Where to Eat and Drink Around the University of Texas at Austin

For students, that means dining that goes way beyond dorm food and fast-food chains. This list includes some inexpensive eats, as well as upscale meals perfect for when mom and dad or the boss foot the bill, like hotel restaurants Goodall’s or the Carillon.

Plus, with longtime local staples, like Dirty Martin’s Place, Scholz Garten, Texas Chili Parlor, and El Patio, there are also slices of Austin history in an area that connects Downtown to Central Austin. In this update, Salsa Limón, Madam Mam’s, and Halal Bros. join the list.

Looking to catch a Longhorn game in a festive sports bar? Eater has you covered.

There’s also a complete guide to tailgating at UT Austin football games. Additional reporting by Erin Russell and Darcie Duttweiler.

The University of Texas at Austin is woven into the fabric of the city, and many of us bleed burnt orange (hook ‘em, Horns!). So not surprisingly, the areas surrounding UT — the Drag, West Campus, North Campus, and the Blackland neighborhood off Manor Road — are packed with restaurants ready to satisfy just about any craving.

For students, that means dining that goes way beyond dorm food and fast-food chains. This list includes some inexpensive eats, as well as upscale meals perfect for when mom and dad or the boss foot the bill, like hotel restaurants Goodall’s or the Carillon. Plus, with longtime local staples, like Dirty Martin’s Place, Scholz Garten, Texas Chili Parlor, and El Patio, there are also slices of Austin history in an area that connects Downtown to Central Austin.

In this update, Salsa Limón, Madam Mam’s, and Halal Bros. join the list. Looking to catch a Longhorn game in a festive sports bar? Eater has you covered.

There’s also a complete guide to tailgating at UT Austin football games. Additional reporting by Erin Russell and Darcie Duttweiler.

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

The elegant interiors at Honey Moon Spirit Lounge set a romantic tone for a night out in the Heritage neighborhood.

The menu leans New American, with dishes like steak frites and seasonal desserts. A lively cocktail program makes it a strong contender for a celebratory dinner or date night, with drinks like the Yuzu Sexy (vodka, ginger, yuzu, lemon, lavender, and herb salt).

Foodheads

At Foodheads, sandwiches are the star, whether you order from the wide-ranging menu — the Lami, with grilled salami and mozzarella on toasted multigrain bread with spinach, tomato, and balsamic reduction, is a highlight — or build your own. Colorful decor and a sunny patio make it a welcoming choice for breakfast or lunch.

Black’s Barbecue Austin

At Black’s, barbecue lovers can get a taste of Lockhart without leaving Austin.

Brisket, sausage, and ribs are smoked to perfection and served alongside classic, hearty sides that complement the meats. This location brings legendary Lockhart meats to a convenient spot near campus, making it a go-to for both students and locals.

First-time visitors must try the standout sausage.

Hopfields

French-inspired fare and an impressive drink list draw crowds to Hopfields. The front bar feels relaxed and communal, while the dining room offers a more sophisticated spot to enjoy refined European plates.

The signature burger and the mussels and frites are favorites, but the escargot dumplings are a must-order. Ditto the fries.

Musashino Sushi Dokoro

Plenty of Austin’s best sushi chefs have cut their teeth at this longtime Japanese staple, which relocated just to the north of West Campus in 2016. It still offers some of the city’s best nigiri.

There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

El Patio Restaurant

This family-owned North Campus Mexican A North Campus staple since 1954, El Patio Restaurant serves a consistent Tex-Mex menu built on tradition. The no-frills dining room keeps the focus on hearty, satisfying meals — enchiladas and chalupas are the highlight — a formula that has brought diners back for generations.

Salsa Limón

Founded by siblings Rosalia and Milo Ramirez, who were raised in Oaxaca, Salsa Limón celebrates the flavors of Mexican street food that they missed after moving to the United States. Tacos, burritos, and bowls stand out, while house-made salsas bring plenty of heat for those who want it.

The smaller street-style tacos make it easy to sample several fillings without overdoing it, which means Salsa Limón is an ideal stop before exploring the neighborhood.

Tweedy’s Bar

The spirit of the old Spider House lives on in Tweedy’s Bar. Vintage decor and rock ’n’ roll energy shape the space, created by the team behind Hotel Vegas and Yellow Jacket Social Club.

Cocktails, like classic daiquiris, margaritas, and bloody marys, as well as beer and wine, anchor the menu, while nearby food trucks Li’l Nonna’s, Yalla Burger, Zucchini Kill, and Guppy’s offer sustenance.

Vaquero Taquero

Dig into Rio Grande Valley tacos and quesadillas, which feature fillings like al pastor and bistec, as well as vegetarian options like nopales and rajas poblanas.

