Best New Restaurants in Austin (With Map) – December 2024
THERE ARE ALWAYS SO MANY FABULOUS NEW RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN...
...and it’s hard to keep up with them all! That’s where this list comes in: these are some of the best new restaurants in Austin, and they’re all listed out on a map so you can find one that’s convenient for you.
Every restaurant on this list has opened in the past 12-24 months. (So some are *brand* new and some are just new-ish.) They’re all absolutely fantastic and worth a visit.
Psst: and if you don’t care about the hottest restaurants in Austin and you just want to find some tried-and-true restaurants in Austin that have been among the best for years, here are the best restaurants to eat in Austin.
Use this map to find a new Austin restaurant near you:
Best New Restaurants in Austin, Texas
Loudmouth Pizza and Beer
(Opened November 2024)
The team behind Paperboy (one of the best brunch spots in Austin) opened this East Austin pizzeria. You'll recognize the location as being the old mansion that used to be Rosewood restaurant, which closed shortly after the pandemic.
Loudmouth is Neapolitan-style pizza, cocktails, beer, and other pizzeria favorites like Italian subs, wings, and meatballs and focaccia.
One of the major selling points is the massive outdoor patio that overlooks downtown, complete with a kid's corner with turf, a safety wall, and some toys to play with. This is a great family-friendly restaurant near downtown with excellent pizza, cocktails, and apps!
WEBSITE | 1209 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Mian & Bao
(Opened October 2024)
Chengdu Taste, the famed Los Angeles Sichuan restaurant (which also has an offshoot in Las Vegas) has officially opened a sister concept here in Austin! Main & Bao is a small restaurant at the Triangle, featuring a small menu of both Sichuan and Shanghai cuisine.
The menu is much less robust than the original Chengdu Taste restaurant, but you can find a few staples like the Zaijang noodles, beef noodle soup, and Xiao long bao (soup dumplings.)
Ordering is done with a QR code at your table, making this a combo of sit-down service and fast/casual service. It's an excellent spot to stop by for lunch, and you can order an entree for less than $20.
WEBSITE | 4700 W Guadalupe St Ste A5, Austin, TX 78751
Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop
(Opened October 2024)
If you've lived in Austin for a minute you know about Amanda Rockman, James Beard Award semifinalist/pastry goddess who has appeared on Beat Bobby Flay and brought us the incredible pastries at the South Congress Hotel (Cafe no Se, Mañana Coffee, and later all of New Waterloo restaurants.)
Well...her very own bakeshop is officially open in East Austin, and it's darling. Stop by early if you want to try something in particular (everything sells out!), but rest assured that every croissant, kouign amann, rip-and-dip bagel, cookie, pecan pie bar, and sugar-laden treat that you find behind the pastry case will be perfection.
A note: this is definitely an "elite bakery" experience, and prices reflect that!
WEBSITE | 2400 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 200, Austin, TX 78702
Mercado Sin Nombre
(Opened September 2024)
This little alleyway masa bakery and coffee roaster officially opened in September 2024, but it had a "soft opening" a few months prior. However, now you can officially stop by and enjoy masa everything, including a masa Twinkie, pancakes, biscuits and jam, and a biscuit sandwich.
This family-run "market without a name" roasts everything in house, so be sure to try a cortado or drip coffee to go with your corn-based treat. Or, just enjoy a dirty horchata or delicious cold brew coffee to enjoy in the breezy alley.
No indoor seating, but with a patio this cute...who needs it?
WEBSITE | 408 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702
House Wine
(Opened September 2024)
OG Austin wine bar House Wine announced its closure/relocation earlier in 2024, and now it has officially re-opened in an adorable bungalow on South First Street in the space that used to be Art For The People.
You can expect the same unpretentious approach to wine with a small selection of rose, white, and red, plus a food menu of bites + shareable like baked brie, sausage pizza, and cheese boards.
WEBSITE | 1711 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Casa De Luz - East
(Opened July 2024)
Casa De Luz, the cafeteria-style vegan restaurant that has been an Austin classic near BARTON nSprings for years, officially has an East Austin location.
For $15 you get a pre-fixe meal consisting of nourishing veggies, salad, legumes, fermented food, plus a bowl of soup and a cup of tea. (Low-sugar desserts are available for an additional fee.)
This new location is a lot bigger than the original, with a bunch of indoor and outdoor seating. It's located inside a space that was previously an apartment building, so if you're a bit confused the first time you walk in...you're probably in teh right place.
