South Austin's Best Restaurants [Updated 2025]

Get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the culinary wonders of this vibrant neighborhood. From mouthwatering barbecue joints to mouthwatering tacos, I've scoured every nook and cranny to bring you a list of the top 8 eateries that will tickle your taste buds.

So, put on your stretchy pants and join me as we explore the hidden gems and local favorites that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a foodie or simply enjoy a good meal, get ready to discover the best restaurants in south Austin that will surely satisfy your cravings!

The Little Darlin'

Highlights
Chicken & Mac is game over
Chicken Fried Steak worth it
Huge outdoor space
Jalapeño Popper Dip is delicious

Let me start off by saying that The Little Darlin' is a hidden gem in South Austin that simply cannot be missed. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was immediately struck by the inviting and laid-back atmosphere. The neon lights, rustic wooden furniture, and friendly staff made me feel right at home.

Now, on to the food! The menu is filled with mouthwatering options, but there were a few dishes that truly stood out. First, let's talk about the Chicken & Mac. Oh my goodness, this dish was a game-changer. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the cheesy, creamy macaroni was a match made in foodie heaven. One bite and I was hooked.

But the star of the show was undeniably the Chicken Fried Steak. This ain't your average steak, folks. The perfectly crispy crust paired with the succulent meat was worth every single calorie. Trust me when I say, you won't need to eat for a week after indulging in this decadent delight.

What truly sets The Little Darlin' apart is its huge outdoor space. Whether you want to enjoy your meal under the sun or have a drink with friends under the stars, this place has you covered. It's the perfect spot for gatherings, live music, and just soaking up the Austin vibes.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention the Jalapeño Popper Dip. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with just the right amount of heat, this appetizer was absolutely delicious. I couldn't get enough of the tangy jalapeños paired with the smooth, melted cheese. It's the kind of dip that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.

In conclusion, The Little Darlin' is a must-visit restaurant in South Austin. Whether you're craving some down-home comfort food or just want to enjoy a laid-back evening with friends, this place has it all. So grab a seat, indulge in some mouthwatering dishes, and let The Little Darlin' work its magic on your taste buds.

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Cafe Malta

Highlights
Perfect neighborhood bistro
Delicious local and seasonal menu
Super flavorful and nutritious
Friendly staff
Fast and hot service

Cafe Malta is a perfect neighborhood bistro that exceeded my expectations. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal.

The menu at Cafe Malta boasts a selection of delicious local and seasonal dishes, which immediately caught my attention. I decided to try their signature dish, the seafood paella. Let me tell you, it was a flavor explosion in every bite. The seafood was fresh and cooked to perfection, while the saffron-infused rice was fragrant and packed with savory goodness. The dish was not only delicious but also nutritious, which is a rare find in a restaurant.

I was pleasantly surprised by the fast and hot service. It seemed like my food arrived at the table within minutes of ordering. This was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing their customers with an exceptional dining experience.

Overall, Cafe Malta is a hidden gem in South Austin. If you're looking for a place that combines great flavor, a locally sourced menu, and a friendly atmosphere, then this is the place for you. I can confidently say that Cafe Malta has secured a spot on my list of the best restaurants in South Austin.

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Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar at Austin, TX

Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Generous portions
Great atmosphere

From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by the friendly staff at Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar. Their warm welcome instantly made me feel at home and set the tone for an enjoyable dining experience.

Now let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, the food at Jalisco's is absolutely delicious! From the first bite to the last, every dish was bursting with flavor and made my taste buds dance with joy. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican cuisine, and each plate was prepared with care and attention to detail.

One thing that really stood out to me was the generous portions. I left feeling completely satisfied and didn't have to worry about going home hungry. Whether you're craving tacos, enchiladas, or some flavorful fajitas, Jalisco's has got you covered.

Not only does Jalisco's have amazing food, but it also boasts a great atmosphere. The colorful decor and lively music create a festive ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience. Whether you're dining alone or with a group of friends, you'll feel right at home in this cozy restaurant.

In conclusion, Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar is a true gem in South Austin. With its friendly staff, delicious food, generous portions, and great atmosphere, it's no wonder why locals and visitors alike flock to this establishment. So, if you're looking for one of the best restaurants in South Austin, make sure to give Jalisco's a try. You won't be disappointed!

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THE GIT OUT BAR AND KITCHEN

Highlights
Amazing food
Unique flavors
Friendly staff
Tasty and unique bar food
Reasonably priced

Let me start off by saying, the food at The Git Out Bar and Kitchen is simply amazing. From the moment I walked in, I could smell the enticing aromas coming from the kitchen. The menu was filled with unique flavors that I hadn't seen anywhere else in South Austin.

The staff, let me tell you, they're beyond friendly. From the moment I stepped foot in the door, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine desire to make sure I had the best experience possible. They were knowledgeable about the menu and helped me navigate the plethora of options.

Now, let's talk about the food. The bar food at The Git Out is not your average fare. It's on a whole other level. Each dish was carefully crafted to combine familiar flavors with surprising twists. Every bite was a delight to the taste buds, and I found myself savoring each morsel.

One thing worth mentioning is how reasonably priced the food is. In a city where dining out can often break the bank, The Git Out offers a menu that won't empty your wallet. You can indulge in their delicious offerings without feeling guilty.

