The 25 Most Fun Restaurants in Austin
Regardless of where you find them or what they serve, fun restaurants in Austin all represent the exciting imaginative spirit of the city. The electricity of the music and art scenes here makes its way into the dining landscape as well, infusing the region with its own special blend of cuisine and cocktails. If finding familiar flavors crafted with distinctive Southwestern flair sounds like a delicious prospect, fun restaurants in Austin are sure to fit the bill.
With Southern, Tex-Mex, French, Mediterranean and plant-based dining available, is there any culinary style the fun Austin restaurant selection doesn’t cover? Our choices for the best fun restaurants in Austin capture the eclectic character and intrepid creativity you’ve come to expect from this thrilling city. Check out the menu and see what strikes your fancy!
Jump to Section
Find the Best Restaurants in Austin
Why wander the city in search of great dining when food tours in Austin can escort you to the front door? These treks help you find fun places to eat in Austin, whether you’re new to town or a long-time local. With expert guides who know where the best spots are, you’ll have a direct line to fantastic food with highlights of the city to whet your appetite.
Top 25 Fun Restaurants in Austin
1. Salty Sow
Farmhouse-style food gets a gastropub upgrade at Salty Sow, a fun Austin restaurant with downhome rural appeal. This New American eatery celebrates the fresh flavors of classic dishes and creative cocktails, all crafted with support from local growers.
The Vibe
Earthy sophistication makes this fun Austin restaurant one of a kind.
What to Order
Try a Brussels sprouts Caesar salad for an inventive vegetarian take on a favorite from the fields. Burger fans can sink their teeth into a wagyu beef patty topped with Gruyère.
Salty Sow | 1917 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722 | $$
2. Swift's Attic
With shareable plates and a farm-to-table ethic, Swift's Attic aims to make fun restaurants in Austin a family affair. Fanciful domestic dishes take on a gourmet sheen, while the beverage offerings are top-notch pours from beer to mixed drinks.
The Vibe
Natural surfaces and industrial touches surround this space in timeless warmth.
What to Order
Humorously-named top picks include Lipstick on a Pig, which features braised pork cheek and pickled watermelon, and Just for the Halibut, a pistachio-encrusted filet served with blood orange beurre blanc.
Swift's Attic | 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
3. Caroline
All-day dining and drinks are on the menu at Caroline, a list-topper for fun places to eat in Austin. Full-service offerings from brunch to dessert let guests drop in whenever their hunger calls for something special.
The Vibe
Upscale casual is the thing at this modern spot, as perfect for buddy brunches as for date ideas in Austin.
What to Order
The signature Caroline salad is a hearty affair among essential Austin foods, filled with garden vegetables dressed in a white balsamic. End your visit to this fun Austin restaurant with warm chocolate cake topped with roasted pecans and gooey salted caramel.
Caroline | 621 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
4. Eberly
An old printing shop finds new life as Eberly, a deluxe dining space that blends modern sensibilities with a colorful history. This fun Austin restaurant is where sweet Southern authenticity meets big city style for a curious mix of cultures that just works.
The Vibe
High glass ceilings and community seating provide a singular space for get-togethers at a fun Austin restaurant with character.
What to Order
Head over for brunch and revel in bananas Foster French toast or a hot honey chicken sandwich to satisfy your mid-morning appetite. Intriguing lion's mane mushrooms served with Yukon potatoes is an elegant possibility for plant-forward diners.
Eberly | 615 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$
5. Odd Duck
Odd Duck began as a Fleetwood trailer serving farm-to-table goodness as a fun restaurant on Austin's food truck scene. The current location houses a spacious counter and quaint table seating, serving up the best local ingredients combined in thoughtful, elevated fare.
The Vibe
A friendly bar space filled with intriguing selections with gourmet leanings.
What to Order
Get fancy with stuffed quail and dirty rice, a robust blend of game and spices. For a lighter bite, the tomato salad is a refreshing blend of fruit, field pea hummus and fresh herbs.
