Franklin Barbecue

It wouldn’t be a true Austin food tour without a pilgrimage to Franklin Barbecue. Consistently ranked as one of the best barbecue joints in the nation, this East Austin staple draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the globe. Be prepared to join the line of eager patrons that forms daily around the restaurant hours before opening. Why wait? Because the acclaimed pit masters smoke every single pound of meat to perfection over a classic oak wood fire. You won’t be disappointed— just be sure to wear stretchy pants.

Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Phone: (512) 653-1187

Uchi

Looking for something lighter after all that barbecue? Uchi has been serving up reimagined Japanese cuisine for over 15 years. Led by award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s innovative sushi program, Uchi prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients harvested from ranchers and farmers across the Lone Star State. This upscale establishment boasts an ever-changing lineup of hot and cold dishes beyond your typical sushi platter— think Waku Ghin Machi Cure, Machi Residential Cure and Aka Tombo Tuna. Uchi also curates an impressive selection of craft cocktails and sake guaranteed to transport your taste buds to Tokyo’s finest izakayas. For a more casual vibe, be sure to check out Uchi’s sister restaurant, Uchiko. Both offer the finest in contemporary Japanese fare.

Address: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Phone: (512) 916-4808

La Condesa

Experience modern Mexican cuisine taken to the next level at La Condesa. This award-winning restaurant from acclaimed chefs Ricky Yoversi, Niki Arreguin, and Tatsu Aikawa seamlessly fuses traditional Central American flavors with contemporary fare. Every bite is a fiesta for the senses, with highlights including ceviche with ruby red grapefruit and Gulf shrimp, sikil pak (roasted pumpkinseed dip), braised lamb huaraches, and tableside guacamole service. And you can’t forget about the libations! An extensive list of over 100 tequilas and mezcals provide the perfect pairing, in addition to signature margaritas and cocktails. Whatever your palate, let your taste buds discover new twists on Mexican classics. La Condesa’s vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff will transport you south of the border in an instant.

Address: 400 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 

Phone: (512) 499-0300

Olamaie

Get a true sense of Southern hospitality at Olamaie, where seasonal dishes using locally-sourced ingredients create a refined yet soulful modern Southern dining experience. This intimate Old Austin bungalow setting is a beautiful backdrop for the flavors of Chef Michael Fojtasek’s childhood summers in Tennessee while honoring local Texas purveyors. And don’t just take our word—Olamaie has been recognized by prestigious publications like Bon Appétit, Southern Living, and Food & Wine. Indulge in comforts like foie gras with huckleberry preserves, griddled Gulf catfish with smoked pecan potlikker, bacon & eggs with crispy chicken skin cracker, and the out-of-this-world cast iron pan cornbread. The restaurant’s thoughtful wine list and craft cocktails like the Smoked Lobby Julep or Mountain Revival make this a favorite among sommeliers and mixologists alike.

Address: 1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701

Phone: (512) 582-7927

Lenoir

For a true farm-to-table experience, reserve a table at Lenoir, an urbane wine bar and culinary hideaway on South 1st Street. Born from a passion for seasonal foods and sustainable farming, Chef Jessica Maher and Chef Todd Duplechan have cultivated close relationships with regional farms and ranchers to bring ingredients to your plate at peak freshness. As a result, menus rotate daily to take full advantage of locally-available produce and livestock. The dining experience is based entirely on sharing plates and products like vegetables, cheeses, and charcuterie. Count on imaginative textures and flavors like smoked potatoes, pickled red onion, grilled greens, wood-roasted cabbage, fresh dug carrots, and porchetta. With a lively wine bar supplementing the multi-course dining room, Lenoir’s dynamic atmosphere incorporates the soul and creativity of Austin’s local food scene.

Address: 1800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

Phone: (512) 215-9778

Emmer & Rye

Don’t let Emmer & Rye’s farm-to-table concept fool you. This acclaimed SoCo gem takes the farm-fresh dining experience to impressive new heights with innovative globally-inspired cuisine. Chef Kevin Fink, who grew up on a struggling farm, lets his passion for hyper-local sourcing shine through beautifully composed plates. From Asian-accented stone-milled grain pasta to house-made charcuterie, high-quality proteins like dry-aged duck breast, and an exciting seasonal menu, this restaurant incorporates the flavors of global destinations while staying deeply rooted in local tradition. Tucked inside a chic rainwater-harvesting building, the kitchen’s large wood-fire grill adds an extra dimension of smoky flavors throughout the menu. Pair your meal with a glass from the restaurant’s carefully curated natural wine selection or craft cocktail. We’d recommend ordering the signature Emmer & Rye bread service—you won’t regret it.

Address: 51 Rainey St #110, Austin, TX 78701

Phone: (512) 366-5530

Loro

Loro is a love letter to Austin itself, which is abundantly apparent as soon as you walk through the lush entryway. With sustainability at its core, founders Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue), Tyson Cole (Uchi), and Jack Gilmore have merged the signature flavors of Japan and Texas using live wood grills and smokers. The menu represents a melding of cultures and reverence for tradition, from the perfectly smoked beef brisket and pork shoulder to hand-rolled masa for some of Austin’s top grilled masa offerings. In true Austin style, the hip yet relaxed space doesn’t sacrifice craft or imagination. Loro features a large indoor/outdoor beer garden, separate to-go market, and a lineup of refreshing house draft cocktails like aperitivos, slushies, and ranch waters. One visit to this East Austin stunner and you’ll understand why it’s a local’s favorite.

Address: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 

Phone: (512) 916-4858

Reserve Your Private Shuttle to Austin’s Best Eateries

With so many mouth-watering restaurants to explore across Austin’s diverse culinary scene, you’ll definitely want to arrive ready to indulge. Party Buses Austin has you covered with comfortable charter bus transportation to every dining destination on your itinerary. Our team of reservation specialists will work with your group’s needs to provide the perfect vehicle, from compact minibuses to full-sized motorcoaches equipped with premium amenities. No need to worry about parking, navigation, or separate rideshare services—just sit back, relax, and get hyped for the flavors awaiting you at Austin’s top eateries. Give us a call at (512) 375-4204 to arrange your gourmet-on-the-go dining adventures today!