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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Austin

Salad and mac and cheese

Finding a place that can serve a fresh, crisp salad alongside a proper bowl of mac and cheese without compromising on either is a balancing act.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
BOA Steakhouse image 1
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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.

Tableside Caesar salad stands out with fresh preparation and a fun presentation. It pairs well with other dishes and adds a memorable touch to the meal.

Lobster and truffle versions stand out with rich, creamy textures and bold flavors. The truffle mac and cheese works well as a side dish with a luxurious aroma.

People are saying

"I thought the desserts were to die for."

"The tableside Caesar salad preparation was a phenomenal show."

"Our server was knowledgeable and made us feel special."

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.

02
Bill's Oyster image 1
Restaurant

Small oyster bar with an intimate, cozy space featuring an open kitchen and a bar running the length of the restaurant. Atmosphere is warm and charming with quaint patio seating for outdoor dining and friendly service. Known for phenomenal drinks and a classic coastal vibe.

Caesar salad stands out with toasted breadcrumbs adding a unique crunch. It pairs well with seafood options like oysters and clam chowder.

Crawfish mac and cheese stands out as a key dish, rich and flavorful. The mac and cheese overall is tasty and pairs well with seafood like lobster and oysters.

People are saying

"The oysters here are insanely fresh and taste clean."

"The Caesar salad comes with toasted breadcrumbs and is marvelous."

"The crawfish Mac And Cheese was a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

Parking near the restaurant can be difficult and expensive.

2

Bill's Oyster does not take reservations, allowing for walk-in dining.

3

Happy hour features $3 oysters and $8 beer and shot specials.

03
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.

Caesar salad stands out with crisp, fresh greens and a classic dressing. The Duck Confit and Haricot Vert Salad offers rich flavors paired with crunchy beans. Beet salad brings a sweet, earthy touch to the mix.

Rich and creamy with a strong truffle oil presence, the mac and cheese stands out for its indulgent flavor. Variations include duck confit and Gruyère, making it a great dish for sharing.

People are saying

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

"The mac and cheese here is rich and indulgent, perfect for sharing."

"The salads here are fresh, delicious, and lightly dressed."

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.

04
VanHorn's image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse channels classic New York style with luxurious decor and a buzzy, lively atmosphere that fills up and gets noisy. The patio offers a well-designed, fun vibe distinct from the indoor space. Cocktails and steaks stand out as key features enhancing the overall experience.

Salads here come in several varieties, including a house salad and a Caesar salad that stand out. Portions suit sharing and pair well with other dishes like steak and oysters.

Mac and cheese stands out with a rich, creamy texture and excellent flavor. It pairs well with sides like asparagus and creamed spinach, making it a solid choice for a comforting meal.

People are saying

"Jeremy's service made my steak experience perfect."

"I thought the cheesecake was truly to die for."

"I had the best Mac and Cheese I’ve ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

2

Parking is limited; expect to pay around $18 for two hours.

3

Happy Hour offers steak tartare, prime rib sandwiches, and martinis for $10.

05
Maiko Sushi Lounge image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant combines Asian and Texas influences in its decor with an elegant atmosphere that feels calm and refreshing. The space features a nice sushi bar and offers affordable, fresh sushi alongside Japanese BBQ. Drinks include great sake and creative cocktails, enhancing a relaxed dining experience.

Salads come fresh with a nice dressing. Options include a simple house salad with ginger and carrot dressing and a seaweed salad often available as a substitution.

Sake Mac & Cheese stands out with its baked style and rich flavor. Both baked and regular versions offer a unique twist that pairs well with other dishes like the spicy ocean crunch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious and great."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the sushi and salad to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 PM until close with discounted rolls and drinks.

2

The happy hour menu features rolls priced between $7 and $15.

3

Lychee martinis are available for $8 during happy hour.

06
III Forks image 1
Steak house

Steak house offers classy decor with cozy lighting and comfortable seating that suits dress-up occasions. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and elegant in main areas to loud in back rooms when busy. Valet parking and unique touches like choosing knives and on-site photo printing add to the experience.

Wedge salad stands out with its rich flavor and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with hearty dishes like the Filet Mignon and creamy sides.

Lobster mac and cheese stands out as a sharable and delicious side. It pairs well with other dishes like steaks and mashed potatoes.

People are saying

"The steak here is the best I've ever had, cooked to perfection."

"The lobster mac and cheese here is the best I had."

"The wedge salad here has amazing blue cheese."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited and requires reservations.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on spirits.

3

Expect a premium dining experience with high prices.

07
J-Prime Steakhouse image 1

Restaurant offers a modern aesthetic with romantic atmosphere and beautiful lighting at tables. Ambiance includes loud pop and EDM music, creating a club-like energy that contrasts with the decor. Space feels busy and close, with tables near each other and servers frequently passing by.

Salads here come with fresh ingredients like beets and Caesar greens. They pair well with hearty sides and stand out without heavy dressings or cheese.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, tasty, and fresh."

"The service for our salad was amazing and our server was very nice."

"The Lobster Mac And Cheese is creamy and loaded with real lobster."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays and Sundays with $10 specials.

3

The daily social hour from 4-7pm offers great value on drinks.

08
Bob's Steak & Chop House - Downtown Austin image 1

Classic steakhouse setting with old school vibe and American flag decor creates a lively, pub-like atmosphere. Rooftop patio offers beautiful greenery and a relaxed space for gatherings. Cocktails and wine selections stand out alongside solid steak offerings.

Salads feature blue cheese dressing, pecans, and anchovy slices in the Caesar. Jumbo shrimp and wedge salads stand out with fresh, well-put-together ingredients.

Lobster Mac and Cheese varies here, sometimes rich with lobster, other times sparse. The truffle Mac and Cheese stands out as a solid choice, while the plain Mac and Cheese and naked potato dishes are reliable options.

People are saying

"The steak here was cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"The steaks here are so delicious."

"I enjoyed the lobster Mac and Cheese."

Good to know

1

Dining at Bob's costs around $100 per person.

2

Parking can take 20-30 minutes, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekends to avoid long wait times.

09
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.

Salads here include a Kale Caesar that stands out and an Apple & Endive Salad with a unique flavor. The Chopped Salad also features among the popular choices.

Mac and cheese comes as a complementary side with lobster and stands out as delicious on its own. It pairs well with dishes like truffle pizza and rigatoni, adding a creamy, rich touch.

People are saying

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

"Celia's impeccable service made our night unforgettable."

"The Mac and Cheese here is amazing, thanks to the sweet and welcoming service."

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.

10
Happy Chicks image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant with a bar-like atmosphere featuring loud music and a disco ball adds a casual, busy energy. Crowd enjoys fresh, well-spiced chicken tenders and affordable snacks while watching multiple TVs. The vibe is laid back and inviting, fitting a lively street scene.

Salads include options like the ATX salad and quinoa salad. Dressings come separately, and the jalapeño seed ranch can make salads quite spicy.

Mac and cheese features a white cheddar version and comes with a touch of garnish. It pairs well with fries and dipping in Queso sauce adds extra flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the mac and cheese; it was fantastic."

"I thought the chicken tenders were the best I'd ever had."

"The homemade sauces and ranch for the salad were interesting."

Good to know

1

The menu offers only chicken nuggets or chicken tenders.

2

Grilled chicken is available for those on a keto diet.

3

Expect a total cost of around $15 for a meal with sides.

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