Best Restaurants in South Austin

This is a comprehensive guide to restaurants in South Austin that I like to frequent and recommend to my followers. You will rarely find me driving all the way down south for food since I live in North Austin, but when a spot truly catches my attention or I am already in the area, these are the places I believe are worth the drive. South Austin continues to grow, and I think it will offer an even wider range of dining options in the future, but for now, these are the spots I recommend.

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Kiindi

How lucky Austin is to have one of the best Thai spots in the city open a brick and mortar in South Austin. Kiindi is the closest to true Thai style food you’ll find here, reminiscent of the dishes you’d get in cities like LA. We ordered their killer noodles, banana blossom salad, creamy crab curry, and the khao soi. Everything was well cooked rich, bold, and flavorful.

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Matok Bakery

Matok Bakery is another must try. Owned by a female chef who has worked in multiple bakeries in New York City, they aim to make the best pastries in town, including cherry pistachio croissants, knafe croissants, and other treats. They also offer Jewish inspired pastries, like challah bread. Overall, I think they might have some of the best pastries in Austin, and their croissants are easily among the top I’ve had. Be sure to check their IG before visiting as they sell out quick. You can also preorder online in advance.
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Odd Duck

Odd Duck is an excellent spot in the South Lamar area, though it feels closer to downtown since it sits just south of the river. They take a farm to table approach, and their seasonal menu is always well thought out with a variety of options. On my most recent visit, I really enjoyed the quail, and they also have a very popular burger that I am looking forward to trying.

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Bee Dumpling

Bee Dumpling is a decent option for Chinese food in South Austin. While I would not say it surpasses the spots in North Austin, their soup dumplings were solid. Some dishes, like the beef noodle soup, could use improvement, but overall, it is one of the better Chinese options in the area.

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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.

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Proud Mary Coffee

Proud Mary Coffee is a brunch spot with Australian roots. I really enjoy their pancakes and other brunch dishes, and it has become one of my favorite brunch spots in Austin. The pork belly watermelon dish, when available, is worth trying. Their bacon is thick cut and flavorful, and the hash browns are well executed. The scrambled eggs with roti are also a great choice, and they might have some of the best coffee in the city.

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Show Me Pizza

Show Me Pizza is serving unique pies that, while not traditional, lean toward a Neapolitan style with creative toppings and flavor combinations. We really enjoyed the pizzas here. The dough and bottoms are on the softer side, so if that’s not your thing, keep it in mind—but honestly, I haven’t met anyone who didn’t like this spot. It’s a beloved business in South Austin, and the experience of eating these inventive pies is definitely worth a visit. Yes, that is green onion.

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Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Leroy and Lewis Barbecue has earned a Michelin star and continues to improve. On my earlier visits, I felt the barbecue did not quite match some North Austin spots, but their sides have always been excellent. I have heard their meats have improved significantly, and I am especially interested in trying their beef cheeks. Their pork ribs are tender and worth ordering, and they also have a well known burger.

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El Marisquero Seafood

El Marisquero Seafood is a great choice for ceviche. I have tried both the red and green versions, and I personally prefer the red, especially with octopus. If you are looking to save money, ordering it as a tostada is a good option. Their aguachile with shrimp and octopus is another solid choice, though I do think the spice level could be higher.

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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.

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El Perrito ATX

El Perrito ATX is a bit of a hidden gem serving El Paso style Mexican food. I really enjoyed their flautas, and their double ELP tacos are a signature item, topped with their house sauce, shredded cheese, and green salsa. If you are craving flautas, this is the spot.

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Dee Dee

Dee Dee has reopened at Leona Botanical Cafe and continues to serve some of the best Thai food in Austin. Their pad kra pao is perfectly spiced, and I also enjoy their papaya salad and dumplings. Keep in mind that the spice level can be quite high. The mango sticky rice, when in season, is also worth trying.

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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.

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Day’s Pizza

Day’s Pizza, located at The Thicket Food Park, is a great option for New York style pizza. I have been multiple times and even went twice in one week. The pepperoni pizza is very well done, and their chocolate chip cookie might be one of the best in Austin. The Caesar salad is also worth ordering.

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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.

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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.

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Patty Palace

Patty Palace is a spot I recommend specifically for smash burgers. Owned by the team behind Spicy Boys Fried Chicken, their burgers are consistently well executed and worth trying if you are in the area.

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Knuckle Sandwich

Knuckle Sandwich focuses on high quality sandwiches with premium ingredients. Their signature Knuckle Sandwich is their take on an Italian sub, made with Olympia Provisions meats like mortadella, capicola, and salami, along with Mama Lil’s peppers, shredded onion, parm crisp, amba aioli, and za’atar vinaigrette. It is on the pricier side, but they emphasize quality, even sourcing bread from Abby Jane Bakeshop. It is a food truck located at Ant’s Beer Cave, which offers indoor seating.

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Kelly's Irish Pub

Kelly's might be my favorite spot for fish and chips in Austin, TX. I originally came here in search of a full english style breakfast but the winner was the fish and chips! They also serve spice bags here. Be warned that seating is limited and the ambiance is loud and service can be a bit slow but the Irish food is worth a try!

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Pizza Den

Pizza Den is another food truck I enjoy for its more creative, fusion style pizzas. While it may not aim for traditional authenticity, flavors are fun and unique. The elote pizza is a favorite, topped with roasted garlic oil, mozzarella, roasted corn, chipotle crema, cotija, cilantro, tahini, and served with a lime wedge. It is also located at Ant’s Beer Cave, so you can enjoy it indoors.

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Salam's Grill

Salam’s Grill is located at Vacancy Brewing and comes from the family behind Peace Bakery. They serve Palestinian style dishes with a focused menu. The chicken and beef shawarma are both solid, and I especially enjoy their spicy coriander fries with different sauces. The falafel and hummus are also very good, and the mango lemon mint refresher is worth trying.

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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.

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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.

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1618 Asian Fusion

1618 Asian Fusion is a great choice for groups or celebrations. Rather than blending cuisines into single dishes, they offer a wide variety of Asian options in one place. You can get everything from Peking duck to soup dumplings to their tom kha fried rice served in a coconut. It is a fun and versatile dining experience.

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The Bougie Foodie

For late night dessert, The Bougie Foodie is a goto. They specialize in large, levain style chocolate chip cookies, along with cake slices and brownies. It is a great quick stop if you are craving something sweet.

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Side Eye Pie at Meanwhile Brewing Company

Located at Meanwhile Brewing, Side Eye Pie is another solid pizza option in South Austin. While it may not be the top pizza in the city, it is a great choice if you are already in the area. I enjoyed the Pepperoni Homie with bianco red sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella, and cupped pepperoni. They also run specials like barbecue pizza. Seating can be busy since Meanwhile is popular, but it is a great place to hang out with friends or bring kids.

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