Austin’s food and drink scene is always evolving and never slowing down, and 2025 is surely set to deliver even more big culinary trends.

From rooftop cantinas to cozy brunch spots, the city offers a little something for everybody wanting to experience the hottest spots in town. We have five destinations leading the pack with inviting atmospheres, unique flavors and innovative drink menus that should be at the top of your list in 2025. 

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon

If you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering meal that delights every bite, Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon is your new go-to flavor destination. 

I had the pleasure of dining at the Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon 360/Westlake location and let me say, the warm, colorful atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and delicious wood-grilled meats bursting with flavor of their unique marinades are some of the many reasons why I’m already wanting to go back. Its deliciousness shines from its fresh, local ingredients – crafted with love and passion. 

The moment you step into Fresa’s, you’re greeted by vibrant decor that exudes authentic Southern Latin American flair, complete with colorful blankets and rustic wooden tables. The ambiance is inviting, offering a delightful view. You’ll appreciate how quickly your food arrives so you can dive straight into the deliciousness. 

You can’t go wrong with the classic guacamole, right? The avocado is perfectly seasoned with jalapeño and cilantro, bringing a fresh, zesty kick. The La Gringa Quesadilla delivers the beloved flavors of a classic El Pastor taco, but with a delicious twist. The juicy chicken infused with zesty lime draws you in with every bite – topped with a green sauce that shouldn’t be overlooked. Other favorites include the Chicken Flautas and Crispy Empanadas. Currently on the menu as the seasonal features, you can enjoy the “Del Mar” Ceviche Tostada or Wood-Grilled Wings with a Sweet Árbol Chile Glaze.

I really enjoyed the tasty sides; each ingredient is crafted to perfectly compliment one another. I found myself loving every bite of the Mexican Street Corn that has a hint of smokiness to it.

You can definitely bring your vegan and vegetarian friends here, as there are plenty of options and substitutes on the menu. Each individual vegetable in the power bowl is so enjoyable it’s worth savoring every bite. The Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette is so good it makes you want to take it home and put it on everything!

For dessert, the Churros are an absolute must! Enjoy the warm, crispy churros coated generously in sugar, and be sure to dip them in the Dulce de Leche caramel sauce for the perfect sweet ending. 

Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina

If you’re in the mood for tasty authentic Mexican cuisine and a lively atmosphere, Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina is the place to be! Here is where you’ll find delicious tacos, fresh salsas, handcrafted margaritas, and delectable desserts to transport you straight to Mexico.

Elevate your taste buds at Arriba Abajo, the Oaxacan-inspired restaurant, bar and mezcaleria, perched atop Downtown’s Thompson Austin and tommie Austin. You’ll step into a boho garden oasis where the faux plants set the vibe for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Not to mention, the city views add a nice touch while enjoying your meal. 

The standout star of the menu? The delicious chips, which are seasoned to perfection with a unique blend that leaves you craving more with each bite. Dip these special chips in the chorizo and roasted mushrooms queso, or guacamole with pomegranate and pickled jalapeños – adding a sweet and spicy kick. (The plantain chips taste just as great!)

For something truly unique, try the Lobster Quesadilla Pizza that’s light and flavorful without being overpowering – a seafood and pizza lover’s dream. Be sure to try the Short Rib Barbacoa taquitos and crispy chicharrones. They’re not to be missed! Or the Mexico City shrimp ceviche that offers a burst of freshness. We also recommend trying the flavorful fajitas that are served sizzling with bell peppers, onions, and roasted jalapeño.

Don’t forget to ask about dessert! The homemade ice cream served with churros is just the right blend of sweetness you can’t resist. 

Arriba Abajo recently rolled-out weekend brunch service every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The new menu boasts a range of flavors found in Oaxaca, Yucatan, and unique regions in between. Brunch specialties include the Horchata French Toast with seasonal fruit, Mexican dark chocolate and horchata glaze; the Chilaquiles Enmoladas, and the Milanesa de Pollo Torta.

