The Most Fun Restaurants in Austin

Austin’s dining scene has been booming recently. There is a whole range of fun restaurants, from the ones fronted by world-famous chefs to the tiny food trucks that park on a different corner every day. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. There are cheap spots and expensive spots, divey places and places with dress codes—Austin pretty much has it all. When looking for a night of fun in Austin, be sure to check these spots out.

The OpenTable Team

7 Restaurants

Updated December 02, 2019

Restaurants:	Wu Chow, Uchiko Austin, Uchi Austin…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Chinese, Sushi…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown, Central Austin…

Wu Chow

$$$$

Chinese

Downtown

4.6

1895 reviews

Wu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes that represent all eight styles of Chinese cuisine. They have local farm and ranch partnerships that help create fresh, regionally influenced dishes with explosive flavors. Menu favorites include Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Salt & Pepper Squid, Yu Xiang Eggplant, and Mapo Tofu. Come during happy hour to have a little extra fun! You can bring a group of friends and sit at the bar to sample some of the chef’s favorite dishes. Order a bottle of delicious sake and you are on your way to a great night out!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchiko Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Central Austin

4.8

5735 reviews

Uchiko is the “child of Uchi,” the original Japanese restaurant by this team. This outpost opened in 2010 in Austin and offers the same warm and welcoming atmosphere as the original. It takes the lead from Uchi’s menu, featuring a menu of Japanese dishes and sushi with funky flavorings for a very unique meal. They have a smattering of cheap menu items, including starters like edamame and sunomono, cool tastings like hama chili and kanpachi crudo, and hot tastings like Hot Rock wagyu beef, Take Nabe, and Grilled Pork Jowl. The restaurant feels like a cozy living room and you can head here for a fun and leisurely hang to sample some new food and delicious beer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchi Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Downtown

4.9

5152 reviews

Uchi is where you can have a ball trying some of the best sushi in the city! The chef created an exciting menu blending Japanese tradition with new flavors and influences. Uchi means “house,” and the restaurant is set in an old home, like many sushi bars in Japan. They have a vibrant design and a menu of eclectic dishes in a wide price range — you can definitely make a meal here on a budget. Come for the sake social from 5-6:30 p.m. daily for amazing specials on fish selections, hot dishes, and drinks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dai Due

$$$$

American

East Austin

4.8

1817 reviews

Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club serves an eclectic variety of modern American foods with a Southern tinge using only fresh foods found in the region. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and inviting, and they're a great spot to head for a fun evening out. Have fun sampling some of the inventive food items — you and your friends can order shared plates like the Cold Meat Board, cheap first courses like a Chicken Liver Mousse, Grilled Pecan Sourdough and Lard, and an Arugula salad. There are also sides and a la carte options you can order from the grill to keep costs down.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Peached Tortilla

$$$$

Asian

Central Austin

4.6

1616 reviews

This Southern-Asian food truck became so popular that owner Eric Silverstein was able to open a slightly more upscale brick-and-mortar version of the restaurant in Allandale. They serve an expanded menu full of comfort food items that he has in his repertoire. The menu includes Mom’s toast, slathered in chopped shrimp, ground pork, and gochujang chili sauce, Hainan chicken ,and a bevy or tacos, salads, and bowls of curry. Check out the fun events they have on different days of the week, like Fried Chicken and Whiskey Wednesday and Ramen Night on Thursdays.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Via 313 - North Campus

$$$$

Pizzeria

Central Austin

0 reviews

This Downtown favorite serves Detroit-style pizza in a Texas craft beer bar — it might sound confusing, but the brothers who own this place make some of the best pizza in the city. The beautiful patio is the perfect place to bring a group for a good time and the pizza and beer combo is a surefire win all around. There are plenty of beers on tap to give you reason to stay long after you finish your pizza.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Justine's Brasserie

$$$$

French

East Austin

4.7

750 reviews

Justine’s is where all the cool kids of Austin come to hang out. This neighborhood classic features late night parties, secret musical performances, and art shows that all contribute to the magical atmosphere of the convivial space. They're perfect for a fun date or for a group of friends and you can linger over food and enjoy all the affordable wines on the list. The dark red walls and warm lighting feel so cozy you won’t want to leave.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants