The Best Bars for Foodies in Austin

Austin is the cutting-edge, super-hip heart of the Lone Star State, and its dining and drinking scene is just as cool. There are traditional, Texas-style swinging and rocking honky-tonk live-music venues and barbecue joints teeming with family-secret recipes that simmer for hours. But where are the smartest, savviest diners grabbing a drink? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. These spots offer up exciting fusion dishes with cuisines from around the globe, locally-brewed craft beers and spirits, and staggering wine lists.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Wu Chow-Downtown, Uchi Austin, Dai Due…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Chinese, Sushi, American…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown, East Austin…

Wu Chow-Downtown

Price: Expensive

Chinese

Downtown

4.7

1981 reviews

This downtown Austin institution from chef Ji Peng Chen is the place to go to for authentic farm-to-table Chinese food. Weekends and weeknights are packed with young professionals and locals dining on dishes and washing those down with one of Wu Chow's signature cocktails, many mixing Asian and traditional American flavors. A top-notch spot for dinner and a few drinks with a group of friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchi Austin

Price: Very Expensive

Sushi

Downtown

4.9

5233 reviews

Uchi is a groundbreaking Asian fusion restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. It's one of Austin's sushi hot spots, with a creative and ever-changing menu for visitors and locals to enjoy. There's also an expansive sake list, a selection of Japanese-influenced cocktails, and a fine beer selection that includes Japanese favorites and local Texas brews

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dai Due

Price: Expensive

American

East Austin

4.8

2010 reviews

The Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club is a remarkable Manor Road institution right next to the University of Texas at Austin—and its menu is Lone Star down to the core. There's a heavy focus on farm-to-table Texas ingredients at Dai Due. All beer and wine selections are from the state, and in-season ingredients and produce that comes from Texas drive the changing menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchiko Austin

Price: Very Expensive

Sushi

Central Austin

4.8

5817 reviews

Uchiko is the little brother of the aforementioned Uchi restaurant, delivering the same type of experimental, tasty fare in its intimate and beautiful Rosedale neighborhood location. It's a fantastic post-work Happy Hour spot, with small plate appetizers and dishes paired with fine sushi and cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jeffrey's Restaurant

Price: Very Expensive

American

Central Austin

4.9

1798 reviews

Jeffrey's is the spot to go when looking for a truly upscale dinner. This luxurious wine bar is a mixture of classic American steakhouse and traditional French cuisine, with an excellent bar menu and creative cocktail list—with drinks named after Hollywood classics. For a deluxe bar snack, try something from their large and extravagant caviar menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown

Price: Expensive

Seafood

Downtown

4.7

4514 reviews

This reliable chain is renowned for great seafood and fine drinks across the American Midwest and Southwest. Its downtown Austin location is big, beautiful, and perfect for a dinner out—especially when the Florida stone crab dishes are in season. Even when they're not, Truluck's is an excellent spot for a night out or a happy hour venture. Try something from their "Flirty Dozen" wine list or one of their signature cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Clark's Oyster Bar

Price: Very Expensive

Seafood

Downtown

4.9

1633 reviews

Looking for one of the cutest bars in Austin? Go to Clark’s Oyster Bar. The place is gorgeous and has a lovely dining room that's usually lively and packed. Clark's has an unbeatable selection of oysters with offerings that come from New England states, the Gulf, Canada, and elsewhere. Stop by during Clark's Happy Hour for great deals on most of their food.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Emmer & Rye

Price: Very Expensive

American

Downtown

4.6

3123 reviews

Emmer and Rye is a lovely spot on Rainey with a unique food style. Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Emmer and Rye focuses on small plates and changes the menu on a daily basis. Go there on different days and sample dozens of different meals. Stop in for dinner, brunch, or a cocktail and local draft beer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

Price: Expensive

Barbecue

Downtown

4.7

2037 reviews

What bar or restaurant tour of Austin would be complete without some barbecue? Lamberts is one of the gold-standard BBQ joints in the city. There's an upstairs bar and lounge to relax, hang out, and put back a few local beers as guests dine on brisket. Don't forget to grab some of the appetizers—try the chicken-fried oysters for a real treat before the meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bob's Steak & Chop House - Austin

Price: Very Expensive

Steakhouse

Downtown

4.6

2089 reviews

Well, the specialties are right there in the name. Bob's is a reliable, delicious chain of steakhouses, with locations across America; the Austin spot advertises "the biggest steaks in Texas." Stop off at the bar for something from the large wine list or a local beer or two in a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Red Ash Italia

Price: Very Expensive

Italian

Downtown

4.8

3370 reviews

One of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, Red Ash is a delicious Happy Hour option. All dishes are $7 during that magical time, with a selection of excellent Italian small plates, meats and cheeses, pasta, and crudo. There's a giant wine selection and excellent cocktails on the menu for guests to enjoy while dining in this beautiful, rustic location with an open kitchen.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chez Zee

Price: Moderate

American

Northwest

4.5

4194 reviews

Chez Zee is a creative American restaurant with the vibe of a French bistro and a diverse menu full of specials. The creme brûlée French Toast is a must-have for dessert or brunch, and the New Orleans pecan chicken and jalapeño cornbread stuffed chicken is as good as they sound. There's also a full bar for fun times, with classic cocktails and a huge wine selection.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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