Local Love List {Food & Drink}

Words by Codi Chen

When it comes to restaurants, Austin is a city that never disappoints. Known as a vibrant culinary hub, it serves up flavors as diverse as its people. From iconic Tex-Mex and brisket that melts in your mouth to inventive cocktails and the tastiest vegan dishes known to man, East Austin’s food scene is a feast for the senses. It’s a place where every meal tells a story, and every drink is an experience, capturing the city’s irresistible charm and flavors.

Best Brunch

Hillside Farmacy
Hillside Farmacy turns brunch into an unforgettable mid-day celebration. Nestled in a charming vintage pharmacy, this East Austin gem serves up farm-fresh dishes bursting with creative combinations and comfort. From Etoufee Shrimp & Grits to Wasabi Bloody Marys, it’s the perfect spot for a delightful, laid-back brunch. 1209 E 11th St.

Best Drive-Thru

Flyrite Chicken
Flyrite is where Austin’s love for quality and local collide with convenience. Think juicy chicken sandwiches, crispy tenders, and flavors that pack a punch—made with all-natural ingredients served alongside home-made sauces. It’s fast food, but better; it’s fast food done right. 2129 E 7th St.

Best Sandwiches

Pranzo Hidden Cafe
Pranzo redefines the art of sandwiches in Austin. With fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and bold flavors, each bite is a delight. Whether you’re craving a classic or something creative, Pranzo serves up hearty, satisfying sandwiches reminiscent of a European café. 2501 E 5th St.

Best Pizza Place

East Side Pies
East Side Pies is where Austin’s pizza lovers go for a slice of the OG. Known for ultra-thin crust, locally-sourced toppings, and creative combos, every bite bursts with flavor. It’s the ultimate spot for slices that bring comfort. 1401 Rosewood Ave.

Best Italian Restaurant

Poeta
Poeta is Austin’s Italian love letter, where every dish feels like a warm embrace. From house-made pasta to wood-fired pizzas, the flavors are authentic, vibrant, and irresistible. The warm ambiance and welcoming spirit make it the ideal spot for an Italian feast. 1123 E 11th St.

Best Reason to Wait in Line

OMG Squee
OMG Squee is pure magic in dessert form! This gluten-free Asian American bakery serves up whimsical delights like butter mochi donuts, taiyaki soft serve, and character macarons. Every treat is handcrafted with love, making it a sweet celebration of creativity and color. 4607 Bolm Rd., Ste. A

Authentic International Cuisine

Buenos Aires Café
Buenos Aires Café delivers the most authentic Argentine flavors in Austin. Indulge in flaky empanadas, tender steaks, and a perfectly paired Malbec, all crafted with passion. The traditional ambiance and exquisite dishes make it a standout spot for international cuisine, transporting you straight to the heart of South America. 1201 E 6th St.

Best Fried Chicken

Terry’s Seafood and Chicken
Terry’s Seafood and Chicken serves fried chicken that’s crispy, well-seasoned, and downright addictive. With every golden-brown bite, you’ll savor the perfect balance of juicy and crunchy. It’s the go-to spot for fried food that hits the spot. 1805 Airport Blvd.

Best Date Night

Juniper
Juniper is a romantic spot for the start of an incredible date. With its intimate atmosphere, stunning views, and exquisite Mediterranean-inspired dishes, it’s a place where every bite heightens the senses. Expect exceptional service and a night filled with elegance and charm. 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. 304

Best Wine Bar

APT 115
APT 115 is a cozy wine bar where every glass tells a story. With a carefully curated selection of wines, intimate ambiance, and savory small bites, it’s the perfect spot to sip on something unique and discover a new favorite pour. 2025 E 7th St.

Best Asian Food

Marufuku Ramen
Marufuku Ramen serves up bowl after bowl of pure comfort. With rich, flavorful broths, tender noodles, and perfectly cooked toppings, every dish is a celebration of authentic Japanese ingredients. It’s the ultimate spot for ramen lovers craving a soul-satisfying bowl of noodles. 900 Aldrich St., #180

Best Sushi

Fukumoto
Fukumoto is a sushi lover’s paradise, where artistry meets flavor in every bite. From fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to expertly crafted rolls, every dish is a masterpiece. The intimate atmosphere and impeccable service make it the ultimate sushi experience. 514 Medina St.

Best Seafood

Este
Este is a seafood lover’s dream, where fresh, ocean-inspired dishes are elevated with bold flavors from Mexico. From oysters to ceviche, each plate is bursting with brightness and creativity. The modern atmosphere and innovative menu make it the top choice for those craving Central American seafood. 2113 Manor Rd.

Best New Restaurant

Toshokan
Toshokan is a vibrant, must-visit gem that’s redefining Austin’s dining scene. With its inventive fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors, every dish is a delightful surprise. From creative and elevated sushi rolls to savory small bites, this omakase dining experience is as exciting as it is dynamic. 807 E 4th St.

