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Someone holding up a halved sandwich with lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes.
The BLT at Ovenbird.
Ovenbird

The Best Lunch Restaurants in Austin

Don’t underestimate the importance of the midday meal

by Darcie Duttweiler Updated
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The BLT at Ovenbird.
| Ovenbird
by Darcie Duttweiler Updated

Dinner may be the most exciting meal of the day, breakfast is the most important one, but what about lunch? Whether you’re just sick of the same old sad sandwich during the workday at your desk or you want to try out a new restaurant during a more affordable mealtime, lunch doesn’t have to be an afterthought, especially in Austin.

There are plenty of delicious lunch options scattered throughout the city, offering everything such as giant sandwiches at campus spot FoodHeads, pizza slices at Little Deli, meaty sandwiches at Otherside Deli, and vegetarian dishes at South First cafe Bouldin Creek.

For similar daytime eats, check out the best downtown lunches, breakfasts, breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, sandwiches, salads, and brunches (new and essential).

With updates by Nadia Chaudhury.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Little Deli & Pizzeria

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Both locations of the pizzeria-slash-deli (this in Crestview and the other in Windsor) offer up Jersey-style pies and slices alongside hot and cold sandwiches. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7402
(512) 467-7402

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Choo Sando

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You can grab perfect thick Japanese sandwiches and impeccable sushi boxes at the Allandale shop. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

5222 Burnet Rd Suite535, Austin, TX 78756

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épicerie

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Choose from salads, po’ boys, burgers, and more at this adorable French-Louisiana bistro in Rosedale. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2307 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-6840
(512) 371-6840

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Honest Mary's

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Grain bowls made for such easy, portable lunches, and the Austin mini-chain with three locations (this in Rosedale and the others in Cedar Park and the Arboretum) are your best local bet. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

4800 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(737) 300-6446
(737) 300-6446

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Komé

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The lunch menu at the North Loop Japanese restaurant is somewhat different from its dinner offerings. There are teishoku (lunch combinations) with mains like karaage, katsu, and hangar steak, we well as sushi lunch specials and rolls, bento boxes, and donburi and chirashi bowls. It’s available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. on weekends. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5301 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 712-5700
(512) 712-5700

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Hank's

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Looking for a lighter lunch? The robust salads and rice bowls at the casual American restaurant give plenty of options to eat your greens. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78723
(512) 609-8077
(512) 609-8077

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Uncle Nicky's

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Get a taste of Italy at the Hyde Park cafe with classic antipasti, pane tostadas (open-faced toasts), pastas, salads, and sandwiches (like the Italian tuna). Don’t skip the pastry section. There’s also a second location down on South Lamar. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4222 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 318-2877
(512) 318-2877

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Otherside Deli

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Great pastrami and corned beef adorn several hefty sandwiches at the Heritage neighborhood deli. Go for a classic or indulge in the Rowdy Roddy turkey melt with cherry peppers. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online, and there are indoor dine-in areas.

1104 W 34th St D, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 407-9702
(512) 407-9702

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FoodHeads

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Looking for gigantic sandwiches near campus? The casual daytime restaurant offers that and beyond, like generous salads and large cookies. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

616 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 420-8400
(512) 420-8400

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Josephine House

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You may need reservations even during the week at this Clarksville charmer, but the daily brunch (aka just lunch) is totally worth it. Don’t skip the Nutella morning bun. The daytime menu is available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

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Sour Duck Market

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This casual, outdoor all-day cafe in the Blackland neighborhood offers baked goods, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and plenty of vegetarian options for lunch. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 394-5776
(512) 394-5776

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Better Half

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Perfect for a working lunch, place your order at the counter and hunker down at a millennial pink picnic table at this West Fifth Street hotspot. The burger is one of the best in town, and the cauliflower tots are exceptional. Lunch is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786

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Walton's Fancy & Staple

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Still a classic lunchtime, well, staple, the deli has some of the best sandwiches and pastries in the downtown area. Daily hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

609 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-3380
(512) 542-3380

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Uroko

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The East MLK casual Japanese restaurant within Springdale General serves up temaki (hand rolls), which work out perfectly for lunch. Make a meal out of two or three of ’em. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 3 p.m. Sunday. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721
(512) 520-4004
(512) 520-4004

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Koriente

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Fresh and affordable pan-Asian fare can be found at this Seventh Street spot, such as japchei and curries. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone, in person, or through DoorDash (with deliveries available too); there are outdoor dine-in areas.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 275-0852
(512) 275-0852

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Austin Rotisserie

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The best lunch destination within downtown food hall Fareground is this French rotisserie chicken stall. Find roast chicken with potatoes, soups, and baguette sandwiches. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 358-4009
(512) 358-4009

