Austin’s local-centric culture makes it a great city for lunch enthusiasts—we don’t have to settle for sad subs or drive-thru chains. We have chefs who refuse to compromise on quality, chic diners and plenty of great delivery services to choose from. So, next time you find yourself wanting to get away for a mid-day meal, treat yourself to one of Austin’s best lunch spots.
Courtesy of Bakery Lorraine.
Bakery Lorraine
While Bakery Lorraine is recognized nationally for its technicolor assortment of macarons and too-gorgeous-to-eat French pastries, the bakery also satisfies savory cravings in the form of sandwiches, soups, salads and more. The Cuban sandwich and BLT, both made using Bakery Lorraine’s fresh bread, are lunch standouts.
Better Half Coffee + Cocktails
Chic minimalist all-day diner Better Half goes from serving coffee and pastries to hearty lunches to happy hour wine and cocktails to delish dinners. For a light lunch, we love The Big Salad—greens with a ginger peach vinaigrette, fresh peaches, green beans, cucumber, peppers, almonds and blue cheese. Or, you know... the BLT.
Elizabeth Street Cafe. Credit to Justin Cook.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Vietnamese spot, Elizabeth Street Cafe, is one of the prettiest places to grab lunch, from the prints worn by the staff down to the complimentary matches. Take in the lovely surrounding while you enjoy the kaffir lime fried chicken bun bowl—rice vermicelli, lettuce, herbs, cucumber, pickled veggies, jalapeño, roasted peanuts, nuoc cham and fragrant fried chicken.
More Home Slice. Credit Giant Noise/Julia Keim.
Home Slice
Home Slice has long been a fixture on South Congress, providing much-needed sustenance to families and late-night revelers. (Home Slice recently expanded to three locations!) The pizzeria’s signature style is tried-and-true authentic New York-style, with large thin slices and a characteristic crisp. Try the bestselling white pie—extra virgin olive oil, garlic, ricotta, mozzarella and spinach.
June's All Day. Credit to Justin Cook.
June’s All Day
Super stylish all-day cafe, June’s All Day is perfect for a lunch date with a friend, a quick solo lunch, and, our favorite... working lunches that involve wine. We love the decadent ham and cheese Croque Madame—buttery toasted bread filled with jambon Paris, gruyère, fried egg, and greens with the yummy French onion soup. June’s sommelier, and namesake, is an authority on all things wine, so ask for recs!
Sour Duck Market. Credit to Richard Casteel.
Sour Duck Market
Sour Duck Market, the sister restaurant to dinner spot Odd Duck, is a neighborhood cafe serving American favorites a step above with freshly made baked goods, a variety of beers on tap and an emphasis on sustainably sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the double cheeseburger with wagyu Smashburger patties, American and pimento cheese, pickles, and secret sauce on a house-made challah bun served alongside crispy cajun fries.
Taco Flats
Taco Flats keeps it simple and delicious with their Mexico City-style breakfast and not-breakfast tacos, appetizers and cocktails made from scratch and never mixes. The pirata taco on flour is one of our favorites, first jack cheese is grilled onto the handmade flour tortilla before it’s filled with refried black beans, grilled beef fajita, grilled onions and cilantro.
Courtesy of Komé.
Komé
Located on the North Loop, Komé is the perfect lunch spot with menu offerings that differ from their evening dinner menu. The vast lunch menu means there is something for everyone's taste from teishoku, meaning combination lunches, to sushi specials, bento boxes and more.
Explore more of Austin's diverse food scene with something for everyone from upscale, fine dining to food truck parks with fried delights.
Contributed by Anastacia Uriegas.
Anastacia Uriegas is an Austin-based freelance writer, designer, and photographer and serves on the board of directors for the Austin Dames d’Escoffier. When she’s not exploring natural wines and rare mezcals, she hanging out with her dog babies, Peanut and Olive, who bear a striking resemblance to Ewoks.