Delicious dining is around every corner in Austin, but some places leave a lasting impression. From the surprising menus to the unforgettable atmospheres, these local eateries are full of fun. These are 10 of the coolest and most unusual places to dine in Austin.
- Whip In
dillykat/Foursquare
Javi T./Foursuquare This convenient store/Indian fusion restaurant is a real Austin gem. Where else can you pop by for a six pack of craft beer and munch on some chutney queso? With a lovely dog-friendly patio and an epic live music lineup, Whip In remains a local favorite. Visit this unusual local business at 1950 S Interstate 35.
- Dart Bowl Cafe
Dart Bowl/Facebook
Dart Bowl/Facebok Why, yes, this cafe does sit inside a bowling alley. Dart Bowl’s delicious enchiladas taste amazing anywhere, but it’s especially fun when you can score a few strikes on the lanes. This little-known spot sits at 5700 Grover Ave. To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya/Facebook
Kemuri Tatsu-ya/Facebook This hip Eastside restaurant will delight your taste buds. This is where traditional Japanese meals get a Texas twist. Brisket ramen, BBQ eel, and guacamole poke are just a few of the exciting dishes on the menu. Venture over to 2713 E. 2nd St and taste for yourself. It’s easy to see why it was named one of the best new restaurants in America.
- Gourdough’s Public House
KONA/Foursquare
Mark R./Foursquare Big. Fat. Donuts. That’s what you’ll find at Gourdough’s Public House. This donut-only restaurant is beyond your wildest dreams. Devour a classic barbecue sandwich with donut buns or sink your teeth into their massive salad’s garlic donut crouton. The possibilities are endless at this quintessential Austin eatery. Indulge in these divine dishes at 2700 S Lamar Blvd.
- Eden East
Eden East Austin/Facebook
Eden East Austin/Facebook Escape from life’s hectic demands and dine under the stars at Eden East. This farm-to-table restaurant features a different prix fixe menu every weekend, and it’s always splendid. Take a trip to 755 Springdale Rd and relax in the picturesque atmosphere.
- Sawyer and Co.
Sawyer & Co./Facebook
Sawyer & Co./Facebook This retro diner serves some of the best New Orleans-style food in Austin. Devour a fried oyster po-boy and slurp up some spicy jambalaya. Sawer and Co. also has one of the most affordable and scrumptious brunch menus in the city. Take your taste buds on a New Orleans adventure at 4827 E Cesar Chavez St.
- Soursop
St. Elmo Brewing Company/Facebook
Soursop/Facebook Soursop is nestled on the back patio at St. Elmo Brewing, and you’ll want to lounge under these whimsical twinkle lights all night long. This food truck serves unique Thai-inspired dishes, and there’s always something new popping up on the menu. From Thai chicken wings to spicy green curry, Soursop always delivers the flavor. This one-of-a-kind food truck is located at 440 E Saint Elmo Rd Ste G-2.
- Phara’s
Phara’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Christopher’s Casbah/Facebook
Phara’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Christopher’s Casbah/Facebook At Phara’s, you aren’t just getting a meal; you’re getting an entire experience. While you devour your mouthwatering shish kabobs, you can stare at fabulous belly dancers performing around the tables. Their welcoming patio is full of life, and their food will completely dazzle you. Phara’s is located at 111 E North Loop Blvd.
- Top Notch Hamburgers
Gino/Flickr
Top Notch Hamburgers/Facebook Go back in time at this retro drive-in. Top Notch Hamburgers is known for its cheap eats, crunchy onion rings, and classic atmosphere. You’ll really feel like you’ve escaped to the ’50s during one of their Hot Rod Nights. Classic car enthusiasts flock to this colorful diner on a regular basis to show of their vintage automobiles. Top Notch can be found at 7525 Burnet Rd. To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Wild Chix and Waffles
Chris/Foursquare
Wild Chix & Waffles/Facebook Chicken and waffles are definitely a winning combination, and you can get your comfort food fix at this kooky restaurant. Stuff your face with their amazing waffle breakfast sandwich or keep it classic with their syrup-covered chicken and waffle plate. Wild Chix and Waffles knows the way to your heart. You can find them at 7714 Burnet Rd.
