Shawn Cirkiel's first restaurant has made its mark as a dining oasis on Dirty Sixth. They're an especially good bet for seafood, and the rooftop seating is lovely in good weather. [Eater 38 Member]
Drew Curren's combination beer garden and bakery on Dirty Sixth has proven to be a massive hit. They supply bread all over town and are even popping up at the farmer's market. Read more.
Attention to detail wins the Noble Pig a spot on our list; the fact that they have the best sandwiches in Northwest Austin doesn't hurt, either. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Go for the Szechuan specialities. Red oil wontons, ma po tofu, and sliced fish with fiery sauce are all standouts. There's a great deal of pork intestine on this menu, too. [Eater 38 Member]
This strip mall noodle shop sees patrons line up before the doors even open, in weather more suited to sno-cones than soup, for a taste of their small but expertly executed menu. [Eater 38 Member]
Even the most dedicated barbecue fans want to sit down and enjoy high-quality smokey meats without a wait. Inside. For dinner. Stiles Switch has it covered. [Eater 38 Member]
Hidden away next to I-35, Amaya's is one of North Austin's best bets for tacos and Tex Mex. Their far south location is coming to Southpark Meadows this spring. [Eater 38 Member]
This neighborhood favorite is perfect for when you're craving Italian comfort food, and some of Austin best young chefs have passed through its kitchens. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
They produce what has quickly become one of Austin's, if not Texas', most talked-about barbecue. It's so good they regularly run out of meat shortly after opening: get there early. [Eater 38 Member]
Hyde Park's comfortable neighborhood wine bar isn't the least bit intimidating, and better yet offers great, creative food. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Chef Ned Elliott's inventive seasonal cuisine and wife Jodi's stellar desserts make this neighborhood spot a winner. Also a great for brunch. [Eater 38 Member]
Contigo's beer garden, craft cocktails and locally sourced, inventive food from Chef Andrew Wiseheart embody everything that's key to a great Austin restaurant right this second. [Eater 38 Member]
Chef Rene Ortiz's take on modern Mexican cuisine. Not to miss: the riffs on guacamole, the wild tacos, the cocktails, and pastry chef Laura Sawicki's ice creams. [Eater 38 Member]
Serves up high-quality comfort food, and is one of Austin's best destinations for both weekend brunch and late-night eats. Get the chicken and waffles and the sweet potato hash. [Eater 38 Member]
Makes an art of bar food. See: the spicy fried pickles, the Bar Congress that you can add foie gras, an egg, avocado, pork belly, double meat & double cheese, should you so choose. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Food & Wine Best New Chef 2011 winner Bryce Gilmore's South Lamar restaurant lives up to the hype. Go with a group and order everything on the seasonal small plates menu. [Eater 38 Member]
Some of the best tacos in Austin are served by two trucks with national acclaim. Their aguas frescas are not to be missed, and they serve up the best migas taco in Austin. [Eater 38 Member]
This tiny South Austin restaurant features global dishes from Texas-sourced ingredients. Make reservations early--there are only about thirty seats available. [Eater 38 Member]
One of the best bets for breakfast and lunch on East 6th, the restaurant also regularly hosts innovative pop-up dinners. [Eater 38 Member]
John Lewis continues to turn out some of the best barbecue in the city. Their beef ribs are especially fine and massive. Wash down some sausage with live music on the weekends. [Eater 38 Member]
This is Larry McGuire at his best: high-quality ingredients, buzzy atmosphere, and great execution every time. Oysters are their specialty, but the burger is worth checking out, too. [Eater 38 Member]
Colorful and small, Nubian Queen Lola boasts great soul food with a conscience; owner Lola Stephens volunteers her time and cooking abilities to the homeless on a regular basis. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
The intimate space, expert sourcing, perfectly executed dishes, and serious wine list make for an ideal special night out. [Eater 38 Member]
From the cured meats to the grits reminiscent of risotto, the attention to detail elevates their offerings. Carefully curated wine at grocery prices makes for an affordable night. [Eater 38 Member]
This Austin fine dining classic was the first to offer interior-style Mexican food in Austin. Their mole is some of Austin's best, and their dining room is charming and playful. [Eater 38 Member]
Two words: Salsa. Doña. The tacos themselves have earned their reputation, but it's this verde sauce that is really why we keep coming back. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
This sunny French bistro is known for its patio and its mouthwatering tartines; it doesn't hurt that it's kid-friendly and serves a great breakfast, either. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
The inventive and playful Swift's Attic has been making waves in Austin's dining scene. From squid "fries" to to foie "PB&J," their focus is on the dining mash-up. [Eater 38 Member]
Bufalina raised the bar on Austin's pizza scene. Perfectly executed Neapolitan has won the hearts and minds of diners around town. Their salads are expertly sourced as well. [Eater 38 Member]
Qui captures so much of what is driving the Austin restaurant scene forward. Qui's mixture of fine dining, molecular, and Filipino influences makes for a unique dining experience. [Eater 38 Member]
Salt & Time offers a mean brunch and lots of meaty sandwiches for lunch. Their dinner service is one of Austin's best deals for high-quality charcuterie and steak. [Eater 38 Member]
One of Austin's most underrated Tex Mex restaurants, El Meson is an especially good bet for breakfast. Check out their Burleston Road location, too. [Eater 38 Member]
Beloved by denizens of the 78704 and beyond, Bouldin Creek offers a diverse menu of vegetarian fare, locally roasted coffee and a taste of old-school Austin.
Great, reliable, locally sourced food mid-century building; Jack Allen's has the makings of an Austin classic. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Chef Mark Schmidt first made waves at Marble Fall's Cafe 909, and his new venture mixes classics from that restaurant and British pub influences. Read more.
This new restaurant from the former chef and GM of the shuttered El Arbol aims to bring affordable New American to the east side. Their roasted chickpeas and pork jowl are already garnering buzz. Read more.
Chefs Otto Phan and Leo Rodriguez trained in renowned sushi kitchens such as Masa, Nobu, and Uchiko, and offers menu of sushi as well as rice bowls. Read more.
Cazuelas and mezcal are on the menu crafted by longtime industry veteran Daniel Brooks. The Mexico City native worked a quick swicheroo in the old Papi Tino's space. Read more.
Odd Duck features a huge open kitchen and lots of homey touches like mismatched plates and country kitsch on the walls. Check out the chicken fried egg, kholrabi soup, and the whole roast chicken.
A neighborhood pub for a burgeoning section of South First, Porter's menu includes a burger, pierogis, and spaghetti and meatballs. They also feature thirty beers on tap. Read more.
This longtime Austin restaurant and bakery has recently expanded and remodeled its space. They're also getting serious about coffee, and continue to make artisan breads and pastries in house. Read more.
