South Austin Restaurants
The home base of musicians, artists, and other creatives, South Austin historically has embodied the phrase “keep Austin weird” to its truest extent. However, this neighborhood, located south of the boundary that the Colorado River cuts through Downtown, has grown at a rapid rate over the past few years, becoming one of the most bustling centers of commerce and nightlife found in the Lone Star state’s capital. Consequently, the culinary scene here, which boasts everything from time-honored Tex-Mex haunts to modern takes on barbecue, is nothing short of outstanding. With so many top-notch options, it can be hard to decide where to refuel after taking a dip in Barton Springs or two-stepping at the Broken Spoke. Luckily, we narrowed down the best bites you can discover in this unique and beloved part of the city. So, get ready to spend less time scrolling Yelp reviews and more time chowing down on some brisket.
Related: Fun Indoor Things to Do in Austin, TX
Where to Eat in South Austin
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Drive, Austin, TX 78745
Cost: $$
For any Texas-based foodie, barbecue is nothing short of an essential. And South Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis, located in the Garrison Park neighborhood, represents the best of the brisket bunch. After starting out as a food truck, the popularity of this New School BBQ joint led these professional pitmasters to open a large brick-and-mortar. With plentiful indoor and patio seating, as well as a full bar docked in kitschy Lone Star decor, the vibes found here are as immaculate as the meats that they smoke. Just be sure to schedule time for a food-coma nap after chowing down on a tray of their scrumptious specials and sides.
What to Eat:
While anyone’s natural inclination when it comes to Texas barbecue is to go for the brisket, it would be an amateur mistake not to sample some bites of LeRoy and Lewis’ pulled whole hog. Order this succulent, smoky pork with a side of their kale Caesar slaw to balance out the dish.
Aba Austin
Address: 1011 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Cost: $$$
Tucked away in a corner off of the busy street of South Congress, Aba is the hidden Mediterranean food oasis of your dreams. While the inside, which they decorated with stained-glass lamps and lux fabrics, looks gorgeous on its own, try to grab a table on the outdoor patio, preferably one beneath the vibrant, old oak tree that sits in the middle of their exterior dining area. There, under the shade, you can sip on delightfully refreshing cocktails, like the green juice-based Aloe, and nosh on a variety of Greek and Israeli-inspired tapas, including smoky garlic hummus and grilled halloumi.
What to Eat:
It’s hard to deny cheese in any form, especially when topped with crushed pistachio and Aleppo pepper as it is in Aba’s whipped feta spread. And the salty, olive oil-drenched appetizer pairs perfectly with fluffy pita bread for dipping.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Address: 1900 South 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Cost: $$
This pick is for all the vegan or vegan-curious folks out there. Bouldin Creek Cafe, located in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, serves a menu of all your favorite diner classics without all the meat, cheese, or other animal-based products. Before all you meat lovers run away as fast as you can from this quirky South Austin gem’s door, let us confirm for you that the food is so good you wouldn’t even realize it’s plant-based unless you already knew. And, the 90s arthouse chic vibes should serve as an extra reminder to not sleep on their coffee bar, which makes one of the best matcha lattes anywhere in the city.
What to Eat:
Classic Tex-Mex breakfast staple, migas, gets a veggie-filled update at Bouldin Creek with their zucchini migas plate. While you still get all the crispy tortilla strips and spices that define the dish, this take gives you the healthy addition of zucchini and pepper puree as well.
Mattie’s
Address: 901 West Live Oak Street, Austin, TX 78704
Cost: $$$
For a high-end dinner in South Austin, there’s no better place to turn than legendary city spot Mattie’s. A fixture amongst Austinites for graduation or anniversary celebrations, this restaurant is located in a gorgeous old farmhouse, complete with a columned veranda and a lawn where families of colorful peacocks roam. The food takes on a familiar classic Southern bent, with pimento cheese and fried green tomato appetizers and entrees served with baskets of homemade, warm biscuits. For anyone looking for a more Northern-based meal option, the hefty NY strip steak will satisfy all your “Yankee” cravings.
What to Eat:
Nothing will butter your biscuit more at Mattie’s than eating that carbohydrate-filled treat alongside another soul food favorite: fried chicken. And, they crisp the poultry here to perfection, season it well, and serve it alongside plush, whipped mashed potatoes.
Matt’s El Rancho
Address: 2613 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704
Cost: $$
Another staple of Lone Star cuisine, Tex-Mex, combines Mexican flavors with a little bit of Texas flair. And, every Austin resident’s go-to spot for margaritas and fajitas is South Lamar establishment Matt’s El Rancho. This gigantic restaurant has been serving heaping bowls of salsa to the city’s masses since opening its doors in 1952 — and, seemingly, there has never been a night when their dining room sat less than full since. It may be the flowing tequila, the hot enchiladas, the consistently merry atmosphere, or all of the above, but it never ceases to feel like a party when chowing down at Matt’s.
What to Eat:
The Bob Armstrong dip at Matt’s El Rancho takes queso and kicks it up a notch. Named after the former Texas Land Commissioner, who originated the dish, this melty cheese mixture embraces the addition of taco meat and guacamole.
Live Near These Places to Eat in South Austin
If you never want to live further than walking distance to a breakfast taco stand, South Austin is the perfect spot for you to call home. And, by scheduling a call with one of our expert agents at AptAmigo, making the move to this culinary hot spot can feel as easy as ordering a bacon, egg, and cheese on flour. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the right space for your lifestyle, needs, and budget — not to mention give you all the insider info on the best tortillas in town.
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