Austin’s Eastside has a rich, eclectic history that combines classic Texas with fantastic food. Working on the East Side for the past year has exposed me to the abundance of local bites and restaurants in the area, and trust us when we say there’s no other location close to downtown with this many options! Whether it be a quaint food truck or a James Beard award-winning restaurant, East Austin blends the old with the new to create a diverse selection of options for local foodies to enjoy. This guide to the best East Austin restaurants and food trucks aims to feature one (or two) of everything. With many delicious options, narrowing down the best of the best is hard. Here are the best 15 restaurants in East Austin to try the next time you are in the area.
15. Tamale House East
1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Located on E 6th St, Tamale House is a trendy Mexican joint featuring tacos & other hearty eats for breakfast & lunch, plus a patio.
14. Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Commonly known for its wonderfully delicious bread and baked goods, Easy Tiger also offers beer, artisanal sandwiches, and quick bites for the perfect place for all to slow down and meet new people. Easy Tiger has multiple locations throughout the city, but the East Austin location is located on E 7th St.
13. VIA 313
1802 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
VIA 313 is a Detroit-style pizza joint known for its rectangular shape and sauce across the top. Baked in a heavy pan similar to the auto parts trays found in Detroit in the 1940s, the light, focaccia-like dough develops a golden crunch on the bottom and leaves you wanting more! VIA 313 is located on E 6th St, and The Food Network deemed it one of the “Top 5 Pizzerias in America.”
12. Old Thousand
1000 E 11th St #150, Austin, TX 78702
Located on E 11th St, Old Thousand offers Chinese dishes with a modern twist served in a vintage, hipster space with craft drinks and cool music. They mix a little hip-hop with a bit of Texas and a whole lot of traditional Chinese. The result is great food mixed with a very enjoyable ambiance.
11. Buenos Aires Cafe
1201 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
With multiple locations across the city, one of which is located on E 6th St, Buenos Aires Cafe is an upscale bistro spotlighting Argentine cuisine in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The cafe responsibly sources its ingredients to ensure only the finest products are on your table.
10. Ramen Tatsu-ya
1600 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Ramen Tatsu-ya has multiple restaurants around town and is an Austin staple for the best ramen and Japanese sides. Ramen Tatsu-ya was founded by local chefs and hip-hop DJs in the area that were craving ramen in Austin after moving from Japan.
9. La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Nestled in between downtown and East Austin, La Barbecue on E Ceasar Chavez is a hopping BBQ counter in a small market offering brisket, pulled pork, and sausages. This popular location gets very busy with regular lines that wrap around the front of the building.
8. Patrizi’s
2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Just outside the Vortex Theater, Patrizi’s is a food truck that dishes up old-school Italian standards and housemade pasta. For over 50 years, the Patrizi family has been cooking tried and true recipes straight from Europe. They strive to bring authentic Italian cuisine to the bustling Austin food scene.
7. Justine’s Brasserie
4710 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
Perfect for late-night dining, Justine’s on E 5th St. is the perfect place for French-inspired cuisine. Fan favorites include steaks & snails, plus wine & cocktails. The ambiance is hip, relaxed, and the perfect blend of elegance. Make sure to reserve a table in advance because this place is always booked and busy.
6. Nixta
2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
Known for its James Beard Award-winning tacos, Nixta Taquirea offers traditional Mexican tacos, beer, and wine with an elevated twist. The atmosphere is very laid back, with outdoor seating and a patio bar.
5. Canje
1914 E 6th St, Ste C, Austin, TX 78702
Traditional meets modern in this new-age Carribean restaurant tucked away on the east side of Austin. Named after the national bird of Guyana, Canje pulls inspiration from Jamaica to Puerto Rico and all the islands in between.
4. Suerte
1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Suerte is a restaurant inspired by the people, cooking techniques, and flavors of Mexico. Nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez and his team pride themselves on the use of local ingredients from their beloved farmers to achieve something delicious and uniquely East Austin.
3. Toshokan
807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Toshokan is a 14-course omakase sushi speakeasy, served with intention to only six diners at a time. Hidden in plain sight within the popular east side Native Hostel and Bar, they provide East Austin with the finest, most intimate dining experience.
2. Este
2113 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
In a location with a rich history, Este’s bright dining spaces, artisan decor and spacious outdoor deck bring the energy of the seaside towns to East Austin. An extensive wine list and vibrant costal- inspired cocktails are the perfect pairing for the seafood & Mexican-inspired cuisine.
1. Franklin BBQ
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
While not the fanciest of places to dine in East Austin, Franklin BBQ wows food enthusiasts with its award-winning BBQ and nationwide presence. The James Beard Award-winning chef has attracted a number of famous visitors that include President Barack Obama, David Chang, Gordon Ramsey, and Jimmy Kimmel – just to name a few.
In conclusion, East Austin is a culinary treasure trove with a vibrant mix of flavors and dining experiences. From trendy Mexican joints like Tamale House East and Detroit-style pizza at VIA 313 to upscale bistros like Buenos Aires Cafe and French-inspired cuisine at Justine’s Brasserie, the options are diverse and plentiful. Whether you’re craving traditional barbecue at La Barbecue or seeking out the best ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya, East Austin has something to satisfy every palate.