The Resy Hit List: Where In Austin You’ll Want to Eat in May 2025

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.

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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.

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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.

The old Hyde Park post office just got another new addition with All Day Pizza’s first restaurant. They have small outposts at Flo’s Wine Bar in Tarrytown and on East Sixth Street, but this new space has plenty of indoor seating that is family friendly and ideal for a hang out spot. Their pizza by the slice is great for folks who need a bite of every option like the pepperoni with pepperoncinis, Cacio e Pepe white pie, and sweet sausage pie with ricotta and calabrian honey. They also offer non-pizza items like the crispy chicken cutlet, Italian sandwich and fresh salads. Save room for soft serve at the end too because they don’t skimp on the toppings.

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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.

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.

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.

The tapas bar from the Emmer and Rye Hospitality Group made the move from west to east and is now open at the Arrive Hotel. Similar to its original location, it’s an ideal Resy to get for happy hour. They offer pinxtos (individual bites) and larger plates for sharing. Try the tomato and chorizo tosta with manchego or the Iberico ham and chips. If you’re hungrier, go big with the salt-roasted prawns or whole roasted fish. There is a major Spanish wine list to pick from and classic Spanish cocktails like their namesake kalimotxo, a mix of Coca-Cola and red wine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Littlefield’s is a go-to Tarrytown outdoor hangout spot that’s dog and kid friendly, with a play area and picnic tables. Joining Veracruz Tacos, Besame Ice Cream opened an ice cream scoop stand at Littlefield’s (in addition to their Meanwhile Brewery location). Coffee and matcha are on offer in the morning and scoops, pints, and ice cream sandwiches in the afternoon. Famous Besame flavors include banana pudding, cookie monster, and new creations based on what’s in season. Be sure to sign up for alerts to snag a pint of limited-edition flavors that drop weekly.  

Find more info here.

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.

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Originally opened as part of the Hillstone Group, Bartlett’s serves upscale American food that is a dependable staple in town. One that feels nice enough for your birthday Resy and casual enough for a Tuesday last minute Resy. Start with a martini and grilled artichokes and then try the steak of your choice or Asian noodle salad if you want something lighter. We love ordering the prime rib for a special occasion and ordering the hot fudge sundae when we want to turn an average night into a special occasion.

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.