As a proud Texan with a daughter residing her greatest Longhorn life on the College of Texas, I’ve discovered myself in Austin loads. And let me inform you, each go to turns right into a full-on meals tour. From funky meals vehicles to dreamy wine bars and every part in between, South Austin has change into my go-to for a good time (and sure, the Actual Deal Holyfield breakfast taco is actual and it is holy).
Whether or not you’re planning a women’ weekend, scoping out a venue for company occasions, or simply attempting to determine the place the heck to seize tacos close to Barton Springs, I’ve received you lined. Listed here are my absolute favourite spots for the very best bites in South Austin, together with the place to take a seat, what to order, and sure — the place you’ll get that excellent TikTok-worthy shot.
🌮 Breakfast of Champions: Veracruz All Pure
Deal with: 2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702 (additionally a number of meals truck areas in South Austin)
What to Order: Actual Deal Holyfield Breakfast Taco — filled with eggs, bacon, potatoes, refried black beans, avocado, and an enormous ol’ slab of Monterey Jack cheese on a contemporary flour tortilla.
Why Go: This meals truck gem has outside picnic tables and a loyal following for a purpose. It’s breakfast taco royalty with a cult-like standing on TikTok — and when you attempt the contemporary tortillas, you’ll perceive why.
🧀 Tex-Mex Royalty: Matt’s El Rancho

Deal with: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Bob Armstrong Dip — queso meets guacamole meets floor beef on this Texas-sized legend.
Why Go: A south Austin restaurant establishment since 1952, Matt’s is the place the queso flows like wine. The eating room is very large, the margaritas are robust, and the vibe is peak Central Texas. Excellent for joyful hour or any hour, actually.
🥩 Seasonal & Swoon-Worthy: Odd Duck

Deal with: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Pork Stomach with seasonal veggies (menu adjustments, so belief the chef and go wild).
Why Go: Odd Duck began as a meals truck and has grown right into a full-on culinary darling. With a fantastic ambiance and an ever-changing seasonal menu, this place nails the farm-to-table vibe. Preferrred for wine bar lovers in search of the excellent pairing. Bonus: Their outside patio is ideal for catching up together with your coolest foodie pal or making your ex jealous on TikTok.
🥘 Consolation Meals Executed Proper: Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Deal with: 7720 TX-71, Austin, TX 78735
What to Order: Pork Tostadas with black beans, bitter cream, and Monterey Jack cheese
Why Go: A bit west of South Austin correct, however well worth the detour. Jack Allen’s is a favourite restaurant amongst locals and vacationers alike, particularly for personal occasions or joyful hour with mates. Suppose Texas consolation meals with a chef-y twist and an enormous outside patio excellent for sundown sipping.
🎶 Patio Vibes & Dwell Music: The Little Darlin’

Deal with: 6507 Circle S Rd, Austin, TX 78745
What to Order: Brisket Grilled Cheese and a Lone Star
Why Go: This bar-meets-south Austin restaurant is laid-back in all the very best methods. There are picnic tables below oak bushes, an enormous ol’ outside patio, and normally reside music taking place — mainly, a greater place to waste a Saturday doesn’t exist.
🍷 Stylish & Chill: Lenoir

Deal with: 1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Go for the Wine Backyard menu – all the time rotating, all the time divine.
Why Go: Positioned within the South First space close to Bouldin Creek, Lenoir is among the greatest spots for a romantic dinner or a classy women’ evening. The wine backyard is lush, intimate, and simply the correct amount of Austin bizarre. The proper spot to really feel fancy however not fussy.
🐖 For the BBQ Purists: Terry Black’s Barbecue

Deal with: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Beef Rib + Pork Ribs + Creamed Corn (and don’t skip the peach cobbler)
Why Go: Whereas Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue could have cornered the East Austin scene, Terry Black’s is holding it down on the south facet with Texas barbecue perfection. Stroll in, seize a tray, and put together for meat sweats. The view of the Colorado River close by? Simply the icing on the brisket cake.
🍜 Slurp Worthy: Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Deal with: 1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Tonkotsu Unique + Hen Karaage on the facet
Why Go: This isn’t your common ramen store. The vibe is an element Tokyo izakaya, half Austin grunge, and totally improbable. It’s the proper spot for a comfortable evening within the metropolis, and the daring Asian flavors hit each craving. The eating room is intimate, and the traces are lengthy — however price it.
🥂 New on the Scene: June’s All Day
Deal with: 1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Croque Madame or the Burger – each are legendary.
Why Go: This darling of South Congress has shortly change into among the best eating places in Austin. With classic Parisian wine bar vibes, a stellar seasonal menu, and top-tier folks watching, June’s is a stable contender in your subsequent favourite dish on the town.
🥞 Brunch Targets: Proud Mary Espresso

Deal with: 2043 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
What to Order: Ricotta Hotcakes or the Potato Hash with Pork Stomach — and don’t overlook a flat white.
Why Go: Straight outta Melbourne and straight into our South Austin hearts, Proud Mary’s is serving up among the best brunches on the town. Suppose globally impressed consolation meals, world-class espresso, and a stunning ambiance that makes you’re feeling such as you’ve been transported to an elegant Aussie café. The eating room is ethereal and trendy, the outside patio is right for a lazy brunch with mates, and the menu? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s the excellent spot to linger over lattes and make amends for the greatest issues in life — like brunch and bottomless gossip.
So whether or not you’re hanging by Barton Springs, strolling by means of Bouldin Creek, or simply attempting to determine the place to seize joyful hour that doesn’t suck, South Austin delivers. The meals scene here’s a vibe — eclectic, artistic, and all the time evolving.
One factor’s for certain: between the breakfast tacos, Texas barbecue, and TikTok-famous patios, there’s by no means been a greater place (or higher excuse) to plan a go to. As a result of in Austin, the very best issues begin with meals and finish with good occasions.
Need extra restaurant recs or insider ideas from somebody who truly goes to all these locations approach too usually? Comply with alongside on MommyTravels.internet for the very best eats, drinks, and locations — from Austin to Nevis and past.
🍴💃 Let’s eat, y’all.
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