Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Austin

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Powder Room

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Speakeasy • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Step into the secret world of Powder Room, an intimate cocktail lounge that exudes timeless energy. Here, guests are invited to indulge in crafted cocktails in the warmth of an intimate living room setting.Powder Room caters to individuals in search of refined experiences. Elevate your evenings with table-side mixology, complemented by the rhythmic melodies of live music and artistic performances that embody the essence of this hidden gem.

A photo of VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant

2. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

4.7

Exceptional(576)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Austin

Booked 37 times today

VERDAD pulls from traditions cultivated throughout Mexican history to authentically capture and appreciate the relationship between the past and the present – a focus that inspired the concept’s name VERDAD. VERDAD translates to “truth”. VERDAD will bring this promise to life with authentic, ingredients-focused Mexican dishes modernized through high-end cooking technique and innovative presentation, providing an elevated dining experience inspired by a steakhouse point-of-view. Follow the history as it unfolds through the VERDAD menu, robust collection of tequila, sweet treats and more!

3. La Condesa

4.6

Exceptional(2245)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

La Condesa is a two-times James Beard-nominated modern Mexican restaurant located in Austin’s vibrant 2nd Street District. Helmed by Executive Chef Rick Lopez, La Condesa’s menu features interior Mexican dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, plus a renowned bar program with one of the largest collections of tequila, mezcal and other Mexican spirits in the city.

4. Prélude

4.7

Exceptional(141)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Chef Mathew Peters, the first American to win the prestigious Bocuse d'Or in 2017, is bringing his culinary expertise to the heart of Austin with the opening of Prelude, an elevated cocktail bar and canapé lounge set in a historic home in West Austin. The space has a beautiful back lawn lounge with views of downtown Austin and private rooms throughout the house that can accommodate groups of 6-18 with private events options of groups up to 120 guests.Prelude will offer a unique Austin experience, combining innovative cocktail creations with elevated small bites. The menu will feature a curated selection of small plates, designed to complement the bar programs signature cocktails and highlight Chef Peters' culinary artistry. Please note that our kitchen closes each evening at 10 pm. Join Prélude during Happy Hour Tuesday-Thursday from 4-6 pm for $2 oysters and drink specials.

5. P6

4.6

Exceptional(1122)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Once home to a parking garage in the 1960s, P6 has been transformed into an intimate rooftop garden lounge space for open-air dining and drinks with sweeping views of Town Lake and the lush South Austin skyline.The menu of Contemporary American small plates and inventive seasonal cocktails pairs well with technicolor Texas sunsets.Open every evening and on weekends for brunch. See you on 6.Reservations are highly recommended. Self-parking is available in the hotel parking lot for $10 for 3 hours. Please see host for discount.Service pets ONLY allowed in outdoor space

6. Corner

4.6

Exceptional(991)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 35 times today

Welcome to Corner Restaurant! Ideally located in downtown Austin, you’ll find modern Texas fare and local twists on classic recipes, all in a stunning location on the corner of 2nd and Congress. Whether you’re looking for local Austin flavors inspired by the 5 Corners of Texas, delicious cocktails, or the perfect boozy brunch, Corner’s patio bar & restaurant has it all.

7. June's All Day

4.8

Exceptional(1051)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • South Austin

Booked 37 times today

June’s All Day is a little bit of Paris in Austin—a neighborhood cafe and bar offering late breakfast, brunch, and an all day menu late into the evenings, along bustling South Congress Avenue.The bistro-style food menu (think Croque Madame, Steak Tartare & Frites, Grilled Chicken Paillard, & Steak au Poivre) is complemented by a frequently changing wine & bar program including unique bottles and classic cocktails The restaurant has a wraparound patio (open year round) and is ideal for people watching and hanging with your friends.

A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant

8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(1473)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

A neighborhood gem! This family-run Italian restaurant offers a chic, rustic atmosphere in a downtown Austin landmark historic 1876 building. Enjoy outdoor sidewalk cafe dining just steps from the Texas State Capitol (dog friendly).We feature a wide variety of authentic Italian pastas, pizza, meats, seafood & unique daily specials. (GF and Veg options). Daily specials highlight the freshest and most seasonal offerings, such as Rigatoni Alla Norcina (sausage with truffle oil), house-made Gnocchi Sorrentina, and Whole Roasted Fish. Gelato, sorbets and desserts are delicious and made in-house. The cozy full-bar offers classic Italian cocktails and a sizable wine list representing Italy’s diverse regions.All breads and pizza are made daily using naturally leavened dough and an ancient fermentation process; this improves digestibility and creates a delicious flavor. Neapolitan pizzas are baked at 1000 degrees in a wood-fired brick oven. Your new Austin favorite.

9. Vespaio Austin

4.7

Exceptional(1724)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.

10. Devil May Care

4.7

Exceptional(230)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Located at the bustling corner of 6th & San Antonio, Devil May Care delivers a fresh and enigmatic experience to Austin’s dining and entertainment scene. With its cozy, eclectic vibe, Devil May Care provides a downtown, art-filled, underground hideaway. Family-style dining features a healthy and shareable play on Modern Mediterranean cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Joshua
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time visiting VERDAD, I had left a note that it was my girlfriend and I’s anniversary. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a table that had a rose petal heart decorated on it. Multiple managers and other staff members went out of their way to congratulate us and ensure we were enjoying our service. We ordered the fajitas for two and it was genuinely one of the best fajita dishes I’ve had in my life. Drinks are amazing, service is excellent, and noise isn’t bad whatsoever due to the openness of the dining area. Overall wonderful experience!
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VERDAD True Modern MexicanPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Austin
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nebraska •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Incredible service, cocktails, and the delicious food from Matt and his team... can't with to see what is in store with Maven! Prelude is a must try! I'm certain they will gain attention from Michelin in the near future!
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PréludePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.7
E
Erica
Austin •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our waiter Manny was super! Great recommendations and great service. Food was fresh and flavorful. You can tell the care and time they take to make their plates here. I enjoyed the background and context given for each plate as it came out and made the experience that much better.
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La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
C
CarlaVIP
Nashville •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Girls’ night party of 4 went out on a Monday night— the entire atmosphere was wonderful and we appreciated the hospitality!
More info
Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
•
4.5
B
Bryan
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
Incredible place, always a great time. Sarah took great care of my table
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P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6

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Central Austin

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Austin

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. Powder Room

2. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

3. La Condesa

4. Prélude

5. P6

6. Corner

7. June's All Day

8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

9. Vespaio Austin

10. Devil May Care

See what locals rave about

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