Best Restaurants in East Austin!

Hey guys, East Austin is probably my favorite part of town to eat in. There are so many great restaurants, food trucks, and award winning spots packed into this part of the city. If you are looking for some of the best food Austin has to offer, you are in the right place. Come along as I share some of my favorite places to eat in East Austin.

Click Here for the map!

Dai Due

Dai Due is an award winning restaurant and butcher shop that emphasizes local sourcing and seed oil free cooking. While I’m not necessarily sold on the seed oil trend, I can confidently say the food here is excellent. Must tries include the antelope, meatballs, and a variety of other meat focused dishes, all prepared with care and bold flavor. Every meal I’ve had has been consistently delicious, and I’ve heard their burgers are also well worth trying.

Click here for reservations.

Paperboy

Paperboy is arguably the best brunch spot in Austin. Not only do reservations book up well in advance, but walk in waits can easily reach 1 to 2 hours, and I think there's a good reason for that. They started as a humble food truck before opening their brick and mortar, and now they have 2 locations. Personally, I still prefer the original East Austin location.

The must tries here are the chicken and biscuit with rosemary gravy, the pancakes with added chocolate chips, the cheddar hash brown as a side, and whatever rotating baked goods they happen to have that day.

For the most part, everything we've tried has been consistently good. There have been a few dishes that I didn't love, like the sweet potato hash, but those have definitely been the exception rather than the rule.

The real test moving forward will be whether they can maintain that same level of consistency across both locations. So far, though, every visit has been excellent, and I still think it's one of the best brunch experiences you can have in Austin.

Sour Duck

A lot of people rave about the burger at Odd Duck, but what I want to talk about is the burger at their sister restaurant, Sour Duck. Not only is it far more affordable, costing only $14 instead of $36, it is also fantastic. They use Peeler Farms wagyu, and the burger features two smash patties, American and pimento cheese, pickles, secret sauce, and a challah bun, all made from scratch.

Sour Duck is known for making everything from scratch They also have surprisingly good salads and an excellent chocolate soft serve. Overall, it is a very consistent spot. Just keep in mind that most of the seating is on the patio, so plan accordingly if the weather is not ideal.

Click here for more information.

Franklin BBQ

Franklin Barbecue is easily the most famous barbecue spot in Austin. You may recognize owner Aaron Franklin from television shows and even the movie Chef. The restaurant consistently draws multi hour lines, which has become part of the experience.

They are best known for their brisket, which I think is very good.

My recommendation is to place an online preorder with a group of friends and skip the line altogether. If you are a fan of Aaron Franklin, he also teaches barbecue master classes and hosts the annual Hot Luck food festival. While Franklin Barbecue is absolutely worth trying at least once, I still personally give the edge to InterStellar BBQ.

Click here to check out their menu.

Intero Restaurant

Located in Austin, TX, this is one of my favorite spots for italian food in Austin, focused mainly on contemporary style italian food. Make sure to try their delightful focaccia, flavorful rotating bucatini, and irresistible brown butter cake. They are sustainable and farm to table with a rotating menu. The chocolate truffles are also a favorite here!

Click their website here.

Patrizis

Patrizi's is one of those spots in Austin that pretty much everyone seems to love. I wouldn't say this is the most traditional Italian food you will find, but what I do appreciate is that they make their pasta fresh from scratch on site, and you can really taste the difference.

I personally like getting their carbonara, even though it is not made in the traditional style. I also enjoy their Leopold spaghetti with their classic red sauce or pomodoro sauce, and I recommend adding a meatball on top.

Another thing I always recommend getting here is their garlic bread. Overall, it is a fun spot with fresh pasta, a great atmosphere, and food that I think a lot of people will enjoy.

Spread & Co.

This is a beautiful, Instagram worthy spot located on Manor Rd. While their cheese plates are popular, my personal favorite is the Grilled cheese with melty raclette cheese, and caramelized onions. Other must try is mortadella sandwich. They offer breakfast all day, and their menu can be found I love their turkish eggs and the breakfast platter with smoked salmon spread!

here.

Bird Bird Biscuit

Bird Bird Biscuit

One of my favorite spots in town for a delicious biscuit sandwich is here! The Queen Beak (with cayenne black pepper honey, bacon infused chipotle mayo, and fried chicken breast) is my go to chicken sandwich. I also recommend getting an order of their dough doughs! They also have delicious biscuits and gravy. Check out their menu here.

