A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Downtown Austin

When it comes to eating and drinking in Downtown Austin there are too many incredible restaurants and bars to list but we wanted to share a few of our favorites with you:

Grocery Shopping:

Whole Foods – Visit the flagship Whole Foods on 5^th & Lamar and take grocery shopping to a whole new level. This store boasts a sushi bar seafood restaurant BBQ buffet and more. Come for happy hour and grab a cold beer or a glass of wine at the bar or just take it with you while you shop!

Royal Blue Grocery – Visit one of the three boutique grocery downtown locations that serves up hot sandwiches burgers salads and more. This small grocery takes the regular corner store to another level the food is incredible and if you are looking for a quick bite this is the place.

Breakfast & Coffee:

Juan Pelota Coffee Shop – A go-to for Austin locals owned by Lance Armstrong the coffee shop/bike store is always serving up the best coffee and our favorite the cold brew daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Walton’s Fancy Staple – Owned by Sandra Bullock this quaint café is a great place to grab a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy or opt for a lighter option and go for the avocado toast. This charmer is a must see and the food is a must try. Located right along West 6^th Street its convenient location makes it a local favorite. They also serve up great lunch options so stop in for sandwiches soups and salads.

Lunch:

Second Bar + Kitchen – Located right under the Austonian on Congress & 2^nd Street this restaurant provides plenty of options ranging from their famous burger to lighter salads and everything in between. Walkable from almost anywhere downtown this spot is a crowd pleaser.

NEW Flowerchild (opening December 2017) – This healthy yet filling spot has rocketed to popularity in The Domain just 15 minutes north of downtown and is opening a location downtown on Nueces & 2^nd Street. Their salads are a great option or for a heartier option go for the turkey and avocado wrap. Set to open in December 2017 this is bound to be the go-to lunch spot for downtown dwellers.

Flowerchild Brussels and Squash Salad

Mediterranean Diet Salad with Salmon Photo credit: Scout and Briar Photography

Happy Hour:

ATX Cocina – This new modern Mexican restaurant is the place to go for happy hour. Their open floor plan and tall ceilings give way for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy an incredible margarita or share the Con Tiki Con Todo with friends! They offer $3 off cocktails wine and beer as well as $4 off select menu items from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily (A happy hour on a Saturday? Yes please!).

ATX Concina serving up Beef Tacos

The Green Room Photo Credits: Bethany McCullough Ross

Red Ash – This Italian restaurant redefines what good Italian food should be. Their happy hour is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday offering $2 off cocktails beer and wines $8 pastas $9 appetizers and $7 salads. At a place that is serving up the best pasta in town taking advantage of this great happy hour is a must.

Spaghetti alla Chitarra “A.O.P”

Red Ash Interior Photo credits: Ashlyn Allison

Dinner:

Wu Chow – This restaurant is serving up some of the best Asian food in town. Their Sichuan Cuisine and Dim Sum is an Austin favorite and the inviting space makes it a great place to dine. The food is served tapas style and their pot stickers and fried rice are a must try. This fun yet delicious restaurant is great if you are wanting to try something new and different.

Wu Chow Squirrel Fish looks as great as it tastes

Hunan Beef Sichuan Braised Local Eggplant Chengdu Chili Chicken and Twice Cooked Tenderbelly Pork Photo credit: Madeline Burrow

le Politique – A French brasserie this new Parisian restaurant offers a beautifully designed space as the décor and hospitality will transport you to France. If you happen to work downtown and need a spot to impress your clients Le Politique is the spot for incredible French cuisine. Located right on 2nd Street this new restaurant is already an Austin favorite with its simple yet sophisticated vibe.