The Ultimate Guide to South Congress - Can't Miss Eats

Look, if you're going to live in Austin, you're going to be eating. A lot. If ever there was a foodie town, then Austin is the pure embodiment. We have so many restaurants, we had to put them in trucks! South Congress is littered with amazingly amazing restaurants that are begging you to come visit. After you've seen the "must sees" from Part 1 of our Ultimate Guide, get to eating. Look at our essential list and your mouth will be watering in no time.

Photo from: Guero's Taco Bar Yelp

Guero’s Taco Bar

Foodies will have a wonderful time on South Congress, with unlimited choices that are all delicious. Guero's Taco Bar is a popular destination, because who doesn't love tacos? But that's not all they have. Partner your taco with a hand-shaken margarita or Mexican beer or go for an enchilada or tamale. Affordable, with most of their lunch specials below the $10 mark, Guero's Taco Bar is always a great choice.

Photo from: South Congress Café Yelp

South Congress Café

While the outside may seem more divey than anything, the inside is pure luxury. Boasting the "World's Best Bloody Mary" by way of Huffington Post, this restaurant is more evocative of a Parisian nightscape than weird Austin living. The menu has a wide range of selections, from luxury eats such as the Ancho Braised Niman Ranch Pork Shank to peasant food such as an old fashioned hamburger. Additionally, parking is easily located in the back, making it not only a swanky eatery but a very convenient place to spend your night.

Photo from: Home Slice Pizza Yelp

Home Slice Pizza

Home Slice Pizza is a favorite for Austinites. If you're a fan of thin crust pizza, then you will love Home Slice. They serve authentic New York style pizza that is thin yet packed with great flavor. On most weekends, there is often a line just to get in. There is even an extended restaurant next door, simply labeled More Home Slice. For just a few dollars, you can get one of their many delicious slices. Try out Home Slice and you will not be disappointed.

Photo from: Amy's Ice Cream Yelp

Amy’s Ice Cream

Looking for some dessert? Amy's Ice Cream is there for you with two locations on South Congress. If you've lived in Austin for more than a few days, you've most likely heard the name Amy's Ice Cream before. It is an Austin staple with their unique flavors like Mexican Vanilla, Amaretto Cheesecake, Avocado, and All Thai'ed Up. Stop by for a scoop!

Photo from: Boticelli's Yelp

Boticelli's

For almost ten years, Boticelli's has been the select location for fine Italian eating on SoCo. The Austin Chronicle once praised the location as a "curse breaker." Many restaurants came and went, but only Botticelli's was good enough to stay. That may be due to the signature dishes the restaurant serves including, you guessed it...bread. Botticelli's Bread is unlike the standard garlic loaves you are served, though. Instead, Botticelli's stuffs their bread full of meat, cheese, and peppers. It's unlike any other culinary confection you will find this side of Lady Bird Lake. Along with a wide selection of pasta and wine, you are surely in for an enchanted evening.

Photo from: Lucky Robot's Facebook

Lucky Robot

Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen is a colorful restaurant that serves a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and fusion food. Their drinks are also amazing! Step inside and you'll be invited by the Harajuku walls and neon porch swings accompanying many tables. Lucky Robot is on the pricier side. However, make sure to dine during their happy hour from 4 to 6:30 pm daily.

Photo from: Farm to Market Grocery's Facebook

Farm to Market Grocery

If you're looking for a place to buy some healthy foods, Farm to Market Grocery offers locally sourced ingredients for your next meal. They have everything you need from organic fruits and veggies to many gourmet foods and a great wine and beer selection. Shopping at Farm to Market Grocery is a great way to shop locally in Austin.

Photo from: Hopdoddy.com

Hopdoddy’s

Alright, we confess that we love chain restaurants like Hopdoddy’s. However, be prepared, because everyone else is obsessed with this native Texas restaurant, too. If you are at the SoCo location, you will see a perpetual line. When you step inside and take your first bite of that big juicy burger, every worry becomes meaningless next to the power of the burger. The bread is made fresh every day and their buns are exquisite with a slight glaze on each one. Everything is locally sourced and Hopdoddy’s strives to be as green as you can be. Plus, the truffle fries with Aioli sauce are transcendent, along with the Shroom burger, the Ahi Tuna burger, and the standard Classic. When you leave, you’ll be screaming at your friends, “Who’s Your Doddy?!,” which will make them jealous and make you hungrier.

As always, Pauly Presley Realty is thrilled to keep you up to date on the things about Austin that make the city fantastic.