Austin’s food scene never really stops evolving—every year brings new barbecue players, inventive Mexican spots, natural‑wine bars, and tasting‑menu darlings.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑heavy spots (by Austin standards) capture different sides of what’s exciting right now.
1. Birdie’s
Birdie’s is a casual‑feeling, counter‑service restaurant that somehow still feels like one of the most chef‑y, destination‑worthy spots in town.
The space is simple and friendly with an outdoor area that keeps things relaxed.
The menu changes frequently but orbits around seasonal, European‑leaning plates: handmade pastas, crudos, vegetable dishes that are way more interesting than they sound, and a few deeply comforting mains.
The natural‑leaning wine list is a huge part of the appeal, with staff happy to guide you based on taste rather than wine‑speak.
2. Suerte
Slightly more established but still at the heart of “modern Austin,” Suerte in East Austin is all about masa‑driven Mexican food in a sleek, stylish dining room.
Expect house‑milled corn in everything from tortillas to tostadas and memelas, topped with things like barbacoa, roasted veggies, and marinated seafood.
Mains might include whole fish, lamb, or pork with complex salsas and moles. The cocktail program leans heavily on agave spirits and bright, layered flavors.
3. Este
From the Suerte team, Este is a seafood‑focused Mexican restaurant with a breezy, coastal feel.
The decor is light and beachy, with an energy that’s perfect for sunset dinners or long lunches.
The menu includes raw and grilled seafood, ceviches, oysters, and fish cooked over live fire, flavored with citrus, chiles, and herbs.
Expect wood‑grilled whole fish, octopus, inventive tostadas, and bright, zippy sauces. The drinks are equally coastal and refreshing.
4. Canje
Canje brings Caribbean flavors to East Austin in a way that’s both deeply personal and highly polished.
The room is vibrant and modern, with tropical design touches and a fun, celebratory vibe.
You’ll see dishes inspired by Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, and beyond: jerk‑influenced meats, plantain dishes, bold stews, bright pickles, and fresh seafood.
Cocktails lean tropical—think rum, fresh juices, spices—and the pacing of the menu makes it great for sharing a lot of different plates.
5. Distant Relatives (at Meanwhile Brewing)
Distant Relatives started as a food truck and has quickly become one of the most talked‑about barbecue spots in Austin.
Set at Meanwhile Brewing, it blends Central Texas smoke with African and African‑American culinary traditions.
You’ll find smoked meats (brisket, pork shoulder, chicken) flavored with spice rubs and sauces that lean more tangy, spicy, and aromatic than typical Texas ’cue. Sides like black‑eyed pea salad, collards, and heirloom grits show just as much thought as the meats. Grab a beer from Meanwhile and this becomes an ideal, very‑Austin evening.
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