There have been a lot of ADJUSTMENTS in the restaurant world this past year. Many places unfortunately have closed, most places have pivoted, and a new generation of spots to stuff our faces with have opened. And KUDOS to all of those who have survived, thrived, and opened during a global clusterfluffage!
If you blinked, or in many cases, didn't really eat out much in the past year, here's the link to my 2020 best new South Austin spots guide; please give them some love too! The link in the above logo will take you to the entire City Guide with over 70 posts for top Austin eating. And if you're looking for places in far South Austin, check out Phat Phoodie's guide!
In alphabetical order, here are my picks for best new South Austin restaurants.
Aba, 1011 South Congress Ave.
Open in the Music Lane development on South Congress + Academy, Aba is beautifully designed with lots of outdoor space, and the Mediterranean foods were great, especially this whipped feta. *swoon*
 |
| Aba's whipped feta + incredibly soft pita bread |
While not new to Austin, this is the first one south! Big outdoor beer garden. (The former Red's Porch location.)
Jjims, 1100 South Lamar Blvd. (in Lamar Union)
Specializing in Korean braised meats, for the most part, they don't have your traditional Korean menu items. The ribeye bulgogi was incredibly tender.
 |
| Jjim's tender ribeye bulgogi |
This trailer is where I first learned about the birria-style taco trend.
From the Garaj Mahal people, Mumtaz opened in the former Alcomar space in the fall of 2020. Modern Indian foods, along with some traditional curries. Their lamb burger is one of the top things I have eaten all year.
 |
| Lamb burger from Mumtaz Market |
I was clued into Nala's by an Instagram acquaintance who is originally from South India, which is the type of food they do. Extensive menu, and many dishes that were unfamiliar to me, but their lamb biryani (they call it mutton) was extremely tender and flavorful. Large portions.
 |
| Lamb biryani from Nala's |
Cracker-thin crust pizza coming from this ghost kitchen.
 |
| Phantasma Kitchen pizza |
Spicy Boys, 440 East St. Elmo Road (at St. Elmo Brewing)
A pivot from the original Soursop trailer, these are delicious spicy fried chicken sandwiches with an Asian twist! And as much as I loved the sandwich, I REALLY loved the roti chicken curry!
 |
| Spicy Boys chicken sandwich |
Big Asian menu in a booming area (Riverside + IH-35/Lakeshore Drive), primarily Thai and Vietnamese focused.
OMG. This French dip sandwich with Vietnamese flavors on the most perfect bread -- it's killer!
Places on my radar but I haven't yet been to:
Pho MPH, 3715 South First Street
Tiny Market, 1718 South Congress Avenue (new grocery in the former Farm to Market space)
Word of Mouth Bakery, 1506 South First Street
What are your favorite new spots in South Austin? Where else should I check out? Drop me a note!