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More Home Slice

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For South Austinites, perfect New York-style slices and sandwiches can be found at the Travis Heights takeout pizzeria spot. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1415 S Congress Ave (Gibson St. E.), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7437
(512) 444-7437

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Fresa's South First

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Both locations of the casual Mexican-ish restaurant — this in Bouldin Creek and the North Lamar Boulevard drive-thru — offer easy meals for lunches. There are wood-grilled entree meals with chicken or shrimp, greens-filled bowls, and tacos. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 992-2946
(512) 992-2946

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Patika

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The South Lamar cafe offers excellent coffee and daytime eats like foccacia, bowls, and sandwiches. Its daily hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s also a downtown location. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2159 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

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Bouldin Creek Cafe

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The South Austin vegetarian’s best friend is this Bouldin Creek restaurant offering a plethora of tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and stir-fries. Takeout orders can be placed online; the restaurant features indoor and dine-in services.

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-1601
(512) 416-1601

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Habanero Cafe

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The Dawson restaurant serves up perfect daytime Tex-Mex, especially with its lunch specials like crispy taco plates and enchiladas. Lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

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Frazier's

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When you require daytime hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, plus a beer, this East Riverside bar is here for you. It opens at noon daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

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Pueblo Viejo Riverside

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The taco restaurant/food truck mini-chain is all over the city, where its tacos and Mexican food plates are available for lunch needs. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are always outdoor dine-in areas.

2410 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 305-3448
(512) 305-3448

Casper Fermentables

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The Sunset Valley deli focuses on fermented goods, including sourdough bagels and kimchi used in a tuna melt, for its daytime menu. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and then from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4715 S Lamar Blvd #101A, Sunset Valley, TX 78745
(512) 330-4935
(512) 330-4935

Poke Poke

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Poke bowls are good bets for lunch, and find some of the best in Austin from this growing Austin mini-chain. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

3100 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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First Wok

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The far South Austin Chinese restaurant’s lunch specials are solidly great, with classic entrees like General Tso’s and beef with vegetables paired with soup and fried rice. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone; there are indoor dine-in services.

603 W Stassney Ln (1st Street), Austin, TX 78745
(512) 444-0077
(512) 444-0077

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Ovenbird

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The far South Austin Texas-Baltic restaurant offers up all sorts of twists on daytime dishes. There are breakfast tacos on rye tortillas, breakfast sandwiches on Bavarian croissants, and hefty sandwiches. The kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with the dining room closing at 3 p.m. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

6501 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 580-1388
(512) 580-1388

Song La

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The far South Austin Taiwanese food truck’s bentos make for a delicious lunch with options like chicken, tofu fries, and braised pork belly. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of host site the Thicket.

7800 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745

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Little Deli & Pizzeria

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757

Both locations of the pizzeria-slash-deli (this in Crestview and the other in Windsor) offer up Jersey-style pies and slices alongside hot and cold sandwiches. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7402
(512) 467-7402

Choo Sando

5222 Burnet Rd Suite535, Austin, TX 78756

You can grab perfect thick Japanese sandwiches and impeccable sushi boxes at the Allandale shop. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

5222 Burnet Rd Suite535, Austin, TX 78756

épicerie

2307 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756

Choose from salads, po’ boys, burgers, and more at this adorable French-Louisiana bistro in Rosedale. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2307 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-6840
(512) 371-6840

Honest Mary's

4800 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

Grain bowls made for such easy, portable lunches, and the Austin mini-chain with three locations (this in Rosedale and the others in Cedar Park and the Arboretum) are your best local bet. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

4800 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(737) 300-6446
(737) 300-6446

Komé

5301 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78751

The lunch menu at the North Loop Japanese restaurant is somewhat different from its dinner offerings. There are teishoku (lunch combinations) with mains like karaage, katsu, and hangar steak, we well as sushi lunch specials and rolls, bento boxes, and donburi and chirashi bowls. It’s available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. on weekends. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5301 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 712-5700
(512) 712-5700

Hank's

5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78723

Looking for a lighter lunch? The robust salads and rice bowls at the casual American restaurant give plenty of options to eat your greens. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78723
(512) 609-8077
(512) 609-8077

Uncle Nicky's

4222 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751

Get a taste of Italy at the Hyde Park cafe with classic antipasti, pane tostadas (open-faced toasts), pastas, salads, and sandwiches (like the Italian tuna). Don’t skip the pastry section. There’s also a second location down on South Lamar. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4222 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 318-2877
(512) 318-2877

Otherside Deli

1104 W 34th St D, Austin, TX 78705

Great pastrami and corned beef adorn several hefty sandwiches at the Heritage neighborhood deli. Go for a classic or indulge in the Rowdy Roddy turkey melt with cherry peppers. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online, and there are indoor dine-in areas.