I love that Casa de Luz is a non-profit that highlights sustainability, whole plant nutrition, and kindness. Dining here feels amazing, not just because of the healthy food, but also because you know you're doing something good for the planet and for others around you.
WEBSITE | 1915 E MLK, Austin TX 78702
The Dead Rabbit
(Opened July 2024)
The Dead Rabbit, the New York-based Irish pub and cocktail bar, officially opened in downtown Austin in July 2024. And yes, that is sawdust you see all over the floor. It's their thing!
The Dead Rabbit located on Dirty Sixth (across the street from the Driskill Hotel), which is quite a move for an upscale cocktail bar. The door has a bouncer of sorts opening and closing the door, most likely to keep tabs on the clientele who enters. So it definitely feels like an upscale cocktail bar inside, despite its location.
Open from lunch through late night, the menu features Irish classics (Scotch eggs, fish and chips) as well as "cocktail food" like raw oysters.
The cocktails really are excellent, clearly prepared with the upmost care by a talented staff and made with creative ingredients.
However, you'll be paying New York prices for these. Two cocktails and a Guinness set us back $65, so these might be among the most expensive cocktails in Austin.
WEBSITE | 204 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Swim Club Austin
(Opened June 2024)
The poolside lounge and restaurant at Downright Austin hotel is called a "non-members-only social club," and it's CUTE!
The old Sheraton hotel in downtown Austin underwent a huge renovation, and part of that included this new Swim Club Austin restaurant. Guests can dine indoors in the now-empty indoor sunken swimming pool, or enjoy poolside bites and drinks at the outdoor pool.
Everything is pink and retro and very fun. The food is typical summer-y poolside eats like burgers, tacos, ceviche, pizza, and tiki cocktails.
WEBSITE | 4807 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Lil' Easy
(Opened May 2024)
I'm SO excited about this new Cajun food restaurant and bar from the team behind De Nada Taqueria. It's a casual Louisiana dive bar with frozen daiquiris, an excellent happy hour menu, seafood baskets, and po'boys.
This interior is pretty small, so plan on eating outdoors. There are lots of fans and misters, though, so it's pretty comfortable even on warm afternoon.
WEBSITE | 5000 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
P Thai's Khao Man Gai and Noodles
(Opened May 2024)
This might become your new favorite rainy day comfort food in Austin. P Thai's Khao Man Gai is now open in former Vamanos space on Airport Blvd.
What is Khao Man Gai? It's the Thai street food version of a simple Chinese chicken rice dish, and when it's made well it is FREAKING DELICIOUS. Think: yummy chicken fat rice, soft and juicy chicken, a bowl of hearty chicken broth on the side, and a spicy dipping sauce to tie it all together. It's the best $20 meal I can think of in Austin right now.
WEBSITE | 4807 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Casa Bianca
(Opened April 2024)
A self-proclaimed "weirdo Italian" restaurant in East Austin, Casa Bianca is from former Uchi chef Jospeh Zoccoli and 12 year NYC cocktail vet Richard Thomas. This spot is lot of fun! A little bit upscale, a little bit casual, and perfect for a date night before a concert or a meetup with a friend at the rooftop bar.
You can expect small shareable plates with lots of Italian influences (but not typical Italian food) and low-waste, inventive cocktails.
There's a 21+ rooftop bar called Bar Alcina that has a daily happy hour.
WEBSITE | 1510 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
The Long Goodbye
(Opened April 2024)
A really fun spot if you love outdoor patio bars! The Long Goodbye is an all-day indoor/outdoor bar. It's open in the morning to customers who want to stop by Fleet Coffee or La Santa Barbacha, two food trailers parked on-site. And in the afternoon the indoor and outdoor bars open.
Each bar has its own menu. The outdoor bar is a bit more casual, with frozen cocktails, beers, and happy hour specials.
The indoor lounge is 21+ and features craft cocktails. The drinks are fantastic, featuring high-end spirits, lesser-known ingredients, and a wide variety of glassware to elevate the experience.
**Note: it's a bit confusing, because if you do a quick google search it looks like this place opens at 3 pm. But that's just referencing The Long Goodbye bars... Fleet Coffee is, in fact, open in the morning hours.
WEBSITE | 2808 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Lao'd Bar
(Opened April 2024)
If you've been missing SXSE food truck (formerly parked at Vacency Brewing), fret no more. It's now parked at Lao'd Bar, a new Laotian restaurant adjacent to Sign Bar in east Austin.
