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Loved by locals

Cool dinner spots in Downtown

A place for dinner that has a distinct personality rather than feeling like a cookie-cutter establishment.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Golden Goose image 1
The Golden Goose image 2
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Small restaurant with jade green finishes and convex mirrors creates a cozy, low-key atmosphere filled with artwork and Korean posters. Music and puzzles add to the casual, welcoming vibe. Seating includes outdoor options and window views.

Dinner features amazing ramen and leaves a pleasant impression. Meals satisfy well during evening visits.

Big convex mirrors and jade green finishes shape a cool, clean vibe. Staff offer friendly recommendations that match the welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is fantastic and amazing."

"The art and decorations here are really cool."

"The dinner food here is fantastic and fresh."

Good to know

1

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

2

Brunch is served on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

3

Parking at the garage on Laredo St. is free for 2 hours with validation.

02
The Esquire Tavern image 1

Longest wooden bar in Texas stretches over 100 feet, setting a historic and classy tone. Romantic, old-timey atmosphere blends with classic rock music and a lively speakeasy downstairs. Multiple floors offer varied experiences, including an outdoor patio overlooking the river.

Dinner features attentive service with servers offering helpful recommendations. The French dip stands out as a notably delicious option. The setting suits a nice dinner on the Riverwalk.

A 100-foot-long wood bar dominates the space, offering a unique spot for cocktails. Downstairs features a speakeasy vibe that adds a lot of character and makes the atmosphere feel really cool.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are fantastic."

"Daniel's awesome, he really made our experience better."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive during dinner."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with drink specials available.

2

Lunch food specials and happy hour drink specials are offered Monday through Friday.

3

Food includes $2 deviled eggs during happy hour.

03
Cafe Ole image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating along the riverwalk offers shaded trees, fans, and live mariachi music creating a relaxing atmosphere. Views of the river and people passing by add to the calm, enjoyable vibe. The place draws those looking to unwind with margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors.

Dinner here features attentive service from staff like Angel and Juan, who handle busy times smoothly. Groups face no wait times, and servers offer honest food suggestions tailored to preferences.

Fun atmosphere and outdoor seating create a super cool chill spot. The vibe feels relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

"The nice view of the riverwalk was beautiful."

"Monse made my dinner amazing and paid attention to detail."

"I found the place to be a super cool chill spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 5 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Kids eat free with an adult entrรฉe purchase.

3

The restaurant is located on the River Walk, offering scenic views.

04
Mala Fama Bar & Nightclub image 1

Bar with balcony patio overlooking riverwalk offers a cool atmosphere with live DJs upstairs creating great vibes. The space combines air conditioning and awesome decor for a comfortable, trendy spot to enjoy music and drinks.

Sitting at the bar offers a casual spot for dinner. Staff pack up leftovers neatly, so you can take food home without hassle.

Air conditioning and a balcony patio overlooking the river walk create a cool atmosphere. Staff and waitresses add to the laid-back vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is excellent."

"This place is pretty cool, a chill spot to hang out."

"The service at dinner spots was beautiful, attentive, and friendly."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights happen every Thursday starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and drink specials all night.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

05
La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar image 1

Live mariachi bands roam a spacious patio overlooking a market square, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The setting combines nostalgic decor with lively music, drawing a busy crowd that often sings along. Tables offer ample space, supporting a relaxed and engaging dining experience.

Dinner features a Deluxe Mexican Dinner with steak fajita, cheese enchilada, tamales, crunchy taco, rice, and beans. Service stays attentive throughout the meal.

Stylish design and a very cool environment set the tone. A mariachi band adds lively energy, making it a great spot for a cool drink.

People are saying

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

"The food at these dinner spots is always delicious and fresh."

"The environment here is really cool and stylish."

Good to know

1

Each song requested by the mariachis costs $10.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and snacks.

3

Parking discounts are available with a stamped ticket from the adjacent lot.

06
The Republic of Texas Restaurant image 1

Dining alongside the flowing river creates a bright, lively atmosphere with live Mexican and country music enhancing the experience. The space offers indoor and outdoor seating with unbeatable river views attracting families, couples, and solo diners. Strong, flavorful margaritas and a diverse menu complement the festive vibe.

Waterfront location sets a relaxed mood for dinner, whether romantic or casual. Friendly service from staff like Codi makes the meal enjoyable and adds to the fun atmosphere.

Super cool back area overlooks the river with windows open. Inside feels original and visually pretty cool. Bartenders come off as friendly and cool.

People are saying

"Our server Jordan was amazing and provided an awesome dining experience."

"The staff here makes dinner spots amazing with their attentive service."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available all day long.

2

The restaurant is dog friendly.

3

Expect no wait for a table during off-peak hours.

07
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with Forrest Gump themed decor and riverwalk views creates a picturesque atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating offer a clean, relaxed vibe with moderate noise and positive energy. Occasional character appearances and a souvenir shop add to the experience.

A beautiful spot for family dinners with attentive service that engages all ages. Staff like Edward and Jenna create a memorable and fun atmosphere during dinner.

A Forrest Gump theme shapes the venue with lots of movie photos and fun items. Misters keep the outdoor riverside setting cool on hot days, creating a theme park vibe inside the restaurant.

People are saying

"I loved the fried shrimp; it was the best I'd had in a long time."

"The staff at these dinner spots really made us laugh!"

"It's a cool place with lots of movie photos and fun items."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect a short wait time even on busy Saturday nights.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
Ritaโ€™s Riverwalk image 1

Big space with outdoor seating and river views creates a lively, festive atmosphere. Energy comes from mariachi bands and enthusiastic staff, making it popular for groups and tourists. Fresh margaritas and hand-made tortillas complement the vibrant vibe.

Dinner here includes options to sit at the bar with a margarita or rent out the space for a convention dinner. Servers like Antoinitte provide attentive service to meet dinner needs.

Location right in the heart of the action gives a vibrant vibe. Outside seating adds a laid-back feel to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are tender and juicy."

"Antoinette made my dinner experience so enjoyable and fun."

"I found the location and atmosphere to be seriously cool."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $50 for a meal for one adult and one child.

2

No complimentary chips and salsa are provided with meals.

3

The restaurant runs out of popular items like tacos early in the evening.

09
Waxy's image 1
Irish pub

Building shipped from Ireland creates a classic Irish pub feel with unique decor. Live music plays at a volume that allows conversation, adding to an intimate atmosphere that blends Irish pub tradition with a sports bar vibe. Outdoor seating by the water offers a relaxing spot with views and dog-friendly space.

Dinner includes chicken tenders, shrimp, and a grilled chicken sandwich. Staff greet guests warmly at the bar during early and late hours.

Bartenders Anthony and Ian bring a cool vibe with their knowledge and friendliness. The place offers a very cool atmosphere with great music and nice whiskey.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are funny and awesome."

"It's a cool old school Irish bar with a down home feel."

"The dinner here was delicious, especially the chicken tenders and shrimp."

Good to know

1

Waxy's allows dogs on the patio.

2

Expect a $3.25 fee for credit card payments.

3

Lunch prices are reasonable considering the location.

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