Austin's Best Mac and Cheese [Updated 2024]

From the gooey strings of cheese to the perfectly cooked pasta, this iconic dish holds a special place in the hearts of Austinites. After much exploration and countless cheesy bites, I have narrowed down the list to the top 8 contenders.

Get ready for a lighthearted adventure filled with cheesy goodness as we uncover the hidden gems and indulgent delights that make up the best mac and cheese in Austin. Whether you're a mac and cheese aficionado or simply on the hunt for the perfect comfort food, this guide will leave you craving more.

Let's dig in!

Hyde Park Bar & Grill

Highlights
Crowd is older
Tasty happy hour drinks
Delicious fried finger food
Big portions at happy hour price
Friendly and quick staff

Walking into Hyde Park Bar & Grill, I found the crowd to be a little older than I anticipated, but don't let that fool you. This place knows how to dish out some seriously tasty mac and cheese.

But before diving into the main attraction, I couldn't resist trying some of their happy hour drinks. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The concoctions were a perfect balance of flavors, and they paired wonderfully with their delicious fried finger food options. I had to remind myself that I was here for mac and cheese, but those flavors were hard to resist.

When it finally came time for the mac and cheese, I was thrilled to see that the portions were as big as the smiles on the staff's faces. And the best part? They were all at happy hour prices, making it an even more satisfying experience.

The mac and cheese itself was a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The cheese was rich and creamy, clinging to the elbow macaroni like a best friend. Every bite was a beautiful combination of flavors, leaving me wanting more. I couldn't help but appreciate the friendliness and quickness of the staff, who made sure my mac and cheese was served piping hot.

Overall, my experience at Hyde Park Bar & Grill was nothing short of a mac and cheese lover's dream. From the tasty happy hour drinks to the delicious fried finger food, and of course, the mouthwatering mac and cheese itself, this place has it all. Whether you're a mac and cheese connoisseur or simply looking for some comfort food, Hyde Park Bar & Grill is a must-visit spot in Austin.

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Hoover's Cooking

Highlights
Excellent food
Great staff
Huge portions
Reasonably priced
Must visit

Located in Austin, Hoover's Cooking is a must-visit for mac and cheese enthusiasts. As an expert reviewer, I can confidently say that their mac and cheese is excellent.

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted by a friendly and attentive staff. Their warm and welcoming demeanor immediately made me feel at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the mac and cheese. Oh boy, was it a delight! The portion size was huge, perfect for those who can't get enough of this cheesy goodness. The macaroni was cooked to perfection, tender but still with a slight bite. The cheese sauce was velvety smooth and had just the right amount of tanginess.

One thing that impressed me about Hoover's Cooking was their attention to detail. The mac and cheese was served piping hot, with a golden brown crust on top that added a satisfying crunch to every bite. It was clear that every aspect of this dish was made with love and care.

And the best part? The price! Hoover's Cooking offers their mac and cheese at a reasonably priced rate, making it accessible to everyone.

In conclusion, if you're a mac and cheese enthusiast in Austin, Hoover's Cooking is a place you simply cannot miss. With excellent food, a great staff, huge portions, and reasonable prices, this place has it all. Give it a try, and I can guarantee that your taste buds will thank you.

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Newk's Eatery

Highlights
Fantastic food
Great service
Friendly staff
Kid-friendly
Recommended dishes

Let me start by saying that Newk's Eatery offers some fantastic options when it comes to mac and cheese in Austin. As I entered the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere, set by the friendly staff and eager to help servers.

I decided to order their famous mac and cheese, accompanied by a side of their deliciously creamy mashed potatoes. The mac and cheese arrived piping hot, with a generous layer of golden-brown bread crumbs on top. With the first bite, my taste buds were enraptured by the rich and velvety cheese sauce, perfectly coating each al dente elbow macaroni.

The texture of the pasta was spot-on, with just the right balance between tender and firm. Every forkful was a delightful symphony of flavors; the sharpness of the cheddar was complemented by a subtle hint of smokiness. It was a mac and cheese extravaganza that left me craving for more.

The service at Newk's Eatery was impeccable, with attentive waitstaff who were always ready to offer recommendations. They also ensured that my dining experience was nothing short of marvelous. The restaurant provided a cheerful and kid-friendly environment, making it perfect for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal together.

Overall, my visit to Newk's Eatery was absolutely delightful. With their fantastic food, great service, and friendly staff, I wholeheartedly recommend trying their mac and cheese when seeking the best options in Austin. Be sure to visit Newk's Eatery for a mac and cheese experience that will leave you longing for another cheesy adventure.

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Wink

Highlights
Amazing food
Excellent service
Wide range of vegan options
Impressive wine pairings
Knowledgeable servers

First and foremost, let me start by saying that Wink offers some amazing food. When it comes to their mac and cheese, they truly hit the mark. The dish is a delightful harmony of creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. Each mouthful is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you wanting more.

But it's not just about the food at Wink – the excellent service is worth mentioning as well. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They make you feel right at home and are happy to help with any questions or recommendations you may have.

What sets Wink apart from other establishments is their commitment to catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. They have an extensive selection of vegan options, including a vegan mac and cheese that rivals its dairy-based counterpart. This attention to inclusivity is commendable and ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious bowl of mac and cheese.

