Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Austin

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Austin? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Uchiko Austin

4.8

4.8 (6077)

$50 and over

Sushi

Central Austin

About the restaurant

:: ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON RESTAURANT WEBSITE ::

Uchiko is the sister restaurant to Tyson Cole’s original Uchi. It matches that restaurant’s dedication to food, wine, and service, but it has a Japanese farmhouse aesthetic with crafted materials and warm finishes to round out a completely updated setting. The chef team at Uchiko has created a brand new selection of composed dishes and sushi, taken from ideas and plates created at Uchi. Uchiko is Uchi redefined. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. Patio seating is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!

Top review

Robert

Dined 6 days ago

One of our favorites with the best dessert in town (Milk and cereal!)

Bangers Sausage House & Beer Garden

4.7

4.7 (89)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The name really says it all. With 202 beer taps and over 20 house-made sausages we have one of the largest selections in the country. We are equally committed to quality, serving up the most delicious sausages we can make and the best craft beers we can source. In addition to beer and sausage we also operate an onsite smokehouse with a variety of offerings centered on slow smoking and open fire cooking.

At the end of the day, Banger's is all about being a wonderful place to eat, drink and hangout. Not too rowdy, not too laid back, just a good old fashioned good time.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 4 days ago

Very fun vibe with great live music. The beer selection is obviously amazing. Friendly staff.

dipdipdip Tatsu-ya

4.6

4.6 (41)

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

Allandale

About the restaurant

Welcome to DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, a celebration of shabu-shabu and other Japanese nabemono hot pot traditions curated by Chef Tatsu Aikawa and the Tatsu-Ya Family. Enjoy the interactive ritual of shabu-shabu—cooking thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables in simmering broth at your table, paired with delightful dipping sauces. OR explore our variety of nabemono hot pots, each filled with wholesome ingredients and served with flavorful dips, rice, or noodles.

Top review

Cristina

Dined 5 days ago

Fun to dine w a group. The dips allow you to personalize your food, great attentive servers. I received a birthday card and treat from the team 🥰

The Guest House Austin

4.5

4.5 (247)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Guest House – A new dining destination in downtown Austin. We are redefining the dining experience, infusing timeless classics with a modern twist. Our restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual meet-up, business meeting, or a special celebration.

Top review

Kathryn

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the environment of this restaurant. The staff was attentive & the food delicious. The club music was so loud I had to ask the waiter to repeat himself several times. It was quite distracting during our time there. Will not go back.

OKO

4.5

4.5 (53)

$30 and under

Asian

East Austin

About the restaurant

OKO was born from the shared vision of FAM Hospitality and Trinity Concepts, blending Filipino and Southeast Asian culinary traditions with Austin’s energy. Led by Chef Harold Villarosa and FAM co-founder Paul Qui, OKO redefines Austin’s dining scene with a menu celebrating the Filipino diaspora and the rich, diverse flavors of Southeast Asia.

Top review

RyanVIP

Dined 6 days ago

I went to try really tasty food and Oko absolutely delivered! Service was normal and vibes were great. I would absolutely go back. Its one of my favorite restaurants in austin now

Punch Bowl Social - Austin Domain

4.3

4.3 (105)

$30 and under

American

Arboretum

About the restaurant

We’re all about good vibes and unforgettable hangs. Whether you’re looking for a chill night with friends, belting out karaoke tunes (even if you don’t know all the words), or just laughing over a few gutterballs, we’ve got you covered. With fourteen locations nationwide, each offering unique adventures, there’s always a reason to come through and make some memories with us.

Every night brings something new, from our crowd favorites, Music Bingo and Trivia, to a Silent Disco with three DJs. Bring your besties or get ready to meet some new ones!

Let us host your next event! We’ve got the beats pumping, drinks flowing, and games ready. From full venue buyouts to exclusive gatherings, we have options to fit your every need.

Top review

JazmineVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Mother’s Day brunch wasn’t as fun and special as I expected. We were seated far away from the jazz music, and there wasn’t any special holiday menu. The brunch menu also didn’t have a lot of healthy options. It’s was a meh experience.

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Experience

Father's Day Burgers & Beer

Bar Louie - Round Rock

4.3

4.3 (109)

$30 and under

American

Round Rock

About the restaurant

Bar Louie is an upbeat grill chain that serves classic comfort grub and microbrews in a relaxed space. The dining menu revolves around small plate items as well as sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads and comfort entrées. Visit for dinner and feast on some beer battered fish and chips or try the restaurant's famous voodoo chicken.Bar Louie is a nice pick if you're looking to knock back a few drinks with friends or grabbing a leisurely bite. Visit during happy hour and enjoy great deals on drinks and grub. This bar serves cocktails, sangrias, margaritas and creative zero-proof drinks. Bar Louie also stays open until the early hours of the morning, making it a nice spot for some late night socializing or dining.

Top review

David

Dined on 19 Apr 2025

Enjoyed the night listening to live cover band. Drinks we very well tasting

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Experience

Geeks who drink trivia!

4.3

4.3 (57)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Nestled on the 4th floor of our iconic establishment, Arriba Abajo emerges as a haven where flavors dance amid panoramic views and leisurely ambiance. From sizzling fajitas to handcrafted tacos bursting with flavor, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled quality. Our bartenders shake cocktails better than a rattlesnake shakes its tail. Experience the fun and ease of the Mexican lifestyle in our little slice of paradise. Heat up or cool down poolside in one of our daybeds or cabanas with a margarita in hand.

Top review

SandyVIP

Dined on 22 Apr 2025

I love Arriba Abajo, but the service was really off at my last visit. Drinks were slow to arrive, guacamole did not get to our table before our main courses arrived and our waitress was difficult to track down. I think all restaurants are struggling right now, so I'm definitely going to keep giving this one a chance. The food and ambiance are too good not to!

The Betty

4.0

4 (27)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

The Betty is an elegant vinyl cocktail lounge offering an ambiance of relaxed luxury, perfect for socializing over expertly mixed cocktails. The music, often a mix of jazz, lounge, or modern classics, complements the refined atmosphere, making the vinyl cocktail lounge a stylish destination.

The dress code is strictly enforced and we politely ask you to dress your best for an elegant evening with us!

Top review

tanner

Dined on 27 Feb 2025

The Betty is the BEST Cocktail Lounge in Austin hands down. Amazing ambiance, vibe, and energy. I'll be going back for sure. One of the owners (I believe his name is Andrew) showed me the best time of my life when I was there. The Betty is a classy place, but definitely a place where you can have an incredible night out as well. Definitely check this place out.

Punch Bowl Social - Austin Downtown

3.9

3.9 (55)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Top review

Kebi

Dined on 2 May 2025

Such a fun place to play games, have drinks and grab some food!

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