Best Lunch Spots in Austin
Top Picks for a Stellar Midday Meal
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene that caters to a diverse range of taste buds. From food trucks to fine dining, there is no shortage of exceptional lunch spots to suit every palate in Austin, Texas. This article will explore some of the best lunch spots in Austin, taking into consideration various tastes, neighborhoods, and cuisines.
Known for its lively atmosphere and culinary delights, Austin's restaurant scene offers plenty of options to satisfy your hunger during your midday meal. Many of these establishments prioritise quality ingredients, unique dishes, and a welcoming ambiance that entices diners to take a break from their busy day and savor the moment. With this in mind, it's important to consider what type of lunch experience you're looking for - the options are seemingly endless!
As you embark on your gastronomical journey to find the perfect lunchtime destination, consider the variety of cuisines that make this city a food lover's paradise. From delicious Texas barbecue to savory Asian fusion, Austin has a little something for everyone looking to indulge in a satisfying lunch. So whether you're a local or just visiting the city, these lunch restaurants are sure to leave you with a full stomach and fond memories of your time in Austin.
Diverse Culinary Scene
Austin's lunch scene offers a wide range of cuisines, satisfying various food cravings and catering to different preferences. This diverse culinary scene highlights the best of local foods like Tex-Mex and classic American diners, it's also a great city to try more exotic food.
Tex-Mex Favorites
When it comes to the staple cuisine of the Lone Star State, Austin doesn't disappoint with its Tex-Mex eateries. Satisfy your cravings for flavorsome tacos, fresh salads, and comforting sandwiches at popular lunch venues like Jack Allen's Kitchen and FoodHeads. Make sure to try some of these renowned Tex-Mex dishes at these notable lunch spots in Austin:
Chicken Fajita Salad
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a twist
Authentic Italian Eateries
Apart from Tex-Mex, Austin also has an excellent selection of authentic Italian restaurants, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch. Delectable pizzas, rich pasta dishes, and a variety of Italian-style sandwiches await in establishments such as Patrizi's and Cuisina on 35th. Some must-try items include:
Margherita Pizza
Fettuccine Alfredo
Italian Combo Sandwich
Classic American Diners
For a more traditional meal, the city boasts a range of classic American diners offering juicy burgers, crispy fries, and mouthwatering sandwiches. Amongst the vibrant culinary scene of Austin, places like Kerbey Lane Cafe and Better Half are renowned for their all-American offerings. Do not miss out on these classic dishes:
Cheeseburger with all the fixings
Chicken Sandwich with honey mustard
Fried Chicken
Cobb Salad
Classic Chicken Burger
Innovative Asian Cuisine
Austin has also embraced the flavors of Asia with innovative pan-Asian dining and food truck options. Indulge in unique and irresistible ramen, sushi, and other Asian delights at popular spots like Koriente and Soursop. Here are some dishes to sample from Austin's Asian cuisine range:
Spicy Miso Ramen
Sushi Rolls with creative local twists
Korean BBQ Tacos
The Austin restaurants scene offers locals and visitors a fantastic array of lunch options, combining traditional and adventurous flavors. Be prepared to savor every bite as you explore these delectable spots in the city.
Specialty Lunch Offerings
Barbecue Joints
Austin is widely known for its delicious and smoky barbecue scene. Many lunch spots offer fantastic barbecue options that incorporate succulent brisket, flavorful pulled pork, and tender fried chicken. Expect to enjoy a savory meal that combines the best of Texas-style barbecue with unique sides and sauces.
Sandwich Shops
For a lighter lunch option, Austin boasts numerous sandwich shops offering a wide array of options, from classic deli-style sandwiches to inventive creations. At FoodHeads, patrons can select from an extensive menu of sandwiches, wraps, and salads, featuring a variety of meats, vegetables, and mouth-watering sauces. Additionally, Better Half Coffee (whose website can be found here) offers a selection of sandwiches, ensuring a satisfying and diverse range of choices for every sandwich lover.
Taco Stands
In a city famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, you can't miss out on the delightful taco stands scattered around Austin. With a large variety of options, including enchiladas, burritos, and, of course, tacos, there's something to please every palate. Popular spots include Fresa's Chicken, which offers flavorful tacos and other Tex-Mex staples. Another option is Uroko, a casual handroll spot that even features sushi-style tacos, merging culinary traditions in a unique and appetizing way.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Those seeking vegetarian and vegan options lunch restaurants will not be disappointed. The city has a thriving vegetarian scene with numerous restaurants catering to specific dietary preferences.
Bouldin Creek Cafe: Offers a wide range of vegetarian lunch specials, from soup and salad to sandwiches and the quinoa and vegetable-filled Buddha bowl. Bouldin Creek Cafe serves lunch on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Koriente: For those interested in Asian cuisine, this restaurant specialises in healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes, without sacrificing flavour.
