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A stir-fry from Kiin Di.
Kiin Di

The Best South Lamar Restaurants and Bars in Austin

Where to eat and drink on South Lamar Boulevard

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A stir-fry from Kiin Di.
| Kiin Di

South Lamar is one of Austin’s busiest stretches in the Zilker and South Austin areas, from numerous restaurants and bars to the Alamo Drafthouse to proximity to Zilker Park. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options, but Eater is here to help locals and tourists alike.

Following is Eater’s guide to the best restaurants, food trucks, and bars along South Lamar Boulevard. This includes breakfast and coffee from Patika, stellar tacos from Papalote, top-notch barbecue from Brown’s Bar-B-Que, restaurants from award-winning chefs like Iliana de la Vega (El Naranjo) and Bryce Gilmore (Odd Duck), classic Tex-Mex queso from Matt’s El Rancho, fantastic wine spots, and more.

For the purposes of this map, it focuses only on businesses located along South Lamar between West Riverside Drive down to Highway 290. Check out Eater Austin’s other neighborhood dining guides too, including those near Zilker Park.

This map was originally written by Sommer Brugal.

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P. Terry's Burger Stand

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This is the original location of the famed Austin-born Texas burger chain, with burgers (duh) and milkshakes available in the Zilker neighborhood. Takeout orders can be placed in person through the drive-thru or walk-up window; takeout orders can also be placed online; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

The Zilker Japanese restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole focuses on fresh, sustainable, and responsibly fished ingredients for its sushi and hot and cold dishes. For discounted prices on select food and drink options, get there early for the happy hour, aka the sake social. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are DoorDash deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

A dark tray of three pieces of nigiri.
Sushi from Uchi.
Logan Crable/Uchi

Soto South

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When Uchi is impossible to get into, or you’re looking for a different approach to Japanese cuisine. head to this Lamar Union development restaurant in the Zilker neighborhood, which happens to be open for lunch and dinner. On deck’s well-crafted nigiri, sashimi, and sushi, alongside larger bites like uni pasta and lobster tempura. The wine list is nice too. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

TLC Austin

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For unfussy Texas seafood and margaritas, the casual Lamar Union restaurant is the place to be in Zilker. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Tiny Pies

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Using family traditions and local, seasonal ingredients, the Texas bakery mini-chain bakes its hand-held pies from scratch daily, both sweet and savory, including from its Lamar Union development location in Zilker. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

Gibson Street Bar & JewBoy Sliders

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With an amply-sized patio, the Zilker bar is perfect for small and large parties alike. The casual bar serves well-made, classic cocktails, and numerous television screens make it a favorite for those looking to watch sports. Even better: there’s a location of El Paso-Jewish slider truck JewBoy here. Takeout orders for JewBoy can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Odd Duck

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Enjoy nice New Texan cuisine in a welcoming environment from notable Austin chef Bryce Gilmore and his team at this Zilker restaurant, complete with an open kitchen layout and outdoor patio. Inspired by local, fresh foods and drinks, the dinner menu boasts innovative dishes with seasonal specialties. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya & Tiki Tatsu-Ya

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Some of the state’s best ramen can be found over at Ramen Tatsu-ya, luckily with a location in Zilker. Choose from ramen made with pork bone broth, chicken shoyu broth, or the almond-milk-and-mushroom combination for a vegan option. Small bites and sides are also available. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services. Also, see if you can snag a reservation or a rare walk-in seat at the neighboring sibling cocktail bar Tiki Tatsu-ya with indoor dine-in services.

