The Best Bars for Foodies in Austin

This downtown Austin institution from chef Ji Peng Chen is the place to go to for authentic farm-to-table Chinese food. Weekends and weeknights are packed with young professionals and locals dining on dishes and washing those down with one of Wu Chow's signature cocktails, many mixing Asian and traditional American flavors. A top-notch spot for dinner and a few drinks with a group of friends.

Uchi is a groundbreaking Asian fusion restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. It's one of Austin's sushi hot spots, with a creative and ever-changing menu for visitors and locals to enjoy. There's also an expansive sake list, a selection of Japanese-influenced cocktails, and a fine beer selection that includes Japanese favorites and local Texas brews

The Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club is a remarkable Manor Road institution right next to the University of Texas at Austin—and its menu is Lone Star down to the core. There's a heavy focus on farm-to-table Texas ingredients at Dai Due. All beer and wine selections are from the state, and in-season ingredients and produce that comes from Texas drive the changing menu.

Uchiko is the little brother of the aforementioned Uchi restaurant, delivering the same type of experimental, tasty fare in its intimate and beautiful Rosedale neighborhood location. It's a fantastic post-work Happy Hour spot, with small plate appetizers and dishes paired with fine sushi and cocktails.

Jeffrey's is the spot to go when looking for a truly upscale dinner. This luxurious wine bar is a mixture of classic American steakhouse and traditional French cuisine, with an excellent bar menu and creative cocktail list—with drinks named after Hollywood classics. For a deluxe bar snack, try something from their large and extravagant caviar menu.

This reliable chain is renowned for great seafood and fine drinks across the American Midwest and Southwest. Its downtown Austin location is big, beautiful, and perfect for a dinner out—especially when the Florida stone crab dishes are in season. Even when they're not, Truluck's is an excellent spot for a night out or a happy hour venture. Try something from their "Flirty Dozen" wine list or one of their signature cocktails.

Looking for one of the cutest bars in Austin? Go to Clark’s Oyster Bar. The place is gorgeous and has a lovely dining room that's usually lively and packed. Clark's has an unbeatable selection of oysters with offerings that come from New England states, the Gulf, Canada, and elsewhere. Stop by during Clark's Happy Hour for great deals on most of their food.

Emmer and Rye is a lovely spot on Rainey with a unique food style. Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Emmer and Rye focuses on small plates and changes the menu on a daily basis. Go there on different days and sample dozens of different meals. Stop in for dinner, brunch, or a cocktail and local draft beer.

What bar or restaurant tour of Austin would be complete without some barbecue? Lamberts is one of the gold-standard BBQ joints in the city. There's an upstairs bar and lounge to relax, hang out, and put back a few local beers as guests dine on brisket. Don't forget to grab some of the appetizers—try the chicken-fried oysters for a real treat before the meal.

Well, the specialties are right there in the name. Bob's is a reliable, delicious chain of steakhouses, with locations across America; the Austin spot advertises "the biggest steaks in Texas." Stop off at the bar for something from the large wine list or a local beer or two in a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, Red Ash is a delicious Happy Hour option. All dishes are $7 during that magical time, with a selection of excellent Italian small plates, meats and cheeses, pasta, and crudo. There's a giant wine selection and excellent cocktails on the menu for guests to enjoy while dining in this beautiful, rustic location with an open kitchen.

Chez Zee is a creative American restaurant with the vibe of a French bistro and a diverse menu full of specials. The creme brûlée French Toast is a must-have for dessert or brunch, and the New Orleans pecan chicken and jalapeño cornbread stuffed chicken is as good as they sound. There's also a full bar for fun times, with classic cocktails and a huge wine selection.

Right on South Congress, Central Standard is on just about every list of best bars in Austin. It's an ideal spot to hang out and sip from incredible wine selections—they boast 100+ labels—a Central Standard cocktail, or one of the local beers on tap. Delicious seafood is all over the Central Standard menu, from fine oyster offerings to chilled lobster salad and curried shrimp.