25 Essential Austin Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Austin.
Estância Brazilian Steakhouse - Austin
Texas
Fixed-priced menus for abundant meat, side dishes & salad bar, plus a large wine selection.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Texas
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Terry Black's Barbecue
Texas
Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & housemade sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.
Dean's Italian Steakhouse
Austin, Texas
Urbane outfit with a subdued vibe offering wagyu beef & homemade pasta, plus a cocktail terrace.
Via 313 Pizza
Austin, Texas
Local pizzeria chain known for its square, Detroit-style pizzas & inventive toppings.
Saffron South
Austin, Texas
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Falafel Burger
Austin, Texas
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Santorini Cafe
Austin, Texas
Gyros, baklava & other Greek snacks served in a cheery white cottage with a wine bar & a patio.
Midori Sushi Austin
Austin, Texas
Classic Japanese & Korean dishes delivered in a snug cafe decked out in bamboo with private booths.
Corinne Austin
Austin, Texas
Polished eatery with a global menu highlighting brunch, seafood & meat dishes, plus craft cocktails.
Awesome Hibachi At Home | Austin- Texas
Austin, Texas
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
Dan's Hamburgers
Austin, Texas
Old-school counter-serve outfit offering burgers & sandwiches, plus plenty of breakfast options.
Little Deli & Pizzeria
Austin, Texas
Pizza, subs, salads & baked goods from a popular counter serve with an updated, minimalist vibe.
Burger Bar Congress
Austin, Texas
Walk-up window at the JW Marriott Hotel offers a modern counter for burgers, fries & shakes.
Dirty Martin's Place
Austin, Texas
An Austin mainstay since 1926 with burgers, beer & American chow served in an old-school space.
Pluckers Wing Bar
Austin, Texas
Sports bar & grill offering wings, burgers & more, plus trivia nights.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Austin, Texas
Long-running chain serving spicy fried chicken & comfort sides in a low-key setting.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Austin, Texas
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Hill-Bert's Burgers
Austin, Texas
Long-standing, family-owned joint serving burgers & shakes at the counter in an old-school interior.
Tacodeli
Austin, Texas
Austin-born taqueria chain serving meat, seafood & vegetarian options, plus a breakfast menu.
Via 313 Pizza
Austin, Texas
Local pizzeria chain known for its square, Detroit-style pizzas & inventive toppings.
Velvet Taco
Austin, Texas
Globally-inspired tacos and rotisserie chicken served till late with beer, wine, cocktails, and craft sodas.
Acre 41
Austin, Texas
Clubby New American restaurant specializing in burgers & steaks, plus happy hours & weekend brunch.
Hippie PicNik
Austin, Texas
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Live music. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Champions Austin Restaurant & Bar
Austin, Texas
Standard pub fare & an ample brew selection in a down-to-earth hotel sports bar, plus multiple TVs.