Best Lunch Spots in Austin, TX

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to lunch spots in Austin, Texas, this is it. These are places I personally go to for lunch that are relatively quick, affordable, and consistently solid.

Mezze Me

MezzeMe is one of my go to lunch spots, and their Turkish food is easily my favorite Mediterranean food in Austin. I know it gets a lot of attention from bloggers and can seem a little overhyped, but as someone who has been multiple times and paid out of pocket, it is absolutely worth it.

The Mezze platter is a great place to start. The hummus is solid, and they serve unlimited fresh pita that comes out warm. I also like the Governor’s platter, which includes an assortment of meats. Their falafel is my favorite in town.

If you are especially hungry, go for the lamb beyti. It is tender lamb wrapped in dough and cheese, served over a bed of yogurt and topped with a spicy sauce. It is one of the best dishes in Austin.

Click here for their website.

Cabo bobs

If you’re looking for a really good burrito in Austin and some excellent queso, you have to check out Cabo Bob’s. They don’t really focus on classic Tex Mex plates, but they do make your own tacos and burritos better than anyone I’ve found in the city.

I’ve been going to Cabo Bob’s since college, and I love watching them press fresh tortillas right in front of you. You choose your tortilla, then pick burritos or tacos, and build exactly what you want. For me, the fish burrito with a cilantro tomatillo tortilla is unbeatable. I load it with white rice, black beans, queso, lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, tons of lime juice, and a side of their 66 red sauce to drizzle while I eat.

They also let you make your own nachos with their fresh tortilla chips and any meat you want, which is another favorite of mine. Honestly, this is one of my go to lunch spots in Austin.

Click here for their website.

Deep End Subs

Deep End Subs is a new addition to this list and is already making some of the best sandwiches I have had in Austin. The owner does not accept tips, and his philosophy is simple: he has dedicated his life to making the best sandwiches possible, drawing on over a decade of experience in the industry.The must orders here are the chicken bacon ranch sub, the Cuban, and the surprisingly good banh mi. Each sandwich feels like a work of art, thoughtfully crafted and clearly influenced by the owner’s experience. Another must try is the fries, which are made fresh in house.

Click Here for his website.

Kai Zabb

Kaizabb is a food truck from the former owners of Dang Hot 89, now parked at the Pink Flamingo Food Court. They specialize in chicken tenders tossed in Thai inspired sauces, with standouts like the Kaizabb, Laab, and Pad Kaprow flavors. I also enjoy their kare. The owners are super friendly, and I’d also recommend trying their Thai tea. it’s a great complement to the food. Click Here for Website

Sour Duck Market

Sour Duck feels like the more casual little sister to Odd Duck. Most things here are made from scratch, and I especially enjoy the house made pickles and fresh baked bread.

It is a popular lunch spot, so finding seating during peak weekend hours can be a bit tough. They also have a great happy hour, but the must order here is the burger.

I have also enjoyed their salads and the Valrhona chocolate soft serve. Overall, everything I have had here has been consistently solid.

Click here for their website

Small's Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza and Vodka Pie

Small Pizza recently relocated to Springdale General, bringing a New Haven style approach with signature crispy, smoky bottomed pies. This isn’t the type of pizza you fold these are so crisp you can literally snap a slice in half. We tried the vodka pizza and the pepperoni, both 16 inch pies that are generous in size for the price.

we enjoy the vodka pie, the eggplant rollatini, and they offer bagels in the morning before lunch. They have solid pizza slices here!

Gangnam Korean BBQ

Gangnam Korean BBQ is, in my opinion, the best Korean barbecue in Austin. They offer all you can eat, and I find the lunch option to be a much better value than dinner. Their galbi is high quality, the seasoning is excellent, and the rice is always cooked perfectly. The lettuce wraps are fresh, the kimchi is solid, and while they offer hot dishes, I would focus mainly on the meats.

Click here for their website

Asados Taqueria

Steak Burrito

This food truck serves the best mission style burritos and they are AMAZING. You choose your own protein then can customize your burrito to be super style or plain style. Super style add guac, sour cream, and monterrey jack cheese. I also ask for it to be crispy! These burrito don't mess around!

Here is their instagram

David Doughies

David Doughies has brought his fantastic bagels to East Austin with his new food truck at Fleet Coffee. These bagels, made with heirloom grains, are truly something special. Whether you're grabbing a bagel sandwich or opting for a quick grab-and-go option, you can't go wrong. Personally, I highly recommend trying the bagel with smoked salmon—it's a delicious choice that's sure to satisfy!

