Best Places to Eat on South Congress

This is my comprehensive guide to places to eat on South Congress. Please note that it is missing a few spots like Joann’s and Perla’s, as I have not personally reviewed them. The restaurants included here are Austin a few classics and places that most people visit when they are spending time on South Congress.

If you have the time, I recommend venturing slightly beyond South Congress and exploring other parts of the city, especially downtown around 2nd Street. Austin has an incredible food scene with plenty to eat, see, and do, and stepping outside the main tourist areas can lead you to some really great spots.

That said, while the food on South Congress may not represent the very best Austin has to offer, it is still a must visit area if you are coming from out of town.

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Two Hands

Two Hands is an Australian café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I visited for brunch and tried a range of dishes, including the steak and eggs on a hash brown, salmon grain bowl, chili fries, and the lemon poppy seed waffle. The lemon poppy seed waffle is a must try, and the chili fries are solid. However, several of the other dishes felt underwhelming. That said, if you are visiting South Congress, it is still one of the better sit down options. They also have a popular strawberry matcha that runs about nine dollars.

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Jeni's Icecream

Jeni's Ice Cream was for a long time my go-to ice cream spot. They are technically a chain with multiple locations.

My favorite flavor is the Bramble Berry Crisp. It features oven-toasted oat streusel with sweet-tart brambleberry jam, blackberries, and black currants layered throughout vanilla ice cream. The only reason it is not my top pick anymore is that the scoops have become smaller and more expensive over time.

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Gelato Paradiso

Gelato Paradiso is my go to spot for gelato. It is tucked behind Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar but well worth the short detour. The gelato is on par with what you would find in Rome. My favorite flavors are strawberry and pistachio.

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La La Land Kind Cafe

La La Land is a newer addition to South Congress and draws a very social media driven crowd. They offer a wide range of matcha drinks and items like strawberry toast. I would skip the toast and go for one of their matcha cloud drinks, specifically the Matcha Squared for a stronger flavor. They also have a mission focused on employing foster youth, which is something I support.

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Mañana Coffee

Mañana is a great quick stop for coffee or matcha. Their matcha is well executed, and they offer pastries, with the kouign amann being one of their most popular items.

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Teal House Coffee & Bakery

If you are willing to venture slightly outside of South Congress, Teal House is worth it. They have, in my opinion, the best cinnamon rolls in Austin. The rolls are soft, fluffy, and topped with a cream cheese frosting that is not overly sweet. They rotate flavors and often sell out, so plan accordingly.

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Veracruz All Natural

Veracruz All Natural is a must stop, especially before crossing the bridge or heading to see the bats. Their breakfast tacos live up to the hype, and the chilaquiles taco is a must try.

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The Salty Donut

The Salty Donut is a chain with locations across the country, but the quality holds up. If you want something quick and satisfying, this is a reliable option.

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Aba

Aba is one of the most talked about restaurants on South Congress. If you go, stick to the spreads and hummus. Try to request patio seating, as that is the best part of the experience. The entrees did not impress me as much, but the appetizers are worth ordering.

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Lucky Robot

Lucky Robot is an Austin staple known for its focus on sustainable seafood. The chef emphasizes responsible sourcing, earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation. My favorite dish is the chirashi bowl topped with a lonsen egg. The okonomiyaki is also worth trying.

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Neighborhood Sushi

Neighborhood Sushi offers high quality sushi and may edge out Lucky Robot in terms of fish quality. Prices are on the higher side, but they do well with hand rolls and specialty rolls. You are paying a premium for the location.

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Jo’s Coffee

Jo’s Coffee is home to the iconic I Love You So Much mural, making it a must stop for visitors. Most people come for the photo, but it is still a classic Austin experience.

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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.

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Amy’s Ice Creams

Amy’s Ice Creams is another Austin staple with multiple locations, and this is one of the most popular. My go to is Mexican vanilla with crushed Oreos mixed in.

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Guero’s Taco Bar

Guero’s is a well known tourist stop. While it leans touristy, it is still an Austin classic. I did enjoy the pastor tacos made with house made tortillas, but overall, there are better taco options in the city.

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