Best Southern American Restaurants in Central Austin

118 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Honey Moon Spirit Lounge restaurant

1. Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(287)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Austin

Booked 8 times today

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge in Central Austin is a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts, celebrated for its "exquisite" craft cocktails that blend classic ingredients with a modern twist. This vintage-chic speakeasy doesn't just serve drinks; it crafts an intoxicating atmosphere that makes every sip feel special. Patrons rave about the cocktail quality, noting that they "can't stop thinking about" the memorable mixes. The lounge consistently impresses with its warm, welcoming staff and a vibe that's perfect for everything from "a romantic date" to "happy hour with the girls." Whether it's the balanced West Texas cocktail or the best margaritas some have ever had, Honey Moon Spirit Lounge stands out as a must-visit spot for authentic cocktail experiences in Austin.

2. Hopfields

4.8

Exceptional(295)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Midtown

Booked 10 times today

Hopfields in Midtown, Austin, is a beacon of American culinary excellence, redefining the essence of American cuisine with a delightful French twist. Esteemed for its authentic American offerings, the restaurant has been lauded for its iconic Pascal Burger, heralded as the "Best Burger in Austin" for six consecutive years. Diners frequently rave about the quality and innovation of the menu, with one patron exclaiming, "The Pascal Hamburger was the best burger I have tasted in years." The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in their use of scratch-made, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish is both unique and satisfying. Hopfields not only offers a fantastic dining experience with its cozy nooks and vibrant ambiance but also an extensive selection of craft beers and fine wines that complement the American palate exquisitely.

3. Josephine House

4.8

Exceptional(1315)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Austin

Booked 61 times today

Josephine House, nestled in the heart of Central Austin, offers a truly authentic farm-to-table dining experience, consistently delighting patrons with its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As a sister restaurant to the renowned Jeffrey’s, it upholds a commitment to quality that shines through in its eclectic daily menu. Diners rave about the freshness and creativity of dishes, with one customer exclaiming, “The food was really good and decent size portions. We had the eggplant dip, beets, and Brussels sprouts to start” and another praising, “Best pancakes I’ve ever had.” The charming setting, from the cozy indoor spaces to the lush outdoor seating, enhances every meal, making Josephine House a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch farm-to-table experience in Austin.

A photo of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin restaurant

4. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin

4.7

Exceptional(9535)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 71 times today

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, nestled in the urban heart of downtown Austin, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with an upscale flair. Located in the historic Norwood Tower, Perry's is renowned for creating unforgettable dining experiences. As a beacon of culinary excellence, it offers a menu highlighted by its signature dish, the "Friday Pork Chop," which has garnered glowing reviews for its taste and presentation. Guests rave about the "excellent and very fairly priced" food, with the steak options, including the "traditional Japanese Wagyu," earning particular praise. The atmosphere at Perry's is vibrant and energetic, matching the top-notch service provided by their attentive staff. Whether you're there for a special occasion or a casual outing, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille ensures a top-tier American dining experience that is both memorable and authentically Austin.

A photo of CARVE American Grille – Central Austin restaurant

5. CARVE American Grille – Central Austin

4.6

Exceptional(712)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Austin

Booked 49 times today

At CARVE American Grille in Central Austin, the essence of American cuisine is elevated through expertly crafted dishes that showcase the magic of live-fire cooking and smoky flavors. Nestled in the bustling mixed-use community at 45th and Bull Creek, this dining haven is a favorite for its "delicious and memorable" meals, as one glowing review puts it. Diners rave about the "best ever macaroni and cheese" and perfectly cooked steaks, which are just a taste of the diverse offerings that keep guests coming back. The restaurant's modern-rustic ambiance, combined with "exceptional service" and an expansive bar featuring hand-crafted mixology, creates a dining experience that's both innovative and deeply rooted in American tradition. Whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory brunch, CARVE American Grille promises an outstanding culinary journey that captures the heart of American flavor.

A photo of Jeffrey's Restaurant restaurant

6. Jeffrey's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2187)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Central Austin

Booked 23 times today

Jeffrey's Restaurant in Central Austin stands out as a premier Steakhouse destination, renowned for its exceptional dry-aged prime steaks. Since its establishment in 1975 and reinvention in 2012, Jeffrey's has been celebrated for not just its steaks but also its atmosphere and service. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the dishes, with one stating, "The dry aged ribeye is a must!" and another noting, "Best filet ever. Can’t wait to go back next trip!" The restaurant's attention to detail and old-world service contribute to its reputation, making every dining experience memorable. Bon Appetit magazine recognized Jeffrey’s as one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” in 2013, a testament to its enduring excellence and commitment to the finest Steakhouse cuisine.

