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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Austin

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Powder Room restaurant
1. Powder Room
4.5
Awesome(125)
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 VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant
2. VERDAD True Modern Mexican
4.8
Exceptional(583)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Austin
Booked 64 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!
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
3. La Condesa
4.6
Exceptional(2250)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 45 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 Prélude restaurant
4. Prélude
4.7
Exceptional(144)
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.
A photo of P6 restaurant
5. P6
4.6
Exceptional(1123)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 47 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
A photo of Corner restaurant
6. Corner
4.6
Exceptional(999)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Downtown
Booked 48 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 June's All Day restaurant
7. June's All Day
4.8
Exceptional(1052)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • South Austin
Booked 62 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
8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria
4.7
Exceptional(1477)
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.
A photo of Vespaio Austin restaurant
9. Vespaio Austin
4.7
Exceptional(1729)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 28 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.
A photo of Devil May Care restaurant
10. Devil May Care
4.6
Exceptional(233)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 11 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alli
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was our first time dining at Verdad and it won’t be the last. I was super impressed by the service and extra attention to detail, and the outdoor seating was perfect for our toddler and small dog. Lots of delicious food on the menu and we’re excited to try more at our next visit.
    More info
    VERDAD True Modern MexicanPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Austin
    •
    4.8
  • Robert
    Houston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food and great cocktails. The ambiance was lovely and the service was knowledgeable, courteous, and attentive. The queso flameado with short rib mole was sumptuous and delightful. The seafood tostadas (atun and la vida vuelta) were light and delicious, perfectly balanced with piquant spice and velvety avocado. The tlacoyo is a must try. Happy hour cocktails are half price and are all excellent. We have been coming to La Condesa since it opened in 2009, the year we got married. We no longer live in Austin, but we come back to La Condesa for special occasions when we are back in town. Highly recommend.
    More info
    La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • JohnLVIP
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food , drinks , view and vibe Thank you. :)
    More info
    P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Karmen
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Very sexy speakeasy in downtown Austin. The drinks, ambience and vibes were amazing. Cute for date night or girls night out as they take your phone so you have to engage in conversation and enjoy the night. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Miriam
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    Prelude is the perfect destination for any occasion—whether you're celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or simply looking to enjoy a delicious drink in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. We sampled the tartare and the ponzu, and both dishes were great, full of fresh flavours, Prelude is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
    More info
    PréludePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    •
    4.7

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