South Austin and South Congress District Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in South Austin and South Congress District - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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25 Recommendations
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1. Elizabeth Street Café
$$ | South Austin |This clever nouveau Vietnamese-French concept from chef-restaurateur Larry McGuire—of Lamberts and Clark's fame—sits on the corner of South First and Elizabeth Streets as a cozy little café serving a delectable menu of banh mi and pho as well as a fantastic array of French pastries, including daily macaron specials. Fresh shrimp spring rolls, pork meatball banh mi (served on fresh baguettes), and spicy beef and pork buns with thick, soft, airy noodles are safe bets. In addition to sake, beer, and creative punch offerings, the wine list is short and sweet, brimming with French-only wines that pair beautifully with this cuisine. Brunch is offered on weekends.
1501 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-291–2881Known For
- Bright and cheery wait staff
- Mouthwatering macaron display cases at the hostess stand
- Cozy outdoor patio that's perfect for a weekday happy hour
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2. Jo's Coffee
$ | South Congress District |Though its sister location in the Second Street District attracts a more chichi crowd, the original Jo's on South Congress is where you're likely to run into your neighbor, catch the latest gossip on the Austin music scene, or spot a celebrity visiting town. The morning rush hour for their delicious coffee is intense, yet somehow cool and lively; local beers and frozen rosé (frosé) are also available. There's limited seating, and it's outside-only, so come early on a Saturday and bring a good read. You may witness patrons dancing in the parking lot by afternoon. Jo's is an integral part of South by San José during SXSW—a definite must-visit, with live music in a lively outdoor setting throughout the week.
1300 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-444–3800Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Limited, outdoor-only seating
- SXSW hot spot
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3. Lenoir
$$$$ | South Austin |Bouldin Creek’s best date-night destination might have limited dining space, but the seasonal prix fixe selections and shabby-chic decor is worth the hype. In addition to the nightly menu offerings, diners can indulge in a chef's choice menu ($64) with five courses that could be creations like striped-bass crudo and bowfin caviar, green curry fumé, seared antelope heart, or jerk quail with pecan butter and watermelon radish. Menus change weekly, and single off-menu dishes are available. An impressive European-focused wine list elevates the experience. The shady backyard wine garden has additional seating for weekly happy hours and dinner service. Walk-ins are accommodated.
1807 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-215–9778Known For
- Exceptional service
- Romantic atmosphere with delicate interiors and decor
- Inspiring prix-fixe menus and wine pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential -
4. Odd Duck
$$$$ | South Austin |This food truck turned brick-and-mortar was an early trailblazer of the city’s farm-to-table movement, thanks to chef Bryce Gilmore’s inventive take on locally sourced, modern American cuisine. Gilmore and his team’s artistic approach to Southern seasonal fare comes in tapas-size portions, so servers recommend a few dishes per patron. All the better to sample their variety of rotating dishes, from charred eggplant baba ghanoush and fried whole quail with peaches and squash puree to buckwheat crumpets and beer-battered sweet potatoes.
1201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-433–6521Known For
- Rotating menu of highly inventive, bite-size creations
- Heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients
- Popular daily happy hour
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5. P. Terry's
$ | South Austin |This local drive-through and fast-food chain turned burger empire is an Austin favorite for a reason. What started as a humble mom-and-pop operation on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Springs Road has evolved into a sprawling web of locations all over Austin and beyond, but the original location is still the ideal spot to experience the simple pleasures of a fresh patty of hormone-free Black Angus beef (or black-bean veggie), hand-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes that make eating bad feel good.
404 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-473–2217Known For
- Impeccable service and attention to detail
- Cult local following
- Best bet for a post–Barton Springs refresh
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Sway
$$ | South Austin |Based on a distinctive Australian-style Thai cuisine, Sway has provided Austin with an injection of modern Thai fusion in a chic, sexy setting. The South Austin hotspot, which opened in 2012, has received high acclaim from luminaries like Bon Appetit, who ranked it as one of the “50 Best New Restaurants in America” in 2013. The alluring menu offers tasty starters like prawn miange, followed by options including stir fry, curry, wok noodle, and grilled and fried rice preparations. We recommend the Jungle Curry, with wagyu beef, eggplant, and red chilis, or the lemongrass-perfumed tom kha gai soup. Reservations are required for the twice-nightly Moo Sway dinners, featuring off-menu specialties like whole roasted pork shoulder, all served family-style. To drink there's wine, sake, and beer, plus custom kombuchas and drinking vinegars (with flavors like tamarind and apple), mixed with Topo Chico and served over crushed ice. Seating is mainly communal and quickly fills up on weekends. Take-out orders are now accepted online, making the elevated cuisine more accessible.
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7. Thai Fresh
$$ | South Austin |Relaxed and locally sourced, this Bouldin Creek café is a staple for lovers of high-quality Thai food in a casual neighborhood setting. Part grab-and-go market and coffee bar, part café, and part cooking-class destination, Thai Fresh is a popular lunch and dinner spot, with a diverse range of curries, stir-fries, and noodle and fried-rice dishes. Homemade breakfast tacos are also available throughout the day. Locals drop by for their iced chai lattes and sparkling Thai basil lime aguas frescas, or stick around to indulge in one of their organic vegan ice creams and kombucha cocktails with sake, sparkling rosé, or white wine. A popular brunch service happens on weekends as well.
