Where to Eat in Austin Right Now

We’ll admit Indian restaurants have never quite been Austin’s strongest suit, but now that Curry Up Now’s open at the Domain Northside, fans of all things spice (i.e. us) have never been happier. We love the spins on traditional Indian street food, especially the Bun Samosa with vegan snacklins (it’s like a burger, but more flavorful) and the Keto Bowl with riced cauliflower and wok-tossed paneer. This is Texas, so there’s no getting away from putting some of this grub in a burrito, whether that be Tikka Masala Burrito or a Hella Vegan Burrito, and you can’t leave without sampling a curry, like the Lamb Keema. Finally, a reason to stay at the Domain all day long.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, or order delivery on Goldbelly.

Situated on Airport Blvd—a.k.a. Asian feast central—Sazan is Austin’s most popular and beloved ramen outpost. Obviously, it’s all about the noodles here. Its signature bowl is the Paitan Ramen, a steaming hot creamy broth bubbling with arugula, umami egg, and chicken or pork. It’s available in vegan and spicy versions, too—if you can handle a little heat, definitely try it, as it’s laced with a delicious nutty cream to soften the burn. Also on the menu are Indomitable Chicken Wings (seasoned with curry rub and cilantro), Osaka-worthy Takoyaki octopus balls, mochi desserts, and a selection of Japanese-inspired craft cocktails (the Shun-Sational Old Fashioned is perfection), plus sake and beer.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order delivery via Uber Eats.

Rainey Street may be torn down and undergoing a cookie-cutter makeover (outraged!), but Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden is going absolutely nowhere (phew!). The beloved restaurant is, as you’ll guess, dedicated to the almighty sausage, and here you’ll sink your teeth into a jumbo variety of the stuff. There’s the classic Bratwurst, a spicy Italian, a beer-infused Drunk Chicken and even a cheesy Jalapeño Cheddar Brat. Plus all the sides and fixings, and wall after wall of beers on tap. Stop by for brunch, kick back over drinks with your pals, or stuff your face whilst listening to live music. Banger’s promises a bangin’ time, the good old Rainey Street way.
How to book: Stop by for first time, first-served seating (expect long lines on weekends), or get takeout on Toast.

One of the city’s fanciest restaurants, Ciclo is modern Texan with a Latin touch. Choose between the indoor dining room or brunch out on the flourishing oak tree-covered patio overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Standout menu items include the Sea Scallop & Pork Belly with mole verde crudo and escabeche baby carrot as well as the classic Flambéed Texas Wagyu Tomahawk. Mains aside, you’ll also need to factor in stomach space for the House Bread; a mini cast iron of four of the most delectable and shiny parker house rolls you’ll probably ever taste, complete with pots of local butter and good flow honey. If there’s ever an unforgettable breadbasket, this is it. As for dessert, the Coco Afogato with coconut ice cream, cookie and espresso, should do the trick. Speaking of which, the Sunday Brunch buffet is worth coming for the dessert station alone.

As far as Austin’s Thai community is concerned, this casual little eatery is number one. Everything, including the sauces, is homemade, and best of all? It's super affordable and of excellent quality. For anyone who ever vacationed in Bangkok, this place will instantly bring back street food memories. Menu items include Pad Thai, Gaeng Keow Wan green curry, and Tamarind Duck. Of course, it wouldn’t be Texas without a Thai Taco (roti wrap with crispy pork belly, yellow onion, and bell pepper tossed in sweet Thai basil sauce). Another thing we love about this place is that a set gratuity is automatically added, meaning no need to fumble with your cell calculator after one too many Singhas.
How to book: Call 512-284-7004 to reserve.

A family-friendly indoor-outdoor space serving coastal Texan fare and over 30 beers on tap, TLC is all the Southern comforts rolled into one restaurant. Expect large portions, great prices, sports on the screens, and patrons in casual attire. Bring your party to TLC’s boil experience, where you’ll choose from fresh catch like Texas Gulf Shrimp or Littleneck Clams, customize it with your choice of flavoring and sauce, and devour it alongside Texas corn and red potatoes. Other menu highlights include Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs, Mac & Cheese, Redfish & Crab, and Cowboy Ribeye. For dessert, sweet spots go to the Giant Milkshakes or the Season Fruit Cobbler.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order takeout via Toast.