Birdie's

Steak at birdies

Located in East Austin, this spot offers a seasonal course menu and a charming counter service experience. It's the perfect place for a romantic night out, especially if you're a fan of fantastic pasta dishes. While there are a couple of downsides, such as the counter service format and the need to wait in line before ordering, Birdies compensates with its exceptional food. Additionally, the wait can be quite long due to the sampling of their wine pairings before ordering, but once you taste the food at Birdies, you'll understand why it's worth the wait. They now only offer a prefixe menu and limited reservations. They also make my favorite pasta in Austin. Click their website here.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

This establishment offers a unique blend of Japanese and Texas BBQ fusion cuisine, creating a vibrant and flavorful dining experience. The drinks and eats here exude an energetic and lively vibe. Personally, I enjoy the yakitori and street corn, which are both delicious options. If available, the chili cheese Takoyaki is always a crowd-pleaser. In comparison to other Tatsuya spots, I find this particular location to be my preferred choice, thanks to its distinctive Japanese fusion dishes that truly set it apart. Click their website here.

Vic and Als

Vic and Al's is a spot in East Austin that focuses on Cajun inspired eats. I will say that this is more of a contemporary take on Cajun food, so don't come here expecting super traditional dishes like a classic gumbo.

That being said, I do enjoy the food here. I really like their blackened catfish, and they also have a great happy hour. Their corn dogs are another thing I enjoy getting here as well. Overall, it is a solid spot if you are looking for a more modern take on Cajun flavors.

Shokunin

Shokunin has flown somewhat under the radar. Early on, they received attention from local bloggers, but as the hype has settled, I’ve recently tried their hand rolls and found the in house milled rice pleasantly seasoned, and the fish high quality. Dining here can be pricey, but if you use the InKind app and instore deals, it can be more affordable. The negitoro is a must.
Click Here for their IG.

Saten

Saten is a really unique spot in East Austin that focuses on Japanese style breakfast and kissaten style eats. They also do a really good Neapolitan style spaghetti special, which is something I recommend trying if it is available.

Personally, I really enjoy their toast, chicken katsu, and potato wedges. It is a great spot if you are looking for a different style of breakfast or a more casual Japanese inspired meal.

Small's Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza and Vodka Pie

Small Pizza is located in 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. Currently Small's serves some of the best pizza in town and they have expanded to a small wine bar in the same building and they sell bagels before 12 on weekends as well.

They offer specials daily and pizza by the slice.

Smalls Wine Bar

Smalls Wine Bar is a newer concept from the team behind Smalls Pizza. After finding success with the pizza shop, they expanded into the same Springdale General building with a wine bar focused on Italian small plates, wine by the glass, and rotating specials.

When I visited, I enjoyed the frittatine along with an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie. One of the nice things is that you can also order pizza from Smalls Pizza next door, which pairs really well with the wine bar experience.

The menu rotates regularly, so you'll likely find something different each time you visit. Overall, you can expect well executed Italian classics, a cozy atmosphere that's great for a date night, and really good house made ice cream to finish your meal.

Desnudo

Desnudo Coffee has established itself as one of the best coffee spots in Austin, Texas, with multiple locations across the city. They source their beans directly from family-owned farms in Colombia, focusing on quality, sustainability, and transparency. Beyond sourcing, they also work closely with these farms to support sustainable practices and help improve cultivation methods.

Along with their expertly crafted coffee drinks, I’m always a fan of their signature offerings, like the Brown Sugar Miso Latte and their matcha drinks. I especially appreciate how they note exactly which type of matcha is used, with the Uji matcha being my personal favorite. They also offer seasonal drinks, keeping the menu fresh and exciting. With multiple convenient locations across Austin, they are quickly establishing themselves as one of the city’s foremost coffee destinations.

David Doughies

David Doughies has the best bagels in town. 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 or the jalapeno bagel with barbacoa!

Here is their IG.

Mam Mam

mam mam is one of my favorite places to eat in East Austin. It is located inside Springdale General, and it has become one of my go to spots when I am in the area.

I always get their congee, and I really enjoy their fried chicken served over chicken fat rice. I also recommend their vermicelli bowl with pork belly, which is another favorite of mine. Overall, everything I have tried here has been really solid.

It is more of a grab and go concept, but you can still find seating indoors at Springdale General if you want to enjoy your meal there.

