The Resy Hit List: Where In Austin You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Austin: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Austin Not to Miss This Month
- Where’s the Beef: Whether you like your burger with a smashed or a thick patty, with American or cheddar, or from a food truck or fancy steakhouse, we can all agree that burgers are the ultimate crowd pleaser. Head to Central Machine Works on June 14 for their annual burger bash featuring some of the best burgers in Austin including Bill’s Oyster, Uptown Sports Club, NADC, La Barbecue, and more.
- Community Cookout: To celebrate Juneteenth, check out the Stay Black & Live Festival in the historic Rosewood neighborhood hosted by the Carver Museum or head to your favorite Black-owned restaurants like Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant on campus, Bird Bird Biscuit, or Sam’s BBQ, which has been an Austin BBQ classic since 1957.
- Midsummer’s Night Sweat: The solstice isn’t the kick-off to summer in Austin, since we’ve already hit triple-digit temperatures, but it is an excuse to take advantage of the extra daylight hours. Plan to spend the day at Barton Springs submerged in the spring-fed water and then grab a Resy for the patio at Fresa’s on South First or Carpenters Hall for a bite after (no one there will judge you for your post-Springs hair).
- Watermelon Sugar High: If we had to pick a fruit of the summer, it would undoubtedly be watermelon. In fact, an entire competition is built around it: the Luling Watermelon Thump in Luling, Texas, on the last weekend in June. Contests range from who can grow the biggest melon, who can spit a seed the farthest, and, of course, who will be named queen of the parade. The festival dates back to the 1950s and is a small town summer classic.
New to the Hit List (June 2025)
Olamaie, Parish Barbecue, The Flower Shop, Uchi, Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream.
1. Nixta Taqueria Chestnut
It’s hard to stand out in a taco town like Austin, but James Beard award-winning chef Edgar Rico and his wife Sara Mardanbigi found a way. Their tacos are a blend of traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors with a more modern American twist like the duck carnitas taco or the beet tartare taco. It’s casual, so you can walk-up, wait in a (hopefully) short line, and eat at their picnic tables out back. And if you want the ultimate experience, you can book their taco omakase to get multiple off-menu tacos and dessert.
2. Uroko Springdale
With “bromakase” culture so prevalent in Austin now, we are relieved to have a go-to casual sushi spot like Uroko. It offers easy access to counter service for simple hand rolls like salmon, spicy tuna, and hamachi, as well as classic sides like seaweed salad, miso soup, and edamame. Ample seating is available for popping in during or after your work day. For more of an experience, book a 45-minute omakase at Tonari next door. For $84, you get 12 pieces of nigiri and the best deal in town for fish that’s flown in from Japan.
Find more info here.
3. Birdie’s East Side
Birdie’s has established itself as a go-to spot — whether you’re crossing town or flying in, given the national attention that continues for owners Tracy Malechek and Arjav Ezekiel. Their menu is slim but thoughtful and changes regularly. The roasted sweet potato with crispy shallots and beef tartare are favorites, and don’t miss the pastas, or the ever-changing large plates of fish and meat. (Snapper with lemon potatoes was a recent satisfying option.) Since quantities are limited and you order at the counter, come early to be sure you don’t have to wait long, or miss out on any star items. But if you hit a long line, enjoy a glass of wine while you wait, and debate what you’re going to order. It’s the Birdie’s way.
Find more info here.
4. El Raval Zilker
If you need a place for a group meal, we love the tapas experience at El Raval on South Lamar. Chef Laila, who was born in the Philippines, focuses on Spanish styles but incorporates flavors from Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Pick from the paellas like the seafood option with scallops, shrimp, lobster, and more or the arroz negro made with crab, eel, and ‘nduja. The shrimp served in spicy chile oil with charred cabbage is a great sharable item too. Make a Resy for happy hour to get major discounts on food and wine or on the third Sunday of the month when they have live Flamenco performances.
5. Small Victory Downtown
While downtown Austin might be a great place for a meandering bar crawl, this is one you might miss if you’re not in the know. Behind a discreet door attached to a parking garage, you’ll find a dimly lit den churning out expertly made drinks. The menu champions classic cocktails, with offerings like the Air Mail with rum, lime, honey, and sparkling wine, and crisp martinis chilled to perfection with pristine hand-cut ice. Make a Resy in advance to ensure you can get a prime spot — the large format punch bowls are great for groups and snacks like charcuterie boards, nuts, and olives will keep the party going.