Chef and owner of SXSE, Bob Somsmith, is still serving some of the most popular items from his popular food truck from the past 6 years (like those chicken thigh skewers and crispy fried rice.) But the menu is MUCH bigger now, and it includes cocktails and beer.
The food is spicy and flavorful and incredibly delicious. Whether you're already familiar with Laotian cuisine or you want to try something new to you, Lao'd Bar is a must-try destination in east Austin.
Note: this is an open-air restaurant with lots of fans but no air conditioning. If you're dining here in the summer, I suggest stopping by after 8 pm when it cools down a bit.
WEBSITE | 909 FM 969 building 4, Austin, TX 78724
Yellow Ranger and Golden Horn
(Opened April 2024)
Yellow Ranger and accompanying bar Golden Horn opened in the old BurgerTex space on Airport Blvd. It's a low-ceiling, dimly-lit dive bar and American Chinese restaurant from chef Jeremy Young (Emmer & Rye, Ramen Tatsu-ya.)
It's kind of a three step process here to get all your food and drinks. Right when you walk in, you'll order your food at the counter. Next, step over to the Golden Horn bar space where they have draft cocktails, 30 beers on tap, and other bevs. Then, you'll seat yourself and wait for you food to be brought to you.
It's a really fun, creative spot. It's an excellent place to watch sports at the bar or just enjoy some old Austin vibes since it's in an older restaurant space.
Must-try items: crab rangoons, half-smash burger, spicy margarita on draft.
WEBSITE | 5420 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Donkey Mo's Korean Fried Chicken
(Opened March 2024)
If you get the craving for some delicious Korean fried chicken, head to one of the two new Donkey Mo's locations in Austin. (South Lamar or Airport Blvd.)
It's a fast-casual concept with a simple menu of crispy Korean fried chicken, multiple dipping sauces, and sides like fried pickles, onion rings, and creamed corn.
The South Lamar location is in the old Jiim Barbecue (RIP, but from the same group that owns Donkey Mo's.) While the food is absolutely delicious and makes for a great spot for a quick and tasty lunch, the South Lamar restaurant was absolutely empty when I stopped by for a weekday lunch.
WEBSITE | 5312 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 and 1100 S Lamar Blvd ste 2140, Austin, TX 78704
Redbud Ice House
(Opened March 2024)
This one is the newest concpet behind the Olamaie group (one of the best date night spots in Austin, if you're looking for a fancy restaurant!)
Redbud Ice House is a simple concept: good burgers, cold beer, and lots of tables. It's in the old Contigo space on Anchor Ln, and it backs up to Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches.
The burger patties are made from beef that was raised right here in Austin from Ranger Cattle, and the burger patties are from Austin's own Texas French Bread. They have 4 craft beer on tap, and they're served in these big cold frosted 18 oz schooners, which is kind of fun. (And makes you feel like you're drinking way more than 18 oz.)
If you ever went to Contigo back in the day, you remember that ample outdoor seating, the indoor options, and the Texas-y feel to the space. That hasn't changed. There is, however, a little outdoor kids play space by the patio, which makes this an excellent kid-friendly restaurant in Austin.
WEBSITE | 2027 Anchor Ln, Austin, TX 78723
Taqueria 10/10
(Opened February 2024)
Ok, this is officially the coolest type of speakeasy. Why? They don't serve cocktails at this speakeasy...they serve TACOS!
Taqueria 10/10 is a legit little taco shop that you have to enter by going through an alley-way entrance into a bar. You can read all about how to find Taqueria 10/10 in downtown Austin here.
The bar will funnel you into an interior taco counter + restaurant inside the building that also houses Roma night club and Reina rooftop. (Yup, this taco place was designed for late night club-goers. But it's also open for lunch/dinner!)
The nixtamlized corn tortillas are incredible, but what really stood out to me was the incredible handmade flour tortillas. They're small and nearly transluscent, perfectly soft and the ideal vehicle for that incredible pastor that's shaved fresh off the trompo.
If you find yourself downtown and need a quick lunch or a late-night bite after a concert, keep Taqueria 10/10 in mind.
Murray's Tavern
(Opened December 2023)
From the team behind popular craft cocktail bar Nickel City, Murray's Tavern is that totally-unpretentious-super-cool-I-want-to-make-it-my-local-spot type of restaurant that east Austin needed.