Here is their IG.

Spicy Boys Fried Chicken

Spicy Boys Fried Chicken has long been one of my favorite spots for a hot chicken sandwich in Austin. I recommend the OG sandwich with sweet chili honey, papaya salad, and Thai basil ranch, as well as the five piece bone in chicken. While consistency has dipped slightly over time, it is still worth trying.

Click here for their website

Song La

Song La is my favorite spot for Taiwanese food in Austin. I regularly make the drive just to eat here. The ground pork over rice reminds me of what you would find in Taiwan, and the popcorn chicken and pork chop over rice are excellent. It is a food truck, so seating can be limited and it can get hot.

Click here for their website

Tucci’s Southside Subs

Tucci’s Southside Subs is a popular sandwich shop in South Austin that many people rave about. I have tried multiple items here, including their Italian sub, and it is a solid option if you are in the area. My favorite item is their Gramma's Max's Hot Ham and Swiss with Deluxe ham and melty Swiss, baked up with housemade butter sauce on a poppy seed kaiser roll.

Click here for their website

Loro

Loro is a great patio spot and an easy recommendation when bringing visitors to Austin. They are known for their barbecue and Japanese fusion, and the menu is well executed. I enjoy the corn fritters, smash burger, and their oak smoked grilled steak bowl, which comes with coconut scented rice, seasonal pickled vegetables, and herbs. It is one of my favorite dishes here. On weekends, they also offer brisket using the same recipe from Franklin Barbecue. Overall, it is fusion done right in Austin.

Click here for their website

Paperboy

Paperboy has opened a second location in South Austin on South Lamar. While I slightly prefer the East location, it is great to have another option down south. I recommend the chicken biscuit, pancakes, and cheddar hash browns. Reservations are a good idea here.

Click here for their website

Vua Bo Bun

Vua Bo Bun is perhaps my most frequently visited new spot this year. They serve Bun Bo Hue, a spicy Vietnamese stew where you flavor the broth yourself. You can add satay for extra spice or shrimp paste for more umami. Their fresh rice noodles and giant beef tendon are excellent, providing a rich, collagen-packed meal. They recently started sourcing high quality bánh mì, which pairs perfectly with the broth.
Click Here for their IG.

Cowboy Cubans

Cowboy Cubans is run by a 19-year-old who happens to be the son of the owner of Garbo's. Paying tribute to his childhood in Key West, he serves Cubanos but controversially skips the traditional foreman press, instead pressing his sandwiches by hand on a flat grill. The menu currently features three sandwiches, though he’s already planning to expand. The mojo pork in his Cubanos was spot on, tender, flavorful, and well executed. I also really enjoyed the 305 Cuban, which combines a little bit of everything: ham, cheese, American cheese, Cuban pork, pickles, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Click here for their Website

Habanero Cafe

Habanero Cafe is a great Tex Mex option that leans into an old school Austin feel. They are especially known for their beef fajitas, which are more like seasoned cuts of beef rather than traditional sliced skirt steak. The enchiladas are also worth ordering. It is a very homey, comforting spot.

Click here for their website

Pthai Khao Man Gai

Pthai is a small yet humble Thai Chinese concept from Chef Thai Changthong. Staying true to his roots, he delivers fiery, deeply authentic dishes for those seeking bold, traditional Thai flavors. Standouts include the gai tod (fried chicken), pig ear salad, gai yang (rotisserie style chicken), and the boat noodles. In 2026 Chef Thai is a Jame's Beard semifinalist. Click here for their website.

Parish Barbecue

Parish BBQ is food truck. The owner, previously at Franklin BBQ and Interstellar, has taken his BBQ knowledge and combined it with Creole flavors for a unique fusion concept. You’ll find pulled duck with orange zest, the most tender pork ribs, perfect brisket every time, boudin balls, and crawfish dressing. Everything I’ve tried multiple times has been solid. I’m a big fan of the pimento mac and cheese too. They’re still running as a humble food truck, but I can see awards in their future. Get there early and try the Lagniappe Platter, it comes with a little of everything, meats and sides included. As of 2026 they have a michelin Bib Gourmand.

ELDorado Cafe

I highly recommend the Dartbowl enchiladas, featuring cheese enchiladas topped with short rib chili, jack cheese, queso, red onions, fried egg, and jalapeños. The flavors are decadently delicious. I also tried their Joes Happy plate, Salsa Sampler, and ElDorado Burrito, which were all fabulous. ElDorado also offers an impressive breakfast menu, and I particularly enjoyed their Glorias Chilaquiles, topped with fried egg, chile verde, jack cheese, queso fresco, and sour cream. Don't miss their famous smoky Salsa X!