Best Breakfast

Rockstar Bagels
Rockstar Bagels is the breakfast spot you’ve been craving—especially if it’s NY-style bagels you desire. With fresh, chewy bagels and over-the-top add-ons, every bite is sure to satisfy. Whether you go classic or get creative, it’s the ultimate way to start your day with a little extra rock ‘n’ roll.
1900 Rosewood Ave.

Best Neighborhood Restaurant

Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Cherrywood Coffeehouse is the heart of its namesake neighborhood, where comfort food meets chill vibes. From its legendary brunch to its local brews and homemade pies, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends or dive into a book; it’s truly a local treasure in every way. 1400 E 38th 1/2 St.

Best Donuts

S-H Donuts 
S-H Donuts is where donut dreams come true. With pillowy-soft, perfectly glazed treats and irresistible classics like the honey bun, every bite is pure joy. Whether you’re grabbing a dozen or just one fluffy egg croissant, it’s a sweet spot that keeps locals coming back for more. 4410 E Riverside Dr., #108, 5313 Manor Rd. 

Best Walk-Up Window

Austin Daily Press
ADP is the ultimate walk-up window for a quick, mouth-watering bite. Serving up gourmet tortas and tacos with fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations, every order feels like a little adventure. It’s the best spot to grab a delicious meal on the go, anytime, anywhere. 1900 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Ste. B

Best Bodega

Mour Café
Mour Cafe is the bodega that’s all heart, serving up bold flavors in a welcoming space. From expertly curated wines to Pork Belly Fried Rice to vibrant tacos and soups, it’s a neighborhood gem where every visit feels like a delicious little escape. 1414 Shore District Dr., #120

Best Burger

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
Jacoby’s serves up the best burger in town, where juicy, straight-from-the-ranch patties meet heaping farm-fresh toppings. With a side of crispy fries and a river view, it’s the ultimate comfort food experience, especially on Wednesdays when guests can grab that burger and either a Jalapeña Business Margarita or Old Fashioned for just 20 bucks. 3235 E Cesar Chavez St.

Best Lunch

Cisco’s
Cisco’s Restaurant, Bakery, & Bar has been serving up hearty Tex-Mex favorites with a side of Austin charm for seven decades. From chips and queso to traditional enchiladas, each dish screams, “This is Austin’s comfort food.” It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back lunch with coworkers, friends, or family. 1511 E 6th St.

Best Comfort Food

Sawyer & Co.
Sawyer & Co. serves up the ultimate comfort food with a twist. From decadent chicken-fried steak to smoky mac and cheese, every dish feels like grandma’s cooking on a plate. The nostalgic diner vibes make it an ideal place to indulge in all your favorite Southern comforts. 4827 E Cesar Chavez St.

Best Desserts

Launderette
Need your sweet cravings satisfied? Launderette offers indulgent treats that redefine sweet perfection. From rich, velvety cakes to decadent ice cream sandwiches, every bite is unforgettable. With its stylish atmosphere and creative confections, it’s the ultimate destination to celebrate a special occasion. 2115 Holly St.

Best Tex-Mex

Juan in a Million
Juan in a Million serves up flavorful Tex-Mex that’s simply unbeatable. From their legendary breakfast tacos to sizzling fajitas, every dish is packed with authentic flavors and generous portions. It’s a fiesta in every bite, and once you try it, you’ll keep coming back. 2300 E Cesar Chavez St.

Best Breakfast Tacos

Granny’s Tacos
Granny’s serves up breakfast tacos that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. With perfectly scrambled eggs, flavorful meats, and fresh tortillas, each bite is pure joy. It’s the kind of taco that makes every morning a little brighter. 1401 E 7th St.

Best Kid-Friendly Spot

Redbud Icehouse
Redbud Icehouse is the ultimate kid-friendly hangout, offering fun for the whole family. With a spacious outdoor area, a simple menu, and refreshing drinks, kids can play while parents relax. Redbud provides a casual, lively outing with something for everyone to enjoy. 2027 Anchor Ln.

Best Vegan Food

The Vegan Nom
Nom is a plant-based paradise, serving up vibrant, flavorful tacos that’ll make even non-vegans swoon. From smoky jackfruit to spicy tempeh, each bite bursts with bold flavors. It’s vegan food at its most delicious and satisfying. 2324 E Cesar Chavez St., #A

Best Bakery

Lady Quack’s Cakery
Quack’s offers mouth-watering pastries, decadent cupcakes, and irresistible cookies that feel like they came straight out of a sweet dream. With its comfy atmosphere and creative treats, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy any sugar craving. 1900 Simond Ave., #300

Best Taco

La Santa Barbacha
La Santa Barbacha serves tacos that are like no other, with tender, slow-cooked meats and rich flavors in every bite. Whether you’re craving barbacoa or a unique specialty, these tacos are a celebration of the unexpected. The women behind La Santa are creating a taco experience that’s truly unforgettable. 2806 Manor Rd.

Best Barbecue

Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats is a BBQ lover’s paradise, where smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and expertly seasoned sausages steal the show. With a commitment to quality and flavor, every bite is a celebration of Texas tradition—even their smoked meat tacos. It’s BBQ done right, and it’s worth every savory bite, including the sides. 1309 Rosewood Ave.