Recently visited a great new spot with some friends, thought I'd start a running thread to collect some of the best restaurants around Austin. We don't live in the city but anything within a 45min driving distance is considered "close enough." If anyone else posts I'll try to collect them on the first page.
Notes:
- East Austin is the "poor part of town" but it's rapidly becoming gentrified. Some of the best places are out there although may feel like it's safest to keep driving
- I'll also note some places in San Antonio since that's only about 1.5h south.
- All the little Hilly Country towns are certainly included, eg. Fredericksburg
- ENTHUSIAST earns a spot on this list as well although his entry requires a day trip!
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Awesome place for weekend brunch! Food is 'fancy' and a pitcher of mimosas will kick your butt. The web description is 'upscale' but it's very laid back and not stuffy. People on a date are more dressed up, those just stopping by are in flip flops. The outdoor patio is right next to the Colorado river. Fantastic restaurant and location.
Hoover's
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: Southern/Cajun
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: The first place we ate at upon arriving in ATX. The best 'southern' food I've ever had! The blackened catfish is amazing and their bread is to die for. You will not be disappointed. Very laid back.
The Salty Sow
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: American
- Price: High
- CGN Review: It's a 'gastropub' so you know that adds $10 to every meal and $5 to every drink! But I love the food here although the vibe is somewhat 'foo foo' (Californians will feel right at home
) Somewhat stuffy compared to Jacoby's although the food quality is similar - very good.
Saffron
- Location: Westlake and also North Austin
- Cuisine: Indian
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Some of the best Indian food I've ever had! The only place that compares is 'Al Noor' in Inglewood CA. Amazing chicken tikka masala, bindi masala, chicken curry. We go to the Westlake location and because of the spot prices are on the high side (Westlake = expensive part of town, where high-tech refugees from CA end up moving.)
Spices Thai
- Location: Lakeway
- Cuisine: Thai
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Best Thai food in Austin area! Pretty much a carbon copy of most good Thai restaurants in CA. Prices on the higher side due to Lakeway location (another spot for Californians with cash to burn.)
Los Burritos
2006 N W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76543 [Thanks ENTHUSIAST]
- Location: Killeen (Ok so it's not really close... but read on)
- Cuisine: SoCal style Mexican
- Price: Low
- CGN Review: One of the only places that has real CA Burritos! If you're going to Dallas make sure to swing through Killeen for a burrito
Frank's Mexican Food Truck
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: SoCal style Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Yet another place to get a real CA Burrito! The owner Frank moved from LA. We usually find them at 12Fox Beer in Dripping.
Frank's Burger Truck
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: American bar chow
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Frank also owns a burger truck but there's no separate entry online. The flagship burger is the "OG", it's a full 1lb burget. It is the best burger I've had in my life, I do not lie. You'll be in a food coma. We usually find them at 12Fox Beer in Dripping, his trucks show up at least one weekend a month.
Mozart's Coffee
- Location: Austin (right on Lake Austin)
- Cuisine: Coffee and fancy pastries
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: One of the best coffee shops due to their pastries. There are very few dessert spots around ATX, this is our favorite. However the coffee itself is rather disappointing.
Mazama Coffee
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: Coffee, pastries, sandwiches
- Price: Low
- CGN Review: One of the best coffee spots due to their coffee! Everything is roasted in-house. Prices are not bad, less than Starbucks certainly, and quality is much better. Good pastries and cakes too. The croissants are good, not a fan of their breakfast sandwiches.
Cover 3
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: American bar chow
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Fantastic sports bar! Food is good, reminds me of Karl Strauss in San Diego but not quite as 'foo foo.' They have multiple locations. The one in South Austin closed so now we stop by the Round Rock location if we're in that area. Beer selection is surprisingly meager.
Pint House Pizza
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Supposedly inspired by 'Pizza Port' out of San Diego. The vibe is similar and the benches/layout is the same but these are not 'beachy'. Still the pizza is good and they even have dough bites that are similar to 'beer buddies.' Good beer selection, many house brews and always some guest brews. We usually go to the Lamar location but there are now several. Not to be missed!
