11 Best Restaurants in East Austin, Austin

The predominantly outdoor layout of Texas ranch–inspired Contigo consistently draws a steady evening crowd—even when summer temps are well over 100 degrees. With a chef-driven stable of cocktails and a creative Southern-comfort-meets-contemporary-American menu, it's easy to understand why: ox tongue sliders, house-made pigs in a blanket, a gooey cheddar-filled grilled cheese sandwich on brioche, and the cast-iron sautéed okra with jalapeño and walnuts are among the top menu picks. The varied list of weekend brunch offerings includes buttermilk biscuits and gravy, beef tongue hash, and pecan coffee cake.

This Manor Road hot spot hangs their hat on seasonal local cuisine, with an emphasis on farmers’ markets, Texas beer and wines, and even ingredients foraged by the chefs themselves. A butcher-shop display-case greets patrons upon entering, showcasing various charcuterie and house-made canned and pantry goods. The cozy dining room, accented with exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood fixtures, is down the hall. Their initial prix-fixe “supper club” menu quickly expanded to include nightly à la carte items and a breakfast and lunch service (only on the weekend). Chefs and servers are passionate about their carnivore-heavy cuisine, and it shows. Charcuterie plates are an obvious staple, and daily creations span wide-ranging territory, from venison ceviche to turkey tamales. Try the refreshing house libations, like wild persimmon sodas or sparkling peach jam cocktails.

This East Austin success story began as a humble food truck offering just a few breakfast sandwiches. Today, it occupies a two-story, full-service breakfast and brunch destination in the heart of a rapidly developing stretch of East 11th Street. Paperboy specializes in upscale American comfort classics with a gourmet twist, such as their classic B.E.C. sandwich made with bacon, egg, pimento cheese, and jalapeño jam on a bolillo roll, and deviled egg tostadas with pickled cauliflower and cabbage slaw. The full bar features signature cocktail, like Cold Brew Martinis and PB&J Old Fashioneds, which are a huge hit with the brunch crowds that fill the indoor and outdoor rooftop seating areas every weekend.

A bevy of new pizza places debuted in Austin over the past couple of years and one of the best is this hip eastside eatery, specializing in authentic Neapolitan pies. The rotating menu is simple and compact—the wine list is actually longer—but what they offer is expertly prepared. The classic margherita is just as impressive as the calabrese (salami, roasted peppers and mozzarella). The space itself is cozy, seating about 40 diners at large communal tables and a handful of private two-tops and counter seating. The white-bricked pizza oven (shipped from Italy) takes up a majority of the dining room. Fresh seasonal salads, traditional Italian starters and simple desserts, like homemade vanilla ice cream doused with sherry, are worth trying.

Housed in a 1920s drugstore owned by one of Austin's first African American pharmacists, this historical landmark now serves up a different kind of "medicine" to the east side with a gorgeous menu of farm-to-table Central Texas cuisine in exquisite antique-laden interiors. Stop by any time of day, whether it's a quick weekday breakfast or a boozy late afternoon happy hour (try their house punch made with gin, hibiscus syrup, grapefruit juice, and bubbles). Dinner service features wonderful seasonal specials and weekly offers like a popular Sunday Steak Night. Weekend brunch is first come, first served.

The “ranch-to-table” cuisine of this far-east restaurant speaks to the Southern comfort cravings of Austinites, with savory classics like stuffed Salisbury steak, pickled fried green tomatoes, and shrimp-and-grits. The shabby-chic interiors, boasting natural hardwoods and salvaged materials from the Jacoby family ranch, provide an ideally casual place to kick back and relax with cocktails like mezcal margaritas and West Texas shandies; the scenic back patio overlooks the Colorado River. Jacoby-brand beef is featured in the house burger and chicken-fried steak, both of which are diner favorites. The expansive patio gets crowded during happy hour and weekend brunch service.

Korean for "please come in," this Korean restaurant has a chic, organic atmosphere complete with an inviting garden courtyard. Dinner menus include traditional and nontraditional dishes "inspired by mom's recipes," from bibimbap to the comforting kimchi bokkeumbap, alongside wood-grilled bulgogi and japchae. An expanded lunch, weekend brunch, and kids' menu is very accommodating for families.

Sure, it’s become a hipster-certified option for locally sourced charcuterie, meatball subs, and an intimate (and meat-heavy) dinner service, but many Austinites still frequent Salt & Time solely for their expert butcher selections and services. Traditional salumi, tartare, and daily offal specials aren’t always for the faint of heart, but the lunch and dinner menus are extremely satisfying, with entrées like a popular “butcher’s burger” and a braciole stuffed with Parmesan, garlic, smoked tomatoes, and okra. Be sure to ask for the day’s butcher’s cut special. A weekend brunch offers hearty options like smoked-pork hash, deep-fried eggs Benedict, and pancakes with seasonal butters like smoked jalapeño and peach and chili.

This Cajun diner attracted attention for its stylish, retro interior, complete with vintage booths and an Astroturf rear patio, before Austinites even had the chance to sample its New Orleans–style comfort food. But the mid-century motif has only bolstered the growing reputation of its all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Brunch crowds flock here for the NOLA-style French toast, omelet specials, and Bloody Marys, while lunch and dinner menus feature staples like shrimp-and-grits, crawfish étouffée, and Creole shrimp po’boys.

The award-winning team behind local restaurants Odd Duck and Barley Swine opened their "everyday" restaurant in east Austin in 2018 to rave reviews from critics and locals alike. The bustling gathering spot consists of two buildings (the main front entry, with counter service for pastries, snacks, and drinks, plus the back bar) that are connected by an outdoor patio that serves as a beer and wine garden. The alfresco tables are popular with groups (and their four-legged friends) at any hour of the day thanks to Sour Duck's diverse morning-to-night menu offerings.

This contemporary take on Mexican fare makes for a fun dining experience right on East Sixth Street. Interiors are spacious and bright (if a bit impersonal and loud during peak hours), and the food, like goat-rib barbacoa and confit Wagyu brisket tacos, are extremely satisfying. Make plans for their popular brunch service on weekends or stop by during their daily happy hour.