909 W. Mary St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-494–6436Known For
- Homemade breakfast tacos with a Thai twist
- Hidden-gem quality tucked in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood
- Terrific vegan offerings
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8. Uchi
$$$ | South Austin |Respectful of traditional sushi and sashimi methods—but not limited by them—this standout sushi bar (and consistently ranked top restaurant in Austin) starts with super-fresh ingredients. After that, anything goes, including touches of the South or south-of-the-border: yellowtail with ponzu sauce and sliced chilies, tempura-style fried green tomatoes, or seared monkfish cheeks with Vietnamese caramel, Belgian endive, roasted red grapes, and cilantro. You can make a tapas-style meal from the cold and hot "tastings" menu. Sit at the sushi bar during the daily sake social hour (4–6:30 pm) and watch the enthusiastic cooks at work. An intimate but welcoming interior and attentive, knowledgeable service seals the deal.
801 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-916–4808Known For
- One of the most sought-after happy hour seats in town
- High-octane interiors to match the food, both of which can be loud
- Raw bar that doesn't miss
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
9. 1417
$$$$ | South Austin |This casual Bouldin Creek neighborhood bistro with a breezy back patio is a refreshing respite for a leisurely happy hour or a midday meal during a day of shopping around nearby South Congress. The French-inspired cuisine is light and straightforward, with a wonderful wine list and craft cocktail selection.
1417 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA51212-551–2430Known For
- Strong reputation as a "from-scratch kitchen"
- Spacious outdoor patio that's popular with the brunch crowd
- Generous portions
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10. Aba
$$$ | South Congress District |This sophisticated outpost of the Chicago-based Mediterranean restaurant opened to high acclaim in the Music Lane mixed-use development on South Congress Avenue. Specializing in Israeli, Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine, the extensive menu would be overwhelming without the helpful direction of the servers, but you can't really go wrong with the variety of hummus, mouthwatering homemade pita bread, and delicious mains, like shawarma-spiced skirt steak and black-garlic shrimp scampi. Their cocktail program is top-notch (try the Mediterranean Mule), and desserts are worth saving room for.
1011 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA737-273–0199Known For
- Reputation as a celeb-sighting destination
- Excellent cocktails
- Multiple-level terrace and patio seating
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11. Bouldin Creek Cafe
$ | South Austin |A vegetarian-only restaurant might sound like a bland option at first, but even devoted carnivores frequent this hip South First neighborhood café, home to some of the best meat-free dishes in the city. Friendly servers help newcomers navigate their vegan and gluten-free options, whether it’s a maple latte and plate of zucchini migas, a tofu and broccoli salad, or a draft beer to pair with the Fajitas Italianas, made with roasted portabello and zucchini strips and chipotle pecan pesto. The lively gathering place always seems to be bustling, from brunch crowds to midday business meetings.
1900 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-416–1601Known For
- Hip but casually unpretentious atmosphere
- Large crowds of beautiful people waiting for tables on weekends
- Super-affordable
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12. Curra's Grill
$$ | South Austin |If you're looking for authentic Mexican food at an affordable price (read: cheaper than Fonda San Miguel), then head to Curra's. The cochinita pibil (marinated slow-roasted pork) is moist, tender, and flavorful; the shrimp and fajitas are a cut above most local establishments. Outstanding brunch entrées are served all day, and the enchiladas menu doesn’t disappoint. Try the enchiladas con chile Colorado, filled with melted Monterey Jack cheese and braised pork-tip, marinated in guajillo and chipotle sauces. Portions are hearty, and the house avocado margarita has a significant fan base. There are two locations, south and northwest, and both are casual, with brightly colored, but no frills, interiors.
614 E. Oltorf St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-444–0012Known For
- Signature avocado margaritas
- Popular brunch destination for families
- Specialty enchiladas menu
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13. Eberly
$$$$ | South Austin |Austin is known as a laid-back capital of style, whether it's food or fashion, but this swanky spot injects a lot of glamour into the South Lamar scene. Honoring Angelina Eberly, a storied local innkeeper who helped preserve Austin as the capital in 1842, the contemporary restaurant takes inspiration from its courageous namesake with an ambitious slew of snazzy dining areas, like a beautiful interior "atrium" room and an inviting rooftop terrace. Menu highlights include New American mains, such as braised oxtail ragù and mushroom mafaldini with black truffles, and a popular brunch service includes a range of oven-baked pizzas.