Via 313
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: This is 'Detroit style pizza.' It's deep dish - but before you say "I don't do thick pizza" give this place a chance. Their cheese and pepperoni are amazing! It's one of the top 3 pizza spots I've ever tried. It absolutely blows away places like BJ's (which is like dog food in comparison.) One of our standard weekend spots. We visit the Oak Hill location.
Home Slice
- Location: South Austin (Congress)
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Locals hype this up as the best pizza in the world. I'd say it's over-rated. Ok, try it out, you may like it - but I've had better. There is some shopping nearby for the ladies, otherwise I don't see much reason to visit Congress Ave.... but if you happen to find yourself in that area and need to eat this is not bad (for Texas
)
Franklin's
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Supposedly this is the best in the world.
Terry Black's
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Amazing BBQ just south of downtown Austin and fairly close to the lake/river. Great brisket, great ribs, great sausage! However the sides are nothing special, actually almost forgettable.
Cooper's
- Location: Llano (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Awesome BBQ spot in Llano! Very old school, you walk by the pit and point to the piece of meat you want. They hand you a chunk wrapped in paper. You find a table and start gnawing on it. Great meat all around and make sure to get a Beef Rib. Decent sides but this place is known for their cobblers and pies.
The Salt Lick
- Location: Driftwood (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: The 'Disneyland' of BBQ. This place is a destination of sorts and has two huge indoor dining areas plus ample patio space. They have a huge pit with a massive open fire and tons of meat hanging there. Also a small winery and tasting room are attached, the restaurant itself is BYOB. Bring your own drinks or buy something from the tasting room. Great meat and on Sundays they have Baby Back Ribs that are to die for! The bark is thick and chewy - wow. Excellent side dishes as well, I love their potato salad in particular. Not to be missed.
Black's
- Location: Lockhart (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Black's is supposed to be the 'gold standard' of BBQ, always mentioned at the same time as Franklin's
Kreutz
- Location: Lockhart
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Well... Kreutz is yet another place that comes up with talking about Franklins! Franklins/Blacks/Kreutz is like the 'holy trinity' of BBQ.
Verde's Mexican Parilla
- Location: Austin (Bee Cave)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Solid Mexican restaurant, one of the go-to spots for my family. Well it also has some elements of 'fusion' menu, for example their appetizers feature Bacon Wrapped Quail which is amazing. And Bacon Wrapped Shrimp! Also amazing - I could eat those and have nothing else. Huge, strong, tasty house Margaritas as well. Great spot!
Texican Cafe
- Location: Austin (Cedar Park and others)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great Mexican restaurant! IMO they have the best Fajitas in town. A huge variety of fruity margaritas if you're into that... my wife is. They call themselves "Tex Mex" but really the food is pretty normal Mexican.
Chuy's
- Location: Austin (multiple)
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: It's ok if you want try Tex Mex, menu items feature a lot of cheese. Watch for anything that they say is 'hot', they're not kidding. It's hot. [I greatly prefer Texican]
El Arroyo
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Good mexican food. Their big draw is the sign outside, there's a new joke every day! Gift shops around town feature books and puzzles with all the goofy things that have appeared over the years. We go there if we're in the area, it has a 'hole in the wall' vibe.
Allstar Burger
- Location: Bee Cave
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid-low
- CGN Review: Fantastic burgers! Thin, tons of fat, great flavor, cracked edges. Also have nice salads, shakes. Definitely a better burger than the big chains.
Torchy's Tacos
- Location: All over Austin area, Houston
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, 'fusion' tacos
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great tacos! But it's not Mexican. Something like the "Chicken Fajita Taco" is probably the closest to 'mexican'. But they are Damn Good (tm) Decent bar, and you'll get the fastest service by ordering there. The "Brushfire" is amazing if you like spice, it comes with jalapenos and a Habanero sauce on the side.
Tubby's Ice House
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: Bar chow
- Price: Mid/Low
- CGN Review: Probably the best carne asada and fish tacos I've had in the entire region! Stop here after visiting the Admiral Nimitz museum
Alpine Haus
https://www.alpine-haus.com/menus/
- Location: New Braunfels
- Cuisine: German
- Price: Mid/high
- CGN Review: Amazing German food! Schnitzels and all that. Vibe is casual, great beer selection. Stop here after you go tubing at Landa Falls.