Another aspect that impressed me about Wink is their selection of wine pairings. They have a sommelier on staff who can expertly recommend a wine that perfectly complements the flavors in the mac and cheese. It's a culinary experience that elevates the dish to new heights.

Overall, my experience at Wink was nothing short of delightful. The combination of amazing food, excellent service, and a wide range of vegan options make it a standout destination for mac and cheese enthusiasts in Austin. Whether you're a cheese aficionado or prefer the vegan route, Wink has something for everyone. I highly recommend giving it a try – your taste buds will thank you.

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Lamberts

Highlights
Awesome atmosphere
Amazing food
Friendly staff
Historic building

Let me start by saying that Lamberts is not just your average barbecue joint. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with an awesome atmosphere that perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of Austin.

And let's talk about the food. Oh boy, the mac and cheese at Lamberts is pure perfection. Each creamy, cheesy bite was a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds. The macaroni was perfectly cooked, tender but not mushy, and the cheese sauce had just the right amount of richness.

But it's not just about the mac and cheese; the entire menu at Lamberts is a food lover's dream come true. From their succulent slow-smoked meats to their mouth-watering sides, every dish is a true work of art.

The friendly staff at Lamberts further enhanced my dining experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they served. Their recommendations were spot-on and their enthusiasm was contagious.

One of the things that sets Lamberts apart is its location in a historic building. The combination of rustic charm and modern elegance created a unique and inviting ambiance, making my meal even more enjoyable.

If you're in search of the best mac and cheese in Austin, I highly recommend giving Lamberts a try. With its awesome atmosphere, amazing food, friendly staff, and historic building, it's a dining experience that you won't want to miss.

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Swift's Attic

Highlights
Amazing food
Super friendly staff
Excellent drinks
Divine halibut
Modern speakeasy vibe

Let me start by saying that Swift's Attic truly lives up to its reputation as one of the top spots in Austin for amazing food. And when it comes to mac and cheese, they are simply divine.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by a super friendly staff who made me feel right at home. Their cheerful demeanor added a delightful touch to the overall dining experience.

The menu at Swift's Attic offers a variety of tantalizing dishes, but let's not stray too far from the star of this review - their mac and cheese. Imagine a creamy, gooey blend of aged cheddar and fontina that coats each perfectly cooked macaroni with a comforting embrace. Every bite is like a cozy hug for your taste buds.

To complement the mac and cheese, I decided to indulge in one of their excellent drinks. The mixologist at Swift's Attic is truly a master of their craft, concocting cocktails that are both innovative and incredibly delicious. The refreshing sip of my whiskey sour perfectly balanced the richness of the mac and cheese.

The atmosphere of Swift's Attic adds to the overall experience. With its modern speakeasy vibe, dimmed lights, and an eclectic mix of art adorning the walls, it feels like stepping into a hidden gem in the heart of Austin.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best mac and cheese in Austin, look no further than Swift's Attic. The combination of amazing food, super friendly staff, excellent drinks, and a divine mac and cheese make this place a must-visit for any mac and cheese connoisseur in the city.

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Colleen's Kitchen

Highlights
Fantastic dining experience
Warm and delicious food
Cozy and inviting atmosphere
Excellent service
Parking validation available

Walking into Colleen's Kitchen felt like stepping into a warm hug. The cozy and inviting atmosphere immediately put me at ease and made me excited for the mac and cheese I was about to devour.

The first thing that struck me at Colleen's Kitchen was their fantastic dining experience. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and provided excellent service throughout my entire visit. It was evident that they valued their customers and genuinely wanted us to have a memorable meal.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the mac and cheese. I ordered the classic version, and boy, was it a treat for my taste buds. The macaroni was cooked to perfection - tender but not mushy - and the cheese sauce was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Each bite was like a comforting embrace.

To my delight, Colleen's Kitchen didn't stop there. They also offered several mouth-watering variations of mac and cheese, like a bacon-studded version and a spicy jalapeño variation. I can't wait to come back and try them all!

Another highlight and a major plus for those visiting downtown Austin is that parking validation is available at Colleen's Kitchen, making it convenient for customers.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best mac and cheese in Austin, look no further than Colleen's Kitchen. With its fantastic dining experience, warm and delicious food, and excellent service, this charming eatery is a standout in the Austin food scene. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in their unforgettable mac and cheese creations.

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Stella San Jac

Highlights
Amazing smoked salmon Benedict
Exceptional customer service
Must-visit spot for delightful dining experience

Walking into Stella San Jac, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, and the friendly staff greeted me with warm smiles. As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but notice their amazing smoked salmon Benedict, which was a delightful surprise. However, I was here for one thing and one thing only - the mac and cheese.

The waiter brought out a steaming plate of their famous mac and cheese, and my taste buds were instantly tantalized. The dish was served beautifully, with a golden-brown crust on top and a creamy, cheesy center. With each bite, I could taste the rich flavors of different cheeses that had been expertly blended together. The pasta was perfectly al dente, providing a satisfying texture to each forkful.

What really stood out about Stella San Jac was their exceptional customer service. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. They even went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary restrictions, which I greatly appreciated.

Overall, Stella San Jac is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a delightful dining experience. While their mac and cheese may not be their claim to fame, it is definitely a dish that should not be overlooked. With its rich flavors and impeccable customer service, it's easy to see why Stella San Jac deserves a spot in the article about the best mac and cheese in Austin.

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