Austin’s prized pizza joint specializes in Neapolitan pies, burgers, and other casual eats. Pizza toppings may seem a little on the quirky side, but trust us, they work. There’s the sweet and spicy Hot Honey, laden with tomato sauce, ricotta, Grana Padano, Salumeria Biellese Coppa, Fresno peppers, and Mike’s Hot Honey; the Broccoli Rabe with broccoli rabe and mozzarella; plus a funky La Barbecue collaboration called the Spicy Pickle, piled with mozzarella, Fontina Fontal, Grana Padano, La Barbecue pickles, pickled garlic, Fresno peppers, and fresh dill. Add a bottle of Pinot to the mix from their stellar natural wine list while you’re at it.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order takeout via ChowNow.

Geraldine’s is classic Austin, with live music, a buzzing bar, and delicious Southern recipes making their way to the table. It is a sharing situation, with plates that get bigger the further you go down the tightly curated menu. We suggest Crispy Pig Ears and the Hamachi Crudo to start, then onto biggies like the Half Roasted Chicken (prepare to fight over the crispy potatoes) and Smoked Short Rib alongside small veg dishes like the sweet fish sauce-laden Brussel Sprouts or Smoked Carrots. Come down on a Sunday for Geraldine’s Record Society featuring a live vinyl experience and wine specials.

This family-run neighborhood gem on the corner of 12th and Harvey serves a rotating menu of clean American comfort fare inspired by the cooking and eating styles of France and Italy. It all depends on the weather when it comes to the highly seasonal menu, however sample dishes include Casarecce Pasta with pork sausage, mustard greens, and fennel pollen, and snapper, served loaded with field peas, sungold tomatoes, hakurei turnips, and basil pistou. As for the bar, Birdie’s shops a mix of classic and new winemakers with a focus on mindful farming and minimal intervention in the cellar. Bring your pooch, tuck in on the patio, and call it a night.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Here for the eco-conscious, The Well incorporates nutrition, local and sustainable farming, and naturally bold flavors into a wellness studio-style dining room. Everything on the menu is non-GMO, free of soy, gluten, peanut, corn, and refined sugar, and cooked with olive, coconut, or avocado oil. Signatures include the Butternut Squash with roasted squash, medjool date, red onion, caper, and Moroccan spiced pistachio; and the Kale & Lentil salad which you might fancy pairing with the Roast Purple Potato. There’s no feeling bad about indulging afterward—desserts are designed around fruit, nuts, and seeds, and cocktails are crafted using standout ingredients like cold-pressed organic juices and sweetened with natural sugars like agave, honey, and dates. We recommend The Elixir made with organic vodka, charcoal maple syrup, lemon, apple, ginger, cucumber and cayenne.
How to order: Order takeout via Toast.

South Lamar’s sizzling Korean hot spot is KBBQ on a mission. The specialty is jjim, a method of slow-cooking or braising meats until extremely tender, so expect a fall-off-the-bone situation every time. Newcomers should try the signature Beef Short Rib Jjim, a pile of soft, meaty chunks cooked on cast iron with vegetables in a sweet soy sauce served alongside steamed white rice plus your choice of add-on (kimchi, mozzarella, egg, or glass noodles). It’s big enough for up to three to share, though two hungry stomachs will suit just fine. The Seafood Pancake Jeon is a lighter, crispier take on the traditional, if you want something smaller, and the Seafood Tofu Soup, feels like it was whipped up by grandma. Drinks-wise, expect a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and Korean spirits like soju and makgeolli.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The open-concept kitchen helmed by renowned chef Jakub Czyszczon is Austin’s sexiest date spot—dress up and get prepared to be wined and dined. Entrees off the grill include Roasted Duck Breast Rossini with foie gras and Whole Grilled Branzino, but it’s the steaks that take center stage (the Eye of Rib, Tomahawk, and Porterhouse are all incredible). Pair anything with a side of Tater Tots, especially if you love cheese and black truffle. The beverage list spans select cocktails, wine, and beer curated to complement the upmarket digs. Book a table, expect to be wowed, and you’ll join Austin’s army of food fanatics who love this place in the process.

Still the hottest ticket in town when it comes to omakase, that’s largely down to the fact that Sushi | Bar ATX has just ten slots a sitting, and that the rascals who’ve tried it keep on coming back for more. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, you’re in for a treat when you finally get a prized seat. Chef Ambrely Ouimette and her team whip up a beautiful 17-course omakase experience, best paired with sake. Items from the rotating menu have included roasted bone marrow and toro nigiri, but it really all depends on what’s freshest on the night. At the end, they’ll ask you if you’d like to add a course, to which we strongly recommend you say yes.
How to book: Reserve in advance via Tock and follow on Instagram for last-minute openings.

