12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves

In a city filled with Mexican restaurants, this lively, modern spot is a fave for many reasons: thoughtful, mouthwatering, and completely gluten-free food, tortillas made with freshly ground heirloom corn, top-notch service, and excellent craft cocktails. I usually perch at the bar for happy-hour deals—including the best guacamole in the city—but the shady patio is my go-to when meeting with friends.

Although it’s relatively new, this super-cute spot is locally loved for drinks and European fare that strike the right balance between polished and unpretentious. The Belarusian owners created a cozy bistro and patio with an extensive selection of wine, craft beer, and cocktails, which pair well with everything from steak tartare to fresh oysters, burgers, and pastas.

This quirky Austin staple has been a long-time favorite to take visitors for its welcoming patio and South Texas-inspired dishes like chicken-fried quail, venison-and-beef Frito pie, and chargrilled steaks and burgers. But a visit to the Ranch isn’t complete without a plateful of crispy oysters chased down with the original Ranch Water—the popular tequila, fresh lime juice, and soda cocktail created here by the sorely missed late chef-owner Kevin Williamson.

Dark and moody, The Roosevelt Room has a speakeasy vibe that instantly makes you feel special—and then come the cocktails. From classic pre-Prohibition drinks to unique house creations made with unusual ingredients like pink peppercorn syrup and jasmine water, all the flavors are crafted precisely and served in carefully selected glassware. A top-tier snacks and small bites menu means it’s just as great for a fancy happy hour as it is for an unforgettable late-night hang.

Yes, it’s in a shopping center, but this elegant, coastal-inspired space from chefs Amir & Ali Hajimaleki (of District Kitchen and Cocktails and Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar) is a lovely place to sample globally inspired dishes featuring sustainably caught seafood and a superb raw bar. To drink, there’s a thoughtful list of wines, cocktails, and beers from local breweries, plus a great daily happy hour for sips and snacks at the spacious bar or on the lush covered patio.

This hidden gem in Circle C (with a sibling in central Austin) is popular with neighborhood regulars thanks to an eclectic menu of internationally accented cuisine, like Moroccan lamb kebabs orTexas Wagyu steak with chimichurri, scallop risotto. It also has one of the most affordable happy hours around, with regular specials on snacks, wine, beer, and cocktails served at a friendly community bar.

If I’m dining solo, the roomy bar at this South Congress longstanding Italian restaurant is usually my first choice. The food here is served by a professional and friendly staff and always on point. It’s easy to fill up on housemade pasta, thin-crust pizza, seasonal and locally sourced specials, and the best Caesar salad in Austin—topped with focaccia croutons—but save room for dessert, like housemade gelati.

Mexico City-born chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas left her fine-dining days behind to open this laid back neighborhood spot to share the traditional food she grew up with. Expect unfussy but perfectly prepared hits like smoky tomatillo chicken enchiladas, grilled quail with mole, and duck tacos, accompanied by Mexican lagers and cocktails for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Pro tip: Try the avocado margarita and thank me later.

This colorful bungalow is all about creative Mexican street food and home-cooked classics from Mexico City native Daniel Brooks. Tacos, quesadillas, and tlacoyos (thick corn-dough patties stuffed with various fillings) come sizzling from the huge griddle, topped with everything from nopalitos (cactus pads) to bone marrow and sauteed hibiscus flowers. The friendly and festive atmosphere is enhanced by cold beer, agave spirits, and fresh cocktails.

Understated is the word that comes to mind when describing this little gem on SoCo. Aside from Japanese menu classics like ramen, chef Jay Huang is a pioneer when it comes to sustainably sourced sushi, dry-aged fish, and creative Nikkei dishes with stunning presentations accompanied by sake, cocktails, and Japanese whisky. The adorable space is decorated with cherry blossoms and murals and ideal for date night or solo dining at the bar.

Justine’s is a go-to for locals and visiting celebs and feels like you’re dining at your glamorous best friend’s home, complete with antiques and one splendid patio. The menu has all the Parisian bistro classics like charcuterie, steak frites, and escargots, plus seasonal specials sourced from local producers. Behind the bar, the staff pours French wines and crafts superb cocktails while spinning records from the owners’ vinyl collection.

Vince Young’s was made for special occasions and celebrations. But the restaurant really distinguishes itself by sourcing ingredients, craft beers, and spirits locally, including Texas-raised meats and farmstand veggies. It’s also home to one of the best happy hours in town, with $10 bar and lounge menu items, including steak frites and a top-notch Wagyu burger.