What do you think is the coolest restaurant in Austin?
dillykat/Foursquare
Javi T./Foursuquare
This convenient store/Indian fusion restaurant is a real Austin gem. Where else can you pop by for a six pack of craft beer and munch on some chutney queso? With a lovely dog-friendly patio and an epic live music lineup, Whip In remains a local favorite. Visit this unusual local business at 1950 S Interstate 35.
Dart Bowl/Facebook
Dart Bowl/Facebok
Why, yes, this cafe does sit inside a bowling alley. Dart Bowl’s delicious enchiladas taste amazing anywhere, but it’s especially fun when you can score a few strikes on the lanes. This little-known spot sits at 5700 Grover Ave. To learn more, read our feature article here.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya/Facebook
This hip Eastside restaurant will delight your taste buds. This is where traditional Japanese meals get a Texas twist. Brisket ramen, BBQ eel, and guacamole poke are just a few of the exciting dishes on the menu. Venture over to 2713 E. 2nd St and taste for yourself. It’s easy to see why it was named one of the best new restaurants in America.
KONA/Foursquare
Mark R./Foursquare
Big. Fat. Donuts. That’s what you’ll find at Gourdough’s Public House. This donut-only restaurant is beyond your wildest dreams. Devour a classic barbecue sandwich with donut buns or sink your teeth into their massive salad’s garlic donut crouton. The possibilities are endless at this quintessential Austin eatery. Indulge in these divine dishes at 2700 S Lamar Blvd.
Eden East Austin/Facebook
Escape from life’s hectic demands and dine under the stars at Eden East. This farm-to-table restaurant features a different prix fixe menu every weekend, and it’s always splendid. Take a trip to 755 Springdale Rd and relax in the picturesque atmosphere.
Sawyer & Co./Facebook
This retro diner serves some of the best New Orleans-style food in Austin. Devour a fried oyster po-boy and slurp up some spicy jambalaya. Sawer and Co. also has one of the most affordable and scrumptious brunch menus in the city. Take your taste buds on a New Orleans adventure at 4827 E Cesar Chavez St.
St. Elmo Brewing Company/Facebook
Soursop/Facebook
Soursop is nestled on the back patio at St. Elmo Brewing, and you’ll want to lounge under these whimsical twinkle lights all night long. This food truck serves unique Thai-inspired dishes, and there’s always something new popping up on the menu. From Thai chicken wings to spicy green curry, Soursop always delivers the flavor. This one-of-a-kind food truck is located at 440 E Saint Elmo Rd Ste G-2.
Phara’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Christopher’s Casbah/Facebook
At Phara’s, you aren’t just getting a meal; you’re getting an entire experience. While you devour your mouthwatering shish kabobs, you can stare at fabulous belly dancers performing around the tables. Their welcoming patio is full of life, and their food will completely dazzle you. Phara’s is located at 111 E North Loop Blvd.
Gino/Flickr
Top Notch Hamburgers/Facebook
Go back in time at this retro drive-in. Top Notch Hamburgers is known for its cheap eats, crunchy onion rings, and classic atmosphere. You’ll really feel like you’ve escaped to the ’50s during one of their Hot Rod Nights. Classic car enthusiasts flock to this colorful diner on a regular basis to show of their vintage automobiles. Top Notch can be found at 7525 Burnet Rd. To learn more, read our feature article here.
Chris/Foursquare
Wild Chix & Waffles/Facebook
Chicken and waffles are definitely a winning combination, and you can get your comfort food fix at this kooky restaurant. Stuff your face with their amazing waffle breakfast sandwich or keep it classic with their syrup-covered chicken and waffle plate. Wild Chix and Waffles knows the way to your heart. You can find them at 7714 Burnet Rd.
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