To avoid long wait times, it's advisable to make reservations online. Otherwise, be prepared for a one-hour wait during peak times. Click their website here.

Home Slice Pizza

Home Slice is an Austin classic, and this is the original location. If you want something quick, head next door to More Home Slice for slices to go. The Italian sub is a must try, and a simple cheese or pepperoni slice always hits. It may not be the best New York style pizza in Austin, but it is consistently good.

Click here for their website

Discada

Discada has been my favorite taco spot for a long time. While I wouldn't necessarily say that they're the absolute best tacos I've ever had, they hold a special place in my heart. The restaurant specializes in one type of taco, which is cooked in a round pan called a disc for multiple hours, hence the name Discada. These tacos feature a delicious blend of meats and veggies, and they never disappoint. As of 2026 they have a Michelin recommendation. Click here for their website.

Cuantos Tacos

Cuantos Tacos is undoubtedly one of the most popular taco spots in Austin, currently located in the Arbor Food Park. What I really appreciate about their tacos is that they use NIXTAmalized style tortillas, and they offer a wide variety of meat options to choose from. While their tacos are on the smaller side, they pack a flavorful punch. They have a Michelin Bib as of 2026. Click here for their website.

Paprika ATX

Paprika is a taqueria in Austin that deserves a lot of recognition in my opinion. What stood out the most to me were their delicious carnitas tacos, the pastor, and the bistec. Note the Pastor is usually a saturday only special. Located right next to Michi Ramen, I highly recommend these tacos to anyone in the Burnet area looking for a top-notch taco. Additionally, I really appreciated the passion that the owner clearly has for his food. Click here for more.

JewBoy Burgers

In my opinion, Jewboy Burgers is an Iconic Austin spot. With ample outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio, it offers a welcoming environment for all. The portions are generous, and a must-try is their shareable queso. While the burgers are solid, the real hidden gems are their flavorful burritos. Take a look at their menu, but keep in mind that they don't take reservations. Click their website here.

Pedrosos Pizza

So far, out of all the pizza spots I've tried in Austin, Pedrosos is by far my favorite. I've eaten a lot of pizza over the years in Boston, New York, and all around Texas, and I can say for certain that Pedrosos is the closest I've gotten to NYC! My first experience with Pedrosos was preordering the Sicilian and the Pep and Ricotta NYC style pizza. The Sicilian is the ooey gooey thick crust pizza of your dreams. The bread is soft and crispy on the edges, and the cheese compliments the delicious pizza sauce and charred cupped pepperoni. However, I revisited 10 times and decided their NYC cheese slice or just pepperoni is their best pizza. The perfect crisp crust to sauce to cheese ratio is perfect at Pedrosos. You can preorder in advance via their website. I also recommend trying their italian sub!

Tan My

Tan My holds a special place in my heart, and I’ll admit I’m biased—it’s probably my personal favorite pho spot in Austin. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and later through high school and college, when my dad and I would go almost every Wednesday.
Fast forward a decade, and the secret is definitely out. Thanks to word of mouth and social media, Tan My has become one of the top pho destinations in Austin. These days, you might wait 10–30 minutes for a table, though weekdays are a bit easier. Despite the crowds, the hospitality remains personal.
One important note: Tan My does to-go only on certain nights, so double-check their hours/call before you go. Lunch is usually the safest bet if you want to dine in.

Anh Em

Anh Em, by the former owners of phoCraft, serves delicious banh mi and pho. Prices are on the higher side for smaller portions, but they deliver with some of the best bread I’ve had for banh mi and a generous smear of pâté and mayo. Their nitro Thai tea is also worth trying. The pho has improved on subsequent visits and we enjoy their matcha soft serve
Click Here for their IG.

Rogue Radish

Rogue Radish recently reopened in a new location at Swift Attics, moving from Fairground. They serve my favorite salads, including the sunflower sprout bowl, and I also enjoyed the steak. They have poke bowls too, but the sunflower sprout bowl with a side of rice is a must. Everything I’ve tried here has been excellent, thanks to the former executive chef of the award winning Pitchfork Pretty.
Click Here for their IG.

