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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Austin

Italian food bars

A quiet bar stool and a plate of pasta.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Valhalla image 1
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Metal-themed bar with live local bands and a lively rock vibe creates an energetic yet chill atmosphere. Small venue features arcade and pool games, fostering a social and welcoming environment. Decor reflects a strong personality, continuing a punk rock legacy.

Strong and cheap drinks fuel a lively metal-themed bar with an energetic atmosphere. Shows happen regularly, and a smoking area adds to the dive bar vibe.

Marinara Miracle offers a sauce with perfect flavor. The lasagna stands out as fantastic.

People are saying

"This bar has a great, lively vibe."

"The downstairs has a bar with live music and a great vibe."

"The Italian food's garlic toast was so good."

Good to know

1

Bring ear plugs for loud performances.

2

Valhalla has a restaurant upstairs for food orders.

3

There is plenty of seating available both upstairs and downstairs.

02
Skipjack Oyster image 1
Restaurant

Nautical and chic interior creates an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere with live DJ music enhancing the vibe. The space features an oyster bar where shucking happens with flair, adding a lively touch. Guests enjoy fresh seafood and creative cocktails in a beautiful setting inside a hotel.

Staff at the bar deliver personalized service, with Haley crafting orange peach mimosas on request. The team, including Lily, Kayleigh, and DJ, consistently provides attentive and friendly service.

Linguine and calamari stand out among the dishes. Seafood options like oysters and shrimp pasta also feature prominently.

People are saying

"The oysters here are delicious and a great value at $1."

"The bar staff here is so welcoming and knowledgeable about oysters."

"Our server Andrea gave us the best suggestions for Italian food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted oysters and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a raw bar stocked with fresh oysters daily.

03
J Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse image 1

Small space with classic steakhouse design and sexy, clean interior sets a cozy, high-end vibe. Lighting and furniture create a well-executed atmosphere that feels special for occasions. Comfortable seating and attentive service add to the refined dining experience.

Bar seating offers a variety of oysters and a chance to interact with knowledgeable bartenders. Service at the bar is consistently fantastic, with guidance on food, drinks, wine, and dessert.

Loaded potato gnocchi stands out with its rich, creamy texture and hearty flavor. Corn and gnocchi sides offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and softness.

People are saying

"The steak here is incredible, and the service is phenomenal."

"The Italian food here is amazing, and the staff truly cares about your experience."

"The bartenders here make you feel like you're reconnecting with old friends."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.

2

Proper attire is required; business casual is preferred.

3

Street parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

04
Marinara Miracles image 1
Italian restaurant

Upstairs seating shares space with a pool table and air hockey in a casual, old school setting above a metal bar. The atmosphere is easygoing with live bands playing most nights, attracting a crowd that appreciates live music and casual dining. Handmade pasta dishes with deep flavors and generous portions stand out in this hidden-away spot.

Grimy walls and floors set a punk, IDGAF vibe that stands out from typical neon bars. Food at the bar and upstairs is surprisingly good, offering quality that exceeds usual dive bar fare.

Handmade raviolis have a thick dough-y texture and come with a white wine butter sauce plus garlic bread for dipping. The marinara sauce is a classic red sauce that pairs well with tender, moist meatballs and flavorful pesto pasta.

People are saying

"The pesto pasta here is outrageously good."

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and meatballs, is phenomenal."

"The marinara meatballs are a must-try, served with perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant charges a $5 cover fee at the bar, but food orders are allowed without it.

3

Delivery service is available for those who prefer to eat at home.

05
Jupiter Supper Club image 1

Interior features four themed rooms with flawless, stunning decor in a historic setting. Atmosphere feels elegant and unique, attracting a grown, sexy crowd who enjoy live jazz and socializing. Live music energizes the space, while creative cocktails and standout vegan dishes add to the experience.

Seating at the bar offers a close-up view of the lively atmosphere. Different rooms create unique vibes, including a jazz lounge, an atrium-style dining area, and an upstairs lounge overlooking Congress.

Pasta dishes stand out with some hits and misses, like the beet risotto and cauliflower shining, while the cavatelli comes undercooked and lacks the promised mushroom bolognese. Beet crisps and carrots add variety alongside the pasta options.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and well-balanced."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The Italian food here tastes amazing with perfect flavors."

