Best Restaurants for People Watching in Midtown

16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Condesa

4.6

Exceptional(2232)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 35 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.

A photo of VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant

2. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

4.8

Exceptional(550)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Austin

Booked 32 times today

VERDAD pulls from traditions cultivated throughout Mexican history to authentically capture and appreciate the relationship between the past and the present – a focus that inspired the concept’s name VERDAD. VERDAD translates to “truth”. VERDAD will bring this promise to life with authentic, ingredients-focused Mexican dishes modernized through high-end cooking technique and innovative presentation, providing an elevated dining experience inspired by a steakhouse point-of-view. Follow the history as it unfolds through the VERDAD menu, robust collection of tequila, sweet treats and more!

3. Prélude

4.7

Exceptional(137)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 20 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.

4. P6

4.6

Exceptional(1120)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

Once home to a parking garage in the 1960s, P6 has been transformed into an intimate rooftop garden lounge space for open-air dining and drinks with sweeping views of Town Lake and the lush South Austin skyline.The menu of Contemporary American small plates and inventive seasonal cocktails pairs well with technicolor Texas sunsets.Open every evening and on weekends for brunch. See you on 6.Reservations are highly recommended. Self-parking is available in the hotel parking lot for $10 for 3 hours. Please see host for discount.Service pets ONLY allowed in outdoor space

5. Corner

4.6

Exceptional(984)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 26 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.

6. June's All Day

4.8

Exceptional(1038)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • South Austin

Booked 52 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.

A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant

7. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(1463)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

A neighborhood gem! This family-run Italian restaurant offers a chic, rustic atmosphere in a downtown Austin landmark historic 1876 building. Enjoy outdoor sidewalk cafe dining just steps from the Texas State Capitol (dog friendly).We feature a wide variety of authentic Italian pastas, pizza, meats, seafood & unique daily specials. (GF and Veg options). Daily specials highlight the freshest and most seasonal offerings, such as Rigatoni Alla Norcina (sausage with truffle oil), house-made Gnocchi Sorrentina, and Whole Roasted Fish. Gelato, sorbets and desserts are delicious and made in-house. The cozy full-bar offers classic Italian cocktails and a sizable wine list representing Italy’s diverse regions.All breads and pizza are made daily using naturally leavened dough and an ancient fermentation process; this improves digestibility and creates a delicious flavor. Neapolitan pizzas are baked at 1000 degrees in a wood-fired brick oven. Your new Austin favorite.

8. Vespaio Austin

4.7

Exceptional(1707)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.

9. Devil May Care

4.7

Exceptional(230)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

Located at the bustling corner of 6th & San Antonio, Devil May Care delivers a fresh and enigmatic experience to Austin’s dining and entertainment scene. With its cozy, eclectic vibe, Devil May Care provides a downtown, art-filled, underground hideaway. Family-style dining features a healthy and shareable play on Modern Mediterranean cuisine.

10. Maie Day

4.5

Awesome(414)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Bouldin Creek

Booked 14 times today

Maie Day is a community chophouse located at South Congress Hotel. Helmed by three-time James Beard-nominated chef Michael Fojtasek and a MICHELIN Guide Recommended Restaurant for 2024, the menu is everything you love about a steakhouse, designed to be approachable and great for groups, and is a celebration of all people and always a party.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lourdes
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Met my cousins here for Thanksgiving. VERDAD was a new experience for all of us and we were duly impressed. For starters, the calamari was to die for, and for the main dish we each had was something unique and delicious. The service was impeccable, the setting and decor were tasteful and trendy, and every dish a work of culinary art. We will definitely return! Honestly, the only thing out of “sync” for me was the background music. It’s tough to choose tunes for “modern Mexican” I suppose, but I might have preferred some lively classical guitar genre or smooth Latin-inspired jazz. In any case, the tunes in the background weren’t jarring or annoying…just a little out of place. Looking forward to another visit soon!
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VERDAD True Modern MexicanPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Austin
•
4.8
M
Michellevip
Austin •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Their happy hour is my favorite excuse to not cook dinner during the week. The Condesa margarita has to be my favorite cocktail in all of Austin, and my favorite weekday happy hour treat! The service here is always top notch, and the ingredients are always fresh!
More info
La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
W
Waynevip
San Antonio •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Paddy was a great server. Great ambience in a great hotel
More info
CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4.6
C
Chad
Houston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Drinks atmosphere and cookies were outstanding. Will def be going back
More info
PréludePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.7
B
Bryan
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Incredible place, always a great time. Sarah took great care of my table
More info
P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6

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Midtown

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Midtown

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Condesa

2. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

3. Prélude

4. P6

5. Corner

6. June's All Day

7. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

8. Vespaio Austin

9. Devil May Care

10. Maie Day

See what locals rave about

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