1104 W 34th St D, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 407-9702
(512) 407-9702

FoodHeads

616 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705

Looking for gigantic sandwiches near campus? The casual daytime restaurant offers that and beyond, like generous salads and large cookies. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

616 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 420-8400
(512) 420-8400

Josephine House

1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703

You may need reservations even during the week at this Clarksville charmer, but the daily brunch (aka just lunch) is totally worth it. Don’t skip the Nutella morning bun. The daytime menu is available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

Sour Duck Market

1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702

This casual, outdoor all-day cafe in the Blackland neighborhood offers baked goods, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and plenty of vegetarian options for lunch. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 394-5776
(512) 394-5776

Better Half

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Perfect for a working lunch, place your order at the counter and hunker down at a millennial pink picnic table at this West Fifth Street hotspot. The burger is one of the best in town, and the cauliflower tots are exceptional. Lunch is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786

Walton's Fancy & Staple

609 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Still a classic lunchtime, well, staple, the deli has some of the best sandwiches and pastries in the downtown area. Daily hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

609 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-3380
(512) 542-3380

Uroko

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721

The East MLK casual Japanese restaurant within Springdale General serves up temaki (hand rolls), which work out perfectly for lunch. Make a meal out of two or three of ’em. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 3 p.m. Sunday. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721
(512) 520-4004
(512) 520-4004

Koriente

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Fresh and affordable pan-Asian fare can be found at this Seventh Street spot, such as japchei and curries. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone, in person, or through DoorDash (with deliveries available too); there are outdoor dine-in areas.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 275-0852
(512) 275-0852

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Austin Rotisserie

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

The best lunch destination within downtown food hall Fareground is this French rotisserie chicken stall. Find roast chicken with potatoes, soups, and baguette sandwiches. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 358-4009
(512) 358-4009

More Home Slice

1415 S Congress Ave (Gibson St. E.), Austin, TX 78704

For South Austinites, perfect New York-style slices and sandwiches can be found at the Travis Heights takeout pizzeria spot. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1415 S Congress Ave (Gibson St. E.), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7437
(512) 444-7437

Fresa's South First

1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

Both locations of the casual Mexican-ish restaurant — this in Bouldin Creek and the North Lamar Boulevard drive-thru — offer easy meals for lunches. There are wood-grilled entree meals with chicken or shrimp, greens-filled bowls, and tacos. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 992-2946
(512) 992-2946

Patika

2159 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The South Lamar cafe offers excellent coffee and daytime eats like foccacia, bowls, and sandwiches. Its daily hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s also a downtown location. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2159 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Bouldin Creek Cafe

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

The South Austin vegetarian’s best friend is this Bouldin Creek restaurant offering a plethora of tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and stir-fries. Takeout orders can be placed online; the restaurant features indoor and dine-in services.

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-1601
(512) 416-1601

Habanero Cafe

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

The Dawson restaurant serves up perfect daytime Tex-Mex, especially with its lunch specials like crispy taco plates and enchiladas. Lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

Frazier's

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

When you require daytime hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, plus a beer, this East Riverside bar is here for you. It opens at noon daily. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

Pueblo Viejo Riverside

2410 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741

The taco restaurant/food truck mini-chain is all over the city, where its tacos and Mexican food plates are available for lunch needs. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are always outdoor dine-in areas.

2410 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 305-3448
(512) 305-3448

Casper Fermentables

4715 S Lamar Blvd #101A, Sunset Valley, TX 78745

The Sunset Valley deli focuses on fermented goods, including sourdough bagels and kimchi used in a tuna melt, for its daytime menu. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and then from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

4715 S Lamar Blvd #101A, Sunset Valley, TX 78745
(512) 330-4935
(512) 330-4935

Poke Poke

3100 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Poke bowls are good bets for lunch, and find some of the best in Austin from this growing Austin mini-chain. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

3100 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

First Wok

603 W Stassney Ln (1st Street), Austin, TX 78745

The far South Austin Chinese restaurant’s lunch specials are solidly great, with classic entrees like General Tso’s and beef with vegetables paired with soup and fried rice. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone; there are indoor dine-in services.

603 W Stassney Ln (1st Street), Austin, TX 78745
(512) 444-0077
(512) 444-0077

Ovenbird

6501 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745

The far South Austin Texas-Baltic restaurant offers up all sorts of twists on daytime dishes. There are breakfast tacos on rye tortillas, breakfast sandwiches on Bavarian croissants, and hefty sandwiches. The kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with the dining room closing at 3 p.m. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

6501 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 580-1388
(512) 580-1388

Song La

7800 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745

The far South Austin Taiwanese food truck’s bentos make for a delicious lunch with options like chicken, tofu fries, and braised pork belly. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of host site the Thicket.

7800 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745

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