The straightforward setup keeps attention on the vibrant flavors coming out of the kitchen. Bonus: The Downtown location also doubles as a music venue and cantina.

Dirty Martin’s Place

Generations of students have gathered at Dirty Martin’s Place, which has served the Drag since 1926 and still boasts a no-fills, retro interior that preserves the joint’s history. The menu features classic burgers and hearty sandwiches complemented by hand-spun milkshakes.

Crown & Anchor Pub

Since opening in 1987, Crown & Anchor Pub has earned a loyal following of students, neighbors, and longtime regulars. Burgers and chili dogs anchor the menu, best paired with a rotating lineup of local and craft beers.

There are also darts and pool tables to keep the night going.

Halal Bros

Halal Bros delivers hearty Mediterranean fare that has earned a loyal following near UT with quality ingredients served in generous portions.

Gyros, rice platters, and wraps with shawarma are a reliable choice for a quick lunch or dinner between classes. The loaded fries with white sauce, hot sauce, and ketchup are a must-order for hungry diners, and the falafel is among the city’s better vegetarian options.

Posse East

At Posse East, the action centers on game days, when crowds pack the patio and dining room for wall-to-wall sports coverage.

Football fans can nosh on burgers, fries, and, of course, queso. Cold pitchers, strong drinks, and wallet-friendly prices fuel the lively atmosphere.

Madam Mams Thai Cuisine

Madam Mam’s has long been a dependable favorite for students, faculty, and alumni looking for Thai food near campus.

Generous portions provide a great value, often leaving enough for leftovers, while the extensive menu offers everything from curries to noodle dishes. First-time visitors should opt for one of the restaurant’s street-style specialties like the street fried rice and street padthai.

Dai Due

Seasonal ingredients sourced across Texas define Dai Due. Game meats, pork chops, and charcuterie boards — which can feature anything from antelope salami to Wagyu beef bologna to chicken liver mousse — show chef Jesse Griffiths’s commitment to local products.

A rustic butcher shop setting paired with attentive service and Texas wines makes it a memorable dining experience.

Este

Seafood-focused Mexican cooking sets Este apart in East Austin: Ceviche and shrimp aguachile deliver bright, layered flavors, while the crispy swordfish tacos are the epitome of crunch. (Although it’s not seafood, don’t skip the mushroom quesadilla.) The bungalow-style dining room provides a stylish but relaxed backdrop. The onsite sister restaurant, Bar Toti, also offers an unreasonably good burger if seafood’s not your thing.

Goodall’s

Located at the historic northern downtown Hotel Ella, which was built in 1900 and renovated in 2013, Goodall’s is the ultimate brunch or dinner spot with its elevated Southern fare and classy cocktails – ideal when the parents are in town.

There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

The Carillon

Tucked inside the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, the Carillon serves one of Austin’s most underrated dining experiences.

The seasonal menu features dishes like Gulf seafood crudo, compressed watermelon and ricotta salads, and lamb chops with smoked pistachio butter, blending inventive techniques with familiar flavors. The calm, elegant dining room makes it ideal for celebrations or a special night out, but for a more workaday meal, a three-course prix fixe meal offers a curated tasting for $55 per person.

Sour Duck Market

Part cafe, part beer garden, Sour Duck Market draws regulars with burgers, pastries, and brunch favorites. The patio and communal seating encourage long visits, whether for weekend gatherings or weekday lunches.

Seasonal touches keep the menu fresh and engaging. Don’t skip the smoked chicken, and always take home a baked good, even if you’re stuffed.

• Order delivery from Grubhub
• 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX, 78702, US
• (512) 394-5776
• Visit website

Clay Pit Contemprary Indian Cuisine

Housed in a rumored-to-be-haunted building, this warm but upscale Indian restaurant offers both staples (like tikka masala, vindaloo, and goat curry) and new classics: Seek out the curried mussels, tandoori salmon, and rack of lamb infused with Kashmiri spices.

At lunch, lighter curry bowls offer a quicker, more casual option.

Texas Chili Parlor

Diners at Texas Chili Parlor can choose from a wide array of chili options — some with pork, some with and without beans — fueling the city’s long-running debate whether or not beans belong in chili. The restaurant has been a staple since 1976, predating the time when chili was officially the state dish; a mention in a Guy Clark song has only emphasized its enduring charm.

Diners can customize their bowls to the spice level of their choosing, and the chili-smothered enchiladas remain a standout.

Scholz Garten

Scholz Garten dates back to 1866, which gives it the title of Austin’s oldest restaurant.

Today, the beer garden continues to serve sausages, schnitzel, and pretzels alongside cold drinks. Its spacious patio remains a festive gathering place for football games and community events.