You might recognize the building and location (it used to be Gourmand's), but the interior was totally gutted and reconstructed. It's now full of dark wood, jewel tones, and there's a cozy/moody feel throughout.
The Rob Roy is the biggest crowd-pleaser on the menu. Pair that with a wedge salad and an order of fish and chips (the most popular menu item) and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time to a New York City mid-century cocktail tavern.
Zoe Tong
(Opened November 2023)
Zoe Tong is a fun new modern Chinese restaurant on Barton Springs Road. It's from two highly-acclaimed New York City chefs (Simone Tong, Silver Apricot, and Matthew Hyland, Emily and Emmy Squared) who now live in Austin with their two children. The name Zoe Tong is a nod to both of their children, which a sweet gesture!
Inspired by chef Tong's upbringing in Singapore and China, the menu is full of hearty noodles, pan-seared dumplings, sticky BBQ ribs, and crispy 2-day dry-aged Rohan duck.
The menu looks familiar at first, with classics like homemade wontons filled with chicken and cabbage, two-piece lamb skewers with mala cumin spice, and a variety of hearty rice and noodle and veggie dishes. But once you dive in a bit deeper (and discuss with your server!) you'll find some new, creative takes: the flaky scallion swirls look like cinnamon rolls...except they're stuffed with nori and made from a yeasted laminated dough. And the Zoe Tong Rohan Duck is ANYTHING BUT you average Chinese restaurant entree. This beauty is a tea smoked duck that's been dry aged in Chinese 5-spice, served with a nourishing duck bone broth, their yummy signature Tong sauce, scallion, hominy bing, pear & herb salad, and house pickles. It serves 2-3 people.
Zoe Tong is a casual spot (this space used to be Uncle Billy's brewpub, and then Austin Eastciders tap room) and since all of the food is shareable, it's a great place to go with a big group of friends for a family-style meal.
Bureau de Poste
(Opened October 2023)
Hyde Park is the lucky recipient of chef Jo Chan's restaurant, Bureau de Poste (which translates to "post office" in French.) This adorable outpost tucked inside the newest location of Tiny Grocer serves French classics with a modern twist.
The building is a historic former post office building (hence the name) with a few indoor tables, a cozy bar that overlooks the market, and a sprawling sunken patio.
Chef Chan, who has an impressive resume of working under James Beard winner Marcus Samuelson, competing on season 19 of Top Chef, and rising to position of Executive Chef at Eberly here in Austin, has created a menu of all the French classics you'd expect...but with an elevated, modern twist.
Must order items: a beautiful cheese board if you're there with a group, or the endive salad and escargot for date night. The Bureau de Poste moules frites is a creative take on the classic dish, and the duck leg cassoulet and skate wing fish fillet are highly recommended. And if you're lucky enough to dine there on a Tuesday night, go for the plats du jour, which is Lobster Frites. Dessert? The absolutely perfect vanilla bean creme brûlée.
Nomadé Cocina
(Opened October 2023)
This Mexican restaurant and raw bar from the Lucky Robot team serves Yucatan-inspired cocktails and food. One of the most fascinating parts about this restaurant is the buildout. Do you remember Seventh Flag Coffee on South First? It was a tiny bungalow shop that was open for years before it closed and briefly re-opened as Word Of Mouth Bakery, which also closed.
Well, Nomadé is in the same bungalow, but they have completed gutted and renovated it! There's a massive structure added to the front yard to provide covered, heated patio dining (completely safe from the rain or wind but it still has an open-air feel.)
The cuisine is bright and fresh. If you love aqua chile, fresh tostadas and pipian, and charred pulpo, definitely stop by for either happy hour or a late night meal.
WEBSITE | 1506 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
RADIO/EAST
(Opened October 2023)
For those of us who love getting in a laptop work session at Radio Coffee + Beer but HATE the search for parking and a table, great news: there's a new location!
RADIO/EAST is on a 2 acre lot in southeast Austin (near Meanwhile Brewing) with ample space for working, socializing, or enjoy live music in the evening.
The feel is very similar to the original Radio, except that there's a lot more space here.
Guests can head inside to order at the bar (coffee, beer, and pastries) or use the QR code on every table to order through their phones and pick up the food/drinks when they're ready.
There are a few food trucks on site (Side Eye Pies, Shortwave Diner) with room for more.
