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The Best Bars for Foodies in Austin

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated 15 December 2023
Austin is the cutting-edge, super-hip heart of the Lone Star State, and its dining and drinking scene is just as cool. There are traditional, Texas-style swinging and rocking honky-tonk live-music venues and barbecue joints teeming with family-secret recipes that simmer for hours. But where are the smartest, savviest diners grabbing a drink? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. These spots offer up exciting fusion dishes with cuisines from around the globe, locally-brewed craft beers and spirits, and staggering wine lists.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2194)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
About the restaurant
This downtown Austin institution from chef Ji Peng Chen is the place to go to for authentic farm-to-table Chinese food. Weekends and weeknights are packed with young professionals and locals dining on dishes and washing those down with one of Wu Chow's signature cocktails, many mixing Asian and traditional American flavors. A top-notch spot for dinner and a few drinks with a group of friends.
Top review
Alexandra
Dined on 19 Jan 2025
Amazing food and service! My friend had a wonderful birthday :)
A photo of Uchi Austin restaurant
4.9
4.9 (5447)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
About the restaurant
Uchi is a groundbreaking Asian fusion restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. It's one of Austin's sushi hot spots, with a creative and ever-changing menu for visitors and locals to enjoy. There's also an expansive sake list, a selection of Japanese-influenced cocktails, and a fine beer selection that includes Japanese favorites and local Texas brews
Top review
Kelly
Dined 7 days ago
I absolutely love this location. I’ve been here multiple times, but my partner hasn’t - so I jumped at the chance to make reservations while we were in town for a concert. Hannah was our server and she was phenomenal. No question felt silly to ask and her recommendations were top notch, especially the banana cake. Every item was fresh and you can literally taste, see and smell the thoughtfulness put into each dish. I know we will be back again. Thanks Uchi Austin!
A photo of Uchiko Austin restaurant
4.8
4.8 (6070)
$50 and over
Sushi
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Uchiko is the little brother of the aforementioned Uchi restaurant, delivering the same type of experimental, tasty fare in its intimate and beautiful Rosedale neighborhood location. It's a fantastic post-work Happy Hour spot, with small plate appetizers and dishes paired with fine sushi and cocktails.
Top review
SriramanVIP
Dined on 30 Jan 2025
Great food and fantastic service. Appreciate it. Looking forward to visit again
A photo of Eberly restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1805)
$31 to $50
American
Bouldin Creek
About the restaurant
One of the loveliest spots in all of Austin. This gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant is warm and welcoming with an extraordinarily beautiful dining room and a menu full of local favorites, with an emphasis on food from Texas farms. There's an excellent brunch on the weekends, an expansive Happy Hour menu, and a superb drink list featuring creative cocktails and Texas-brewed beer.
Top review
Manolo
Dined 3 days ago
Monday night so it was very quiet and not very busy. Food as always was very good but dishes took longer than expected for being such a tranquil night
A photo of Jeffrey's Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2234)
$50 and over
American
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Jeffrey's is the spot to go when looking for a truly upscale dinner. This luxurious wine bar is a mixture of classic American steakhouse and traditional French cuisine, with an excellent bar menu and creative cocktail list—with drinks named after Hollywood classics. For a deluxe bar snack, try something from their large and extravagant caviar menu.
Top review
EmilyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The truffle deviled eggs were melt in your mouth. Tartare, hamachi, bibb salad and bar steak all phenomenal.
About the restaurant
This reliable chain is renowned for great seafood and fine drinks across the American Midwest and Southwest. Its downtown Austin location is big, beautiful, and perfect for a dinner out—especially when the Florida stone crab dishes are in season. Even when they're not, Truluck's is an excellent spot for a night out or a happy hour venture. Try something from their "Flirty Dozen" wine list or one of their signature cocktails.
Top review
MarkVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Another outstanding meal. Great service and excellent food.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1815)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
About the restaurant
Looking for one of the cutest bars in Austin? Go to Clark’s Oyster Bar. The place is gorgeous and has a lovely dining room that's usually lively and packed. Clark's has an unbeatable selection of oysters with offerings that come from New England states, the Gulf, Canada, and elsewhere. Stop by during Clark's Happy Hour for great deals on most of their food.
Top review
NancyVIP
Dined on 25 Jan 2025
As always, sheer perfection. Every bite was superb and can’t wait to return.
A photo of Emmer & Rye restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3504)
$50 and over
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Emmer and Rye is a lovely spot on Rainey with a unique food style. Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Emmer and Rye focuses on small plates and changes the menu on a daily basis. Go there on different days and sample dozens of different meals. Stop in for dinner, brunch, or a cocktail and local draft beer.
Top review
ChrisVIP
Dined on 30 Jan 2025
We really enjoyed the Odd Duck Breaking Bread menu!
A photo of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2301)
$31 to $50
Barbecue
Downtown
About the restaurant
What bar or restaurant tour of Austin would be complete without some barbecue? Lamberts is one of the gold-standard BBQ joints in the city. There's an upstairs bar and lounge to relax, hang out, and put back a few local beers as guests dine on brisket. Don't forget to grab some of the appetizers—try the chicken-fried oysters for a real treat before the meal.
Top review
Judd
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious food, great service, outside seating was available and great
A photo of Bob's Steak & Chop House - Austin restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2226)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant
Well, the specialties are right there in the name. Bob's is a reliable, delicious chain of steakhouses, with locations across America; the Austin spot advertises "the biggest steaks in Texas." Stop off at the bar for something from the large wine list or a local beer or two in a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere.
Top review
MARYVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great service and delicious food! Our server was very attentive.
A photo of Hillside Farmacy restaurant
4.3
4.3 (386)
$30 and under
American
East Austin
About the restaurant
A prescription for a great meal, Hillside Farmacy has been adapted from a legendary East Austin drugstore into a hotspot for local dining, giving the location an undoubtedly cool vibe. The menu is creative and mouth-watering, offering up everything from oysters and roasted chicken to the "Tex-Strami.” The drink menu boasts classic cocktails and local craft beers.
Top review
Alan
Dined on 29 Jan 2025
Great happy hour. Nice ambiance. Attentive but not overbearing service. Love this place.
A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4026)
$50 and over
Italian
Downtown
About the restaurant
One of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, Red Ash is a delicious Happy Hour option. All dishes are $7 during that magical time, with a selection of excellent Italian small plates, meats and cheeses, pasta, and crudo. There's a giant wine selection and excellent cocktails on the menu for guests to enjoy while dining in this beautiful, rustic location with an open kitchen.
Top review
katherineVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always wonderful! Great service and great ambiance.
A photo of Chez Zee restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4609)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
About the restaurant
Chez Zee is a creative American restaurant with the vibe of a French bistro and a diverse menu full of specials. The creme brûlée French Toast is a must-have for dessert or brunch, and the New Orleans pecan chicken and jalapeño cornbread stuffed chicken is as good as they sound. There's also a full bar for fun times, with classic cocktails and a huge wine selection.
Top review
CatherineVIP
Dined 3 days ago
My friends and I always choose to go to Chez Zee for our celebrations. We choose Chez Zee for all the evaluations listed above
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