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The Best Bars for Foodies in Austin

by The OpenTable Team

Updated December 15, 2023

Austin is the cutting-edge, super-hip heart of the Lone Star State, and its dining and drinking scene is just as cool. There are traditional, Texas-style swinging and rocking honky-tonk live-music venues and barbecue joints teeming with family-secret recipes that simmer for hours. But where are the smartest, savviest diners grabbing a drink? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. These spots offer up exciting fusion dishes with cuisines from around the globe, locally-brewed craft beers and spirits, and staggering wine lists.

A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant

Wu Chow-Downtown

4.5

4.5 (2177)

$31 to $50

Chinese

Downtown

About the restaurant

This downtown Austin institution from chef Ji Peng Chen is the place to go to for authentic farm-to-table Chinese food. Weekends and weeknights are packed with young professionals and locals dining on dishes and washing those down with one of Wu Chow's signature cocktails, many mixing Asian and traditional American flavors. A top-notch spot for dinner and a few drinks with a group of friends.

Top review

J

John

Dined 7 days ago

Morgan was super sweet! Informed us about items on the menu, and was super welcoming. Loved this place, can’t wait to be back!!

A photo of Uchi Austin restaurant

4.9

4.9 (5431)

$50 and over

Sushi

Downtown

About the restaurant

Uchi is a groundbreaking Asian fusion restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. It's one of Austin's sushi hot spots, with a creative and ever-changing menu for visitors and locals to enjoy. There's also an expansive sake list, a selection of Japanese-influenced cocktails, and a fine beer selection that includes Japanese favorites and local Texas brews

Top review

L

Lauren

Dined on Dec 16, 2024

Another exquisite visit to Uchi. The service was fabulous from the moment we walked in. We let our server Jessica give us some guidance on our menu for the evening, and her recommendations did not disappoint. The sake tom kha was delicious, with a flavor packed tom kha reduction. We also had an ocean trout nigiri on special that was so delicious, we ordered seconds. We’ll be back!

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A photo of Five Nigiri of a restaurant

A photo of Walu Walu of a restaurant

A photo of Honey Toast of a restaurant

A photo of Uchiko Austin restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6047)

$50 and over

Sushi

Central Austin

About the restaurant

Uchiko is the little brother of the aforementioned Uchi restaurant, delivering the same type of experimental, tasty fare in its intimate and beautiful Rosedale neighborhood location. It's a fantastic post-work Happy Hour spot, with small plate appetizers and dishes paired with fine sushi and cocktails.

Top review

G

GinaVIP

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Wonderful food, as usual, first time at this location and the noise level is definitely better than Uchi!!

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A photo of Ko Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Hama Chili of a restaurant

A photo of Eberly restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1781)

$31 to $50

American

Bouldin Creek

About the restaurant

One of the loveliest spots in all of Austin. This gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant is warm and welcoming with an extraordinarily beautiful dining room and a menu full of local favorites, with an emphasis on food from Texas farms. There's an excellent brunch on the weekends, an expansive Happy Hour menu, and a superb drink list featuring creative cocktails and Texas-brewed beer.

Top review

M

Megan

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Great service. We arrived late and they were super accommodating and helped us get out in time for our show. Great food and drinks as always. Love taking people to dinner here

A photo of Jeffrey's Restaurant restaurant

Jeffrey's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2189)

$50 and over

American

Central Austin

About the restaurant

Jeffrey's is the spot to go when looking for a truly upscale dinner. This luxurious wine bar is a mixture of classic American steakhouse and traditional French cuisine, with an excellent bar menu and creative cocktail list—with drinks named after Hollywood classics. For a deluxe bar snack, try something from their large and extravagant caviar menu.

Top review

P

phillip

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and wine selection . Service very slow and we had to keep asking for bread and our salad that was ready in the kitchen but never delivered . Anyway worth the experience of a very good restaurant .

A photo of Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown restaurant

Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown

4.8

4.8 (5180)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

This reliable chain is renowned for great seafood and fine drinks across the American Midwest and Southwest. Its downtown Austin location is big, beautiful, and perfect for a dinner out—especially when the Florida stone crab dishes are in season. Even when they're not, Truluck's is an excellent spot for a night out or a happy hour venture. Try something from their "Flirty Dozen" wine list or one of their signature cocktails.

Top review

H

HerbVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Trevor was a wonderful host, guiding us through drinks to desserts. The food was delicious. We had the Redfish and Sea Bass for entrees. Thank you m, Truluck’s, for making it a special Christmas Eve dinner.

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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of PETIT CARROT CAKE of a restaurant

PETIT CARROT CAKE

A photo of World Class Carrot Cake of a restaurant

World Class Carrot Cake

A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant

Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin

4.9

4.9 (1808)

$50 and over

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

Looking for one of the cutest bars in Austin? Go to Clark’s Oyster Bar. The place is gorgeous and has a lovely dining room that's usually lively and packed. Clark's has an unbeatable selection of oysters with offerings that come from New England states, the Gulf, Canada, and elsewhere. Stop by during Clark's Happy Hour for great deals on most of their food.