WEBSITE | 3504 Montopolis Dr. Austin, TX
Camp Out
(Opened October 2023)
There's a cool dog-friendly bar in on Burnet Rd called Yard Bar, and they have a new walk-up restaurant that just opened: Camp Out!
The idea is family-friendly comfort food like nachos, burgers, and tacos. They also have beer and wine, cocktails, and special meals made just for kids or dogs.
The food is good (not stand-out, but good in a family-friendly meal sort of way), but one of the best parts about this place is the huge fenced-in dog park and the separate play space for kids. It makes for an easy casual night out, any day of the week.
WEBSITE | 6700 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
Uchiba
(Opened October 2023)
Uchiba is the highly anticipated restaurant from Hai Hospitality (Uchi, Uchiko, Loro). Roughly translating to "Uchi Bar," Uchiba is a Japanese izakaya-style cocktail bar and restaurant located on the ground floor of the new "sailboat" Google tower in downtown Austin. This is the second location of Uchiba. The first one is in Dallas.
Let's get right to it, because everyone is asking: what makes this place different from Uchi or Uchiko?
This biggest thing that sets Uchiba apart is the Japanese izakaya-style offerings on the menu. There's an entire section devoted to yakitori (grilled skewers), several fried dumplings, and small bao and slider buns.
One of the most unique (and fun!) things about Uchiba is their selection of "Perfect Pairs," which are bite-size morsels paired with a small sip. An oyster + a tiny martini, for instance, or musubi + tepache (pictured above).
Of course, you'll still get that expert hospitality, beautiful interiors, and incredible award-winning sushi offerings that only the pros know how to bring.
Uchiba is a slam dunk and a welcome addition to the downtown Austin dining scene. Although it's marketed as an izakaya, it still is quite upscale and pricey and would make an excellent option for a special night out in Austin.
WEBSITE | 601 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Goldys
(Opened July 2023)
Austin bakery Cookie Rich opened this food trailer at Littlefield's in the Tarrytown neighborhood of Austin. (This food truck was previously home to Fleet Coffee.)
Goldy's serves all-day brunch, sandwiches, and snacks. The WARM part of the menu includes like a sausage and cheese biscuit, roasted chicken panini, and avocado hash brown - their creative take on a classic avocado toast, but this one is served on a salty, crispy hash brown base. The COLD menu items include pasta salad, pimento cheese, chicken salad, and a tomato salad. There's also a kids menu portion.
WEBSITE | 2401 Winsted Ln, Austin TX 78703
Bill's Oyster
(Opened May 2023)
New Orleans-inspired Bill's Oyster is the newest spot in downtown Austin to perch at the bar and order raw oysters and a ice-cold martini. Of course, the menu expands beyond that, including seafood towers, lobster rolls, caviar, and a classic "Bill's Burger," plus a full raw bar portion of the menu.
The cocktail component plays a major role at Bill's. After all, the majority of this long, skinny restaurant (formerly Daily Juice on 3rd St) is dedicated to the bar. The large selection of spirits are in full display at this bright, happy place. Not feeling any of the signature cocktails on the menu? Ask your server to make you something else!
There's a small sidewalk patio, which will be lovely in the cooler months. The interior includes a long row of small bar seats, some window perches, as well as a handful of tabletops for larger groups.
WEBSITE | 205 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Underdog Wine Bar
(Opened May 2023)
Sure, it's listed as a wine bar, but Underdog is SO much more! The Korean-influenced menu is small yet mighty, packed with flavor and variety.
The happy hour selection (one white, one red) rotates, so stop by early if you want a $7 glass and a few $7 bites. Otherwise indulge in a full bottle of wine from the menu that's been curated by their Master Sommelier (there are only a few humans who hold that title in Texas!) Underdog doesn't have an exact "theme" with their wine list, but they just strive to provide diverse, delicious, ethically- and sustainably-made wines for their guests to enjoy.
As far as the menu goes, it's divided into four parts: snacks, seafood, meat, and veggies. There are 5 or 6 options in each category, and everythign is made to be shared. So this is an excellent wine bar for a night out with a few friends.
There are few wine bars in Austin where you can truly indulge in a full dinner (Aviary and Birdie's are exceptions, but most wine bars like Kalimotxo, Rosie's, The Meteor, Salt & Time Wine Bar, and Golden Hour include tpasa or small plates), but Underdog is the type of bar where you'll want to arrive hungry and plan on leaving very, very full.