Suerte
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Sky High
- CGN Review: This is one of those "Farm to Fork" operations. Yes the food is good but expect close to $200 for two people unless you share. You read that right.
Hays City Store
- Location: Between Wimberley, Dripping Springs and San Marcos
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Don't drive past this! Looks like a gas station convenience store out in the middle of nowhere. Actually it's a really solid restaurant: Great food, fantastic atmosphere, huge beer list. Must visit!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Location: Various
- Cuisine: American
- Price: High
- CGN Review: "Foo foo" burgers with a price to match. They're good but not all that filling. Great "first date" place with a lady, but don't let her get used to it!
Trattoria Lisina
- Location: Driftwood
- Cuisine: Italian
- Price: Mid for food, high for wine
- CGN Review: Great place to visit for lunch and have some wine! It's a large estate winery owned by the same people that run Mandola restaurants.
Hitchin Post Steakhouse
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: One of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg! Excellent burgers, they have mid-range steaks as well (It's not a Ruth's Chris)
Common Bond
- Location: Houston (hey... just a few hours away)
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Amazing brunch spot in Houston
Kerbey Lane Cafe
- Location: Various (San Marcos is the best IMO)
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great breakfast spot right next to the San Marcos river. Other locations as well.
Crossroads Steakhouse
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American
- Price: mid (for a steakhouse - $50 will get you a meal rather than just the steak)
- CGN Review: Decent steakhouse. Not a Flemings or Ruth's Chris but much better than Outback.
Altstatd Brewery
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American, German
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Stick with a sausage platter to be safe, the rest is hit & miss (this place used to be a lot better.) Good German-style beer.
Velvet Taco
- Location: Austin, Houston, Dallas, Waco
- Cuistine: Tex-mex (foo foo Mexican)
- Price: High (for Mexican)
- CGN Review: Go there ASAP, this place is the real deal! Unusual taco fillings but wow they're amazing!
Notes:
- East Austin is the "poor part of town" but it's rapidly becoming gentrified. Some of the best places are out there although may feel like it's safest to keep driving

- I'll also note some places in San Antonio since that's only about 1.5h south.
- All the little Hilly Country towns are certainly included, eg. Fredericksburg
- ENTHUSIAST earns a spot on this list as well although his entry requires a day trip!
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Awesome place for weekend brunch! Food is 'fancy' and a pitcher of mimosas will kick your butt. The web description is 'upscale' but it's very laid back and not stuffy. People on a date are more dressed up, those just stopping by are in flip flops. The outdoor patio is right next to the Colorado river. Fantastic restaurant and location.
Hoover's
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: Southern/Cajun
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: The first place we ate at upon arriving in ATX. The best 'southern' food I've ever had! The blackened catfish is amazing and their bread is to die for. You will not be disappointed. Very laid back.
The Salty Sow
- Location: East Austin
- Cuisine: American
- Price: High
- CGN Review: It's a 'gastropub' so you know that adds $10 to every meal and $5 to every drink! But I love the food here although the vibe is somewhat 'foo foo' (Californians will feel right at home

Saffron
- Location: Westlake and also North Austin
- Cuisine: Indian
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Some of the best Indian food I've ever had! The only place that compares is 'Al Noor' in Inglewood CA. Amazing chicken tikka masala, bindi masala, chicken curry. We go to the Westlake location and because of the spot prices are on the high side (Westlake = expensive part of town, where high-tech refugees from CA end up moving.)
Spices Thai
- Location: Lakeway
- Cuisine: Thai
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Best Thai food in Austin area! Pretty much a carbon copy of most good Thai restaurants in CA. Prices on the higher side due to Lakeway location (another spot for Californians with cash to burn.)
Los Burritos
2006 N W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76543 [Thanks ENTHUSIAST]
- Location: Killeen (Ok so it's not really close... but read on)
- Cuisine: SoCal style Mexican
- Price: Low
- CGN Review: One of the only places that has real CA Burritos! If you're going to Dallas make sure to swing through Killeen for a burrito
Frank's Mexican Food Truck
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: SoCal style Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Yet another place to get a real CA Burrito! The owner Frank moved from LA. We usually find them at 12Fox Beer in Dripping.
