Jill Brockmann: The service is impeccable and the plethora of delicious food is extraordinary! We will definitely be back for another romantic dinner!
Tim Powell: Try the Papaya Cream for dessert. Aside from being tasty and refreshing, it's a digestive aid.
Austin Chronicle: Friendly gauchos slice off hunks of lamb chops, filet mignon, and picanha (bottom sirloin) until you beg for mercy; there's also a big salad bar for the vegetarians who lost the coin toss on dinner. Read more.
Guillermo Mendoza: Fresh oysters, savvy waiter, and nice patio. Do not miss the Bay Scallop Pozole or the Manhattan Clam Chowder!
Austin Chronicle: Perla's has transformed a land-locked SoCo corner into a beachy cafe. It's hard to beat this place on a sunny afternoon for fresh oysters, grilled octopus, and a Caesar cocktail on the shady patio. Read more.
Austin 360: This seafood destination has an array of cocktails to match the cuisine. Bright flavors with a typically tropical flair incorporate house-made ingredients, and the cocktails never fail to refresh.
6. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
9.0
2438 W Anderson Ln Ste 100 (Burnet), Austin, TX
Burger Joint · North Shoal Creek · 197 tips and reviews
Bart Lauwers: Great burgers, salads, and fantastic drinks! Try the mighty mule!
Michael Irwin: Come wait in line with the rest of the hipsters.
Austin Chronicle: An exemplary burger lineup in the $5 to $9 range. This outpost can’t shake the strip-mall vibe, but location doesn’t make the matchstick fries any less delicious. The chili cheese sauce is addictive.
Marta Tsoneva: The salmon tartine is very delicious! And try to get here on time for the happy hour - before 6:30 PM.
Mitchamorchell Sebastian: Blueberry Blintzes with Sweet Ricotta ♥
Austin Chronicle: An early component of the East 11th Street renaissance, this is a restful, reliable spot for French-inspired snacks and light meals. The luscious, open-faced tartines are highly recommended. Read more.
9. Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Ave (W 2nd St), Austin, TX
New American Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 199 tips and reviews
Andrew Sheppard: Gnocchi and buffalo friend pickles are a must!
Eater: Makes an art of bar food. See: the spicy fried pickles, the Bar Congress that you can add foie gras, an egg, avocado, pork belly, double meat & double cheese, should you so choose. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Thrillist: Hefty eats include Vertical Rotisserie Chicken, Grilled Ribeye Loin (w/ Brussels sprouts, black truffle grits, Bearnaise, oak barrel-aged steak sauce), and wood-fired pizzas like the Beef Short Rib. Read more.
Erika Perzi: At first bite, not in love w the veggie burger - but, it is fresh made and with some jalapeños and extra sauce or ketchup, pretty darn good. Fries are reminiscent of InNOut.
SPIN: Baller on a budget? At this burger stand you’ll get a burger, drink and fries for under $5 bucks!
Andy Hunter: dem Chicken Burgers and fries are tastey.
11. La Condesa
8.5
400 W 2nd St (Guadalupe St.), Austin, TX
Mexican Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 264 tips and reviews
Kristen De La Rosa: The taquitos are super small but packed with amazing flavor. The shrimp taquitos and street corn are the best!
Thrillist: This luxe Tex-Mex spot's offering up five kinds of ceviche, guava-glazed pork ribs, and three-day mole duck breasts. Read more.
Eater: Chef Rene Ortiz's take on modern Mexican cuisine. Not to miss: the riffs on guacamole, the wild tacos, the cocktails, and pastry chef Laura Sawicki's ice creams. [Eater 38 Member]
12. The Clay Pit
8.4
1601 Guadalupe St (at 16th St), Austin, TX
Indian Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 116 tips and reviews
Lee Howson: Go to the Clay Pit and order the hot chicken tikka masala, plus lots of naan bread to scoop up the sauce. Perfect for curry lovers!
Austin Chronicle: The Singh boys have built a loyal following with their contemporized Indian fare. The space is old, stone, and gorgeous, the crowd is watchworthy, and the food delish. Like a kick? Ask for desi-hot.
Cassidy Patterson: I love the Clay Pit, one of the best places I have eaten at in Austin, the curried muscles appetizer it delicious - order it with a bunch of garlic naaan to dip in the sauce!!
13. Enoteca Vespaio
1610 S Congress Ave (at W Milton St.), Austin, TX
Italian Restaurant · Bouldin Creek · 77 tips and reviews
Jaclyn Turgeon: This is seriously the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to! The little ricotta meatball appetizer is awesome. You won't be disappointed with any entree, but my personal favorite is carbonara
Austin Chronicle: This casual Italian bistro produces handmade artisanal food at its finest. Customers rave about the delicious house-cured meats, the imported cheeses, the marvelous pastries, and great brunch options.
Eater: Unfussy Italian fare with a South Congress-friendly patio. What's more, their deli counter of pates and antipasti sets it above other Austin neighborhood Italian restaurants. [Eater 38 Member]