Where to Eat in Austin Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants You’ll Crave

Where to Eat in Austin Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants You’ll Crave

Austin’s restaurant scene keeps evolving, but a few spots are getting extra hot right now. These five places are not just well reviewed, they are gaining momentum with locals, food travelers, and social media.

Use this guide to decide where to book ahead, where to line up early, and where to linger over a long, late dinner.

Josephine House - Breezy Clarksville charmer

Josephine House feels like the Austin version of a European neighborhood bistro: a white cottage, leafy patio, and a bar that always seems to be full of people who know where to eat.

Why it is trending:

• Clarksville keeps pulling in new residents and boutique hotels, and Josephine House has become the default stylish brunch and date-night pick.
• Its already strong rating is backed by steady new reviews, which keeps it in constant rotation on social feeds and recommendation lists.
• The space photographs beautifully, so it shows up often in “prettiest brunch in Austin” posts.

What to order:

• Lemon ricotta pancakes or a seasonal hash at brunch.
• The Josephine House burger or steak frites for a relaxed dinner at the bar.
• A classic martini or a bright spritz to match the patio vibe.

Good to know:

• Reservations are smart for weekend brunch and golden-hour patio seats.
• The indoor bar is perfect for solo diners and last-minute walk-ins.

Dean's Italian Steakhouse - High-energy downtown steak night

Dean's Italian Steakhouse blends classic steakhouse indulgence with Italian flourishes and big-night-out energy. Think power suits at one table and birthday celebrations at the next.

Why it is trending:

• It has one of the highest ratings in town for a buzzy downtown spot, and it keeps collecting fresh reviews from business travelers and locals.
• The location near hotels and venues makes it a go-to for pre-concert and pre-game dinners.
• Social media loves the dramatic steak cuts, tableside touches, and moody lighting.

What to order:

• A dry-aged ribeye or bone-in strip, plus a rich side like truffle mashed potatoes.
• Housemade pastas if you want something slightly lighter but still indulgent.
• Classic cocktails or a big red from the wine list to lean into the steakhouse feel.

Good to know:

• Book in advance for peak nights, especially Thursday through Saturday.
• Dress leans smart casual to dressy, so it works well for celebrations and client dinners.

Franklin Barbecue - Legendary lines, still worth the hype

Franklin Barbecue is the name that shows up on nearly every “best barbecue in America” list, and the line outside still proves it.

Why it is trending now:

• Even with years of fame, it continues to pull in strong new reviews from barbecue pilgrims.
• Food creators keep revisiting Franklin in 2025, so it regularly resurfaces in reels and shorts.
• The East Austin neighborhood around it has grown up, so a Franklin visit now fits into a full day of coffee, bars, and galleries.

What to order:

• Brisket is the headliner: ask for a mix of lean and fatty slices.
• Pork ribs and sausage to round out a tray for sharing.
• Sides like potato salad and beans to balance all the smoke and richness.

Pro tips:

• Go early. Lines form well before opening, and popular cuts can sell out.
• Bring a hat, water, and patience, or tag-team with friends.
• Weekdays are slightly less hectic than Saturdays.

Red Ash - Live-fire Italian with serious swagger

Red Ash is a downtown hotspot built around a massive wood-burning grill and oven. The menu leans Italian, but the vibe is pure Austin: loud, warm, and celebratory.

Why it is trending:

• Its combination of bold flavors and high energy keeps it booked solid, even with competition from new openings.
• Growth in reservations and steady reviews signal that it is becoming a default “big night out” choice for locals.
• The open kitchen and fire-focused cooking make it very shareable on social.

What to order:

• Wood-grilled steaks or chops with a deep char and smoky flavor.
• Housemade pastas, especially anything with a rich ragu or seafood.
• Seasonal vegetable sides that hit the grill for extra depth.

Good to know:

• Reservations are essential, and planning ahead by a couple of weeks helps for prime times.
• The bar is lively and can sometimes squeeze in walk-ins if you are flexible.

Salty Sow - Elevated comfort food near campus

Salty Sow sits just east of the University of Texas area and nails the “gastro-pub but better” lane, with shareable plates and a strong cocktail game.

Why it is trending:

• Its location between campus and residential neighborhoods keeps traffic steady from students, locals, and visitors.
• The menu hits that sweet spot of indulgent but not fussy, which makes it a favorite for groups.
• Word of mouth and consistent reviews keep it high on lists for casual Austin dinners.

What to order:

• The slow-cooked pork dishes, like pork shoulder or pork belly, are house specialties.
• Duck fat fries or crispy Brussels sprouts for the table.
• A house cocktail or local draft beer for a relaxed night.

Good to know:

• Great choice for groups that want to share plates and not spend fine-dining prices.
• The patio is popular when the weather is mild, so arrive a bit early if you want outdoor seating.

How to use this list

These five spots cover a lot of what makes Austin dining exciting right now: cult barbecue, glam steakhouses, neighborhood gems, and creative comfort food.

Use MapsBuddy to:

• Track which places are spiking in reviews and buzz.
• Spot rising neighborhoods and new openings before they hit every list.
• Save and share your own shortlists for future trips.

MapsBuddy helps you find trending spots before they become mainstream, so your next Austin meal feels ahead of the curve, not late to the party.