Fukumoto

Fukumoto is a really good Japanese spot in East Austin. I especially enjoy their mentaiko pasta, uni pasta, and their different izakaya bites like yakitori and other skewers. I think their sushi is solid, but I definitely prefer their izakaya style dishes and cooked items more. If you are looking for a cozy spot to share different Japanese dishes, Fukumoto is definitely worth checking out.

Uroko

Also located in Springdale General. I really enjoy Uroko for its casual omakase and 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.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Uroko's neighboring omakase concept, Tonari, offers a 45-minute omakase for $84 per person, which includes 12 tastings. I find the toppings to be excellent, but the fish is not as warm as I prefer, and the rice isn't as high quality as Chef Mike's at Tsuke Edomae. Nevertheless, it's still a great experience, and you can reserve the omakase here.

OMG Squee

Mochi Donuts at OMG SQUEE

OMG Squee's Mochi Donuts have gained widespread fame for being gluten free and even featured on Queer Eye. They're definitely worth trying, offering a deliciously unique sweet treat. Just be prepared for a potentially long wait, especially on weekends I recommend visiting on weekdays if possible. These donuts have a delightfully chewy texture, and if you don't want to wait in line, you can also order [online]

(https://www.squeeclub.com/).

Spicy Boys

OG Hot Chicken Sandwich at Spicy Boys

Let me just say my love runs really deep for Spicy Boys. So much that I've been obsessed since they used to be called Sour Sop. Spicy boys has multiple locations but i feel their OG sandwich with sweet chili honey, papaya relish, and Thai basil ranch is the best chicken sandwich in Austin. Yep I said it, please don't @ me. Their tots are also to die for! I would fight for Spicy Boys!

Here is their instagram.

Nixta Taqueria

This is a James beard Taco spot located in East Austin. Their Beet Tostada and Bean and cheese are my favorite tacos. They just opened their indoor space and do course menys on the weekends. They are a bit pricier than other tacos on this list but are known for their high quality ingredients and homemade tortillas.

Mercado Sin Nombre

masa pancakes and masa breakfast sandwich

Mercado Sin Nombre is a hidden gem tucked away in an alley, serving creative masa based dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico City. From the food to the drinks, just about everything on the menu highlights masa in a unique way.

Some of my favorites are the horchata cold brew and the masa brisket biscuit, which is purple, flaky, and seriously delicious. They also serve breakfast sandwiches and tacos, although I did find the tacos a bit pricey for their size.

Their masa Twinkies and rotating seasonal specials are also worth trying. Overall, it's one of those places where you really can't go wrong, and it's a great stop if you're looking for a unique breakfast or a quick bite.

Comadre Panaderia

Pudding bread

This James Beard Nominated spot is serving some of the best pastries you'll find in the U.S. From pan dulce to their new bean and cheese tacos made with house made Sonoran tortillas, everything here is incredible.

The breakfast empanadas are a must order. They're flaky, decadent, and packed with filling. There are a few small tables out front where you can enjoy your food, but honestly, this is the type of place where I think it's best to grab everything to go and enjoy it at home.

Las Trancas

Las Trancas is one of the most popular spots on this list, and it's always easy to spot when driving through east Austin because of the decently long line. This taco stand has a well-rounded menu, and what I like about it is that they have really good salsa and make their tortillas from scratch. Although I wouldn't say that any specific taco is the best, I think all of them are delicious. The lengua is a must! Open late night as well.
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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.

Bread Boat

Austin has seen a surprising rise in Georgian restaurants this year going from zero to two. One of them is Bread Boat, located in East Austin, specializing in Khachapuri bread boats, fluffy baked bread filled with egg and cheese.

We tried the beef and bean & bacon versions. Personally, I’d recommend the beef one the tomato-based sauce gives it a comforting, pizza like flavor that pairs really well with the gooey cheese.

Overall, we really enjoyed everything here. The space is small with limited seating, so it’s probably best for takeout, but the food is worth it. Between the two Georgian spots in Austin, this one’s my favorite so far.

Click here for the Website

Micklethwait

Micklethwait is renowned in town for being one of the top BBQ spots that typically doesn't have a long wait. However, as word has spread about this hidden gem, you can now expect a wait of around 40 minutes to an hour on weekends. What truly distinguishes Micklethwait is their outstanding selection of sides. While their BBQ is above average, I personally prefer Interstellar. Although not listed on their online menu, I highly recommend trying their flavorful Brisket Nachos and indulging in their scrumptious Frito pie. Click their website here.