The Resy Hit List: Where In Austin You’ll Want to Eat Right Now

Even before they were awarded a Michelin Star, Craft was a coveted reservation. Hidden in a strip mall off North Lamar, this sushi bar has just 12 seats. At $175 per person, it’s one of the pricier omakase experiences in town but it’s absolutely worth it for a parade of 22 courses, including both cold and hot dishes. The menu rotates, but recent options included oyster, black snapper, shrimp aguachile, and Japanese scallop. Everything is simple, elegant, and perfectly executed. Reservations are hard to get, so check Tock to see what’s available and when the next round of reservations will be released.  

Book now on Tock.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Find this new coffee and wine shop tucked away in a bungalow on East Cesar Chavez. The expansive patio is great for working at in the mornings while snacking on Taqueria Fenix breakfast tacos and drinking a latte made with Figure 8 coffee beans. In the evening, look for wine by the glass and a solid selection of natural, local, and international wine bottles curated by the team at Small Victory. They are more focused on drinks than food here, but they do offer nuts and charcuterie, and frequently host pop-up food vendors. Stop by any time of day and you’re bound to see people settling in like it’s their house.

Find more info here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.