Frank's Burger Truck
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: American bar chow
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Frank also owns a burger truck but there's no separate entry online. The flagship burger is the "OG", it's a full 1lb burget. It is the best burger I've had in my life, I do not lie. You'll be in a food coma. We usually find them at 12Fox Beer in Dripping, his trucks show up at least one weekend a month.
Mozart's Coffee
- Location: Austin (right on Lake Austin)
- Cuisine: Coffee and fancy pastries
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: One of the best coffee shops due to their pastries. There are very few dessert spots around ATX, this is our favorite. However the coffee itself is rather disappointing.
Mazama Coffee
- Location: Dripping Springs
- Cuisine: Coffee, pastries, sandwiches
- Price: Low
- CGN Review: One of the best coffee spots due to their coffee! Everything is roasted in-house. Prices are not bad, less than Starbucks certainly, and quality is much better. Good pastries and cakes too. The croissants are good, not a fan of their breakfast sandwiches.
Cover 3
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: American bar chow
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Fantastic sports bar! Food is good, reminds me of Karl Strauss in San Diego but not quite as 'foo foo.' They have multiple locations. The one in South Austin closed so now we stop by the Round Rock location if we're in that area. Beer selection is surprisingly meager.
Pint House Pizza
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Supposedly inspired by 'Pizza Port' out of San Diego. The vibe is similar and the benches/layout is the same but these are not 'beachy'. Still the pizza is good and they even have dough bites that are similar to 'beer buddies.' Good beer selection, many house brews and always some guest brews. We usually go to the Lamar location but there are now several. Not to be missed!
Via 313
- Location: Multiple
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: This is 'Detroit style pizza.' It's deep dish - but before you say "I don't do thick pizza" give this place a chance. Their cheese and pepperoni are amazing! It's one of the top 3 pizza spots I've ever tried. It absolutely blows away places like BJ's (which is like dog food in comparison.) One of our standard weekend spots. We visit the Oak Hill location.
Home Slice
- Location: South Austin (Congress)
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Locals hype this up as the best pizza in the world. I'd say it's over-rated. Ok, try it out, you may like it - but I've had better. There is some shopping nearby for the ladies, otherwise I don't see much reason to visit Congress Ave.... but if you happen to find yourself in that area and need to eat this is not bad (for Texas

Franklin's
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Supposedly this is the best in the world.
Terry Black's
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Amazing BBQ just south of downtown Austin and fairly close to the lake/river. Great brisket, great ribs, great sausage! However the sides are nothing special, actually almost forgettable.
Cooper's
- Location: Llano (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: Awesome BBQ spot in Llano! Very old school, you walk by the pit and point to the piece of meat you want. They hand you a chunk wrapped in paper. You find a table and start gnawing on it. Great meat all around and make sure to get a Beef Rib. Decent sides but this place is known for their cobblers and pies.
The Salt Lick
- Location: Driftwood (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: Mid-high
- CGN Review: The 'Disneyland' of BBQ. This place is a destination of sorts and has two huge indoor dining areas plus ample patio space. They have a huge pit with a massive open fire and tons of meat hanging there. Also a small winery and tasting room are attached, the restaurant itself is BYOB. Bring your own drinks or buy something from the tasting room. Great meat and on Sundays they have Baby Back Ribs that are to die for! The bark is thick and chewy - wow. Excellent side dishes as well, I love their potato salad in particular. Not to be missed.
Black's
- Location: Lockhart (and others)
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Black's is supposed to be the 'gold standard' of BBQ, always mentioned at the same time as Franklin's
Kreutz
- Location: Lockhart
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Price: ?
- CGN Review: TBD. Well... Kreutz is yet another place that comes up with talking about Franklins! Franklins/Blacks/Kreutz is like the 'holy trinity' of BBQ.
