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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Austin

Authentic date spots

Sharing a meal that feels honest and unpretentious creates a grounded atmosphere for a night out.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Salam's Grill image 1
Restaurant

Food truck setting offers cozy outdoor seating with shade and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Crowd enjoys top-tier beef and chicken shawarma alongside fresh falafel and hummus. Pairing with local beer adds to the authentic, wholesome vibe.

Food truck serves authentic shawarma with flavors true to tradition. Offers good eats that capture the essence of classic recipes.

Staff create a welcoming vibe by being genuine and funny. They also boost confidence by hypeing up dates during checkout.

People are saying

"I've never had shawarma this amazing; it's the best I've ever had."

"The shawarma here is the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the authentic shawarma wrap, it's made to perfection."

Good to know

1

Everything is made fresh daily at Salam's Grill.

2

The beef on the Fat Manโ€™s Plate was sold out by 5 PM, indicating its popularity.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Saturday nights.

02
Tacoly Moly By Ygor image 1

Food truck sits in a laid-back, scenic lot with tons of outdoor seating shaded by trees. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, enhanced by live music and a welcoming vibe. Offers best tacos and burritos alongside great beer and cocktails, attracting families and casual diners alike.

Tacos deliver a savory punch with authentic corn tortillas and bold flavors. The pastor taco comes with jalapeรฑos for a genuine street taco experience.

Tacos and burritos stand out as great lunch options here. The atmosphere suits casual dates and families well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"These authentic tacos have a savory punch that leaves you wanting more."

"These date spots have amazing tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Live music and entertainment create a unique atmosphere at the event.

3

The food truck offers generous serving sizes at affordable prices.

03
El Perrito ATX image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic El Paso style food with spacious indoor and outdoor seating featuring colorful murals and art decor. Atmosphere feels casual and nostalgic, with a lively bar area and live music on weekends. Popular for $5 margaritas and unique dishes like shredded beef flautas and fried green chile rellenos.

Authentic El Paso Mexican food shines here with flavors true to Chicos tacos and Chuco cuisine. The menu avoids Tex-Mex, focusing on genuine Mexican plates that reflect hometown tastes.

Authentic El Paso flavors shine in dishes like the red chili burrito and cheese enchiladas, sparking strong memories and emotions. The spot offers a casual vibe where old friends reconnect over bacon-wrapped hotdogs and street tacos, making it a solid choice for date nights.

People are saying

"I thought the drowned tacos were among the best in Texas."

"I found authentic El Paso Mexican food here."

"These Date Spots taste like home, especially if you're from El Paso."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and plentiful near the restaurant.

2

Taco Tuesday features live music and special menu items.

3

Menudo Sundays offer a unique dining experience with Oldies music.

04
Taqueria La Casita del pastor image 1

Food truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with juicy al pastor and fresh ingredients. Outdoor dining area features shaded picnic tables that create a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The spot feels like a hidden gem with a chill vibe and reasonable prices.

Tacos feature handmade tortillas and a special flavor pastor that stands out. Ingredients like pineapple, limes, onions, cilantro, and both green and red salsa add to the authentic Mexican taste.

Tacos al pastor and suadero stand out as flavorful options for couples. Burritos offer a solid choice for a casual meal together.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've ever had, so flavorful."

"The pastor tacos here are so authentic and flavorful."

"The pastor tacos here are amazing and have a special flavor."

Good to know

1

The price for three tacos is around $10, which is reasonable for the quality.

2

They accept credit cards for payment.

3

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

05
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiny dining area offers a lively Ohana vibe with Hawaiian and hip-hop music playing. Atmosphere feels hot and humid, with kid-friendly seating and some wheelchair-accessible tables. Decor and music create a Hawaiian island feel despite the small, cozy space.

Food captures authentic Hawaiian flavors with dishes like laulau and Mac salad that stay true to local recipes. Plate lunches offer flavorful, genuine tastes reflecting traditional Hawaiian barbecue.

People are saying

"I found the Hawaiian food here to be the best I've had."

"I loved the mac salad and juicy katsu, it felt like a taste of home."

"The food here is authentic and reminds me of local Hawaiian food."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is unreliable; expect cancellations and lost payments.

2

Prices are high compared to the quality of food served.

3

Dining in can be uncomfortable due to the environment and air conditioning issues.

06
Song La image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Food truck park nestled among shaded picnic tables and a children's playground creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. The spot draws crowds with authentic Taiwanese street food, known for crispy fried chicken and flavorful pork dishes. Wait times can be long, reflecting its popularity and quality.

