Top Things to See & Do on South Lamar

With a restaurant on every corner, South Lamar is perfect for foodies. The South Austin neighborhood is home to beloved Austin restaurants, so pack your stretchy pants and get ready to eat your way through this area of town.

Paperboy. Credit to Likeness Studio. 

American Cuisine

Bird Bird Biscuit
Start your day with a handheld breakfast on a warm, fluffy biscuit from Bird Bird Biscuit. Can’t decide what to get? Try the classic Queen Beak with fried chicken, spiced honey sauce and bacon-infused chipotle mayo.

Bouldin Acres
Take advantage of Austin's ample sunny days and enjoy the large outdoor patio at Bouldin Acres. Enjoy bites from an American menu and sip drinks from the extensive beer, wine and cocktail menu in between matches on the bookable pickleball courts out back. 

Eberly
Equipped with a beautifully designed rooftop bar and exquisite interior decor, this luxe New American restaurant is perfect for a date night or drinks with friends. A favorite for brunch and dinner, don't miss the chocolate pavlova on their extensive dessert list.

Odd Duck
Odd Duck has been making seasonal, local, farm-to-table food since before it was a thing. Come into the cozy space for Odd Duck’s ever-changing menu of small and shareable plates that highlight the seasons’ ingredients with flavors and techniques from all over the world.

Paperboy
Popular East Austin brunch spot, Paperboy, has opened a South Austin outpost serving up the same delicious brunch and lunch menu.

Asian Cuisine

Loro
This Asian smokehouse and bar is brought to you by James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole (Uchi and Uchiko) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue). Enjoy the large selection of beer, wine and cocktails on the spacious and shaded patio.

Ramen Tatsu-ya
At Ramen Tatsu-ya, Japanese soul food meets a high-energy, eclectic atmosphere. Pair their signature tonkotsu broths with a spicy or yuzu kosho bomb for an even more flavorful, local experience.

Soto
Soto is a unique Japanese restaurant featuring traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as creative spins on some classic Japanese fare. Customize your meal with extensive options on their sashimi/nigiri menu and sake list. 

Courtesy of Taqueria De Diez.

Mexican Cuisine

El Naranjo
Eschew Tex-Mex for traditional Mexican specialties like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles at El Naranjo's Sunday Brunch. 

Matt’s El Rancho
Opened in 1952, this popular restaurant was one of the originators of Austin Tex-Mex. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Matt's has a large patio that's perfect for enjoying a drink and the can't-miss Bob Armstrong Dip. We suggest trying the Matt’s Knockout Martini and chile rellenos.

Maudie’s Too
For authentic Tex-Mex look no further than Maudie’s. Enjoy legendary breakfast tacos in the morning and sizzling fajitas and refreshing margaritas for lunch and dinner. 

Taqueria de Diez
The authentic Mexico City-style street tacos are the star at Taqueria de Diez. Sample a few with carne asada, pastor, pollo asado and nopal tacos, whichever you choose, pair it with a tall agua fresca for the ultimate experience.

Coffee Shops

Desnudo
Located at Fronds Plant Shop, Desnudo’s emphasis on sustainably harvested beans and connection with family-run farms shines through in their incredible drinks. 

Merit Coffee
Housed in the historic house, this friendly neighborhood spot invites you to relax within its bright, modern interior with a signature pour-over or enjoy a seasonal latte on the sprawling, oak-shaded patio.

Proud Mary
Serious coffee connoisseurs can’t miss the curated coffee selection at the Australian cafe, Proud Mary. Pair a deluxe pourover flight with an Australian-inspired brekky plate.

El Raval. Credit to Jane Yun.

Other Cuisine Types

El Raval
Spanish
Bringing the bold spirit of Barcelona to South Lamar, El Raval offers a fusion of traditional Spanish tapas with vibrant North African and Asian influences. This high-energy destination invites you to linger over authentic seafood paella, world-class cocktails and lively Flamenco nights..

Super Thai
Thai
Super Thai features authentic flavors using fresh and high quality ingredients in every dish. From their signature Pad Thai to the aromatic Green Curry, this lowkey and approachable spot offers visitors a taste of Austin’s welcoming and global spirit.

