Restaurant Guide

Restaurants in Downtown Austin, $10-$25

A Hoffbrau Steaks

Steak House • Downtown • $10-$25

A vestige of old Austin circa 1932 and an icon for generations, the Hoffbrau serves up steak, potatoes, and beer in a former feed store.

613 W. Sixth, 512/472-0822

Specialty cocktails are named after the women in Michael Icenhauer's family, and run the gamut from simple to gimmicky to versions of the classics. Enjoy dog-friendly space in this remodeled bungalow.

83 Rainey, 512/473-0005

more about Icenhauer's

C Irene's

American Cafe, Coffeehouse • Downtown • $10-$25

Combining 2/3 Easy Tiger, 1/3 24 Diner, and maybe just a splash of the W. Fifth bars it neighbors, this unpretentious concept focuses on heady drinks, classic sandwiches, and daily blue plate specials. Don't forget to take a selfie by the pink neon sign out front.

506 West Ave., 512/298-0853

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D Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (Downtown)

Tex-Mex • Downtown • $10-$25

In addition to stacked enchiladas, the extensive menu offers hearty steak, chicken, and shrimp dishes flavored with a combination of Southwestern and Interior Mexican spices.

606 Trinity, 512/472-9240

more about Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (Downtown)

E Iron Works BBQ

Barbecue • Downtown • $10-$25

The Works retains its neighborly charm with modest prices and self-serve beer on ice in tin coolers. You can have the barbecue shipped to your house later if you'd like.

100 Red River, 512/478-4855

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F Javelina

Pub Grub • Downtown • $10-$25

This new place offers both old-world bar goodness vibe, as well as contemporary, crafty cocktails. The proprietary burger is a revelation, but others argue in favor of Javelina Eggs, a version of Scotch eggs.

69 Rainey, 512/382-6917

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G Koriente Restaurant & Tea House

Korean, Vegetarian/Vegan • Downtown • $10-$25

Here the emphasis is on fresh, healthy food with a minimum of sugar, oil, and fat. This MSG-free zone offers gluten-free items as well. The spicy chicken bulgogi is a favorite of Downtown bartenders.

621 E. Seventh, 512/275-0852

more about Koriente Restaurant & Tea House

H La Volpe

Italian • Downtown • $10-$25

201-B Brazos, 512/501-6713

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I Lamberts

Barbecue • Downtown • $10-$25 • First Plates

Once the historic landmark anchoring Liberty Lunch’s footprint, Lamberts was established in 2006 by Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman Jr., and Will Bridges in the revamped J.P. Schneider Store, built in 1873. Now it's a legit barbecue joint downstairs, and a swanky bar upstairs, complete with a stage for enjoying nightly live music, local beers, and slow smoked barbecue.

401 W. Second, 512/494-1500

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J Living Foods Bar at Whole Foods Market

Vegetarian/Vegan • Downtown • $10-$25

This überhealthy living-foods bar and deli case offers Austin's largest selection of raw entrées, juices, smoothies, desserts, and salads.

525 N. Lamar, 512/476-1206

more about Living Foods Bar at Whole Foods Market

K Max's Wine Dive

Downtown • $10-$25

Spicy comfort food is just half the story at this Downtown wine bar. The list is affordable and varied for those dining in, and the retail area offers great specials.

207 San Jacinto, 512/904-0111

more about Max's Wine Dive

L Native Family

American Cafe • Downtown • $10-$25

Midwestern details appear in the food as well as the hand-embroidered aprons here. The Cubicano uses the classic components of a Cuban sandwich, but with ballpark Bertman's mustard and "Detroit Pickles." The cheese and charcuterie boards use La Quercia salami from Iowa and Smoking Goose cured sausage from Indiana. The menu is far from predictable, though, as you'll find sardines on toast served as a zesty compote.