If you find yourself in South Austin, I highly recommend giving The Git Out Bar and Kitchen a visit. This hidden gem is sure to leave you satisfied with its amazing food, unique flavors, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure!

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Huckleberry

Highlights
Tasty seafood
Large portions
Blue crab quesadilla
Watermelon salad
Generous with crab

Walking into Huckleberry, I was immediately struck by the playful yet rustic ambiance. The restaurant's tasty seafood offerings were the main attraction for me, and I was not disappointed.

As I perused the menu, I couldn't resist ordering the highly recommended blue crab quesadilla. The combination of savory crab meat and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla was a delightful taste sensation. And let me tell you, they were generous with the crab!

To balance out the richness of the quesadilla, I also tried their refreshing watermelon salad. The sweetness of the watermelon paired perfectly with the tanginess of the vinaigrette dressing. It was a light and refreshing palate cleanser.

One thing that really stood out to me about Huckleberry was the portion sizes. They certainly don't skimp on their servings! Whether it was the main course or an appetizer, I left the restaurant feeling very satisfied.

Overall, Huckleberry is a charming and delicious addition to the South Austin restaurant scene. Its commitment to tasty seafood and generous portions make it a strong contender for the title of one of the best restaurants in South Austin.

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Casa Garcia's - William Cannon

Highlights
Delicious dishes
Excellent service
Great margaritas
Made in-house tortillas
Spacious atmosphere

From the moment I stepped foot into Casa Garcia's, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was welcoming, with a spacious atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but notice the variety of delicious dishes that awaited me. From traditional Tex-Mex favorites to unique house specialties, their menu truly had something for everyone.

I started my dining experience with their made in-house tortillas, which were warm, soft, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of flavors in each dish was a testament to their commitment to quality. Every bite was bursting with bold and savory flavors that beautifully captivated my taste buds.

The staff at Casa Garcia's provided excellent service, making sure that my dining experience was nothing short of memorable. They were attentive, friendly, and had extensive knowledge of the menu, offering helpful recommendations that only enhanced my dining experience.

To accompany my meal, I couldn't resist indulging in one of their great margaritas. The blend of tequila, fresh lime, and a touch of sweetness was pure perfection. The balance of flavors was spot on, making it the ideal accompaniment to the flavorful dishes.

Overall, my visit to Casa Garcia's - William Cannon was nothing short of spectacular. From the delectable dishes to the top-notch service, it's no wonder this restaurant is a contender for the best restaurants in South Austin article. Whether you're craving Tex-Mex classics or innovative culinary creations, Casa Garcia's is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

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Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Highlights
Great BBQ
Top 5 Texas Monthly Barbecue
Delicious food
Long lines
Worth the wait

First and foremost, let me tell you, this place serves some great BBQ. It's no wonder they made it to the Top 5 Texas Monthly Barbecue list. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the smoky aroma wafting through the air, making my taste buds tingle with anticipation.

The menu offered a selection of mouthwatering options and it was hard to choose. But I settled on the brisket and oh my, was it delicious. The meat was perfectly tender and smoky, with a flavorful bark that left me wanting more. The accompanying sides of creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw elevated the experience.

Now, I must warn you, there are often long lines at Leroy and Lewis Barbecue. But let me tell you, it's worth the wait. The food here is top-notch, and the friendly staff keeps things moving as quickly as possible.

One thing I appreciated about Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is their commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients. They even have a strong focus on using whole animals and reducing waste, which earns them bonus points in my book.

In conclusion, if you're in South Austin and craving some fantastic BBQ, make sure to stop by Leroy and Lewis Barbecue. The incredible flavors, dedication to quality ingredients, and playful atmosphere make it a standout in the South Austin culinary scene. Just be prepared to wait in line, but trust me, it's totally worth it.

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Evangeline Cafe

Highlights
Louisiana ambiance
Consistent gumbo
Friendly staff
Delicious PoBoy

Walking into Evangeline Cafe, I instantly felt transported to the heart of Louisiana. The beautifully decorated interior exuded warmth and a touch of Southern charm, setting the stage for a truly delightful dining experience.

One thing that stood out to me about Evangeline Cafe was their consistent gumbo. As a gumbo aficionado, I have tried many versions of this spicy stew, but Evangeline Cafe truly nailed it. With each spoonful, I could taste the perfect balance of flavors, the rich roux, and the touch of Cajun spices that made my tastebuds dance with joy.

The staff at Evangeline Cafe were incredibly friendly, providing exceptional service throughout my visit. They were knowledgeable about the menu and enthusiastic about sharing recommendations, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Now, I couldn't write a review of Evangeline Cafe without mentioning their delectable PoBoy sandwiches. Whether you opt for the classic crawfish or shrimp, you're in for a treat. Each PoBoy was packed with generous portions of perfectly cooked seafood, nestled in a soft yet sturdy French roll that added just the right amount of crunch.

Overall, my visit to Evangeline Cafe was a delightful and memorable experience. From the Louisiana ambiance to the consistent gumbo, friendly staff, and delicious PoBoy sandwiches, this South Austin gem easily earns its spot on the list of the best restaurants in the area.

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