5 Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Austin, Texas to Try

Austin’s comfort food swings from Tex-Mex classics and legendary barbecue to modern diner plates and Southern staples.

These five capture the city’s cozy side with heaps of flavor.

Kerbey Lane Cafe

A 24/7 Austin institution, Kerbey Lane is comfort at all hours: queso that every local swears by, fluffy buttermilk pancakes with seasonal specials (pumpkin, gingerbread), and migas that bring Tex-Mex warmth to breakfast.

Chicken-fried steak, mac and cheese, and stacks of biscuits and gravy round out the greatest hits.

Friendly service and a lived-in vibe make it feel like home.

Terry Black’s Barbecue

Barbecue is a Texas comfort cornerstone, and Terry Black’s delivers. Brisket sports a peppery bark and buttery interior, ribs tug clean from the bone, and jalapeño cheddar sausage brings a snappy heat.

Load up on sides—creamy mac, sweet corn, pinto beans—and don’t skip the banana pudding.

Picnic tables, butcher paper, and the smell of smoke: Austin in a nutshell.

Matt’s El Rancho

Tex-Mex comfort since the 1950s. The Bob Armstrong dip (a layered queso with taco meat and guac) is ritual, enchiladas come smothered and satisfying, and fajitas sizzle with that grilled, citrusy perfume.

Fresh tortillas, strong margaritas, and big booths make it a family favorite that still feels celebratory.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

A downtown staple turning Southern comfort into a polished feast.

Start with corn dog shrimp or skillet corn queso, then dive into chicken-fried steak with cream gravy, smoked half-chicken with mashed potatoes, or a crunchy green chile mac.

Weekend brunch is a thing: blueberry pancakes, biscuits, and strong coffee on the patio.

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon

Comfort with a bright Austin twist: wood-grilled chicken marinated and charred, served with warm tortillas, rice, beans, and punchy salsas.

Add elotes, guacamole, and a crispy potato side for a picnic-style spread.

The drive-thru and breezy patios make it weeknight-friendly; the flavors make it craveable.