5 New Austin Food Finds Worth the Drive Right Now

Austin’s restaurant scene moves at lightning speed, and we love having an excuse to spend a day hopping from one neighborhood to another discovering what’s new. Whether it’s a bustling bakery, a seafood spot serving lobster ice cream, or a restaurant paying tribute to East Austin roots, these are the local finds that recently landed on our must-visit list. 

1. Local Foods Opens a Bustling New Central Austin Location

If you’ve driven down North Lamar lately, you’ve probably noticed the crowds gathering at the brand-new Local Foods location at Lamar and 38th Street. Sitting directly across from Central Market and in the heart of Austin’s busy medical district, it’s quickly become one of those places where locals happily line up for lunch.

This newest location has all the same fresh, chef-driven menu items that made us fall in love with the original. During the week, breakfast is intentionally simple with favorites like the Truffle Egg Sandwich and the BLT, making it easy to grab something before work or appointments. Weekend visitors are rewarded with a full brunch menu that makes lingering a little longer completely worthwhile.

The menu is filled with colorful salads, hearty sandwiches and seasonal favorites, while the bakery case practically dares you to save room for dessert. Add in local beers, handcrafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this newest location has become such a neighborhood gathering place.

2. Black Sheep Coffee Brings a Little Australia to Austin

Sometimes one sip of coffee instantly transports you somewhere else. That happened the moment I ordered a Flat White at Black Sheep Coffee on Guadalupe. After spending time in Australia earlier this summer, I had developed a serious appreciation for the country’s coffee culture, and that first sip brought back all kinds of warm memories.

Located in one of Austin’s busiest downtown corridors, parking isn’t exactly effortless, but it’s worth popping in for a quick caffeine fix. Ordering is simple through self-service kiosks before your drinks are prepared by the baristas.

While my Flat White was perfection, my friend ordered a large latte that may have been the biggest coffee I’ve ever seen—Texas definitely does everything bigger. And because no coffee date is complete without something sweet, we shared the Banana Nutella Waffle Cone, which disappeared quickly.

3. Hermanas Serves East Austin Stories One Plate at a Time

One of Austin’s most exciting new restaurant openings is Hermanas on East Sixth Street.

Chef Silvano Sanchez has created much more than a restaurant—he’s built a love letter to the neighborhood where he grew up. His menu feels like flipping through a family scrapbook, combining recipes inspired by his East Austin upbringing with influences from Guadalajara and Thailand.

The intentionally concise menu features just 14 shareable dishes. Our server suggested ordering four to six selections for our party of three, and it ended up being the perfect amount.

Every plate felt creative without trying too hard. Our standout favorite was the empanada, which impressed us so much we immediately ordered a second round. We also loved the scallop tostada, the beautiful sourdough bread basket from Abby Jane Bakery, and a unique preparation of large prawns that showcased fresh ingredients with bold flavors.

Don’t overlook the drinks, either. While the cocktail menu is excellent, insiders know to ask for the House Margarita, which lives on the restaurant’s secret menu.

With thoughtful food, warm hospitality and a fresh perspective on East Austin dining, Hermanas feels destined to become one of the city’s hottest reservations.

4. Fish Shop Is Serving Some of Austin’s Freshest Seafood

Fresh seafood in Central Texas always gets our attention, and Fish Shop keeps us swimming (a nod to Finding Nemo).

This recently-opened East Austin restaurant receives fresh fish deliveries daily, and you can taste the difference with every bite. Their tagline—”Always a Good Catch”—couldn’t be more fitting.

We started with the Lobster Toast, which almost eats like a savory version of French toast topped generously with sweet lobster meat. It was rich, indulgent and one of the most memorable dishes of the meal.

The oysters, sourced from Port Lavaca and affectionately called “Little Savages,” were incredibly fresh. Even more surprising were the smoked clams swimming in extra-virgin olive oil. I’ll admit they pushed me outside my comfort zone, but I’m here for it.

The whole Branzino was beautifully prepared and packed with flavor, but dessert may have stolen the show: Lobster ice cream. Finished with fresh lemon zest, it’s one of those dishes you simply have to experience. It sounds unusual, but somehow it works—and that’s exactly what makes Austin’s food scene so much fun.

5. Thank You for Being a Friend at the Golden Girls Pop-Up

If your Instagram feed has been filled with Golden Girls photos lately, there’s a good reason.

Wanderlust Wine Company has transformed its space into an immersive Golden Girls pop-up that feels like stepping directly onto the set of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms.

From the moment you walk inside, you’ll find references around every corner. You can relax in the iconic living room, wander through the famous kitchen, peek into Blanche’s bedroom, and soak in all the nostalgic details that make fans smile from ear to ear.

Grab a glass of wine, settle in with friends and don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing, “Thank you for being a friend…”. It’s playful, nostalgic and one of the most entertaining themed experiences in Austin right now.

Final Bite

One of our favorite things about Austin is that there’s always something new waiting around the next corner. Whether you’re grabbing brunch at Local Foods, reliving Australian coffee memories at Black Sheep Coffee, sharing inventive plates at Hermanas, indulging in seafood at Fish Shop or channeling your inner Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia at Wanderlust Wine Company, these local spots prove that our city’s dining scene never stops evolving.

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Cover Photo courtesy Bucket Listers

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.