We have Austin’s creative energy, innovative spirit, and design-forward mindset to thank for beautiful spaces throughout the city. And, Austin’s culinary scene is no exception, with cute coffee shops you’ll want to linger in, restaurants where the design rivals the dishes, and bars that nail both creative cocktails and killer ambiance. If you like your dish and drink to be as visually pleasing as the space you’re in, we’ve got the aesthetic Austin round-up for you.
So go ahead and let your phone eat first at these spots.
Courtesy of Terrible Love.
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Community Garden
Hidden away in East Austin, Community Garden is a plant-filled sanctuary that acts as a coffee shop by day and a laid-back listening lounge by night. Lush hanging plants and the warm crackle of vinyl records fill the space, creating a 'greenhouse' living room vibe that feels naturally inviting. Grab a seat on a velvet couch to enjoy fresh juices and toasts in an atmosphere that feels cool and communal.
Palomino Coffee
For a peaceful start to the day and a powerful jolt of coffee, Palomino Coffee has what you’re looking for. Palomino has a “desert oasis” vibe created by the warm earth tones of the space and plenty of greenery and cacti in terracotta pots scattered throughout the cafe. Keep with the natural energy of the space with a matcha or try the cappuccino.
Proud Mary
Proud Mary brings the refined coffee culture of Melbourne to an industrial-chic space on South Lamar. With its massive windows and wood accents, the space has a light and airy feel out front for guests as the serious coffee brewing goes on in the back. It’s the perfect setting to indulge in a "deluxe" pour-over and elevated Aussie brunch dishes that look as good as they taste.
Strangelove
Strangelove blends the coziness of a vintage home with a buzzy social atmosphere. The interior is a texture-rich mix of warm wood paneling and retro green checkered floors, while the sprawling backyard offers a breezy escape shaded by lofty pecan trees. It's a great spot to transition from a morning cappuccino to a funky glass of natural orange wine as the sun goes down.
Terrible Love
This unique, pocket-sized coffee shop is housed in a repurposed 1930s boiler room in Hyde Park. The industrial grit of exposed brick nestled among the flowering greenery creates a secret garden vibe on the outdoor patio. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a slow morning with a breakfast taco or pastry and their cult-favorite Grapefruit Brown Sugar Latte.
Aba. Credit to Chase Daniel.
Restaurants
Aba
Located on popular South Congress Avenue, Aba is a lush Mediterranean escape. Dine outdoors under a large sprawling oak tree, or in the dining room where they bring the outside in with potted plants, natural wood tones, and large wicker lighting. The delicious Mediterranean cuisine is a sight of its own, often served family-style on large ceramic dishes, with local favorites including the whipped feta with pistachio and olive oil and flavorful grilled kebabs.
La Volta
Housed in a charming bungalow, La Volta transforms from a sunny daytime patio spot into a sultry, red-lit den after dark. The moody crimson lighting and lively Italo-Disco soundtrack create a vibey energy that feels intimate yet electric. It is the perfect setting for sharing their signature vodka pies and crispy cacio e pepe arancini on a date night.
Lutie’s
On the same property as the elegant Commodore Perry Estate, Lutie’s is arguably one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Austin. The space is vintage luxury meets exuberant garden party, featuring hanging greenery and florals that float above black-and-white checkered tile floors and Murano chandeliers. Lutie’s is picture-perfect for a weekend brunch with seasonal pastries or a special weeknight dinner filled with decadent dishes.
Pecan Square Cafe
Tucked away in the historic Clarksville neighborhood, Pecan Square Cafe offers a cozy, West Coast-inspired vibe that feels like dining in a chic, mid-century home. With a focus on local ingredients, the menu features masterfully prepared pastas and rustic seafood dishes that match the effortless elegance of the room.
Yamas
You’ll feel as though you’ve just arrived on vacation at Yamas, a lively Greek restaurant in West Austin. The bright white stucco walls with deep blue accents and vibrant pink Bougainvilleas mimic the cliffside homes of Santorini. Come ready for a high-energy dining experience with plenty of 'Opa!' moments.
Powder Room. Credit to Zach Querry.
Bars
Equipment Room
Tucked beneath the Hotel Magdalena, Equipment Room is a high-fidelity vinyl bar that feels like a recording studio meets a mid-century lounge. Walnut acoustic panels, vintage speakers and amber lighting set the stage for an acoustic-first experience where the sound is as curated as the decor. It is an intimate hideaway to sip precise cocktails while getting lost in the impeccable sound of deep cut vinyl.
P6
Perched atop The LINE Hotel, P6 offers an open-air rooftop experience that feels like a chic European greenhouse suspended over Lady Bird Lake. Dusty pink furnishings and hanging ferns fill the space, creating a soft, laid-back atmosphere that frames the water views perfectly. It’s the ultimate spot to enjoy small plates and cocktails while soaking in the breeziest, most photogenic sunset in the city.
Powder Room
While this is the only place on our list where you’ll have to forgo the obligatory photo, the visual memory is worth it. Powder Room is a strictly phone-free speakeasy with a rich, 1980s-glam feel. Sink into plush velvet banquettes for tableside cocktail service in a space that feels like an eccentric socialite's living room, or order a drink at the large, opulent bar, presided over by a dramatic stuffed leopard.
Tiki Tatsu-Ya
If you are looking for pure immersion, Tiki Tatsu-Ya is unmatched. This two-story tropical fantasy is filled with elaborate rock formations, hanging fishing nets, and custom shrunken head mugs. It’s less of a bar and more of a theatrical experience, where the room creates a thunderstorm and the lights dim every time someone orders a large-format cocktail.
Whether you are chasing the perfect golden hour spot or a moody speakeasy vibe, these visually stunning cafes, restaurants and bars prove that Austin tastes just as good as it looks. For more photo-worthy inspiration beyond the plate, check out our guide to the Best Austin Photo Dump.