They also introduced a weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., offering 25% off a special menu of appetizers, cocktails, wine, and single pours in the main dining area. Plus, enjoy a daily reverse happy hour on the outdoor patio from 7 to 9 p.m., perfectly paired with live music Thursday to Saturday.

The Peached Tortilla in Cedar Park

For brunch lovers out there, check out The Peached Tortilla in Cedar Park and their newly launched brunch menu that blends Asian cuisine with Southern comfort. Here is where you’ll experience bold flavors, creative dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere with colorful decor. You’ll even spot an iconic picture of Lady Bird Johnson that really highlights the local Austin charm.

Start off with the Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly Buns or the Charred Brussels topped with crispy fried onions (make sure to give them a good stir to coat every sprout in their Sichuan peppercorn peach glaze). You also can’t go wrong with the Sesame Scallion Puffs with miso brown butter. Try some classics from their specialty section like their Avocado Toast, Thai Noodle Salad, or new exciting additions such as the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. For those wanting something more filling, the Brisket Hash offers a spicy, savory kick. 

If you’re feeling bold for drinks, we suggest trying their newest concoctions, bourbon-based Southern Belle Refresher made with peach liqueur, soda, strawberry shrub, lemon, and topped with mint. Their take on the Espresso Martini made with vodka and Texas Coffee Trader French blend is something to keep on your radar as well.

You’ve already come this far, so don’t stop there – you have to make room for dessert! The Chili Crisp Ice Cream is anything but ordinary  with its unexpected kick of heat. Asian Movie Night, a staple dessert at all locations, combines popcorn cream, Asian caramel, and rice puffs for a unique flavor combination you didn’t even know you needed in your life. 

Try their popular Nutella Stuffed French Toast, a perfectly portioned dessert that will have you satisfied with every bite. It’s decadent but not super overwhelming. A must-try is the Korean-style Bingsu, such as the Thai Tea Bingsu or the Strawberry Pie Bingsu (my favorite) with strawberry yuzu and brown butter crumble. Something about the creamy, soft shaved ice melting in your mouth like snow makes this one of the best desserts you’ll find, and honestly one of the main reasons I’m ready to go back. 

Snap Kitchen

Are you looking for chef-prepared, ready-to-eat, healthy meals but don’t feel like getting down and dirty in the kitchen? Snap Kitchen is your answer! Founded in Austin with eight locations throughout Texas, Snap Kitchen offers a rotational menu crafted by expert chefs and in-house nutritionists. 

We’re always having to choose between healthy, convenient, and delicious food, but with Snap Kitchen you can get all of that with the snap of a finger. After all, Snap Kitchen’s goal is to take out all the work of eating healthy. They do all the shopping, chopping, cooking, and cleaning. All we have to do is heat them up, eat, and repeat. Easy enough!

Not to mention, their meals are free of gluten, soy, artificial preservatives, added hormones, and artificial sweeteners, but most importantly, they’re full of high-quality, real, and delicious ingredients oozing with flavor. 

All you have to do is download the app, pick your favorite meals or snacks, choose a pick-up date, then stop by and boom! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are now served.

Some of my personal favorites include: 

• Country Breakfast Bowl with Sausage
• The Peach BBQ Brisket with Loaded Cauliflower
• Steak Street Tacos with Salsa Verde
• Buffalo Ranch Burger with Loaded Cauliflower
• Mike’s Hot Honey Chicken Bowl (leaving soon so get it fast!)
• Texas Brisket Fried Rice with Chili Crunch

In addition, you can also enjoy any of the appetizing meals off their fall menu, such as: 

• Pumpkin Pancakes with Maple Butter 
• Pumpkin Alfredo with Sage Chicken Sausage
• Creamy Chicken Stew with Rice 
• Harvest Salad with Grilled Chicken 
• Butternut Squash Soup

If you’re not wanting a full meal but still want to try smaller portions, the Snapables are great for those with small appetites (especially kids). These Snapables are healthy, no-heat, ready-to-eat meals – a perfect and convenient lunch option. Snapables are crafted with the same culinary standards as all the Snap Kitchen meals, so parents can sit back and relax knowing their kids (and themselves) are enjoying tasty, nutritious meals. 

