Best Restaurants in East Austin

The food scene has definitely been expanding in East Austin in the past few years, and some amazing spots have popped up. This area has become known for having some of the most unique food options in all of Austin. With so many restaurants, its hard to narrow it down; but here is my list of the top 5 places you have to try in East Austin!

 

This family-style restaurant started as a greenhouse, and evolved into the unique, upscale restaurant it is today. The space is refreshing, with tall ceilings, big windows, and earthy colors. The incredible thing about Pitchfork Pretty is that they own a garden about a mile away from the restaurant, and what is grown in that garden is served in dishes from the menu. What is also amazing, is how many options there are for vegan, veggie-forward, and gluten-free customers.

 

My recommendations: Yuca Dumplings, Fried Chicken, and the Oysters. If you are going for brunch, I definitely recommend any of the bagels – they are all made in-house!

 

This Coastal Mexican restaurant has so many amazing deals. From brunch on Sundays to their all-day/night happy hour on Thursdays, you have to check this place out.

 

My recommendations: Tuna Tostadas, Ceviche Mixto, Queso, and the Street Sprouts. Also, the brunch is amazing!

 

This new restaurant focuses on the farm-to-pizza approach. In addition to amazing pizzas, they also have fresh salads, house-made cheeses, comfort-foods, and a great brunch menu. However, the star of Stella’s menu is definitely the Texas-sourced artisan wood-fired pizza baked in an Italian Modena oven. To go along with your pizza, you can choose from one of the 20 rotating taps spotlighting different craft beers from across the nation.

 

My recommendations (besides any of the pizzas of course): the Wild mushroom mac n cheese, and the egg panino off the brunch menu.

 

Who doesn’t love biscuits and fried chicken? In the slight chance you’re one of the few people who don’t, they also have sausage, bacon, and biscuit dough bites too. Unlike the other restaurants on the list, this is the type of restaurant where you order at the register then find a table to sit at. With that being said, there is oftentimes a line out front – but don’t let it scare you because the food is definitely worth the wait! 

 

My recommendation: bird bird bacon, dough doughs (so popular they are only sold until they run out), and the queen beak.

 

Franklin BBQ was started by Aaron Franklin out of a small trailer in 2009 and has been a raging success ever since. Franklin’s has received many awards and even been visited by many celebrities such as President Obama and Jimmy Kimmel. Similar to Bird Bird Biscuit, this restaurant also usually has a wait as well. The line is usually pretty long, but if you know you are going to order at least $75 or more of BBQ, you can order online and then pick it up. 

 

My recommendation: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and the bourbon banana pie.