6. Parish Barbecue Mueller
We were already frequenting Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches on Manor Road for exactly what their name promises, plus their shady patio. Now, we’re coming back to Batch for the Parish Barbecue food truck open on the weekends serving Cajun-style barbecue. The pitmaster comes from Interstellar and is already impressing crowds with his pork ribs, smoked ham, and brisket, of course. Sides include housemade rolls with the Batch dough served with Tabasco honey butter, vinegar-based slaw, and crawfish cornbread dressing. Come early to ensure you get to pick from all of the options before they sell out.
Find more info here.
7. Uchi Austin South Lamar
Between its long-standing reputation as the best Japanese food in Austin and an intimate dining room that never has an empty table, Uchi is the kind of Resy you need to plan ahead to snag, or turn on Notify. While Uchi now has locations in other cities, the original South Lamar location is an Austin institution. The expansive menu spans cold items like the hama chili yellowtail in ponzu and wagyu carpaccio; hot bites like the grilled escolar and mapo dofu; and a long list of rolls. Omakase and vegetarian tasting menu options are available if you want to go big, as well as a rotating list of specials. It’s a special occasion kind of spot meant for over-ordering and trying everything, so don’t miss it.
More info here, or call 512-916-4808.
8. Tiny Boxwoods Austin Bryker Woods
This tucked-away haven is always ready to impress no matter your mood or the occasion you’re celebrating. Whether for a light-ish lunch of wood-fired artichokes and veggie burgers, a buzzy brunch laden with avocado toast and crab cake Benedict, or a decadent dinner of pizza or espresso-rubbed rib eye, they’ve got you covered. As the weather warms up, the patio is ideal for a quiet meal with parents or a lunch that calls for cocktails. And don’t skimp on dessert: among the seasonal crisps and cheesecakes, Tiny Boxwoods also serves their famous Tiny’s Milk & Cookies offerings, a la mode.
9. Papercut East Side/Holly
This new East Austin spot from the brains of a former art gallery owner and bartenders is located next to Brew and Brew. Every few months, the dark, minimalist space features a new artist alongside a menu of drinks inspired by the work on the walls. These are creative, high-tech cocktails you won’t find anywhere else — think piña coladas topped with pineapple dust, old fashioned-style riffs that taste like candy bars, and highballs with housemade liqueurs.
Find more info here.
10. Bill's Oyster Downtown
When the weather calls for patio-sitting, Champagne-sipping, and oyster-slurping, Bill’s Oyster is your spot. While they are known for their raw bar, we also recommend the short rib burger and the mozzarella sticks with caviar. Happy hour starts early (3:00-5:30 p.m.), but it’s also always buzzing during brunch or dinner. Also on offer: a variety of icy-cold martinis and cocktails like salty dogs and Pimm’s cups that pair well with oysters.
11. The Flower Shop Central East Austin
This New York born, Michelin-starred hot spot also has a presence in Austin, on East Seventh Street, of course. With retro decor including a cheetah print pool table and cush pleather booths, the Flower Shop team is hoping you’ll grab a bite first inside and then head to their rooftop for drinks after. Try their Michelada cocktail with mezcal, Tequila, and the tiniest Corona or the vodka cold brew martini. Don’t miss their bar food classics like the super meaty burger made with special sauce, chicken wings doused in Frank’s, or the mozzarella sticks. If you want to go lighter or vegetarian, there’s also a cauliflower steak served with quinoa and a fried egg. Make a Resy for a dinner with friends or even a first date you want to impress with your billiard skills.
12. LeRoy and Lewis South Austin
LeRoy and Lewis has long been a favorite food truck at Cosmic Coffee. It received accolades from Texas Monthly and The New York Times for serving more than the typical Texas barbecue items. Now they expanded their menu and space in a brick-and-mortar spot in South Austin. They offer sliced or chopped beef and a variety of sausages, as well as (gasp!) smoked vegetables. Options also include three burgers all with different kinds of meat, and a smoked Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera. And while you may have had Big Red with your barbecue, they have a frozen Big Red Sangria. A full bar offers beer, wine, and many cocktail options to sip on while you wait in line to order.
Find more info here.