Odd Duck | 1201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$
6. Moonshine Grill
Classic American comfort recipes served with a modern twist are the specialty at Moonshine Grill. The history of this fun Austin restaurant includes a wine cellar originally built in the 1800s and a colorful post-Prohibition past.
The Vibe
A calming air of vintage charm infuses the room with lush textures and natural surfaces.
What to Order
There's no escaping a trip to one of the most fun restaurants in Austin without trying the original corn dog-battered shrimp, served with honey mustard. Make your order a meatloaf sandwich if heartier helpings are on your mind.
Moonshine Grill | Multiple Locations | $$
7. Launderette
Whether serving a weekly lunch, a weekend brunch or a nighttime dinner, Launderette helps the selection of fun restaurants in Austin shine. This spot is equally perfect for group occasions and intimate one-on-one moments.
The Vibe
Bright covered patios and lovely, art-lined interior dining room space bask in a happy glow.
What to Order
Stop in for lunch and enjoy a shawarma cauliflower bowl flavored with pickled raisins and cabbage. If dessert is in order, a birthday cake ice cream sandwich from this fun Austin restaurant will provide a sweet celebration.
Launderette | 2115 Holly St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
8. Vigilante
Diners who love a good game night are in luck when visiting Vigilante. This fun Austin restaurant provides tabletop board games as a backdrop for cozy bar food and pub bites that make dining out feel like playtime.
The Vibe
Soothing brick walls and velvet curtains set the stage for a fun time with friends.
What to Order
Pun-riddled names like The Smoke and Dagger — a wagyu cheeseburger — and the Jason Samosas clue in on the good times to be had here. Vegans can get their fill of Hummicide, served with pitas and fresh vegetables.
Vigilante | 7010 Easy Wind Drive, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78752 | $
9. Zanzibar
A lush oasis hidden in plain view, Zanzibar transforms the fun Austin restaurant scene into a hideaway for drinks and dining above the concrete jungle. Tiki-style cocktails flow, while different day and night menus serve bar bites that are just right for sharing with your crew.
The Vibe
Lush rooftop seating showcases stunning views of Downtown Austin at every turn.
What to Order
Grilled pineapple salsa helps keep the island vibe rolling along, while pork wontons and sushi sliders take your taste buds to a more satisfying destination.
Zanzibar | 304 E. Cesar Chavez St., Unit 700, Austin, TX 78701 | $$
10. Texas Chili Parlor
No bones about it, Texas Chili Parlor is an old-fashioned fun restaurant Austin has hidden up its well-tailored sleeve. Slide in for a down-home experience in a bar and restaurant that doesn't put on airs.
The Vibe
Unfussy and laid-back, with the earthy essence of an Old West tavern.
What to Order
You'll leave full and happy with a plate of Frito pie at the table. Take a chance on something unique with a bowl of white chili and make a fun Austin restaurant discovery loaded with Southwestern flavor.
Texas Chili Parlor | 1409 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
11. Culinary Dropout
At Culinary Dropout, well-prepared food is all in a day's work. This fun Austin restaurant is a New American outlet that serves a mash-up of dishes with cross-cultural elements that show off a range of cuisines.
The Vibe
A quirky concoction of contemporary and conventional, perfect for relaxing with your special someone.
What to Order
Spicy vegan curry is a rich, satisfying choice for plant eaters to enjoy. 36-hour pork ribs or steak frites will provide meatier options for the omnivores in the crowd.
Culinary Dropout | 11721 Rock Rose Ave., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78758 | $$
12. The Beer Plant
At The Beer Plant, diners can enjoy a fully plant-based dining experience, from small bites to swell beverages. With the slogan “Eat Plants. Drink Beer. Be Happy.” displayed prominently on the website, this fun Austin restaurant offers discerning diners an upscale vegan alternative.
The Vibe
Pristine, polished interiors make the most of minimalist design.
What to Order
Beloved comfort dishes eliminate all animal ingredients for must-try dishes like crab cakes featuring hearts of palm and a flaky Wellington that uses portobello filet in place of steak.