The initial three Snapables meals consist of:

• AB Jam Cakes (mini pancakes and almond butter and strawberry jam swirl + sliced apples)

• BYO Pizza (Simple Mills Crackers, shredded mozzarella, marinara, mini pepperoni + mini blondie)

• Chicken Dunkers (Chicken Nuggets, ranch, cheese cubes, mini blondie)

Need bigger portions? No problem! Families can also get proteins and sides to feed a family of four. From the Grilled BBQ Chicken Tenders with Mac & Cheese to the Baked Ziti with Italian Beef Sausage or Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Salsa – any of these meals will please the pickiest of eaters in the family. 

You can also find healthy sweets such as the chocolate chip cookies or Hazelnut Butter Keto Cups, tasty vegan chips, drinks, smoothies, and more small snacks. 

Find a Snap Kitchen near you in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston!

Steak & Vinyl Night at The Betty

Looking for a night out filled with glamor, glitz, flavor, and fun? Make your way to The Betty (501 Rio Grande St.) on Thursdays from 6-11 p.m. for their Steak & Vinyl Night. You deserve an evening blended with mouthwatering steaks, expertly crafted cocktails, and vintage tunes to highlight your week. 

While this is a cocktail lounge, the star of Steak & Vinyl Night is undoubtedly the steak. Expect juicy, tender cuts cooked to perfection and full of rich, flavorful goodness. The steak is brought in from Sam’s Smokehouse, ensuring that it’s nothing short of top-tier. Trust us — this is a steak so good, you’ll be coming back for seconds (including the sides). 

And speaking of which, The Betty keeps things fresh and exciting with rotating daily sides. On my visit, I was treated to a hearty serving of potatoes and asparagus — two of my all-time favorites — and let me tell you, they were absolutely delicious. The crispy potatoes paired with the tender asparagus are the perfect accompaniments to that big slab of steak, and you’ll definitely want to finish every last bite.  

The Betty’s cocktail menu is equally impressive as the steaks, featuring drinks like the citrusy Betty’s Blue Eyes, the smooth Lavender and Linen, and the refreshing First Kiss Fizz. For something more aromatic, try the Rayon de Miel with locally sourced honey, honey foam, and lemon oils, or the sweet and balanced Raspberry Beret. For the ultimate shared experience, go for the Betty’s Angel Flights — a $75 flight of cocktails perfect for tasting a variety of flavors.

I especially loved the cocktail menu’s flavor map, a helpful guide that takes the guesswork out of choosing the perfect drink. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, bitter, or refreshing, the flavor map makes it easy to navigate the menu and find a drink that’s tailored to your tastes.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the setting is just as much of a treat as the meal itself. The décor is an intoxicating mix of velvet accents, animal print (think zebra and cheetah chairs), crystal chandeliers, and glittering disco balls suspended from the ceiling. The atmosphere is glamorous, mysterious, and just a little bit retro — an ideal setting for an evening out where you can dress up and soak in the chic vibes.

The vibe at The Betty truly transforms once the sun goes down. As the lights dim and the city views come into focus from the balcony, the space takes on a sexy, intimate energy perfect for unwinding after a long day or celebrating a special occasion. The ambiance is set by the low lighting and elegant, design elements — the perfect backdrop for cocktails and conversation.

This isn’t just a casual hangout. The Betty is the perfect spot for date nights, a night out with the girls, or even a celebratory evening with coworkers. The art of dressing up is an essential part of the experience here, so don your favorite new dress or snazzy suit and step into elegance and fun.

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Cover photo courtesy Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.