Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Austin

Neighborhoods

ArboretumAustinBouldin CreekClarksvilleDowntownEast Austin

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

21 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Caroline

4.2

Awesome(1217)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

Our all-day spot is perfect for homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go options. Located in the buzzing Austin's central district, Caroline Restaurant is a great place to jump start your day or enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine, curated cocktail, and full dinner menu. With a focus on regional cuisines our neighborhood restaurant has recreated classic dishes to make them healthful but delicious.

2. Powder Room

4.7

Exceptional(206)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Speakeasy • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Step into the secret world of Powder Room, an intimate cocktail lounge that exudes timeless energy. Here, guests are invited to indulge in crafted cocktails in the warmth of an intimate living room setting.Powder Room caters to individuals in search of refined experiences. Elevate your evenings with table-side mixology, complemented by the rhythmic melodies of live music and artistic performances that embody the essence of this hidden gem.

3. La Condesa

4.7

Exceptional(2338)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 43 times today

La Condesa is a two-times James Beard-nominated modern Mexican restaurant located in Austin’s vibrant 2nd Street District. Helmed by Executive Chef Rick Lopez, La Condesa’s menu features interior Mexican dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, plus a renowned bar program with one of the largest collections of tequila, mezcal and other Mexican spirits in the city.

4. P6

4.5

Awesome(1190)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 58 times today

Once a 1960s parking garage, P6 has been transformed into a rooftop oasis showcasing breathtaking panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake for open-air dining and drinks.Our menu features coastal small plates that celebrate Mediterranean traditions with local Texas ingredients, alongside signature cocktails - perfect for enjoying while watching the spectacular sunset bat flights.Open every evening and on weekends for brunch. Happy Hour available on weekdays.Reservations are highly recommended. Valet-parking is available in the hotel parking lot for $12 for 3 hours. Please see host for discount.Service pets ONLY allowed in outdoor space.

5. Corner

4.4

Awesome(1053)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Welcome to Corner Restaurant! Ideally located in downtown Austin, you’ll find modern Texas fare and local twists on classic recipes, all in a stunning location on the corner of 2nd and Congress. Whether you’re looking for local Austin flavors inspired by the 5 Corners of Texas, delicious cocktails, or the perfect boozy brunch, Corner’s patio bar & restaurant has it all.

A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant

6. Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin

4.9

Exceptional(1854)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Clarksville

Booked 28 times today

Clark's features classic American seafood with an emphasis on freshness, local products, simple preparation, attention to detail, and clean presentation. Classic coastal cooking from the Texas Gulf to the Northeastern Seaboard influences Clark's menu. A large portion of the concept is devoted to oysters, raw bar, seafood, and caviar. We procure the freshest oysters from small harvesters around North America and serve cold seafood platters featuring super fresh daily specials.Learn more about MML Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mmlhospitality.com.

7. Prélude

4.8

Exceptional(190)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Chef Mathew Peters, the first American to win the prestigious Bocuse d'Or in 2017, is bringing his culinary expertise to the heart of Austin with the opening of Prelude, an elevated cocktail bar and canapé lounge set in a historic home in West Austin. The space has a beautiful back lawn lounge with views of downtown Austin and private rooms throughout the house that can accommodate groups of 6-18 with private events options of groups up to 120 guests.Prelude will offer a unique Austin experience, combining innovative cocktail creations with elevated small bites. The menu will feature a curated selection of small plates, designed to complement the bar programs signature cocktails and highlight Chef Peters' culinary artistry. Please note that our kitchen closes each evening at 10 pm. Join Prélude during Happy Hour Tuesday-Thursday from 4-6 pm for $2 oysters and drink specials.

8. Lucky Robot

4.8

Exceptional(1295)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Bouldin Creek

Booked 49 times today

Lucky Robot is the first sushi restaurant in Texas to partner with the James Beard Foundation and Monterrey Bay Aquarium sustainability programs. We are committed to healthy oceans. Our kitchen is lead by two time Ora King Finalist Jay Huang. Our food is Modern Nikkei cuisine, a balance of Japanese cuisine accentuated with the fragrant chilies and aromatic spices of Latin America. Prime dry-aged fish is here. A tradition started over 200 years ago in Tokyo and now the first in Texas. Prime Dry Aged Fish will allow you to taste the fish in its purest form. Breaking down tissues and sugars allows new flavors and textures that bring the fish to its cleanest, most tender form. Age = Flavor. For parties of six or more, please see our Large Party Information under Contact at our website (https://www.luckyrobotatx.com/). Please note: Last seating for Omakase Experiences are 30 minutes prior to close

9. Elizabeth St Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(863)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Bouldin Creek

Booked 59 times today

Elizabeth Street Café is a neighborhood Vietnamese cafe and French bakery in South Austin opened in December 2011. The little restaurant boasts sunny dining rooms and a shady garden patio and serves fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as takeout.Elizabeth Street Café is known for: great croissants and Stumptown coffee, bánh mì served on house baked baguettes, fresh spring rolls, Kronenberg on tap, steaming bowls of pho, spicy curries, house cocktails, a fun kids menu, and flavorful macarons.Learn more about McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mmlhospitality.com

10. June's All Day

4.8

Exceptional(1099)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • South Austin

Booked 46 times today

June’s All Day is a little bit of Paris in Austin—a neighborhood cafe and bar offering late breakfast, brunch, and an all day menu late into the evenings, along bustling South Congress Avenue.The bistro-style food menu (think Croque Madame, Steak Tartare & Frites, Grilled Chicken Paillard, & Steak au Poivre) is complemented by a frequently changing wine & bar program including unique bottles and classic cocktails The restaurant has a wraparound patio (open year round) and is ideal for people watching and hanging with your friends.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LALITHA
Austin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service! Love the lock cell phones. Fabulous vibe, enjoyed the DJ guitarist.
More info
Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
•
4.7
T
TomVIP
Austin •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food quality exceeded all of our expectations. Very well designed aesthetic as well, and our server Daniel was a pleasure.
More info
La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.7
M
MikaylaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Perfect happy hour spot!!! 10/10 recommend- great views, bites, & drinks!
More info
P6Price: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We had the Caroline salad and the crab Barrada. Both were absolutely delicious. Our table inside by the window as the sun was setting was perfect, away from the noisy center. The weight staff could not have been more attentive. It was a perfect evening.
More info
CarolinePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.2
C
Carmen
Austin •18 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
Had the cowboy steak and it was delicious! Everything was very nice.
More info
CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4.4

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