United States Texas Austin Austin Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Getaways All Austin Top 6 Restaurants on South Congress in Austin, Texas By Robert Macias Robert Macias Robert Macias is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 11/05/19 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Kylie McLaughlin / Getty Images The segment of South Congress Avenue between Riverside Drive and Oltorf Street in Austin has evolved into a pedestrian-friendly entertainment district full of restaurants, bars, and antique shops. Here are some of the best eateries on the strip. 01 of 06 Perla’s Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar View Map Address 1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA Get directions Phone +1 512-291-7300 Web Visit website The sprawling tree-shaded patio in front of the restaurant makes Perla’s a popular choice during nice weather. Oysters are the main attraction here. Perla’s flies in oysters from British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Maine. You can enjoy them raw or cooked, with creole tomato butter or fried in cornmeal. Beyond oysters, the pan-roasted Hawaiian escolar served with bacon and goat cheese is another excellent choice. For a salty-sweet, crunchy-creamy finale, go for the salted butterscotch pot de crème. 02 of 06 Hopdoddy Burger Bar View Map Address 1400 S Congress Ave Suite A190, Austin, TX 78704, USA Get directions Phone +1 512-243-7505 Web Visit website Burgers 4.4 Hopdoddy has become so popular that there is often a line out the door even in the middle of the sweltering Austin summer. But people are willing to wait for Hopdoddy’s jumbo-sized burgers with ingredients ranging from poblano peppers to various types of mushrooms. The parmesan truffle fries are also addictive. 03 of 06 Güero's Taco Bar View Map Address 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA Get directions Phone +1 512-447-7688 Web Visit website Located in a warehouse-like space that was once a feed store, Guero’s is often the busiest restaurant on South Congress. It’s mostly standard Tex-Mex fare, but they do a few things very well. The salsas and guacamole are always fresh, and the margaritas are always strong. Don’t miss the tangy tacos al pastor. You can order a full-sized plate, or order as many as you want of the appetizer-sized tacos a la carte. It’s a popular after-the-lake meeting place on Sunday afternoons. The shaded outdoor patio features free live music, presenting everything from conjunto music to jazz. 04 of 06 South Congress Cafe View Map Address 1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA Get directions The food is consistently amazing, but don’t come here if you’re interested in having an intimate conversation with your dining companion. The exposed-brick walls form an echo chamber, making it difficult to understand the person sitting across the table from you. At brunch, try the eggs Benedict with steak and migas or the eggs Benedict with crabcakes. Another standout dish, the short ribs are served with spicy pickles, potato salad, and tobacco onions. Continue to 5 of 6 below. 05 of 06 Vespaio Ristorante Vespaio View Map Address 1610 S Congress Ave S, Austin, TX 78704, USA Get directions Phone +1 512-441-7672 Upscale but not stuffy, Vespaio is one of the best Italian restaurants in Austin—if not the best. The kitchen does as much as possible on site, including making gooey, delicious mozzarella and one-of-a-kind desserts such as blackberry olive oil cake. All of the seafood dishes routinely earn high praise—particularly the mussels with capers. 06 of 06 Botticelli’s Boticelli's View Map Address 1321 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704-2432, USA Get directions Phone +1 512-916-1315 Web Visit website Another Italian food mainstay on South Congress, Botticelli’s is a little more affordable than Vespaio and perhaps even more charming. Start with Botticelli Bread, which is stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, and roasted bell peppers. The small beer garden out back is a nice place to dig into a hearty plate of lasagna, sip red wine and listen to a low-key band. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the ravioli stuffed with butternut squash. For dessert, the chocolate ganache is always a solid choice. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit