Best Southwest American Restaurants in Austin

137 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin restaurant

1. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin

4.7

Exceptional(9494)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 85 times today

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, nestled in the urban heart of downtown Austin, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with an upscale flair. Located in the historic Norwood Tower, Perry's is renowned for creating unforgettable dining experiences. As a beacon of culinary excellence, it offers a menu highlighted by its signature dish, the "Friday Pork Chop," which has garnered glowing reviews for its taste and presentation. Guests rave about the "excellent and very fairly priced" food, with the steak options, including the "traditional Japanese Wagyu," earning particular praise. The atmosphere at Perry's is vibrant and energetic, matching the top-notch service provided by their attentive staff. Whether you're there for a special occasion or a casual outing, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille ensures a top-tier American dining experience that is both memorable and authentically Austin.

2. The Well

4.7

Exceptional(510)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, The Well is a culinary jewel renowned for its exceptional American cuisine. With a commitment to sustainability, this restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms, ensuring that each dish not only tastes authentic but also supports local agriculture. The menu is a celebration of American flavors, with guests raving about options like the "best chicken ever" and "outstanding" ceviche. Diners consistently praise the "amazing and healthy" food, highlighting the restaurant's ability to cater to a variety of dietary needs without compromising on taste. The Well's dedication to quality is reflected in its glowing reviews, with one patron noting, "It’s amazing what you can serve gluten-free!" Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Well promises a dining experience that's both delicious and wholesome, making it a must-visit destination in Austin.

A photo of La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas restaurant

3. La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas

4.8

Exceptional(716)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

Located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas is a convivial poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine. The vibrant, open space overlooks the downtown Austin bustle as groups convene over family-style platters, ceviches and table-top sizzling fajitas, with fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire and house-made tortillas from an open comal. The bar provides an accompanying selection of frozen margaritas, native Mexican spirits, small-batch tequila and mezcal as well as an assortment of outdoor-friendly snacks.

4. Hestia

4.8

Exceptional(1875)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Hestia, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, is a haven for Grill cuisine enthusiasts. Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, Hestia truly celebrates the primal beauty of fire-cooked food. The restaurant's centerpiece, a majestic 20-ft hearth, isn't just visually stunning; it's the heart from which every dish pulses with authenticity and flavor. Diners consistently rave about the "amazing flavors" and "best tasting menu," highlighting specialties like the halibut, which has been described as "from another planet." The meticulously prepared grill items, such as the dry-aged wagyu and succulent pork chop, leave guests enthralled by the "incredible food" and "exceptional service." Hestia stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone craving a top-tier Grill experience in Austin.

5. ATX Cocina

4.9

Exceptional(2628)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 67 times today

ATX Cocina in Downtown Austin is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine. With a focus on elevating traditional Mexican dishes through modern techniques, ATX Cocina stands out for its use of heirloom corn varieties sourced from small family farms in Mexico. The in-house nixtamalization process of their masa highlights their dedication to authenticity and quality. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "outstanding flavors" and "creative" dishes, noting that "every bite is full of flavor." As one of Austin's culinary highlights, it's a must-visit for both locals and visitors wanting to experience innovative Mexican cuisine with a "fun vibe and great views."

6. La Condesa

4.6

Exceptional(2232)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

La Condesa, located in the bustling heart of downtown Austin, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Mexican cuisine. Twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award, this modern Mexican eatery, led by Executive Chef Rick Lopez, offers a delightful menu that showcases the richness of interior Mexican dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Patrons rave about the authenticity and unique flavors, noting, "This is authentic Mexican, not Texmex. Highly recommend!!" and praising its "amazing entrees and desserts - all organic and locally sourced ingredients." The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a top-notch bar program featuring an extensive collection of tequila and mezcal, makes La Condesa a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the spirit and flavors of Mexico.

A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

7. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(1297)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

At Dean's Italian Steakhouse in downtown Austin, the fusion of classic American steakhouse flair with authentic Italian culinary tradition creates a unique dining experience. Celebrated for its “house-made pasta” and “market-fresh seafood,” this establishment stands out not just for its prime cuts but for its true Italian essence. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting dishes like the “Wagyu Bolognese” which one diner described as making the pappardelle “soaked in the San Marzano sauce making the dish a 4/5.” The ambiance, combined with “outstanding service,” ensures each meal is more than just dining, but a memorable Italian indulgence right in the heart of Austin.

8. Fixe

4.8

Exceptional(3087)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Fixe in Downtown Austin is a Southern cuisine aficionado’s delight, renowned for its inventive approach to classic dishes. Celebrated for transforming familiar tastes in progressive ways, Chef James Robert's creations like the "amazing" biscuits and "divine" shrimp and grits receive glowing reviews. Guests rave about the "wonderful experience" and "five-star service," with dishes that consistently impress, such as the "delicious" fried chicken and the "perfect" pork chop. Whether it's for a quiet brunch or a lively dinner, Fixe's commitment to quality and passion for Southern traditions makes it a must-visit for an "unexpected and memorable culinary experience."

A photo of The Guest House Austin restaurant

9. The Guest House Austin

4.6

Exceptional(177)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Welcome to The Guest House Austin, a vibrant gem in downtown Austin that offers a fresh take on Contemporary American cuisine. With its chic, energetic ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Diners rave about the "stunningly creative specialty drinks" and dishes with "unique slants and presentations." The theatrical cocktails and superior service, with shoutouts to staff like Regan and Sarah, highlight the restaurant's commitment to excellence. The Guest House Austin delivers an "extraordinary" dining experience that is both innovative and authentically American, making it a must-visit destination. As one diner put it, it's "amaIng food and spectacular service! overall 10/10 dinning experience" – truly a testament to its standout offerings in the heart of Austin.

10. Ranch 616

4.6

Exceptional(1544)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

Ranch 616, nestled in the heart of Downtown Austin, offers a delightful dive into authentic Southwest cuisine with a unique Texas twist that diners simply can't get enough of. From crispy oysters with chipotle chilies tartar sauce to succulent Gulf fish tacos adorned with chili lime aioli, the flavors are as bold and vibrant as the eclectic decor. Praised for creating a "fantastic and fun" dining experience, the restaurant has garnered glowing testimonials. One diner raved, "The food was AMAZING! Loved the wild boar appetizer and the venison frito pie to die for." Whether you're a local or just passing through, Ranch 616’s rich fusion of South Texas gourmet in an upbeat, kitschy setting epitomizes the best of Southwest culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Maricela
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Mour Café is a gem! The food is always delicious, with flavors that never disappoint. The service is exceptional—attentive and friendly every time. The cozy environment makes it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal. Highly recommend!
More info
Mour Cocina | BodegaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
First off, the ambiance and decor are so beautiful. I can’t wait to go bock for cocktails and more delicious food. My friend and I shared the fish tacos and enchiladas verdes and omg, so good. The flavors were amazing! I will be back soon.
More info
Ma'Coco - BudaPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Buda
•
4.5
L
Lee Anne
Cincinnati / Dayton •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 20, 2024
Interior Mexican Food offerings that were very interesting and tasty. The portions are as robust as the creativity and flavors! My husband deemed the Mole one of the best he's had. Our waiter, Marcos, was great - very attentive and helpful with menu selections. Will definitely be back!
More info
Asadas GrillPrice: Moderate• Mexican• North Central
•
3.3

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Austin

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137 restaurants available nearby

1. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Downtown Austin

2. The Well

3. La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas

4. Hestia

5. ATX Cocina

6. La Condesa

7. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

8. Fixe

9. The Guest House Austin

10. Ranch 616

See what locals rave about

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