Authentic Taiwanese food shines through in large portions like the pork chop bento and braised belly. Dishes such as popcorn chicken and pork belly with rice carry true Taiwanese flavors and sauces.

Vegetables come out surprisingly well here, even for picky eaters who usually avoid them. The broccoli in the bento gets finished, and the pork chop is a solid choice for a date meal.

People are saying

"This Taiwanese food truck is the spot for authentic flavors."

"I thought the fried chicken bento box was out of this world."

"The chicken bites here are the best fried chicken imaginable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to potential long wait times.

2

The wait at this food truck can be long during peak hours.

3

Parking is available in the Thicket Food Park, but can be limited.

07
Evangeline Cafe image 1
Cajun restaurant

Small space with bayou decor and eclectic memorabilia creates a strong Cajun vibe. Live music fills the room, adding to the funky atmosphere but can make conversation difficult. Indoor and outdoor seating offer casual options in a lively setting.

Authentic Cajun and Creole dishes stand out with true Louisiana flavors. The spot pairs live music with food, creating a genuine New Orleans vibe.

Great spot for dates with a relaxed vibe and tasty food. The chicken fried gator is tender and flavorful, making it a unique choice for a shared meal.

People are saying

"I found the Cajun food here to be the most authentic outside Louisiana."

"The fried catfish Po Boy here is incredible and not greasy."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the crawfish dishes."

Good to know

1

Evangeline Cafe offers live music from Monday to Thursday.

2

Live music happens on Monday nights from 7 to 9 pm.

3

The cafe has a small dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.

08
DK Sushi & Seoul Korean Restaurant image 1

Small sushi restaurant offers intimate tatami seating where guests remove shoes to dine in traditional style. Warm, family-owned atmosphere blends eclectic 80's music with a peaceful, humble vibe. Decor and seating create a unique Japanese-inspired experience distinct from typical sushi spots.

Korean dishes come out authentic and flavorful with on point presentation that adds to the atmosphere. The food tastes consistently authentic and delicious.

Ambiance suits a date night with a mix of expensive wagyu-vibe fish and cheap sake. The owner performs as the Sushi Pimp on Tuesdays, adding a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tastes so good!"

"The food here is amazing, especially the sushi and bibimbap."

"I found the food here delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Parking gets crowded quickly around 6-7pm; arrive early to find a spot.

3

The restaurant uses a QR code system for ordering and payment.

09
Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar at Austin, TX image 1

Vibrant cantina vibe fills the space with live Mariachi music and multiple TVs creating an electric, festive energy. Casual and friendly atmosphere welcomes guests who enjoy authentic Mexican dishes and a strong selection of tequila and cocktails. Outdoor area with heaters and a photo spot adds to the lively setup.

Mexican dishes deliver a homecooked flavor with a genuine taste that stays true to tradition. Every bite carries an authentic Mexican essence.

A lively spot with excellent service and exquisite Tex-Mex dishes like menudo. The environment is loud, which might not suit those wanting a quiet date.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tastes like home."

"I really liked their salsas, especially the spicy green one."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Wednesday features all-day happy hour.

2

For birthday celebrations, they bring out a cake and play 'maรฑanitas'.

3

Reservations are needed for large parties, especially on weekends.

10
Asiana Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Spacious dining area features a recent renovation with comfortable booths and elegant interiors. Atmosphere stays tranquil with Indian and world music playing softly, creating a relaxing vibe. The place balances simplicity and cleanliness, offering room to move between tables.

Curries like shrimp and goat showcase real Indian spices. Food stays fresh and authentic with consistent quality.

Couples enjoy the naan bread and meals cooked with less salt that still taste great. Many drive an hour for a date night here.

People are saying

"The food here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced."

"These date spots serve amazing, authentic Indian food with flavorful dishes."

"The food here is so flavorful and perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

They have a Valentine's Day special with a special menu.

2

A weekend lunch buffet starts in February, offering a variety of dishes.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like Valentine's Day.

11
La Posada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a warm, cozy atmosphere and family-run vibe offers large seating including booths and tables in a small space. Great margaritas and reasonably priced food complement the inviting, homey setting.

Mexican dishes here show a mix of authentic flavors and some variations. Some meals capture traditional spices well, while others feel less true to classic recipes.

Chimmichanga comes out hot and filling, making it a hearty choice. Enchilada with eggs and steak ranchero offer classic Mexican flavors that suit a casual date meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and reasonably priced."

"The food here is amazing, truly outstanding."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

You pay near the front door in a narrow hallway on your way out.

2

The restaurant fills up quickly after 6 PM, so expect a wait.

3

Parking is easy because there is a big shared lot.

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