Top review

Y

YoungVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Price took such good care to be sure we had everything we wanted. The food was great! Such a special place for us! The fruits de mer was very good and so were the dressed oysters and of course the mussels and clams sauce was out of this world!!! The snapper and grits was also superb!! Cocktails not quite as snazzy as they used to be. Not super cold as a good shaken or stirred drink should be. No frost! Loved the little lime twirl on my cosmo though! But we still had a fabulous time!! ! Thank you!!!!

A photo of Emmer & Rye restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3460)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Emmer and Rye is a lovely spot on Rainey with a unique food style. Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Emmer and Rye focuses on small plates and changes the menu on a daily basis. Go there on different days and sample dozens of different meals. Stop in for dinner, brunch, or a cocktail and local draft beer.

Top review

C

Camille

Dined 7 days ago

The food was AMAZING and extremely unique. We went here for a birthday dinner and tried about seven different dishes. Every single one was fantastic. There is an extensive wine/cocktail menu. The ambiance is relaxed but upscale. Will absolutely return.

A photo of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue restaurant

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

4.7

4.7 (2271)

$31 to $50

Barbecue

Downtown

About the restaurant

What bar or restaurant tour of Austin would be complete without some barbecue? Lamberts is one of the gold-standard BBQ joints in the city. There's an upstairs bar and lounge to relax, hang out, and put back a few local beers as guests dine on brisket. Don't forget to grab some of the appetizers—try the chicken-fried oysters for a real treat before the meal.

Top review

J

Jose

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent ribs. Great service. Good cocktails. A nice fancy place for BBQ

A photo of Bob's Steak & Chop House - Austin restaurant

Bob's Steak & Chop House - Austin

4.7

4.7 (2216)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Well, the specialties are right there in the name. Bob's is a reliable, delicious chain of steakhouses, with locations across America; the Austin spot advertises "the biggest steaks in Texas." Stop off at the bar for something from the large wine list or a local beer or two in a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere.

Top review

D

Diane

Dined 7 days ago

William made our meal exceptional. Room was a bit dark for our liking.

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A photo of Prime New York Strip of a restaurant

Prime New York Strip

A photo of Hillside Farmacy restaurant

Hillside Farmacy

4.4

4.4 (373)

$30 and under

American

East Austin

About the restaurant

A prescription for a great meal, Hillside Farmacy has been adapted from a legendary East Austin drugstore into a hotspot for local dining, giving the location an undoubtedly cool vibe. The menu is creative and mouth-watering, offering up everything from oysters and roasted chicken to the "Tex-Strami.” The drink menu boasts classic cocktails and local craft beers.

Top review

M

Molly

Dined 6 days ago

We had the most wonderful time here! The food was INSANE DELICIOUS and the drinks were phenomenal. 100% recommend this spot for date night or friends night out. Vibes were immaculate

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A photo of Texas Sunday Steak Dinner ~ $25 of a restaurant

Texas Sunday Steak Dinner ~ $25

A photo of Start your New Year Eve celebrations with us! of a restaurant

Start your New Year Eve celebrations with us!

A photo of Hillside Happy Hour of a restaurant

Hillside Happy Hour

A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3900)

$50 and over

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

One of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, Red Ash is a delicious Happy Hour option. All dishes are $7 during that magical time, with a selection of excellent Italian small plates, meats and cheeses, pasta, and crudo. There's a giant wine selection and excellent cocktails on the menu for guests to enjoy while dining in this beautiful, rustic location with an open kitchen.

Top review

J

Jack

Dined 1 day ago

Our favorite restaurant in Austin!! Food and service always fantastic.

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A photo of Red Snapper Crudo of a restaurant

Red Snapper Crudo

A photo of Hot Chocolate Gianduja Cake of a restaurant

Hot Chocolate Gianduja Cake

A photo of Pappardelle alla Bolognese of a restaurant

Pappardelle alla Bolognese

A photo of Chez Zee restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4573)

$30 and under

American

Northwest

About the restaurant

Chez Zee is a creative American restaurant with the vibe of a French bistro and a diverse menu full of specials. The creme brûlée French Toast is a must-have for dessert or brunch, and the New Orleans pecan chicken and jalapeño cornbread stuffed chicken is as good as they sound. There's also a full bar for fun times, with classic cocktails and a huge wine selection.

Top review

M

Megan

Dined 2 days ago

A beautiful spot for a delicious, unique brunch experience!

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A photo of Breakfast in Bed French Toast of a restaurant

Breakfast in Bed French Toast

A photo of Lobster Benedict of a restaurant

Lobster Benedict

A photo of Lemon Rosemary Cake of a restaurant

Lemon Rosemary Cake

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