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18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
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by Diana Spechler and James Wong
Updated December 15, 2023
Whether they’re arguing over who slings the best breakfast tacos in the city or where to go for the most delicious barbecue, Austinites have strong opinions about their city’s greatest restaurants.
That’s because Austin’s got it all. A rustic spot in East Austin shakes up longstanding butcher shop traditions. In South Lamar, a James Beard Award winner serves reimagined Oaxacan dishes. Exceptionally buttery biscuits put a downtown restaurant on the map.
The Texan capital’s dining scene is as spirited as its residents. Read on for a guide to 18 restaurants that are vital to Austin.
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HeidiVIP
Dined on Feb 17, 2025
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Kyle
Dined 3 days ago
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Isaac
Dined 7 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 26, 2024
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Rachel
Dined today
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Melanie
Dined 4 days ago
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LindsayVIP
Dined 7 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 11, 2024
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Teresa
Dined 2 days ago
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HeatherVIP
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
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Salman
Dined today
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Karan
Dined 2 days ago
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Amanda
Dined 6 days ago
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ConneeVIP
Dined 3 days ago
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JaynieMVIP
Dined on May 14, 2019
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Patricia
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
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CarolinaVIP
Dined today
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