{Lucky Seven} Tried & True

Long-time Eastside Establishments

Words Tanya White | Photo from Cisco’s

With almost 200 restaurants and bars opening in Austin in 2023, one might forget the go-tos that built this city’s reputation for impeccable flavors. Get ready to try our top picks for tasty temptations that have been open for years, consistently delivering incredible food experiences.

1 Cisco’s
Achieving a Historic Landmark designation, Cisco’s Restaurant, Bakery & Bar has served one of Austin’s most loved migas plates for over 50 years. The words “insanely good” are found in many of their online reviews and their infamous Wolf Omelette is a protein extravaganza. Be sure to walk around the building to enjoy the street art after bellies are full of their Tex-Mex delights.
ciscosaustin.com | 1511 E 6th St.

2 Hillside Farmacy
This restored 1950s pharmacy was launched over a decade ago with a goal to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers on the days that farmer markets were not open. The menu has long since expanded meeting the foodie demands of Austin locals and visitors alike with innovative cocktails and ever-changing seasonal menu items.
hillsidefarmacy.com | 1209 E 11th St.

3 Launderette
Opened in 2015, initially only for dinner, Launderette is a Holly neighborhood staple. Delivering seasonal menus, fresh cocktail inspirations, and a gorgeous patio experience, this bistro delivers a Paris cafe experience to patrons. The beet hummus with millet crunch is one of many dishes that keep patrons coming back for more.
launderetteaustin.com | 2115 Holly St

4 Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
The beginning of an Eastside restaurant empire, Jacoby’s will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year. The first foodie experience created by the minds of Jacoby’s Restaurant Group, the patio is regularly rated one of Austin’s top destinations for enjoying farm-to-table burgers and steaks, alongside unique craft cocktails.
jacobysaustin.com | 3235 E Cesar Chavez St

5 Hoover’s Cooking
For over 20 years, Hoover’s has been ‘the’ destination for southern comfort food in Austin. Cajun Creole, Gulf Coast, and Texas home cooking are some of the key influencers on the menu. Leave room for a beet margarita and a slice of cobbler. There’s usually half a dozen scrumptious flavors of pies and cobblers from which to choose.
hooverscookin.com | 2002 Manor Rd

6 Stars Cafe
Once again open 24 hours daily, the Stars Cafe (formerly Star Seeds) is a regular destination for night owls, club-goers, and academic insomniacs. Under new ownership since 2022, the cafe continues to serve up classic diner fare. This is your spot to grab crispy fries, breakfast all day, and cheap margs. starscafeaustin.com | 3101 N I-35 Frontage Rd.

7 Mickleth-wait Craft Meats
With plenty of line-worthy barbecue options in the Eastside, fanatics continue to rave about the smoky meats and unique sides offered up by Tom Micklethwait. Regularly making the Top 50 BBQ destinations in Texas, Micklethwait is considered one of the OG restaurants to put Austin barbecue on the map. Prefer your smoked meat nestled in a tortilla? Enjoy Micklethwait’s layers of flavor in a taco from their trailer, Taco Bronco, in the same location.
craftmeatsaustin.com | 1309 Rosewood Ave.

But Wait. There’s More Staples
to try!
– Buenos Aires Cafe
– Joe’s Bakery
– Easy Tiger
– Boggy Creek Farmers’ Market
– Justine’s
– Brassiere
– Juan in a Million
– Cherrywood Coffeehouse
– Mr. Natural
– East Side Pies
– Franklin’s
– Mr. Catfish
– Buddy’s Burgers
– Tamale House
– Austin Daily Press
– El Chile
– Veracruz All Natural
– Terry’s Seafood & Chicken
– Casa Colombia