Good to know

1

Live jazz music is featured on weekends at 8 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a two-drink minimum for live music events.

06
The Guest House Austin image 1

Steak house offers an elegant setting with chandelier sparkle and private seating areas for intimacy. Music ranges from a live DJ to carefully curated playlists, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Signature cocktails feature theatrical presentations that complement the upscale vibe.

The bar features theatrical drinks that create memorable moments. Staff like Mads and Josh F. provide attentive and conversational service without being overbearing.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to the super nice and proactive staff."

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to the attentive staff."

"The bar drinks were amazing, and I enjoyed the food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are required for private events and must be confirmed in advance.

3

A $25 cutting fee applies if you bring your own cake.

07
Péché image 1
French restaurant

Shotgun-style French restaurant with vintage charm and dim lighting creates an intimately festive atmosphere. High noise level fills the space, making it lively but challenging for quiet conversation. Known for an impressive absinthe selection and a cozy, cramped layout suited for small groups.

Offers a unique absinthe bar experience with a solid cocktail menu. Bar service is attentive, and the happy hour adds extra value.

Braised beef cheek ragú with tagliatelle and rabbit ragú stand out for their rich flavors and tender textures. Wild Boar Gnocchi offers a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes.

People are saying

"Happy Hour has fantastic cocktails and excellent food like mac and cheese."

"The cocktails here are crafted with care, balanced, and creative."

"The Italian food's ragu is incredibly flavorful and a must-order."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drinks for $6 and half-off appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The bar area is not ideal for cocktails; consider dining instead.

08
BOA Steakhouse image 1
Restaurant

Elegant, modern space offers a lively, upscale vibe with great lighting and a gorgeous design. Music stays at a comfortable level, enhancing a relaxing atmosphere suited for date nights. Cocktails and steaks stand out as highlights, complementing the luxurious setting.

Layton leads the bar with a friendly demeanor and skilled bartenders. The team delivers a first-class experience whether for drinks or a meal.

Steaks come with peppercorn and herb butter sauces. Pasta options include Wagyu meatballs Spaghetti and Lobster Fra Diavolo with Calabrian chilies and hand-cut spaghetti.

People are saying

"I thought the desserts were to die for."

"The bartenders here are dialed in and the service at the bar is fantastic."

"The Italian food, especially the Lobster Fra Diavolo, was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 4 pm on weekdays with a special Smash Burger offer.

2

Half-priced bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

09
The Backspace image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza restaurant offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and a romantic vibe. Space fills quickly, making reservations advisable. Known for fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked crusts, it pairs well with a selection of wines and Italian beers.

Happy hour offers good deals and draws a crowd. Bartenders provide friendly, attentive service while managing a busy atmosphere at the bar.

Burrata appetizer stands out with rich creaminess. Meatballs and pepperoni pizza offer bold, balanced flavors. Seasonal antipasti and pecorino chicken wings add variety and depth. Tiramisu finishes the meal with a sweet touch.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had in my life."

"The bar is small, so reservations are recommended."

"I thought the Italian food here was the best pizza I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 6:30 PM with great deals on drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

Parking in the area can be limited and hard to find.

10
Favorite Pizza image 1
Restaurant

Small space combines New York pizzeria look with 70s/80s retro vibe and bar seating facing the street. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending classic diner energy with a cool, quiet mood amid a lively area. Music and decor create an authentic East Coast slice shop experience.

Bar seating offers a spot to watch sports on TV while enjoying a Birra Moretti. The vibe mixes NY slice shop energy with an Austin cocktail bar feel, featuring nostalgic orange accents and good music.

Baked rigatoni comes with meatballs. Pizza slices feature spicy Italian sausage. Salads include green olives, mozzarella balls, and artichokes without chickpeas or red onion.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"This Italian food has a real New York feel and atmosphere."

"I stopped in for a slice and a Birra Moretti at the bar."

Good to know

1

Slices cost about $4.25 for classic and $4.75 for specialty pizzas.

2

The restaurant does not offer delivery services.

3

There is a parking lot in the back for customers.

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