Resting on the banks of the Colorado River, Downtown Austin is the center of the city in more ways than one. It has endless entertainment options as well as ways to explore the history, the arts and more. Plus, it’s a pretty picturesque area to boot.
If that’s not enough of a reason to head downtown, it’s also a prime spot to get a great bite to eat. There are a seemingly endless array of restaurants to choose from, with choices to suit any tastes. Well, almost any taste at least.
Texas Chili Parlor
When it comes to eating in Downtown Austin, getting your hands on some great chili is an absolute must. And it doesn’t get much better than the Texas Chili Parlor, which pops up on a number of best reasons to go to Austin lists.
In addition to being a full bar with some excellent nacho options, this Tex Mex joint serves several interesting burgers alongside some classic Mexican fare. But the star of the show are their great chilis, which come in a variety of heat levels.
Koriente
Even though the dining room is currently closed, Koriente still offers takeout and delivery, which is the case with a lot of restaurants these days. But it is still a prime spot in Downtown Austin to get healthy and affordable Asian inspired dishes that anyone will enjoy.
The kitchen reputedly has neither a deep fryer or a microwave. Instead, they focus on fresh, vibrant cooking that transcends what many perceive as Asian cooking in North America. Their Obake Bowls in particular are more than worth trying out.
The Backspace in Downtown Austin
Not everyone thinks about stopping by Downtown Austin for the pizza but they should. The Backspace’s location in the core of the city is an absolutely must eat venue that has to be tasted to be believed. That sounds weird out of context.
In and above the delectable pizza options, The Backspace also has great appetizers and paninis to choose from. Plus, they also have a solid wine list. While it might not seem extensive at first glance, it has been curated to pair perfectly with their menu.
Comedor
No trip to Downtown Austin would be complete without taking in an excellent Mexican restaurant. And Comedor is reputedly one of the top modern Mexican spots in the entire city, let alone the downtown core.
Comedor has an extensive wine, tequila and mezcal list that is a little overwhelming for first timers. But the food is certainly the star of the show, especially at brunch. Plus, they have some excellent sharing dishes for the entire table.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Austin
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Just the name sounds fantastic, and gets the stomach rumbling. Well, assuming you’re a Pit Bar-B-Que fan, of course. But this Downtown Austin outpost of a popular Texas spot should not be missed.
It has all the tasty meats you’d expect from a join like this on top of an incredible selection of sides to go with them. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a plate of brisket without a side of mac and cheese. And you have to follow it up with a peach cobbler.