It's Italian Cucina

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Find top-notch Italian from this under-the-radar Zilker neighborhood restaurant. The tablecloth space with a grand piano (!) serves up Northern Italian cuisine spanning pasta, bruschette, risotto, and much more, rounded out by wine and cocktails. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

El Raval

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The Zilker tapas restaurant underwent an overhaul courtesy of new owner and chef Laila Bazahm. Taking its cues from its namesake neighborhood of Barcelona, the flavorful menu spans small bites to paellas, as well as well-crafted cocktails. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Kiin Di

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Find fantastic Thai fare at the Zilker food truck parked outside Corner Bar, especially the roti with a curried dipping sauce and stir-fried noodles. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Brown's Bar-B-Que

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Another Corner Bar spot, the Zilker barbecue truck is known and loved for its ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. Don’t forget the sides. The homemade potato salad and coleslaw are worth the attention. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Hopscotch

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Alas, New American restaurant Elementary closed earlier this summer, but its neighboring Zilker wine bar is still open. Find a thoughtful wine list, cocktails (including mini-versions), and New American-ish snacks and bites. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Black Sheep Lodge

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Those looking for an easygoing sports bar with casual drinks and food should look no further than this Zilker bar. You’ve got American-Texas pub-ish food like cheese curds, burgers, and chicken wings; loads of draft beers and well drinks; and televisions screening sports. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

CM Smokehouse

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The Zilker barbecue truck parked at general bar Bouldin Acres serves up a nice Texas smoked meats menu, including, yes, that brisket crunchwrap. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Loro Austin

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The Zilker pan-Asian-ish Texas smokehouse restaurant in the South Lamar neighborhood is a good crowd-pleasing destination — after all, it’s led by Uchi’s Tyson Cole and Franklin Barbecue’s Aaron Franklin. There’s brisket served with a chile gastrique (that’s restaurant speak for a sweet-and-sour sauce), smoked turkey breast with yuzu chutney, and rice bowls; alongside nice frozens. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Along with great coffee and baked goods, the South Lamar neighborhood cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily, all made to order from the food truck out back. Start the day with an avocado toast or breakfast sandwich, or stop in mid-day for the grilled cheese. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Matt's El Rancho

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Dip into Austin history at this classic South Lamar Tex-Mex restaurant, where the margaritas are plentiful and the iconic Bob Armstrong dip is the ideal queso. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

El Naranjo

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The chef and co-owner of the South Lamar Oaxacan restaurant, Iliana de la Vega, won a James Beard Award this year for a very good reason: her food is outstanding, from the perfect mole negro de Oaxaca with duck breast to the weekly ceviche. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Papalote Taco House

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Solid tacos can be found over at this South Lamar location of the Mexican restaurant, where breakfast and lunchtime ingredients range from al pastor to lengua to cactus. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Asahi Imports

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The South Austin location of the Japanese market is the place to go for onigiri, bento boxes, and soft serve. Takeout orders can be placed in person.

Nadia Chaudhury is an editor for Eater Northeast and Eater New York and was the former Eater Austin editor, who often writes about food and pop culture.

P. Terry's Burger Stand

This is the original location of the famed Austin-born Texas burger chain, with burgers (duh) and milkshakes available in the Zilker neighborhood. Takeout orders can be placed in person through the drive-thru or walk-up window; takeout orders can also be placed online; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

Uchi

The Zilker Japanese restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole focuses on fresh, sustainable, and responsibly fished ingredients for its sushi and hot and cold dishes. For discounted prices on select food and drink options, get there early for the happy hour, aka the sake social. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are DoorDash deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

A dark tray of three pieces of nigiri.
Sushi from Uchi.
Logan Crable/Uchi

Soto South

When Uchi is impossible to get into, or you’re looking for a different approach to Japanese cuisine. head to this Lamar Union development restaurant in the Zilker neighborhood, which happens to be open for lunch and dinner. On deck’s well-crafted nigiri, sashimi, and sushi, alongside larger bites like uni pasta and lobster tempura. The wine list is nice too. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

TLC Austin

For unfussy Texas seafood and margaritas, the casual Lamar Union restaurant is the place to be in Zilker. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Tiny Pies

Using family traditions and local, seasonal ingredients, the Texas bakery mini-chain bakes its hand-held pies from scratch daily, both sweet and savory, including from its Lamar Union development location in Zilker. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor dine-in areas.

