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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Austin

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Powder Room restaurant
1. Powder Room
4.6
Exceptional(154)
Price: Expensive
• Speakeasy • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Step into the secret world of Powder Room, an intimate cocktail lounge that exudes timeless energy. Here, guests are invited to indulge in crafted cocktails in the warmth of an intimate living room setting.Powder Room caters to individuals in search of refined experiences. Elevate your evenings with table-side mixology, complemented by the rhythmic melodies of live music and artistic performances that embody the essence of this hidden gem.
A photo of Caroline restaurant
2. Caroline
4.3
Awesome(1174)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 51 times today
Our all-day spot is perfect for homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go options. Located in the buzzing Austin's central district, Caroline Restaurant is a great place to jump start your day or enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine, curated cocktail, and full dinner menu. With a focus on regional cuisines our neighborhood restaurant has recreated classic dishes to make them healthful but delicious.
A photo of Prélude restaurant
3. Prélude
4.8
Exceptional(161)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 18 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.
A photo of Corner restaurant
4. Corner
4.6
Exceptional(1011)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Downtown
Booked 64 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.
A photo of P6 restaurant
5. P6
4.5
Awesome(1133)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 24 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. Valet-parking is available in the hotel parking lot for $12 for 3 hours. Please see host for discount.Service pets ONLY allowed in outdoor space
A photo of June's All Day restaurant
6. June's All Day
4.8
Exceptional(1070)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • South Austin
Booked 79 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 Devil May Care restaurant
7. Devil May Care
4.8
Exceptional(242)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 20 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.
A photo of Maie Day restaurant
8. Maie Day
4.5
Awesome(443)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Bouldin Creek
Booked 10 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.
A photo of Anthem - Rainey St. restaurant
9. Anthem - Rainey St.
4.7
Exceptional(157)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Anthem is a pub that honors American comfort food with lip-smacking Asian and Latin flavors. We feature 40 craft beers and lick-your-plate-clean options for every appetite. Our playful and eclectic digs located on Austin’s Rainey Street make Anthem the perfect place for friends, canoodling, and any other shenanigans you’re into.
A photo of Nightcap restaurant
10. Nightcap
4.5
Awesome(727)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Nightcap was originally conceived as a place for sweet sustenance and sparkling cocktails. Since then, we have evolved into so much more. Our space is now known as a late night, date night spot for guests and friends alike. The cozy atmosphere is welcoming, romantic and is also a great place to dine solo. It’s a space to make new friends, enjoy some incredibly tasteful food and cocktails that aim to please. Nightcap carries an old school Austin vibe that is hard to be classified as a bar or restaurant. We like to consider ourselves as a nightly dinner party at your friends house. The idea is to come over, have a great time and let us clean up afterwards. On special occasions, glitter is our favorite color that is often paired with bubbles. We hope you join us for any occasion and truly enjoy your evening.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ShilaVIP
    Austin •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server, Walter, was attentive and friendly. I always like coming here before a show at the Paramount.
    More info
    CarolinePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    •
    4.3
  • Rasalin
    Austin •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Absolutely loved this place. This is cocktails and canapés done flawlessly. Had one of our fav grape varietals by the glass (rare in US outside of French restaurants) AND the cocktails are artisan in flavor + execution. The interior design is phenomenal, and a rare situation of music being on target with volume and selections. Fingers crossed they are around for a long while as a new standard.
    More info
    PréludePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Marcus
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a good time for our valentines reservation view from the balcony is awesome definitely will go again
    More info
    P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Sergio
    San Antonio •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Brought my wife for Valentine's Day and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was amazing and the DJ had the best mixes. The drinks were awesome. I recommend the table side old fashioned. Will definitely come back with my sanchas pending my wife's approval 😁
    More info
    Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Errin
    Baton Rouge / Lafayette •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food was *chef’s kiss.* The ambience in the outdoor seating area is great. Definitely coming back for another date night
    More info
    CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
    •
    4.6

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