615 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-916–9000Known For
- Various private dining options in intimate settings
- Glitzy decor and elevated level of service
- Historic Cedar Tavern bar centerpiece, deconstructed and restored from its original home in Greenwich Village
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays and no dinner Sun. -
14. Enoteca Vespaio
$$ | South Congress District |Known for its tantalizing deli counter of antipasti, charcuterie, and pâté, this bistro café has an authentic trattoria feel, complete with cheerful Italian countryside tablecloths and patio seating. Sink your fork into a bowl of plump gnocchi bathed in garlicky tomato-arrabiata sauce or nibble on a slice of classic margherita pizza studded with garden-fresh basil. Juicy hanger steak and crispy fries leave you wanting more, but don't fill up on dinner. The patio is a popular spot to enjoy an espresso and phenomenal homemade desserts, from tiramisu to lemon panna cotta.
1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-441–7672Known For
- Lively atmosphere that can get a little overwhelming at peak hours
- Homemade Italian desserts
- Pasta made from scratch
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15. Gourdough's Public House
$ | South Austin |Austin’s favorite over-the-top doughnut destination, born out of food-truck fame, is now a brick-and-mortar café, where diners can get their favorite perforated pastries topped with everything from chicken-fried steak to beer-battered oysters. Salads (served with garlic doughnuts) and sides like creamed corn and fried brussels sprouts, plus a full bar and rotating selection of local beers, round out the extensive menu. A weekend brunch features doughnut French toast and savory-sweet egg sandwiches, along with Bloody Marys and pitchers of mimosas. But plenty of folks still show up for the giant-sized coffee and dessert doughnuts, like the “Sin-A-Bomb,” with melted cinnamon butter drizzled over cream-cheese icing. A food-truck location is on nearby South 1st Street.
2700 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-912–9070Known For
- Gluttonous doughnut options for any occasion
- Weekend favorite for families
- Lively, celebratory atmosphere on any given day
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16. June's All Day
$$$ | South Austin |This is another South Congress standby that matches its impeccable style with a heft of substance. The sunny-side-up neighborhood café and wine bar is a sophisticated injection of Parisian, alfresco attitude on the pedestrian-heavy strip of south Austin. Kick up your heels after a day of SoCo window-shopping to enjoy tasteful bistro classics like smoked salmon Nicoise salad, croque madame, and snapper carpaccio. And as the name implies, there's something on the menu to satisfy any type of craving, at any time of day.
1722 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-416–1722Known For
- Dual strengths for grab-and-go pastries and leisurely bistro lunches
- Patio seating with primo SoCo people-watching
- Bright and cheery interiors
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17. Loro
$$ | South Austin |No one knows meat better than the James Beard award–winning team (namely, chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin) behind this Asian-Texan fusion smokehouse. The carnivore-centric menu features smoked meats, like Malaysian chicken bossam and incredible smoked baby back duroc-pork ribs, paired with Southeast Asian and Japanese sides and sauces that are all best enjoyed when shared. The vibe is friendly and communal. Reservations aren't accepted.
2115 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-916–4858Known For
- Sprawling patio
- Barbecue fusion from two of Austin's most famous chefs
- Innovative spirit on the food and drink menus
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18. Matt's El Rancho
$$ | South Austin |This south Austin landmark has been slinging classic Tex-Mex cuisine since 1952, and while the latest Austin food trends have overlooked the establishment as a bland flyover, you'll hear few complaints from the steady crowd of happy diners. Combination dinners are many and varied, with all the usual standbys: tamales, crispy tacos, and more. Diehards swear by the chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and Bob Armstrong dip (queso with taco meat, guacamole, and sour cream). House margaritas, like the prickly pear, are pleasant palate cleansers. The expansive dining room can get noisy at peak hours, but the large outdoor patio is lovely in good weather.
2613 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-462–9333Known For
- Bustling family-friendly atmosphere
- Patio happy hour done right
- Signature "Bob" starter queso dip
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
19. Neighborhood Sushi
$$$ | South Austin |If you're looking for Austin's best sushi, you might just find it here. The tatami-lined interiors are sleek and sophisticated, and chefs achieve unparalleled quality in every dish, whether it's nigiri or hand rolls, Wagyu short ribs or snow crab. Omakase is available for connoisseurs, and don't sleep on their sake pairings and delicious desserts like lychee jellies and milk chocolate semifreddo.
1716 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-579–0939Known For
- Coveted bar seating for front-row viewing of the chefs at work
- Outdoor sake garden with small drink and bar-food menu
- Daily-changing menu with seasonal favorites
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
20. Perla's
$$$$ | South Congress District |Seafood, service, and panache are pretty as a pearl at this homage to yacht clubs in the Northeast. One of Austin’s original high-end patio destinations still delivers the city’s best fish, punched up with Texas style and zing. Case in point, the Crab Louie served as luscious lumps of crabmeat piled upon crunchy fried green tomatoes and served with lemony aioli. Market fish selections are ordered to preference and served with spicy garlic-herb salsa verde, house tartar, or red chimichurri sauce. Sit at the cold bar and watch the expert oyster shuckers at work. At night and weekend brunch hours, the patio is ideal for South Congress people-watching with a tropical cocktail in hand.
1400 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-291–7300Known For
- Exceptionally fresh seafood
- Wes Anderson–level attention to detail and decor
- Best patio to see and be seen
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