Best Restaurants for People Watching in East Austin

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchFusion / EclecticGreek

Regions

Austin

Neighborhoods

ArboretumAustinBouldin CreekDowntownEast AustinNorth Central

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ma'Coco - East Austin restaurant

1. Ma'Coco - East Austin

4.3

Awesome(186)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Mexican • East Austin

Booked 13 times today

A fresh approach to Mexican cuisine. We emphasize scratch ingredients to serve colorful, tasty & traditional bites. From tacos & enchiladas to fresh fruit frescas & cocktails, you’ll find an antojito just for you!

2. Caroline

4.2

Awesome(1187)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 51 times today

Our all-day spot is perfect for homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go options. Located in the buzzing Austin's central district, Caroline Restaurant is a great place to jump start your day or enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine, curated cocktail, and full dinner menu. With a focus on regional cuisines our neighborhood restaurant has recreated classic dishes to make them healthful but delicious.

3. Powder Room

4.6

Exceptional(160)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Speakeasy • Downtown

Booked 27 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.

4. Corner

4.7

Exceptional(1017)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 64 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.

5. P6

4.7

Exceptional(1144)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 46 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. Valet-parking is available in the hotel parking lot for $12 for 3 hours. Please see host for discount.Service pets ONLY allowed in outdoor space

6. Prélude

4.8

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 27 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.

7. Elizabeth St Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(824)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Bouldin Creek

Booked 59 times today

Elizabeth Street Café is a neighborhood Vietnamese cafe and French bakery in South Austin opened in December 2011. The little restaurant boasts sunny dining rooms and a shady garden patio and serves fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as takeout.Elizabeth Street Café is known for: great croissants and Stumptown coffee, bánh mì served on house baked baguettes, fresh spring rolls, Kronenberg on tap, steaming bowls of pho, spicy curries, house cocktails, a fun kids menu, and flavorful macarons.Learn more about McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mmlhospitality.com

8. June's All Day

4.8

Exceptional(1081)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • South Austin

Booked 52 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 Anthem - Rainey St. restaurant

9. Anthem - Rainey St.

4.8

Exceptional(160)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Anthem is a pub that honors American comfort food with lip-smacking Asian and Latin flavors. We feature 40 craft beers and lick-your-plate-clean options for every appetite. Our playful and eclectic digs located on Austin’s Rainey Street make Anthem the perfect place for friends, canoodling, and any other shenanigans you’re into.

10. Maie Day

4.4

Awesome(450)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Bouldin Creek

Booked 38 times today

Maie Day is a community chophouse located at South Congress Hotel. Helmed by three-time James Beard-nominated chef Michael Fojtasek and a MICHELIN Guide Recommended Restaurant for 2024, the menu is everything you love about a steakhouse, designed to be approachable and great for groups, and is a celebration of all people and always a party.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I went to celebrate my birthday with a friend, and everything was great! We sat outside, so we had really nice views of the river, and the breeze felt great! The food tasted more amazing than I was anticipating! I definitely plan on coming back!
More info
P6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
S
Shannon
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Really great food. Upbeat experience as the restaurant was packed. Great cocktails. I had an espresso martini and it was delicious.
More info
CarolinePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas - Fort Worth •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great food. Upscale ambience. Great service. Convenient location.
More info
CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4.7
M
MadisonVIP
Chicago / Illinois •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Powder Room is a must-go when in Austin. The staff is so nice and attentive. Definitely recommend getting a reservation.
More info
Powder RoomPrice: Expensive• Speakeasy• Downtown
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Our Sunday 12:30 meal was great and our waitress was very sweet.
More info
Ma'Coco - East AustinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
People watching

East Austin

Arboretum
North Central
Downtown
Northwest
West Austin / Westlake
Lago Vista / Jonestown / Cedar Park
Austin
East Austin
Round Rock
Central Austin
Midtown
South Austin