Gibson Street Bar & JewBoy Sliders

With an amply-sized patio, the Zilker bar is perfect for small and large parties alike. The casual bar serves well-made, classic cocktails, and numerous television screens make it a favorite for those looking to watch sports. Even better: there’s a location of El Paso-Jewish slider truck JewBoy here. Takeout orders for JewBoy can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Odd Duck

Enjoy nice New Texan cuisine in a welcoming environment from notable Austin chef Bryce Gilmore and his team at this Zilker restaurant, complete with an open kitchen layout and outdoor patio. Inspired by local, fresh foods and drinks, the dinner menu boasts innovative dishes with seasonal specialties. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya & Tiki Tatsu-Ya

Some of the state’s best ramen can be found over at Ramen Tatsu-ya, luckily with a location in Zilker. Choose from ramen made with pork bone broth, chicken shoyu broth, or the almond-milk-and-mushroom combination for a vegan option. Small bites and sides are also available. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services. Also, see if you can snag a reservation or a rare walk-in seat at the neighboring sibling cocktail bar Tiki Tatsu-ya with indoor dine-in services.

It's Italian Cucina

Find top-notch Italian from this under-the-radar Zilker neighborhood restaurant. The tablecloth space with a grand piano (!) serves up Northern Italian cuisine spanning pasta, bruschette, risotto, and much more, rounded out by wine and cocktails. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

El Raval

The Zilker tapas restaurant underwent an overhaul courtesy of new owner and chef Laila Bazahm. Taking its cues from its namesake neighborhood of Barcelona, the flavorful menu spans small bites to paellas, as well as well-crafted cocktails. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Kiin Di

Find fantastic Thai fare at the Zilker food truck parked outside Corner Bar, especially the roti with a curried dipping sauce and stir-fried noodles. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Brown's Bar-B-Que

Another Corner Bar spot, the Zilker barbecue truck is known and loved for its ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. Don’t forget the sides. The homemade potato salad and coleslaw are worth the attention. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Hopscotch

Alas, New American restaurant Elementary closed earlier this summer, but its neighboring Zilker wine bar is still open. Find a thoughtful wine list, cocktails (including mini-versions), and New American-ish snacks and bites. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Black Sheep Lodge

Those looking for an easygoing sports bar with casual drinks and food should look no further than this Zilker bar. You’ve got American-Texas pub-ish food like cheese curds, burgers, and chicken wings; loads of draft beers and well drinks; and televisions screening sports. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

CM Smokehouse

The Zilker barbecue truck parked at general bar Bouldin Acres serves up a nice Texas smoked meats menu, including, yes, that brisket crunchwrap. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

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Loro Austin

The Zilker pan-Asian-ish Texas smokehouse restaurant in the South Lamar neighborhood is a good crowd-pleasing destination — after all, it’s led by Uchi’s Tyson Cole and Franklin Barbecue’s Aaron Franklin. There’s brisket served with a chile gastrique (that’s restaurant speak for a sweet-and-sour sauce), smoked turkey breast with yuzu chutney, and rice bowls; alongside nice frozens. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Uber Eats deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Patika

Along with great coffee and baked goods, the South Lamar neighborhood cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily, all made to order from the food truck out back. Start the day with an avocado toast or breakfast sandwich, or stop in mid-day for the grilled cheese. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Matt's El Rancho

Dip into Austin history at this classic South Lamar Tex-Mex restaurant, where the margaritas are plentiful and the iconic Bob Armstrong dip is the ideal queso. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

El Naranjo

The chef and co-owner of the South Lamar Oaxacan restaurant, Iliana de la Vega, won a James Beard Award this year for a very good reason: her food is outstanding, from the perfect mole negro de Oaxaca with duck breast to the weekly ceviche. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Papalote Taco House

Solid tacos can be found over at this South Lamar location of the Mexican restaurant, where breakfast and lunchtime ingredients range from al pastor to lengua to cactus. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

Asahi Imports

The South Austin location of the Japanese market is the place to go for onigiri, bento boxes, and soft serve. Takeout orders can be placed in person.

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