Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Powder Room

4.5

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. P6

4.6

Exceptional(1123)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 48 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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 Anthem - Rainey St. restaurant

10. Anthem - Rainey St.

4.6

Exceptional(146)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Downtown

Booked 14 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
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.
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La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
JL
JohnLVIP
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food , drinks , view and vibe Thank you. :)
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P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6
T
Tara
Austin •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Best adobo chicken dish ever and my husband loved his holiday smoked ham dish. Sides are plentiful and delicious. We will make this a tradition going forward for special occasions!
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CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4.6
K
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!
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Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
•
4.5
M
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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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. Powder Room

2. La Condesa

3. Corner

4. P6

5. Prélude

6. June's All Day

7. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

8. Devil May Care

9. Vespaio Austin

10. Anthem - Rainey St.

See what locals rave about

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