Julie's Noodles

pork and chive dumpling

Soup dumplings

Julie Noodle is an unassuming gem of a shop that specializes in fresh, hand made noodles and dumplings. It has become my goto spot for affordable and delicious Asian cuisine, and it holds a special place in the hearts of the Asian community. When it comes to dumplings, Julie Noodle offers a variety. Their pork soup dumplings are good, bursting with flavor and served piping hot. The boiled pork and chive dumplings are equally satisfying.

If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience that won't break the bank, Julie Noodle is the perfect destination for satisfying your craving for delicious, affordable soup dumplings.

Here is their website

Mian & Bao

Mian and Bao is serving a mix of Sichuan and Shanghai dishes alongside spicy beef noodle soup and dumplings. We sampled a variety of dumplings, the soup dumplings leaned a little on the sweeter side, though we enjoyed the flavor of the dough and the overall texture. They also offer panfried dumplings and spicy wontons, but if you’re visiting, I’d definitely lean more toward their noodle dishes over the dumplings. Still, it’s a solid addition to the area and a good option to have nearby.

Click here for their website.

Breeze and Bites

Doner Wrap and Falafel Bowl

I was pleasantly surprised by the food truck Breeze and Bites. They serve doner wraps that are sliced in half, charred, and seared for a nice, crisp exterior. The wraps are filled with tender pieces of steak, fresh lettuce, and other flavorful fillings. You can also get the same beef doner in a bowl with falafel, which is equally solid. Everything tastes housemade and fresh. Their red and white sauces complement the dishes perfectly. On top of that, the team is incredibly friendly, even offering complimentary treats like baklava. Overall, great people and fantastic food. Click Here for Website

Wagyu Yume

Wagyu Yume is a small food truck serving Japanese comfort staples, best known for its affordable A5 Wagyu bowl using authentic Wagyu imported from Japan. Surprisingly, though, my favorite item here might actually be their gyudon—the best I’ve had in Austin. They also offer a delightful matcha tiramisu that’s well worth ordering.

Friendly owners, great food, and very fair prices make this truck an easy recommendation.

Here is their Instagram

T-Loc's Sonora Hot dog

Green Hot dog for Austin FC at T Locs

Carne Asada Fries at T Locs

This is one of my top 3 food trucks in Austin. T-Loc's has been around for years, and it's a huge surprise he doesn't have a brick-and-mortar location. Everything here is good, I'm serious! They serve Sonoran-style food and source their tortillas and buns from Arizona. The tortillas are buttery, flaky, and delicious. They have amazing carne asada and carne asada fries too. My go-to orders are the carne asada plate, the fries, and their agua fresca. The Sonoran hot dog is also a must-try.

Here is their instagram.

KG BBQ

KG BBQ

A bbq spot that has a James Beard-nomination, KG BBQ specializes in Egyptian-style BBQ. Their pork style ribs, chicken shawarma, and Egyptian rice with pomegranate seeds are all delicious. The use of fruit in their seasoning gives the BBQ a nice balance of tangy and savory. For a great deal, I recommend trying one of their rice bowls! Their best item are the lamb chops!

Here is their instagram.

Wow Poke

‍@wowpokeatx checks off all the criteria for amazing poke bowls. Tasty marinated fish, perfectly cooked rice, fresh toppings, and perfect ratios. We ordered the Spicy Maguro bowl (Spicy tuna, white rice, jalapeños, cucumber, radish, seaweed salad, crispy onions with spicy mayo on top and sesame seeds.) and the Mix love bowl with edamame (Salmon and tuna, white rice, mango, scallions, avocado with our house dressing, furikake and crispy onions).  I highly recommend this poke spot. This is the best poke in Austin!

Pho Phong Luu

Pho Phong Lu ranks among the very best pho spots in Austin. Many of my Vietnamese friends—who I trust to know good pho—swear by it as their favorite in the city. They originally built their reputation in a small Lamar location before expanding to their current spot near Metric.

One of their big claims is that they don’t use MSG. Personally, being Chinese, I don’t really buy into the whole MSG-free marketing, but what matters is that their broth is consistently deep, aromatic, and layered with herbs and spices,clearly the work of someone who knows pho inside and out.

I recommend getting one of their combination phos—my goto is the meatball and brisket, though many people love their rare beef. If you’re adventurous, you can even add chicken fat or beef fat on the side for extra richness.

Hours and location here

Uroko $-$$

I really enjoy Uroko for its handrolls. The handrolls are served cold in the traditional style, unlike the warm rice ones you might find in LA. They're also reasonably priced, you can probably be full after two of them for around $6-8 each. If you want the best value, try their make your own temaki set and assemble your own handrolls! Check out their menu online by clicking here.