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The Best Bars for Foodies in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated December 15, 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.
Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6 (2229)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
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
NicholasVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Good food and service. Server was attentive and knowledgeable.
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
NicholasVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Good food and service. Server was attentive and knowledgeable.
Uchi Austin
4.9 (5460)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
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
MartiVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We savored Happy Hour as well as a few favorites from the standard menu, such as the Uchi Salad, a hand-held lettuce wrap with layers of flavor and texture. There’s just nothing like it anywhere. We appreciated the zero proof drink offerings —complex and sophisticated—and would love to see even more options in this category.. Our server Meghan guided us expertly. It was a perfect dining adventure. As Austin’s food scene has exploded, Uchi continues to lead and innovate, reliable and surprising.
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
MartiVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We savored Happy Hour as well as a few favorites from the standard menu, such as the Uchi Salad, a hand-held lettuce wrap with layers of flavor and texture. There’s just nothing like it anywhere. We appreciated the zero proof drink offerings —complex and sophisticated—and would love to see even more options in this category.. Our server Meghan guided us expertly. It was a perfect dining adventure. As Austin’s food scene has exploded, Uchi continues to lead and innovate, reliable and surprising.
Uchiko Austin
4.8 (6078)
$50 and over
Sushi
Central Austin
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
Linda
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
We had an incredible time celebrating a family milestone at Uchiko. From the moment we arrived, everything was seamless—the valet was prompt and polite, and the greeting staff made us feel genuinely welcomed. Our server was fantastic—friendly, sharp, and clearly knew the menu inside and out. They recommended a few standout dishes we might’ve missed otherwise, and every single one was spot-on. The food was stunning—not just in presentation, but in flavor. Every bite was bold, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between lively and intimate—just right for a special night out. Uchiko made our celebration feel truly special, and we left feeling full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Can’t recommend it enough!
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
Linda
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
We had an incredible time celebrating a family milestone at Uchiko. From the moment we arrived, everything was seamless—the valet was prompt and polite, and the greeting staff made us feel genuinely welcomed. Our server was fantastic—friendly, sharp, and clearly knew the menu inside and out. They recommended a few standout dishes we might’ve missed otherwise, and every single one was spot-on. The food was stunning—not just in presentation, but in flavor. Every bite was bold, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between lively and intimate—just right for a special night out. Uchiko made our celebration feel truly special, and we left feeling full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Can’t recommend it enough!
Eberly
4.7 (1863)
$31 to $50
American
Bouldin Creek
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
AndrewVIP
Dined 5 days ago
A perfect ambience for our anniversary, they put us in a quiet corner and were very attentive when needed. This is a beautiful place
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
AndrewVIP
Dined 5 days ago
A perfect ambience for our anniversary, they put us in a quiet corner and were very attentive when needed. This is a beautiful place
Jeffrey's Restaurant
4.9 (2308)
$50 and over
American
Central Austin
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
Brittany
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time visiting Jeffrey’s and it was amazing! Our host, Sergio was so attentive and really went above and beyond to make my boyfriend’s birthday feel special. The food and drinks we ordered were awesome — a truly enjoyable fine dining experience!
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
Brittany
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time visiting Jeffrey’s and it was amazing! Our host, Sergio was so attentive and really went above and beyond to make my boyfriend’s birthday feel special. The food and drinks we ordered were awesome — a truly enjoyable fine dining experience!
Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown
4.8 (5323)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Downtown
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
Chel’C
Dined 1 day ago
Our entire dining experience was 5 star and Sam was an excellent.
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
Chel’C
Dined 1 day ago
Our entire dining experience was 5 star and Sam was an excellent.
Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin
4.9 (1833)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
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
robyn
Dined on Apr 8, 2025
We came for lunch to celebrate our anniversary and they did an outstanding job making it all the more memorable!
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
robyn
Dined on Apr 8, 2025
We came for lunch to celebrate our anniversary and they did an outstanding job making it all the more memorable!
Emmer & Rye
4.6 (3579)
$50 and over
American
Downtown
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
Jose MariaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Everything we tried from tue fetuccine to the carnitas and chocolate chips for dessert were outstanding!
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
Jose MariaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Everything we tried from tue fetuccine to the carnitas and chocolate chips for dessert were outstanding!
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
4.7 (2333)
$31 to $50
Barbecue
Downtown
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
Lisa
Dined 2 days ago
The food was pretty amazing. - brisket and snapper, as well as collard greens, were incredible ! The martinis are tiny, over priced for what you get. But overall a great experience!
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
Lisa
Dined 2 days ago
The food was pretty amazing. - brisket and snapper, as well as collard greens, were incredible ! The martinis are tiny, over priced for what you get. But overall a great experience!
Bob's Steak & Chop House - Austin
4.6 (2248)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
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
Caroline
Dined 3 days ago
Most consistent, best steak in Austin. Everything is delicious - tuna tar tar, sides, steaks, fish, lamb, and dessert!
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
Caroline
Dined 3 days ago
Most consistent, best steak in Austin. Everything is delicious - tuna tar tar, sides, steaks, fish, lamb, and dessert!
Hillside Farmacy
4.4 (411)
$30 and under
American
East Austin
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
Kathy
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food, great drinks, great service & great vibe. Highly recommend. Truly a unique Austin experience.
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
Kathy
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food, great drinks, great service & great vibe. Highly recommend. Truly a unique Austin experience.
Red Ash Italia
4.9 (4210)
$50 and over
Italian
Downtown
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
Teri
Dined 6 days ago
Our waiter Nick was very good and the food was delicious!
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
Teri
Dined 6 days ago
Our waiter Nick was very good and the food was delicious!
Chez Zee
4.7 (4651)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
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
David
Dined 6 days ago
The drinks , the food and the service were excellent.. D
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
David
Dined 6 days ago
The drinks , the food and the service were excellent.. D
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