with grilled bread that is perfect for scooping up the marrow.
Menu and Cost: The menu at Salty Sow changes seasonally, but you can expect to find dishes such as roasted bone marrow, grilled octopus, and grilled branzino. You can also find Southern-style dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The cost of an entree is typically between $30 and $50.
Opening and Closing Time: Salty Sow is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Address: 1900 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone Number: (512) 391-2337
Web and Customer Reviews: Salty Sow has been praised for its delicious food, impeccable service, and stylish atmosphere. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
Here are some additional details about Salty Sow:
- The restaurant commits to using sustainable ingredients and practices. They source their ingredients from local farms whenever possible and use compostable to-go containers.
- Salty Sow has a private dining room accommodating up to 50 people.
- The restaurant has a patio that is open during the warmer months.
- Salty Sow offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