Verde's Mexican Parilla
- Location: Austin (Bee Cave)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Solid Mexican restaurant, one of the go-to spots for my family. Well it also has some elements of 'fusion' menu, for example their appetizers feature Bacon Wrapped Quail which is amazing. And Bacon Wrapped Shrimp! Also amazing - I could eat those and have nothing else. Huge, strong, tasty house Margaritas as well. Great spot!
Texican Cafe
- Location: Austin (Cedar Park and others)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great Mexican restaurant! IMO they have the best Fajitas in town. A huge variety of fruity margaritas if you're into that... my wife is. They call themselves "Tex Mex" but really the food is pretty normal Mexican.
Chuy's
- Location: Austin (multiple)
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: It's ok if you want try Tex Mex, menu items feature a lot of cheese. Watch for anything that they say is 'hot', they're not kidding. It's hot. [I greatly prefer Texican]
El Arroyo
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Good mexican food. Their big draw is the sign outside, there's a new joke every day! Gift shops around town feature books and puzzles with all the goofy things that have appeared over the years. We go there if we're in the area, it has a 'hole in the wall' vibe.
Allstar Burger
- Location: Bee Cave
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid-low
- CGN Review: Fantastic burgers! Thin, tons of fat, great flavor, cracked edges. Also have nice salads, shakes. Definitely a better burger than the big chains.
Torchy's Tacos
- Location: All over Austin area, Houston
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, 'fusion' tacos
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great tacos! But it's not Mexican. Something like the "Chicken Fajita Taco" is probably the closest to 'mexican'. But they are Damn Good (tm) Decent bar, and you'll get the fastest service by ordering there. The "Brushfire" is amazing if you like spice, it comes with jalapenos and a Habanero sauce on the side.
Tubby's Ice House
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: Bar chow
- Price: Mid/Low
- CGN Review: Probably the best carne asada and fish tacos I've had in the entire region! Stop here after visiting the Admiral Nimitz museum
Alpine Haus
https://www.alpine-haus.com/menus/
- Location: New Braunfels
- Cuisine: German
- Price: Mid/high
- CGN Review: Amazing German food! Schnitzels and all that. Vibe is casual, great beer selection. Stop here after you go tubing at Landa Falls.
Suerte
- Location: Austin
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: Sky High
- CGN Review: This is one of those "Farm to Fork" operations. Yes the food is good but expect close to $200 for two people unless you share. You read that right.
Hays City Store
- Location: Between Wimberley, Dripping Springs and San Marcos
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Don't drive past this! Looks like a gas station convenience store out in the middle of nowhere. Actually it's a really solid restaurant: Great food, fantastic atmosphere, huge beer list. Must visit!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Location: Various
- Cuisine: American
- Price: High
- CGN Review: "Foo foo" burgers with a price to match. They're good but not all that filling. Great "first date" place with a lady, but don't let her get used to it!

Trattoria Lisina
- Location: Driftwood
- Cuisine: Italian
- Price: Mid for food, high for wine
- CGN Review: Great place to visit for lunch and have some wine! It's a large estate winery owned by the same people that run Mandola restaurants.
Hitchin Post Steakhouse
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: One of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg! Excellent burgers, they have mid-range steaks as well (It's not a Ruth's Chris)
Common Bond
- Location: Houston (hey... just a few hours away)
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Amazing brunch spot in Houston
Kerbey Lane Cafe
- Location: Various (San Marcos is the best IMO)
- Cuisine: American
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Great breakfast spot right next to the San Marcos river. Other locations as well.
Crossroads Steakhouse
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American
- Price: mid (for a steakhouse - $50 will get you a meal rather than just the steak)
- CGN Review: Decent steakhouse. Not a Flemings or Ruth's Chris but much better than Outback.
Altstatd Brewery
- Location: Fredericksburg
- Cuisine: American, German
- Price: Mid
- CGN Review: Stick with a sausage platter to be safe, the rest is hit & miss (this place used to be a lot better.) Good German-style beer.
Velvet Taco
- Location: Austin, Houston, Dallas, Waco
- Cuistine: Tex-mex (foo foo Mexican)
- Price: High (for Mexican)
- CGN Review: Go there ASAP, this place is the real deal! Unusual taco fillings but wow they're amazing!
Comment