WEBSITE | 1600 S 1st St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Fast Friends Beer Co
(Opened May 2023)
Fast Friends Beer Co. is finally open! It's that giant new build on the east side of I-35 in South Austin. If you drive past the William Cannon or Slaughter exits frequently, you've seen it.
The head brewer, Luke Wortendyke, came to this position after working as head brewer at Wren House in Arizona. He's pretty well known for a certain hazy IPA, so if you're into big, hazy beers and you want to try a good one, check out Fast Friends.
There are also plenty of other delicious options on tap: a delicious Czech pilsner, served on an authentic Czech side-pull faucet, a low(ish) ABV cream ale, a West Coast IPA, and a few others in addition to cider and wine options.
Pizza and snacks are available. Just order from the QR code and you'll get a text when your food is ready for pick-up at the counter.
I get a lot of questions about "kid-friendly breweries," simply because I have two young children and I'm often at Austin breweries. I wouldn't list Fast Friends was a kid-friendly option. While it is very large, has plenty of space, and sells pizza and soft drinks, it's a tall building with steep staircases. In order to get from the main tap room to the outdoor area with corn hole, you have to go down a steep flight of stairs.
Fast Friends is an excellent spot for...friends! It's next to the highway, but the covered patio is on the side of the building that's away from the highway, so you actually feel like you're in a bit of a secluded oasis.
The building is large but parking is limited, so if you're visiting on a weekend try to get a ride share or carpool, if possible.
WEBSITE | 7313 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd NB, Austin, TX 78744
Soupleaf Hot Pot
(Opened April 2023)
If you love hot pot, definitely check out this fun new restaurant in Highland! Soupleaf is a family-owned Canton style hot pot restaurant that's perfect for a solo lunch, a date night, or a big meal out with a bunch of friends.
For just $25 ($35 during dinner) diners can select a one of five scratch-made broths and all-you-can eat meat, veggies, seafood, noodles, and dumplings to dip, cook, and eat.
WEBSITE | 6929 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Ezov
(Opened April 2023)
Ezov, located in the old Pitchfork Pretty space in east Austin, is the newest restaurant from the Emmer & Rye Hospitality group. If you love Hestia, Canje, Kalimotxo, and Ladino (in San Antonio) you're a fan of Mediterranean food, you'll definitely want to give this upscale spot a try.
Ezov celebrates the "markets of Tel Aviv with the bounty of Texas." In typical Emmer & Rye fashion, great efforts are taken to source locally and sustainably while sticking to the theme of the restaurant. In this case, that means fresh Texas produce and sustainable meat, fish, and poultry, served in classic Mediterranean dishes with unexpected twists.
These small plates are meant to be shared, so be sure to make a reservation to dine with someone you really like. 😉 You'll be sharing plates!
The cocktails are bright and fun, with appropriate ingredients like turmeric and pepper and colorful fruit juices. Many of the wines are sourced from Greece, Spain, and Italy.
Reservations can be hard to get (it's a small, popular spot!) but you might have luck trying to slip in near opening time to snag a seat at the bar.
WEBSITE | 2708 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
La Popular
(Opened April 2023)
La Popular is a Mexican restaurant that just opened at Lantana Place (on Southwest Parkway) in Austin. The restaurant is originally from Mexico City and serves Mexico City cuisine (slightly different from traditional Tex-Mex you might find in Texas, but not too different...) and this Austin location is their second location in the United States. More to come soon!
The restaurant is GORGEOUS. The square-shaped bar is the central focus of the room. There are plenty of indoor tables and lounge areas, and the wall of the restaurant opens up to the outdoor patio, creating a breezy, airy, indoor/outdoor feel.
The menu at La Popular lends itself to a celebratory occasion. Show-stopping cocktail, complimentary salsa samplers with 5 housemate flavors, guacamole with chicharron, and decadent ribeye fajitas. Everything is absolutely scrumptious.
Pro tip: if you can, save a little bit o space for dessert. The tres leches cake is among the best in Austin.
WEBSITE | 7415 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735
Holiday
(Opened March 2023)
Snacky plates, fancy cocktails, and vacation-worthy patio vibes are what you'll find at the snew Eastside cocktail bar. Holiday is in a corner space that was previously used as a car repair shop, and the renovation is pretty remarkable.
Beautiful polished cement floors, bright white walls, and olive trees set the scene. The curved bar and chic pink couches make it feel like the type of place you'd visit on a coastal holiday.
