The Best Restaurants in South Austin
As a proud Texan with a daughter living her best Longhorn life at the University of Texas, I’ve found myself in Austin a lot. And let me tell you, every visit turns into a full-on food tour. From funky food trucks to dreamy wine bars and everything in between, South Austin has become my go-to for a good time (and yes, the Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco is real and it is holy).
Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, scoping out a venue for corporate events, or just trying to figure out where the heck to grab tacos near Barton Springs, I’ve got you covered. Here are my absolute favorite spots for the best bites in South Austin, including where to sit, what to order, and yes — where you’ll get that perfect TikTok-worthy shot.
Table of Contents
Iconic & Always a Vibe: Güero’s Taco Bar
Address: 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Fish Tacos or the Taco Plate with flour tortillas + a margarita the size of your head
Why Go: No list of South Austin’s best spots would be complete without Güero’s. Plus, it’s my personal favorite. This South Congress legend delivers classic Tex-Mex in a vibrant dining room, and its outdoor patio (aka the Oak Garden) features live music almost daily. It’s a classic stop for tourists and locals alike — perfect for group dining, margarita-fueled lunches, or people-watching while pretending to shop.
Texas BBQ Meets Asian Flavors: Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Address: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Smoked Beef Brisket with chili gastrique and the Chicken Karaage
Why Go: From the minds of Aaron Franklin (yes, the Franklin) and Tyson Cole of Uchi, this mash-up is everything you didn’t know you needed. Loro’s fusion of Central Texas barbecue and bold Asian flavors is unmatched, and their covered outdoor patio is ideal for lingering. Grab a drink, snag a picnic table, and dive into a menu that’s both inventive and insanely craveable.
Breakfast of Champions: Veracruz All Natural
Address: 2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702 (also multiple food truck locations in South Austin)
What to Order: Real Deal Holyfield Breakfast Taco — packed with eggs, bacon, potatoes, refried black beans, avocado, and a big ol’ slab of Monterey Jack cheese on a fresh flour tortilla.
Why Go: This food truck gem has outdoor picnic tables and a devoted following for a reason. It’s breakfast taco royalty with a cult-like status on TikTok — and once you try the fresh tortillas, you’ll understand why.
Neighborhood Favorite: Phoebe’s Diner
Address: 5535 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
What to Order: Brisket Hash with sour cream and a side of black beans
Why Go: This retro-style diner is bringing serious brunch vibes to South Austin and Eden’s favorite place. With hearty plates, house-smoked meats, and a classic diner feel in the dining room, Phoebe’s is the place to be when you want breakfast tacos, pancakes the size of your head, and bottomless coffee — all in one spot. It’s also great for private events or family brunches when you want no fuss, just good food and good times.
Tex-Mex Royalty: Matt’s El Rancho
Address: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Bob Armstrong Dip — queso meets guacamole meets ground beef in this Texas-sized legend.
Why Go: A south Austin restaurant institution since 1952, Matt’s is where the queso flows like wine. The dining room is massive, the margaritas are strong, and the vibe is peak Central Texas. Perfect for happy hour or any hour, honestly.
Seasonal & Swoon-Worthy: Odd Duck
Address: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Pork Belly with seasonal veggies (menu changes, so trust the chef and go wild).
Why Go: Odd Duck started as a food truck and has grown into a full-on culinary darling. With a beautiful ambiance and an ever-changing seasonal menu, this place nails the farm-to-table vibe. Ideal for wine bar lovers looking for the perfect pairing. Bonus: Their outdoor patio is perfect for catching up with your coolest foodie friend or making your ex jealous on TikTok.
Comfort Food Done Right: Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Address: 7720 TX-71, Austin, TX 78735
What to Order: Pork Tostadas with black beans, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese
Why Go: A bit west of South Austin proper, but worth the detour. Jack Allen’s is a favorite restaurant among locals and travelers alike, especially for private events or happy hour with friends. Think Texas comfort food with a chef-y twist and a massive outdoor patio perfect for sunset sipping.
