The Austin restaurant landscape stayed true to the tradition of the last ten years with incredible growth. Over 100 restaurants opened in the city this year, and we lost some longtime staples as well.
Attempting to eat at every new restaurant this year would be delicious, but also nearly impossible. We here at 365 Things Austin gave it our best shot, and these are a few of the new spots we hope will stick around for years to come.
Tune in for our podcast with Jane Ko (@atasteofkoko) detailing our favorite openings of the year, and mourning the restaurants we lost in 2019.
Nixta Taqueria
The name Nixta is derived from the word nixtamalization, which refers to the process by which the Aztecs used corn and lime juice to make the world’s first corn tortillas. Owners Edgar and Sara claim that the secret to their amazing tacos starts with those traditional recipes and preparations passed down from generation to generation.
The colorful spot on E 12th is dangerously close to our office here at 365 Things Austin, and we’ve been gorging ourselves on tacos and drinking agua frescas ever since they opened.
What we’re eating: the Beet “Tartare” Tostada, and the breakfast taco … often for lunch.
Nixta Taqueria
2512 E 12th Street
Domo Alley-Gato
Walking into this patio restaurant and bar feels like stepping through a portal to Japan. The high walls make the ambience immersive and entertaining, and the food is incredibly authentic. This concept from the Tatsu-ya team won’t be the only new opening from them on this list.
What we’re eating: Katsu Curry (paired with frozen foam-capped Kirin drafts).
Domo Alley-Gato
1600 E 6th Street
Swedish Hill
The latest concept from Larry McGuire and the MMH Group is a counter-service bakery, deli, and rotisserie by day, that turns into a vibey dinner spot with an extensive wine and cocktails list at night.
Check out their Friday Market Dinner for a special three-course dinner and dessert weekly from $40 per person.
What we’re eating: bagels and lox for breakfast, and ANY of the signature sandwiches in the afternoon.
Swedish Hill
1120 W 6th Street
DipDipDip Tatsuya
The second concept the Tatsu-ya team launched in 2019 may have opened to even more hype than the previously mentioned Domo Alley-Gato. DDD is a “Shabu Shabu” restaurant, which translates to “Swish Swish” and traditionally involves a plethora of meats and veggies that are dipped into a communal pot to cook. At DDD guests receive their own pots and choice of broths, but we highly encourage trying the other broths at your table as well.
The food at this place is crazy good, but the experience itself is even better. It’s our current top pick for date nights in the city.
What we’re eating: one of the omakase options, Truffle Sukiyaki for dipping, and a handful of items from the tableside carts that come through the dining room.
DipDipDip Tatsuya
7301 Burnet Road
Vaquero Taquero
There are only a few options on the menu, but this hole in the wall near the UT campus serves some of the best al pastor tacos in the city. Order a couple and a Topo Chico and watch as your pork is carved off the spit and grilled right in front of you.
What we’re eating: Al. Pastor. Tacos.
Vaquero Taquero
104 E 31st Street
Comedor
Philip Speer has opened several superlative restaurants in Austin, but his latest might be our favorite. Comedor lives in a newly constructed building downtown and the beautiful space is complemented by exceptional service and even better food.
What we’re eating: the bone marrow tacos are definitely the crowd favorite here, but we recommend cozying up at the bar and allowing the bartender to take the wheel on ordering.
Comedor
501 Colorado Street
As mentioned previously, there are restaurants that likely should be on this list but aren’t, simply because we haven’t been to them yet. Here are a few we’ve heard good things about but have yet to try:
- Hestia
- Uroko
- Vixen’s Wedding
104 New Restaurants Opened In Austin In 2019, see the full list here.
Did we miss your favorite new spot? Feel free to fill us in at hello@365ThingAustin.com