As you can see, there are many different lunch restaurants in Austin, all of which offer a diverse selection of tasty meals, from barbecue joints and sandwich shops to taco stands and vegetarian options. With such a wide variety of choices, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
Casual Dining and Food Trucks
Burger Hangouts
In Austin, you'll find plenty of delicious burger spots to satisfy your cravings. Hopdoddy Burger Bar offers a mouthwatering selection of customized burgers using high-quality ingredients. Paired with a cold, refreshing beer and a side of truffle fries, you simply can't go wrong!
For another local favorite, step into P. Terry's Burger Stand. Known for its tasty burgers made from hormone-free beef and classic hand-cut fries, this spot keeps the Austin community coming back for more. If you're in the mood for something different, be sure to try the juicy chicken burger.
Why Not Try a Food Truck?
Some of the best lunch spots in Austin can be found within the cities eclectic food truck scene. Kebabalicious, for instance, serves Turkish-inspired wraps that keep customers lined up for their masterfully spiced kebabs with vegetarian options available.
Beirut, a Lebanese food truck, is parked at the Domain and serves phenomenal shawarma in wraps, bowls, plates, and even a fries version. Place your pickup orders online or get it delivered via Uber Eats for a convenient and delightful experience.
Lunch at a Coffee Shop or Bakery
Coffee aficionados and pastry lovers will rejoice in Austin's flourishing coffee shop scene. Many of these Austin restaurants also serve breakfast, including Houndstooth Coffee - which not only offers an exceptional cup of morning coffee and delicious sandwiches, but also provides an inviting atmosphere to enjoy your break.
Baked goods enthusiasts should make their way to Easy Tiger for a selection of fresh pastries, bread, and handcrafted sandwiches. This coffee shop is a great place to enjoy your pastries with a fine cup of coffee, beer, or wine, on their cozy outdoor patio, perfect for a casual gathering.
Elizabeth Street Café is another much loved coffee shop, serving up French Vietnamese cuisine. Located in South Austin, Elizabeth Street Café is very popular with locals who are a big fan of its specialty dishes like the fried spring rolls.
Unique Lunch Experiences
Bento Boxes and Sushi
For those looking to enjoy a taste of Japan, Austin offers an array of options when it comes to bento boxes and sushi rolls. Bento boxes are a convenient and delightful way to sample various Japanese dishes in a compact and aesthetic presentation. These boxes typically include items like sushi rolls, nigiri, salads, and other tasty surprises. Uroko, a casual handroll spot located in Springdale General, serves up a selection of fresh sushi rolls and handcrafted bento boxes that are perfect for a unique lunch experience. Be sure to try their platter of assorted handmade nigiri and tempura vegetables, which are both flavorful and visually appealing.
Ethiopian Delicacies
Exploring the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine can be an exciting lunch adventure. In Austin, you can find a number of Ethiopian restaurants serving up traditional dishes like injera, a sourdough flatbread, and a variety of hearty stews known as wats. These dishes are often served family-style, allowing you to sample a wide range of flavors and textures. Look out for spicy lentil dishes, aromatic beef stews, and tender chicken dishes prepared with berbere, an Ethiopian spice mix. Some popular options for an Ethiopian lunch in Austin include Taste of Ethiopia and Habesha.
Cheesesteak and Pretzels
Austin has a unique twist on two classic favorites: cheesesteaks and pretzels. The city's take on these classic foods will surely provide a satisfying and memorable lunch experience. Local lunch restaurants serve up mouthwatering cheesesteaks, complete with thinly sliced beef, melted provolone cheese, onions, and peppers. Pair your cheesesteak with a warm, doughy pretzel from any of Austin's numerous bakeries or cafés that specialize in these twisted treats. You may even find some innovative variations, like jalapeño cheddar pretzels or sweet cinnamon sugar pretzels, sure to please your palate.
During your visit to Austin, don't miss out on these unique lunch experiences. Whether diving into bento boxes and sushi rolls, savoring Ethiopian delicacies, or chowing down on cheesesteaks and pretzels, Austin's culinary scene promises a diverse and flavorful experience for adventurous food lovers.
Lunch Spots by District
Downtown Delights
Downtown Austin offers a variety of dining options for lunch. One popular spot is Walton's Fancy and Staple which serves a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, catering to different taste preferences. Walton's Fancy and Staple can be found at: 609 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701. Another downtown location is Koriente, offering healthy and delicious Asian-influenced dishes.
South Lamar Staples
South Lamar Boulevard is another foodie haven in Austin. One of the stand-out locations for a mouthwatering lunch is Home Slice. This well-known pizza joint serves New York-style slices, making it a perfect choice for those craving cheesy goodness.
For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Vaquero Taquero. Their tacos, loaded with flavorful meat and fresh toppings, have garnered acclaim from Austin locals.
East Austin Eateries
East Austin is home to a variety of unique lunch options. If you're in the mood for a fusion of Japanese and American flavors, be sure to check out FoodHeads. This cozy eatery creates incredible dishes including sandwiches, soups, and salads with a twist.
The previously mentioned coffee shop Better Half Coffee can be found in East Austin. This lovely spot is perfect for an early lunch - at better half coffee you can enjoy dishes like seared Loch Duart salmon accompanied by chipotle corn broth and cauliflower succotash. Alongside their lunch options, they also have a full bar and a chic coffee house on the same floor, rounding out the dining experience.