Drinks aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. They're excellent. The giant back patio is covered with gravel and has plenty of fans and large umbrellas; it's clearly made for Texas.
Holiday is from hospitality veterans (Olamaie, L'oca d'Oro, Kinda Tropical) so the food, service, and drinks are exceptional. The food menu is written as snacky options, but they could absolutely stand as a meal if you're hungry. Think: steamed mussels with sourdough, shaved kale salad, frites with aioli, and a cashew onion dip with potato chips and lots of chives.
One more thing: Holiday is a seat-yourself bar, so it's great for large groups. Once you're seated a server will find you and take your order at your table. It's a nice option if you hate having to weasel your way up to a crowded bar to place an order because that's not going to happen here.
WEBSITE | 5020 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Uptown Sports Club
(Opened March 2023)
If it seems like everyone is talking about this new Austin restaurant, it's because...well, they are. Uptown Sports Club is one of the hottest new restaurants in Austin right now.
It's not only because it's owned by Aaron Franklin, founder of Franklin BBQ and one of the biggest names in the Austin culinary scene.
Or that it's in a historic east Austin building that was meticulously renovated instead of being torn down. (Which is what most developers are doing in east Austin.)
It's also that the restaurant, food, and vibes are so good. Really. This is a fun spot you'll want to visit again and again.
The menu is Texan take on Louisiana food, with coffee and breakfast in the morning and cocktails and po'boys, gumbo, and oysters in the afternoons and evenings.
WEBSITE | 1200 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Flo's Wine Bar
(Opened March 2023)
Flo's is the epitome of a neighborhood wine bar: it's cute, casual, bright, and welcoming. Families stop by for pizza and soft serve at the adjacent AllDay Pizza, couples stroll in to share a bottle of rosé at the bar, babies hang out in their strollers on the sunny patio, and groups of girlfriends perch on outdoor steps, waiting for tables to open up.
It's located in the Colorado Foothills, just across the street from Camp Mabry. This neighborhood near Mount Bonnell really doesn't have a lot in the way of eateries, so a neighborhood spot that people can walk to so easily is a bit of an anomaly.
And it's hard to say if we're still in the honeymoon phase or if it will stay this crowded forever, but it's safe to say that Flo's is absolutely crushing it in their first few months of opening. This little Austin wine bar is constantly packed. (But tables clear out quickly, so don't be deterred...just hang out for 15 minutes and something will open up!)
WEBSITE | 3111 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Ling Wu
(Opened Feb 2023)
Ling Wu Asian Restaurant, sister restaurant to Lin Asian Bar and Qi, has officially opened on Southwest Parkway in the Lantana Place Development.
If you've been to chef Ling Qi Wu's other popular Asian restaurants in Austin (Lin Asian Bar in Clarksville and Qi in downtown Austin) you'll be in familiar territory: amazing dim sum, the best soup dumplings in Austin, and fresh, delicious Asian entrees like Kung Pao Shrimp and Sesame Chicken. Everything on this menu is featured at at least one of the other restaurants, and even the hanging lanterns on the patio and the interior decor feel the same. (If it ain't broke, you know?)
However, this restaurant is new and exciting in one very important way: it's located in a part of Austin that desperately needs more local and high-quality restaurants.
With the fun cocktail and sake menu, the gorgeous restaurant, incredible food menu, and careful service, Ling Wu is a great option for lunch meetings, date nights, and dinners out with groups of friends.
WEBSITE | 7415 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735
Songbird
(Opened Feb 2023)
There's a new chicken sandwich food truck parked at Meanwhile Brewery in southeast Austin. The gist of the concept is this: "fast food, but wayyyy better." Think: a fried chicken sandwich made with Cook’s Venture heirloom chicken paired with crispy iceberg lettuce, homemade ranch, bread and butter pickles, and squishy milk bread, and a Patty Melt burger of ground sirloin, brisket, and short rib, all smashed into the flat top, then topped with sweet onion, onion straws, and horseradish. Psst: don't sleep on the salads! Not the type of food you'd typically see at a brewery, but the citrus salad is bright and zingy and packed with flavor.
WEBSITE | 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Looking for more places to eat in Austin? Here are a bunch of food posts. Need some ideas for fun things to do in Austin? Check out these 25 ideas of fun things to do in ATX.
Oh, and if you're visiting San Antonio any time soon, we have a guide to the Best Restaurants in San Antonio, too!
This post is part of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance City Guide! To see more guides to the ATX food scene, click here.
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