Savor the South: Top 10 Southern Cuisine Restaurants in Austin

If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, look no further than Austin, Texas, where food is celebrated in all its glory. With a flair for southern cuisine, this city boasts a robust food scene that marries tradition and innovation. The result? A collection of homely eateries, edgy cafes, and decadent restaurants that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Come and explore our local guide to the top 10 Southern Cuisine Restaurants in Austin. Ready? Let’s dive in and savor the south!

A Melting Pot of Southern Flavors

Austin is a haven for food lovers where billowing barbecue smoke and the aroma of fresh buttermilk biscuits entice. But it’s the city’s melting pot of southern flavors that truly sets it apart. From spicy Tex-Mex and hearty BBQ to traditional soul food and inventive fusion cuisine, each restaurant listed here offers a unique glimpse into Austin’s food scenes.

The Ultimate Food Adventure Begins

1. Hillside Farmacy

Nestled in East Austin, Hillside Farmacy is a charming establishment that has preserved a 1950’s pharmacy building. The old wooden shelves and original tiles blend with mood lighting to create a warm and inviting setting, spicing up your dining experience with a dash of nostalgia.

What to expect:

• A fresh farmstead approach with locally sourced ingredients and a seasonally changing menu.
• Right from classics like Deviled Eggs and Mac & Cheese to contemporary dishes like New Orleans Style Muffuletta, the restaurant showcases the breadth of Southern cuisine.
• Strong vegetarian and vegan options without compromising on the southern charm.
• Look out for their happy hour offerings and Sunday brunch – they’re quite a hit among locals.

2. Hoover’s Cooking

Helmed by celebrated Texas chef Hoover Alexander, this restaurant has been serving authentic, home-cooked Southern and Texas comfort food for over 20 years. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels at home.

What to expect:

• Hearty servings of time-tested recipes like Chicken Fried Steak, Jerk Ribs, and house-made sides such as Mustard Greens and Jalapeno Creamed Spinach.
• A homely atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s kitchen.
• Don’t miss the Peach Cobbler for dessert!

3. Fixe

The brainchild of Chefs James Robert and Keith House, Fixe celebrates the soul and nostalgia of southern food while pushing the boundary of what it can be.

What to expect:

• A funky yet polished atmosphere, blending the aesthetics of a quaint southern home and a chic modern restaurant.
• Signature items like Fixe Biscuits, and Fried Chicken that are raved about by patrons and food critics alike.
• A list of inventive cocktails to quench your thirst.

4. Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Emphasizing local, fresh ingredients, Executive Chef Jack Gilmore’s restaurant takes a thoughtful approach to southern comfort food. The result is a fusion of flavors that showcases the best of Austin.

What to expect:

• Locally sourced dishes made from scratch every day, such as Chicken Fried Chicken and Bacon-Wrapped Texas Quail.
• A welcoming atmosphere with friendly service – you will feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.
• Their weekend brunch buffets are something to look forward to.

5. Mattie’s at Green Pastures

Immerse yourself in Austin’s rich history at Mattie’s at Green Pastures. Set in an iconic vintage estate, this chic restaurant intertwines heritage with contemporary southern comfort food to provide a truly memorable culinary experience.

What to expect:

• A beautiful setting that adds an extra helping of charm to your dining experience. Watch out for the iconic white peacocks that roam the grounds.
• Classics like Southern Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuits.
• Their well-curated wine list is worth a browse.

6. The Peached Tortilla

Started as a food truck, The Peached Tortilla has emerged as an unusual but delightful spot that marries southern comfort food with Asia’s vibrant flavors.

What to expect:

• Fusion cuisine at its finest, with Southern Fun and Mom’s Toast.
• Comfort food with an edgy twist in a trendy setting.
• Their Tuesday dinner series is quite the event and the perfect chance to sample different options.

7. Fonda San Miguel

Fonda San Miguel is a haven for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine with a touch of southern flair.

What to expect:

• Traditional Mexican food with a Southern twist, featuring standout dishes like Pescado a la Veracruzana and Enchiladas Suizas.
• A vibrant atmosphere with its beautifully-tiled walls, Mexican art, and lush green indoor plants.
• Don’t miss out on their popular Sunday brunch – advanced reservation is recommended.

8. Lamberts

Situated in downtown Austin, Lamberts modernizes the concept of barbecue, combining the sophistication of a modern restaurant with the rustic charm of Texas.

What to expect:

• Slow-cooked BBQ dishes and southern classics like Oak Smoked Beef Brisket and Fried Green Tomatoes, all presented with an upscale twist.
• A sophisticated yet rustic atmosphere that perfectly suits a casual lunch, dinner date, or a lazy brunch.
• They also host live music upstairs, making it a perfect weekend spot.

9. Threadgill’s

More than just a restaurant, Threadgill’s personifies the cultural mix of food and music that has made Austin famous.

What to expect:

• Traditional southern dishes, like Chicken and Dumplings and Deep-Fried Okra, that evoke memories of grandma’s kitchen.
• A historic music venue – don’t forget to take a tour of their memorabilia lounge.

10. Olamaie

Under the helm of Chef Michael Fojtasek, Olamaie takes Southern cooking to elegant new heights.

What to expect:

• Dishes that are deeply tied to the South but with a refined style, like Fried Cornmeal Catfish and Fennel & Anise Laminated Biscuits.
• A minimalist, striking décor that enhances your southern dining experience.
• Their off-menu biscuits are legendary – just remember to ask!

Savor the South in Austin

Austin is the perfect city to whet your appetite for everything Southern. Experience the tasteful delight of classic Southern recipes with a contemporary twist. From family-style comfort food at Hoover’s Cooking to farm-to-table delights at Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Southern cuisine in Austin is all about exploring new flavors while staying rooted in traditional cuisine. So tighten your belts, folks! Your food journey through our vibrant city is about to begin. Your love affair with Southern cuisine in Austin is just a reservation away. So, what are you waiting for? Bon appétit, y’all!