Tiny Pies
Bakery
You’ll be tempted to eat more than one of the adorable baked goods served up by Tiny Pies, known for its hand-held pies that come in yummy flavors like Texas pecan and chocolate cream.

TLC
Seafood
Grab some wild-caught seafood with a comfort flare at this laid-back spot. Schuck back some oysters while watching a football game on the big screen or playing one of the in-house arcade games.

Uncle Nicky’s
Italian
This welcoming, all-day Italian cafe features everything from Italian brunch fare, pastas, sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner and cocktail and aperitivo offerings.

Just like the nearly-unlimited dining choices, the South Lamar nightlife scene does not disappoint. Catch a movie quote-a-long at the Alamo Drafthouse, or try a cocktail at the dark and sexy Golden Goose cocktail bar. Dance the night away at iconic venues like the Broken Spoke. This authentic Texas dancehall, open since 1964, has seen performances from George Strait, Dolly Parton and many more country music superstars.

Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden features artisan bread, locally roasted coffee, locally cured meats, a full bar, and more than 30 local and boutique draft beers. Grab a drink and hang out in their large and airy outdoor space. 

Gibson Street Bar
Located in the heart of the South Lamar neighborhood, choose from a large list of craft beers, cocktails and wine. The bar also has an on-site food truck and offers live music on the patio each weekend.

The Highball
Located next to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, this bar offers private karaoke rooms and a full bar. Plus, expect weekly cover bands playing all of your favorite hits - the party is never hard to find at The Highball.

Koko’s Bavarian
With year-round Oktoberfest vibes, Koko’s blends German heritage with Austin’s welcoming spirit. Pair local beers with house-made sausages and Koko’s famous giant soft pretzel.

Tiki Tatsu-Ya
Tiki Tatsu-Ya blends Japanese and Polynesian influences through creative, over-the-top cocktails and a small plates bar menu. This immersive, two-story destination transports guests with themed decor and a theatrical drink service.

Opa
This Greek cafe offers the perfect blend of old Austin and new. Their patio is shaded by a tall oak tree and is ideal for enjoying a glass of wine or a cool iced coffee. Stop in most evenings for live music and Mediterranean bites.

The Saxon Pub
Around since 1990, this has been a popular concert space with free weekday happy hour shows and daily performances.

04 Center
Housed in an A-frame church, this South Austin music venue welcomes artists of all musical backgrounds, from rock and country to blues and jazz.

There's plenty of fun to be had on South Lamar, from morning 'til night. Find luxe brand names and local artisan boutiques, all within walking distance to Zilker Park and the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Austin Art Garage
Shop affordable art in a variety of mediums from local artists or stop by for one of their many events.

Monkey See, Monkey Do
Moved from their longtime shop on South Congress, stop by Monkey See, Monkey Do for a mix of funky and eclectic gifts, jokes and toys.

Noah Marion. Credit Phillip Hard.

MOSS Designer Consignment
Check out MOSS Designer Consignment for hand-selected, high-end and popular contemporary labels from seasons past.

Noah Marion
Visit the South Lamar flagship store to shop Noah Marion's premium handmade leather goods. Plus, be sure to snap a photo with the branded vintage Volkswagen Beetle out front.

Potluck Vintage
Peruse two floors of carefully curated vintage. With everything from men's and women's apparel and accessories to furniture and home goods.

You won't only find dining, shopping and music venues on South Lamar. For classic family fun, Peter Pan Mini Golf has been a South Austin neighborhood staple since 1948. This quirky course is a true "old-Austin" gem, and don't forget your own beverage because this spot is BYOB. To experience a bit of Austin's performing arts scene, the ZACH Theatre is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a thriving theater for concerts, musicals, original works and children's performances.

Austin’s South Lamar neighborhood is a unique area with plenty to do and see, whatever your tastes are. Once you’ve thoroughly explored this area, head over to South First Street or South Congress Avenue for more local shopping, award-winning dining and vibrant live music.