Hottest Restaurants in Austin for 2018
Whether you are into lounging under a live oak tree in a food trailer park or dining by candlelight with international fare, Austin’s foodie scene has grown to the level of having something for literally everyone. The possibilities are endless, so there is never a shortage of new spots to try out and old ones to return to. From Austin staples like cheap breakfast tacos to Argentine empanadas, you will find a delicious dish for every day of the week.
Friends, neighbors, and co-workers have all chimed in and collectively agree that these are the top nine restaurants to try out once that hard-earned paycheck arrives:
Poke Me Long Time
It doesn’t take long to feel like family at this Austin food truck. The owners have been known to remember faces like they have mental cameras installed, and the food is absolutely drool-worthy. Fresh salmon topped with poke sauce, avocados, and mango over a smooth bed of perfectly warm rice will melt all of your sorrows away. Sherilyn M., co-owner of this suggestively named food truck, has roots in Vietnam, and her husband, Kevin Randolph, has been a longtime resident of the sixth street bar scene. Together, they bring industry experience, brand edginess, and Hawaiian fare to Austin via a food truck kitchen and palapa-covered picnic tables. 1606 E 6th St. Open 11AM-2PM and 5PM-10PM Sunday thru Thursday, and 11AM-2PM and 5PM-11PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Holy Roller
If you find yourself on Red River for a punk show, then you should absolutely check out Holy Roller the following morning for brunch. Run by women who know what the good kind of bad looks like, Holy Roller is an Austin restaurant that can delight your taste buds with some savory biscuits or light up your imagination with a creative cocktail. Foodies will revel in breakfast options all day and the religious twist on style in this relatively new downtown counter-service eatery. 509 Rio Grande St. Open 10AM-8PM Sunday thru Thursday, and 10AM-10PM Fridays and Saturdays.
Flower Child
Free spirits unite! Flower Child has a whole array of healthy options to choose from after that long jog around Town Lake. Replenish your soul with the Vietnamese Crunch, which has savoy cabbage, romaine, quinoa, tomato, bell pepper, pineapple, avocado, cashew, Thai basil, cilantro, mint, and spicy lemongrass vinaigrette. Can you think of a better combination? I can’t. That’s the kind of mix I’m talking about. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, even the most diet-conscious individual will find a savory dish here. Two locations: 500 W 2nd St Suite 160 and 11721 Rock Rose #160. Open daily from 11AM to 9PM.
Old Thousand
Happy hour is called “Lucky Time” at this recently opened Chinese restaurant in Austin. Every snack and drink is $5, and your belly will be satisfied when all is said and done. The owners are from the world renowned Uchi restaurant and have brought their revered talent to this collaboration of Texas spice, hip-hop music, and traditional Chinese cuisine. 1000 E 11th St. Open Sundays 11AM-2PM and 5-9PM, Monday thru Thursday 11AM-2PM and 5-10PM, and 11AM-2PM and 5-11PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Le Politique
Vying for an upscale romantic French setting in the heart of downtown Austin? Le Politique may be the spot for you. The name pays homage to Austin’s role as the capital, and the Texan and French politicians who defined the roots of our city presently and years ago. One can sip slowly on their Potage de Topimabour before indulging in the red wine braised short rib. Don’t neglect that temptation to splurge on a glass of champagne either. This spot has all the sweet and savory you desire. 110 San Antonio St. Lunch: Monday thru Friday, 11AM-3PM; Midday: Daily, 3-5PM; Dinner: Sunday thru Wednesday, 5-10PM; Dinner: Thursday thru Saturday, 5-11PM; Brunch: Saturday thru Sunday, 10:30AM-3PM.
Polvo’s Mexican Restaurant
If you love margaritas and salsa, then you’ll love Polvos. With a new location downtown, you now have two options to celebrate your love of tequila after work. With authentic Mexican food and a fantastic salsa bar, Polvos has become a 78704 staple. The patio beckons you to order “just one more” while people-watching on South 1st. Two locations: 310 Nueces St and 2004 S 1st St. 7AM-11PM daily.
TLC Austin
We all have those days when we crave the kind of comfort food we grew up on in the south. TLC Austin knows just what you need after a long day and offers up some of the finest Fried Green Tomato BLTs and Chicken Fried Steak one could ask for. 1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste. #1150. Open 11AM-11PM Sunday thru Thursday and 11PM-12AM Fridays and Saturdays.
Krab Kingz Restaurant
You don’t have to make a trip to the coast to get a taste of some of the best seafood around. Krab Kingz mixes Louisiana and the salts of the sea with their Cajun Crab that will leave you licking your fingers once your plate is empty. With several locations around Texas and the deep south, Krab Kingz serves up juicy bites in tin-foil lined baskets, just like your favorite casual backyard spot. Located at Spinners at 14106 N Interstate 35. Open 11:30AM – 8PM Wednesdays thru Sundays.
Wild Chix and Waffles
Wendy Wu, the creator of Wild Chix, relished the slow-paced French dining she experienced while visiting Paris and decided to bring back that laid-back vibe to Austin. We thank her for this because now we have waffles for days in any way we please. The classic breakfast sandwich has nothing on these eggs and bacon stacked in between two fluffy handcrafted, never frozen waffle delights. 7714 Burnet Rd. Open Sunday thru Wednesday 7AM-12AM and Thursday thru Saturday 7AM-3AM.
That’s a wrap, folks. There are hundreds of other options in Austin to try out in 2018, so tell us your favorites! We know you won’t be disappointed with these eats. Your taste buds will thank you after you visit one of these Austin hot spots. Tell your friends–they will thank you, too!