The Beer Plant | 3110 Windsor Rd., Austin, TX 78703 | $$
13. Péché
Lounge about at Péché and discover how fun restaurants in Austin do French dining. Craft cocktails and bistro bites will keep you sated while you catch up with friends.
The Vibe
Rustic chic marks the spot, with exposed brick and beam charm in every corner.
What to Order
Mac and cheese gets a European overhaul with the addition of duck confit and Gruyère. Order the mushroom fritters with herbed sour cream to share with your crew, or their famous deviled eggs, which are as delightful to look at as to taste.
Péché | 208 W. Fourth St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
14. Aba
California and Mediterranean cuisines meet up in a delicious way at Aba, a fun Austin restaurant that brings modern magic to heritage dishes. Former "Top Chef" competitor CJ Jacobson brings a refined touch to rustic fare, serving up a host of regional flavors.
The Vibe
Fresh foliage and relaxed seating recreate the sensation of a desert oasis.
What to Order
Tap into cold mezze plates like marinated olives and feta or a Greek village vegetable combo for a light bite. When you're ready for something with more substance, the grilled chicken or salmon kebabs are sure to satisfy.
Aba Austin | 1011 S. Congress Ave., Building 2, Suite 180, Austin, TX, 78704 | $$$
15. Colleen's Kitchen
For a friendly neighborhood dining experience among your choices for fun Austin restaurants, Colleen's Kitchen is a prime choice. This sweet spot among the fun places to eat in Austin channels the energy of a French bistro into a cozy diner where rustic dining receives the gourmet treatment.
The Vibe
French country-style décor creates the impression of simple European luxury.
What to Order
The chicken pot pie is a pleasing pastry filled with roasted chicken and vegetables. Pair one with a side of corn and crab fritters or hush puppies, and you have a supper worth raving about.
Colleen's Kitchen | 1911 Aldrich St., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78723 | $$
16. Emmer & Rye
With menus that change daily and feature seasonal ingredients, Emmer & Rye stays on the cusp of fresh and fabulous dining. This James Beard-worthy eatery offers a unique experience for foodies who relish a culinary adventure among one of the more inventive fun restaurants in Austin.
The Vibe
Urban and rural at the same time, with a comfortable contemporary tone.
What to Order
On any given day, you may find wagyu steaks, farmer's cheese plates and handmade pasta waiting to be served. Full-table experiences focused on single ingredients are a chic choice for larger groups.
Emmer & Rye | 51 Rainey St., Unit 110, Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
17. Revolution Vegan Kitchen
Revolution Vegan Kitchen adds a dash of hippie happiness to an all-veg food truck for a fun Austin restaurant experience like no other. Familiar dishes fill the menu, but every meat-based recipe has been recreated with plant ingredients only.
The Vibe
Outdoor dining under the tall trees makes this fun restaurant in Austin an al fresco dining wonderland.
What to Order
Barbacoa featuring jackfruit makes a perfect replacement for the original dish. Burger fans can enjoy both the wordplay and the flavors of the Leguminati burger with the works.
Revolution Vegan Kitchen | 7800 S. First St., Austin, TX 78745 | $$
18. Counter Culture Food Trailer
Counter Culture Food Trailer is the ultimate in mindful dining, representing the sustainability efforts that fun restaurants in Austin strive to uphold. Stationed behind Tweedy's Bar, the turquoise truck serves animal-free specialties to open-minded diners with a taste for the healthy restaurants Austin showcases.
The Vibe
Open air dining on picnic tables that match the trailer's vibrant hue offers bountiful bohemian joy.
What to Order
Comfort food options abound, including BBQ seitan burritos, cruelty-free mac and cheese and power bowls with a variety of grains and proteins available.
Counter Culture Food Trailer | 2908 Fruth St., Austin, TX 78705 | $$
19. Hula Hut
Are you at the Hula Hut, Austin's uniquely tiki-style waterside eatery, or are you lounging in the islands while enjoying an array of seafood and Tex-Mex specialties? At this fun Austin restaurant, it’s hard to tell the difference!
The Vibe
Thatched roofs and views of Lake Austin set a standard of tropical chill.
What to Order
Pipeline enchiladas with your choice of meat or vegetable fillings are a sure winner for hearty eaters. The Diamond Head noodle salad merges angel hair pasta with greens and garden vegetables.
Hula Hut | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 | $$
20. June's
June's keeps the good times and good food rolling all through the day. One of Austin’s fun restaurant options for bistro-style dining, this diner is a classic merger of creative food and energetic atmosphere.
The Vibe
Checkerboard floors and patio umbrellas keep things vibrantly vintage.
What to Order
Entrées are as diverse as matzo ball caldo, bone marrow Bolognese and steak au poivre. Brunch selections include house-made granola, buttermilk pancakes and snapper carpaccio.
June's | 1722 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$
21. Corner
Traditional Tex-Mex dishes take on a contemporary sheen at Corner. Southern style and timeless quality are staple selections, as are craft cocktails that give familiar pours a tasteful new spin.
The Vibe
Clean lines and bright lighting bring life to this fun Austin restaurant.
What to Order
Chipotle honey salmon on the dinner menu is a thoughtful mélange of authentic Southwestern elements. White chicken chili is sure to soothe fans of comfort food.
Corner | 110 E. Second St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
22. Revelry Kitchen + Bar
Revelry Kitchen + Bar is a fun Austin restaurant named for the celebratory spirit it represents. Whether stopping in for brunch or dinner, you'll find an assembly of familiar fare prepared with whimsical touches all around the menu.
The Vibe
Super casual atmosphere, with plentiful outdoor seating and sports bar-ready screen coverage.
What to Order
How does a pulled pork hash skillet loaded with sweet potatoes and black beans sound as a brunch entrée? Or maybe a bowl of this fun Austin restaurant’s signature gumbo for supper is more to your liking.
Revelry Kitchen + Bar | 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
23. Eureka!
It's not just the name Eureka! that makes this fun restaurant in Austin feel like a thrilling discovery. This all-American bar and grill is full service, pouring 40 craft beers and more than 40 small-batch whiskeys for happy patrons to enjoy with comforting pub-style specialties.
The Vibe
No fuss, no muss — just a thoroughly comfortable jeans-and-tees environment to settle into in a fun Austin restaurant.
What to Order
Baja fish tacos or fried chicken tenders are signature dishes that elevate bar food to new heights. Save room for bourbon barrel cake, topped with decadent bourbon caramel and candied pecans.
Eureka! | 200 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
24. Churro Co.
When dessert is the only option on your dining list, Churro Co. is the fun Austin restaurant to put at the top of your list. You'll find these crispy and sugary sweet treats stacked high with toppings that turn a simple pastry into a party on a plate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Vibe
Walk-up customers to this fanciful food truck can share community moments with other churro lovers.
What to Order
Churro sundaes are all the rage here. Order one with toasted marshmallows and graham crackers for a s'mores-riffic time at a fun Austin restaurant with a sweet twist.
Churro Co. | 1906 S. First St., Austin, TX 78704 | $
25. Cypress Grill
NOLA dining in Texas takes shape at Cypress Grill, a Big Easy eatery in the heart of Austin's fun restaurant scene. If you're up for a sweet Southern meal in a place with a Mardi Gras groove, this is your spot.
The Vibe
The spirit of New Orleans fills the space with homey Southern barroom feelings.
What to Order
Catch the pumpkin bread pudding while it's hot and ready. And of course, the po' boy, shrimp and grits and catfish plates are must-tries for lovers of Bayou cuisine.
Cypress Grill | 4404 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749 | $$
There’s an art to finding fun restaurants in Austin, but it isn’t difficult to master. All it takes is a bit of research and a little legwork to get you where you want to go. With so many tempting food-oriented things to do in Austin, you may need separate plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner just to get the lay of the land. It’s a delicious opportunity to see the Live Music Capital of the World from a more delicious point of view!
For even more ways to explore Austin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.