7. Hestia

4.8

Exceptional(1903)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Hestia, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, is a haven for Grill cuisine enthusiasts. Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, Hestia truly celebrates the primal beauty of fire-cooked food. The restaurant's centerpiece, a majestic 20-ft hearth, isn't just visually stunning; it's the heart from which every dish pulses with authenticity and flavor. Diners consistently rave about the "amazing flavors" and "best tasting menu," highlighting specialties like the halibut, which has been described as "from another planet." The meticulously prepared grill items, such as the dry-aged wagyu and succulent pork chop, leave guests enthralled by the "incredible food" and "exceptional service." Hestia stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone craving a top-tier Grill experience in Austin.

8. Paperboy

4.9

Exceptional(223)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • East Austin

Booked 44 times today

Paperboy is a breakfast and lunch spot, known for its thoughtfully curated menu and comfortable atmosphere. We use simple, quality ingredients in our dishes, with bread, juices, sauces and preserves made in-house. Whether you grab a pastry and coffee to go or sit and enjoy a meal with your friends, we put just as much thought and care into the Paperboy experience as the food itself.

A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

9. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(1323)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 40 times today

At Dean's Italian Steakhouse in downtown Austin, the fusion of classic American steakhouse flair with authentic Italian culinary tradition creates a unique dining experience. Celebrated for its “house-made pasta” and “market-fresh seafood,” this establishment stands out not just for its prime cuts but for its true Italian essence. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting dishes like the “Wagyu Bolognese” which one diner described as making the pappardelle “soaked in the San Marzano sauce making the dish a 4/5.” The ambiance, combined with “outstanding service,” ensures each meal is more than just dining, but a memorable Italian indulgence right in the heart of Austin.

10. Emmer & Rye

4.7

Exceptional(3460)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

Emmer & Rye in Downtown Austin is a gem for aficionados of Contemporary American cuisine. Praised for its dedication to seasonal and local ingredients, the restaurant excels in crafting dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" Cacio e Pepe and the "to die for" house-made pastas like Pappardelle. What sets Emmer & Rye apart is its fresh milling of heirloom grains and an impressive fermentation program that enhances flavors. The ambiance is described as "fun and inviting," with a service that makes everyone feel like VIPs. As one diner puts it, it is "the best service in Austin," making Emmer & Rye a must-visit for a truly remarkable dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LouiseVIP
Austin •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Just really tasty yummy food!! And cute place with attentive staff.
More info
Bar PeachedPrice: Moderate• Asian• Downtown
•
4.7
J
JosephVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Biscuits are a must; so good that you might consider them dessert! Redfish and Pork chop were delicious. Pork chop was perfectly done and moist throughout. Redfish was savory. Great meal, with superb service.
More info
FixePrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown
•
4.8
A
Alona
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and services were excellent. Their sesame scallion puffs are outstanding. There is plenty of parking at the back, even though it doesn’t look like it :)
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The Peached TortillaPrice: Moderate• Asian• Central Austin
•
4.8
A
Amber
Austin •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great deal on Thursday, half of chicken fried steak! They also have delicious Mac n cheese and the best strawberry cake! Very relaxed vibe, waiter was awesome, and they have a nice little view outside! Valet parking only ($6) bc they have very limited parking on site but may be able park across the street if needed
More info
Jacoby's Restaurant & MercantilePrice: Expensive• American• East Austin
•
4.6
S
Saniyyah S.
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 2, 2024
Wonderful service, delicous food and so accomodating to me during my layover and first visit to Austin, Texas. Thank you Victory for maintaining this crucial part of history!
More info
Victory East & Busy SignalPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• East Austin
•
4.3

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Central Austin

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Central Austin

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118 restaurants available nearby

1. Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

2. Hopfields

3. Josephine House

4. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin

5. CARVE American Grille – Central Austin

6. Jeffrey's Restaurant

7. Hestia

8. Paperboy

9. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

10. Emmer & Rye

See what locals rave about

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