Austin is a special city. Not only is it the capital of Texas and home of the Longhorns, but it is the cultural melting pot for the ideas, innovation, and creativity of Texans from all walks of life. How did it get this way? What people and places have shaped Austin into the town we know and love today? Lucky for you, there is a simple and delicious way to find out. Eat local!
Austin is home to over 2,000 restaurants, cafes, and unique venues, many of which have contributed to the evolution of our city over the years. By visiting these places, we can step back in time and gain a richer taste of Austin’s history. So, without further ado, here are my top six original Austin restaurants near campus.
First up is the classic burger joint, Dirty Martins. The shop, located just north of the drag, serves burgers, fries, soft drinks, and other traditional American foods. In 1926, John Martin opened his restaurant with just one grill and an eight-stool bar accompanied by dirt floors. (Hence the name.) Today, Dirty Martin’s continues to serve its loyal customers. Its story is one of the many small start-ups that have formed the backbone of 20th century American tradition.
Head north on Guadalupe St and you’ll find another Austin original, El Patio. This family-owned Mexican restaurant is known for its fresh food and excellent service. The restaurant was started in 1954 by Paul Joseph, a pioneer of the Mexican food business. Today, his family and staff continue to uphold his founding policy “merely to serve the best.”
Looking for breakfast all day? Hop over to Red River Cafe located a short walk north of campus. Since 1982, this neighborhood gem has served reasonably priced, quality food, to students and locals of Austin. The restaurant, which temporarily closed during the pandemic, was recently bought by Norma and Raul. Shortly after re-opening the doors, the husband-wife duo were met with flocks of long-time customers who were grateful to have their treasured cafe back. Norma now plans to decorate the walls with pictures and stories of these loyal patrons in effort to “keep our Austin alive”.
If you’re a sports-loving night owl, then the Tavern is the place for you. This old German-style pub stays open until midnight serving cold drinks and hot appetizers— including their famous wings. With over 30 screens, the Tavern proudly broadcasts “Any Game, Any Time”. Located on 12th street and Lamar, this venue originally opened in 1916 as the Enfield Grocery Store. However, it’s rumored that during the Prohibition era, the store’s top floor was converted into a speakeasy, thus birthing the Tavern as we know it today. In addition to great food and lively atmosphere, this bar is known for its haunted past. If you find yourself upstairs, keep an eye out for “Emily the Ghost”.
Need a study spot? Cherrywood Coffeehouse is a great choice. Inside, you’ll find hanging paper lanterns, ambient music, and clusters of lamp-lighted coffee tables surrounded by walls of interesting art. In one corner is a painted portrait of John Aielli – a legendary radio host at KUTX and regular at the shop. Visitors may drop in for a quick coffee or buckle down for a long study session, interspersed with snacks, drinks, and hot meals at the bar. This venue, nestled just east of IH-35, was created in 2009 by Ryan and Jennifer Marks. Ryan’s New Orleans food background and Jen’s welcoming store-front personality have shaped Cherrywood into the community jewel many locals call home.
Our last venue goes to the one and only Scholtz Garten. Located just southeast of campus, this Austin icon was founded by German immigrant August Scholz in 1866, making it the oldest restaurant in town! Over the years, this pub and cafe has become a popular spot for political groups, music concerts, German communities, and UT football celebrations. While the venue has changed hands several times, its commitment to providing authentic German food and a lively atmosphere has remained the same.
So there you have it. Six original Austin restaurants near campus. While more old establishments like these are sprinkled throughout the city, many of them have sadly disappeared in recent years due to the rise in taxes, COVID lockdowns, and increasing pressure from the everyday struggles of the food business. Just a few weeks ago, our town lost yet another landmark, Texas French Bread, when the bistro was destroyed by an accidental fire. The business is currently accepting donations to help pay their staff through these following weeks.
Original local restaurants are an important part of what makes Austin special. They embody the spirit of Austinites, preserve the history of our city, and provide a space for us to create our own history too. While we cannot bring back the treasured venues we’ve lost, we can support the ones that are still here by simply choosing to eat there.
Bonus: For any ambitious eaters ready to venture out into the city, here is my personal expanded list of original Austin restaurants by location:
North University
Julio’s Cafe
4230 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
Flightpath Coffeehouse
5011 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
Central Downtown
El Mercado Uptown Restaurant
1702 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Barton Springs
Green Mesquite BBQ
1400 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Chuy’s
1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Sandy’s Hamburgers
603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
West Austin
Galaxy Cafe
1000 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703
Nau’s Enfield Drug
1115 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
East Austin
Tamale House East
1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Juan in a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar
1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
South 1st / Oltorf
Polvos
2004 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
El Mercado
1302 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Curra’s Grill Oltorf
614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
South Lamar
Maudie’s Too
1212 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Taco Xpress
2529 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
El Mesón Tequileria
2038 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
South Congress
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Güero’s Taco Bar
1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