Chef Edgar Rico harnesses Mexican tradition and his culinary know-how to elevate the humble taco, dishing up a bill of heirloom corn tortillas filled with textures and colors you’d expect to see in a fine dining establishment, all served in a neighborhood setting. Tacos and tostadas begin with fresh masa made in-house from heritage corn. The vegan Beet Tartare Tostada is a must-try, a crisp shell topped with earthy roasted beets, salsa macha aioli, avocado crema, horseradish, and lime for a one-two punch of flavor and texture. Make the Coco Rico Paleta your go-to dessert—it’s a popsicle made with coconut milk, coconut cream, and toasted coconut chips.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order delivery via Favor.

This former gas station finds life as a colorful café complete with a full bar, all-day dining, and a breezy patio filled with brunching patrons sporting band tees and sandals. Those on a health kick can opt for a vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich or saucy Sesame Salad, while their naughtier pals can indulge in a Fried Chicken Sandwich washed down with a frozen cocktail. A Monday through Friday afternoon happy hour with dollar-off brews, $7 cocktails, and $7 food sweetens the deal.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

With a rotating selection of smoked barbecue by the pound and a focus on alternative cuts and creative sides made with local ingredients, this is food truck gold. Known for his innovative takes on Texas ‘cue, pitmaster Evan LeRoy incorporates elements of fine dining and scratch-made cooking into every aspect of his menu-on-wheels. Look forward to brisket, ribs, and sausage, plus flavorful and creative sides like housemade Kimchi and Kale Caesar Slaw alongside a deep yellow Cheddar Cheesecake with apple butter that’s far from what you’d expect, in the best way.
How to order: Stop by for counter service.

This ambitious food truck hawks its Asian-inspired, perfectly crisp fried chicken sandwiches, wings, and endlessly buttery, curry-laden roti from its posts at St. Elmo Brewing, East Sixth, Rainey, and Metric. While much of the menu falls on the chill side of hot, we can’t stop obsessing over the Boneless Nugs (also available in cauliflower form) and fiery Hot Gai Chicken Sandwich (spicy fried chicken, Massaman mayo, Swiss cheese, Thai basil, pickles). Throw in a side of tots tossed with your choice of sauce for a complete and balanced meal.
How to order: Stop by for counter service or get delivery via Favor.

Stationed inside his cartoonishly cute bright yellow truck, chef Beto Robledo regularly sells out of his game-changing lineup of Mexico City-style street tacos. Suadero (braised, crisped brisket), Cachete (beef cheek), Buche (pork stomach), Carnitas (pulled pork), and Longaniza (chorizo-like Portuguese sausage) are all cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie or trompo. And while each cut sports its own unique textures and flavors, Robledo’s masterful touch makes them all equally appealing, especially when double-wrapped in fragrant nixtamal corn tortillas and topped with cilantro, onion, homemade salsas, and a squeeze of lime. For a few bucks more, you can get a filling of your choice in griddled quesadilla form.
How to book: Stop by for counter service.

Sandra Bullock’s (yes, Sandra Bullock’s!) neighborly café is a favorite daytime destination for downtowners, especially come weekend brunch. Step up for counter service, tasty yet affordable food, and a cozy local atmosphere. If you’re up early, this is your spot. Breakfast and brunch items include The Staple, its classic consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham, and multigrain toast; avocado toast with goat cheese and pickled onion; and biscuits with pork sausage and country cream gravy. The counter also has a wide selection of baked goods (including cupcakes, brownies, and macarons) as well as organic teas and coffees. Late riser? Lunch is a treat, too. Go for the turkey sandwich, sweetened with caramelized onion-apple chutney on a croissant.
How to book: Stop by for counter service and first come, first served seating.

This eclectic eastside restaurant makes going out for Chinese a real occasion. Team Old Thousand take American-Chinese recipes and bring them to life in the company of delicious cocktails and a lively atmosphere. It does the classics brilliantly, from the chunky General Tso’s Chicken with jasmine rice to the Xiao Mian wheat noodles with peanut, Szechuan peppercorn, and chili oil. The Brisket Fried Rice uses generous helpings of the house-smoked beef brisket that marries perfectly with Chinese pork sausage. If that’s all too meaty for you, the place also brings the flavor to tofu on dishes like the Mapo Fried Tofu and the Hot and Sour Soup. Save room at the end for the Five Spice Chinese Churro with Pandan Cream.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, or order takeout and delivery via Toast.