Mediterranean Magic: Aba
Address: 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Whipped Feta, Muhammara, and the Skirt Steak with shawarma spice
Why Go: Aba has brought its lush, coastal Mediterranean energy to South Congress, and let’s just say — we’re not mad about it. This is one of the best restaurants in Austin for a girls’ night, date night, or any occasion where you want a little glam with your lamb. The outdoor patio is dreamy, the wine list is top-notch, and the food? Worth every calorie. It’s a better place to celebrate life’s little wins (like surviving I-35).
Patio Vibes & Live Music: The Little Darlin’
Address: 6507 Circle S Rd, Austin, TX 78745
What to Order: Brisket Grilled Cheese and a Lone Star
Why Go: This bar-meets-south Austin restaurant is laid-back in all the best ways. There are picnic tables under oak trees, a big ol’ outdoor patio, and usually live music happening — basically, a better place to waste a Saturday doesn’t exist.
Chic & Chill: Lenoir
Address: 1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Go for the Wine Garden menu – always rotating, always divine.
Why Go: Located in the South First area near Bouldin Creek, Lenoir is one of the best spots for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated girls’ night. The wine garden is lush, intimate, and just the right amount of Austin weird. The perfect spot to feel fancy but not fussy.
For the BBQ Purists: Terry Black’s Barbecue
Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Beef Rib + Pork Ribs + Creamed Corn (and don’t skip the peach cobbler)
Why Go: While Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue may have cornered the East Austin scene, Terry Black’s is holding it down on the south side with Texas barbecue perfection. Walk in, grab a tray, and prepare for meat sweats. The view of the Colorado River nearby? Just the icing on the brisket cake.
Slurp Worthy: Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Address: 1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Tonkotsu Original + Chicken Karaage on the side
Why Go: This is not your average ramen shop. The vibe is part Tokyo izakaya, part Austin grunge, and fully fantastic. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy night in the city, and the bold Asian flavors hit every craving. The dining room is intimate, and the lines are long — but worth it.
Greek Vibes All Day: Freddo ATX
Address: 1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Spanakopita, Greek Salad, and of course — a Freddo Cappuccino
Why Go: This modern Greek café and wine bar brings a little slice of the Mediterranean to South First. By day, it’s a chill coffee shop slinging Greek-style iced coffee (yes, the real Freddo) and savory gyros and meatball sandwiches. Bonus: their happy hour is criminally underrated and makes a perfect pairing with their Kalamata olive tapenade.
New on the Scene: June’s All Day
Address: 1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Croque Madame or the Burger – both are legendary.
Why Go: This darling of South Congress has quickly become one of the best restaurants in Austin. With vintage Parisian wine bar vibes, a stellar seasonal menu, and top-tier people watching, June’s is a solid contender for your next favorite dish in town.
Brunch Goals: Proud Mary Coffee
Address: 2043 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Ricotta Hotcakes or the Potato Hash with Pork Belly — and don’t forget a flat white.
Why Go: Straight outta Melbourne and straight into our South Austin hearts, Proud Mary’s is serving up one of the best brunches in town. Think globally inspired comfort food, world-class coffee, and a beautiful ambiance that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a chic Aussie café. The dining room is airy and stylish, the outdoor patio is ideal for a lazy brunch with friends, and the menu? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect spot to linger over lattes and catch up on the best things in life — like brunch and bottomless gossip.
So whether you’re hanging by Barton Springs, strolling through Bouldin Creek, or just trying to figure out where to grab happy hour that doesn’t suck, South Austin delivers. The food scene here is a vibe — eclectic, creative, and always evolving.
One thing’s for sure: between the breakfast tacos, Texas barbecue, and TikTok-famous patios, there’s never been a better place (or better excuse) to plan a visit. Because in Austin, the best things start with food and end with good times.
Want more restaurant recs or insider tips from someone who actually goes to all these places way too often? Follow along on MommyTravels.net for the best eats, drinks, and destinations — from Austin to Nevis and beyond.
🍴💃 Let’s eat, y’all.
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