13. House Wine Bouldin
Discovering House Wine is like discovering Narnia — but it’s full of thoughtfully selected wines instead of mythical creatures. The original location off Barton Springs was a beloved spot for easy drinking and small bites, and its new location on South First has the same homey charm its name promises. The food is meant for sharing, like the Mediterranean plate with hummus, babaganoush, and dolmas and baked brie with honey, raisins, and pecans. The wine list is more affordable than you’d expect for a wine bar and they offer flights in case you want to try some staff favorites. It’s the perfect spot for your book club or a happy hour turned into dinner.
Book now on Tock.
14. Dai Due East Austin-Cherrywood
The team at Dai Due focuses on sourcing the freshest vegetables and organic meats for their creative menu. Even their wine and beer list is local, with options from Marfa to Hye. You can feel the level of care they put into each dish, with details like caramelized fennel-mandarin whipped lard that comes with grilled sourdough and red wine-pickled blueberries accompanied by stuffed quail. The menu rotates based on what’s in season, but you can usually find the antelope and aged wagyu burger, perhaps the most underrated burger in Austin.
15. Mother’s Ruin East Side
The East Side just got even livelier with the opening of this NYC treasure. Casual vibes meet top-notch cocktails like the Space Billboard made with Tequila, lime, mango, carrot, and habanero, and the Juice Box made with gin, lemon, St. Germain, and cucumber. But don’t worry, you can still get a dressed Tecate or a pickleback shot, and don’t miss out on the food served til 1:30 a.m., like Old Bay waffle fries, the spicy chicken sandwich, and McMother’s bagel sandwich.
Find more info here.
16. Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream Tarrytown
A second location of an East Side favorite is now open in Tarrytown: a “choose your own adventure” kind of spot, featuring New Zealand-style ice cream from real fruit and other ingredients of your choosing. Banana Pudding is a solid choice, topped with Nilla Wafers; so is dairy-free vanilla mixed with strawberry and toasted coconut on top. Plus they serve beer, wine, and coffee. Of note, the Tarrytown location offers more seating on their patio and will likely attract many excited kids and cute dogs.
Find more info here.
17. Wee’s Cozy Kitchen Downtown
When you walk into the Royal Blue Grocery on Congress, you’ll be surprised to find a small outpost of a Malaysian food takeout spot. Wee’s is run by a beloved woman (Wee) who works behind the scenes to create Southeast Asian classics like the rendang curry with tofu, char kway teow with flat noodles and beef, and fresh roti. You can take it home or grab a table outside Royal Blue to enjoy your food while it’s still hot, with easy access to go back and order seconds.
Find more info here.
18. Olamaie Downtown
Olamaie is a charming spot tucked away near downtown that serves high-end southern food. Sure, you never thought you’d pay that much for biscuits, but these are buttery, flaky biscuits that will immediately make you forget who’s paying the bill. Entrees like the grilled pork chop or golden fried catfish served with blue crab rice feel homey yet deluxe. The wine list features bottles you won’t find elsewhere in Austin and cocktails like the Spaghetti Western martini and Delta Dawn made with Tequila, hibiscus grenadine, and fresh juices pack a punch. Make a reservation for a client dinner, anniversary, or any occasion where you actually want to be able to hear the other person.
Book now on Tock.
19. Epicerie Allandale
A little bakery, a little cafe, and a little grocery, Epicerie is a neighborhood favorite. Pop in for croissants and coffee to start your day or lunches like the quiche of the day. Entrees like the pork shoulder with greens and grits and the classic burger on a freshly made bun are perfect for a weeknight that deserves a better dinner than what’s in your fridge. Their wine selection is also exciting yet accessible, so you can grab a bottle to split with friends too. The casual-but-intimate interior feels like you’re dining at a friend’s house. Epicerie tends to be busiest for brunch, so be sure to arrive early.
Find more info here.
20. Uptown Sports Club Austin
In a restored historic building from 1949, this fairly young spot has quickly become an East Side staple. The New Orleans-style food like fried green tomato po’boys and Creole shrimp are packed with flavor but easy to enjoy alongside drinks. The wedge salad and seafood tower are impressive presentations worth ordering. Cocktails are perfect for sipping on before a concert or night out on East Sixth Street; try the El Jardinero with Tequila, Aperol, and blood orange or the 504 made with Sazerac rye. You know it’s going to be a fun night if you make a Resy for a group dinner on the airy patio or walk in and grab stools at the bar.