Notable Establishments
Critically Acclaimed Restaurants
Franklin Barbecue has established itself as one of the top barbecue joints in Austin, with its slow-cooked brisket and ribs that consistently draw a line of hungry customers. Another highly-regarded spot is Odd Duck, which features a farm-to-table concept with a rotating seasonal menu. For the sushi enthusiasts, Uchi flies in fresh seafood daily from a market in Japan, making it a go-to destination for some of the best sushi in the Austin area.
Local Favorites
It's impossible to talk about Austin lunch establishments without mentioning the iconic Home Slice Pizza. This spot serves up New York-style pizzas that many locals consider among the best in the city. Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant that has earned a dedicated following. Their creative dishes ensure that even meat-eaters leave satisfied. For a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine, Habanero is a must-try spot, offering delicious homemade dishes in a cozy, family-owned setting.
Emerging Hot Spots
If you're into butcher shops and salumerias, then Salt & Time is an essential stop. With its in-house butcher shop and a menu featuring a range of house-made cured meats and sandwiches, it's quickly gaining popularity. Another recently-buzzing lunch spot is Easy Tiger, known for its bakery serving artisan breads and pastries, plus a beer garden offering a variety of local craft brews. Finally, don't miss out on ASTI Trattoria, an Italian restaurant in the Hyde Park neighborhood gaining recognition for its combination of creative and classic dishes, such as house-made pasta and risotto.
Eating on a Schedule
Weekday Lunches
During weekdays, Austin offers a variety of lunch spots that cater to people on tight schedules. For a quick and satisfying lunch experience, Uroko is a casual handroll spot with a few small tables, perfect for a swift dine-in experience. Located in Springdale General in East Austin, this establishment is known for its delicious handrolls and relaxed ambiance.
Another great option for a fast and fulfilling weekday lunch is Rosita's Al Pastor. This no-frills restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, serving up affordable Mexican food, with daily lunch specials that cater to those seeking everything from tacos to chalupas.
For barbecue lovers, Black's Barbecue Austin is a must-try. With a quick-serving staff, getting your hands on their scrumptious smoked meats won’t take long. The brisket and pecan cobbler are highly recommended.
Midday Meals for Coworkers
If you're planning a midday meal with coworkers, Fareground is the perfect location for a variety of options. Offering a selection of food stalls, this place aims to please diverse palates. Some popular options include:
Taco Pegaso: Mexican street food delights
Little Wu: Chinese dumplings and lamian noodle bowls
Austin Rôtisserie: Juicy, perfectly cooked chicken
The previously mentioned Jack Allen's Kitchen is another great choice for coworker lunches. With an assortment of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, this restaurant provides a pleasant experience for everyone. The efficiency of their service ensures that you can enjoy your interaction without worrying about the time.
Elizabeth Street Café is great for colleagues looking to grab lunch - their spring rolls are great for sharing in group settings.
Finally, Easy Tiger is worth considering for a colleague gathering. This spot serves great food in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for bonding and casual conversations. Their diverse menu covers a range of flavorful options, perfect for sharing with your coworkers during break time.
Beverages and Extras
Craft Beer and Wine
Austin is well-known for its craft beer scene, and many lunch spots offer a diverse selection of local brews to complement your meal. In addition to beer, these establishments often have a curated wine list, featuring both domestic and international options. Rosita's Al Pastor and Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill are just a couple of places where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with your lunch.
Tea and Coffee Selection
Of course, no lunch experience is complete without a hot beverage to cap it off. Austin's lunch spots boast an impressive selection of teas and coffees to suit everyone's taste. From traditional black and green teas to herbal infusions and specialty coffees, you'll find something to savor at places like Koriente and FoodHeads. Don't forget to try their signature lattes or iced teas for a real treat.
Sweet and Savory Snacks
When it comes to snacks and extras, Austin's lunch restaurants offer a variety of sweet and savory options to cater to all cravings. For those looking for a lighter option, many establishments offer fresh and flavorful salads. Hearty pastas are available for those seeking something more filling. If it's something to munch on, consider grabbing a bagel with a selection of tasty schmears at spots like Better Half Coffee and Uptown Sports Club.
Salads: Mixed greens, Caesar or chef's special
Pastas: Penne, alfredo, or aglio e olio
Bagels and Schmears: Toasted or untoasted, with a choice of savory or sweet toppings
With a range of beverages and snacks, Austin's lunch scene ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy and elevate their midday dining experience. Just remember to explore the different options available to make the most of your lunch break in this thriving food city.
Conclusion
Austin offers a diverse range of lunch restaurants for diners seeking exceptional meals and satisfying experiences. Several standout eateries are well-loved for their unique dishes and flavors.
Whether you're craving rice bowls, Mexican street food, fried chicken, or anything in between - it's highly likely you'll find what you're looking for in Austin's ever-evolving food scene. The city offers something for every palate, making every lunchtime an opportunity for culinary exploration and delight.
