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3 Top Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin

These 3 Top Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin are home to some of the best comfort-food restaurants in the country, and these three restaurants in Austin stand out for their delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill offers classic Southern comfort-food with a modern twist, while Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food serves up traditional soul food with a homemade touch. Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers a mix of traditional and modern Texas cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Austin for when you need to mellow out.

1. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill – Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is one of the top-rated comfort-food restaurants in Austin, TX, known for its comforting, southern-style cuisine. Customers rave about the restaurant’s cozy, laid-back atmosphere and hearty portions. The restaurant is particularly popular for its brunch menu, which features classic comfort-foods like biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill also has an extensive selection of craft cocktails and beer, making it a great spot for happy hour or a night out with friends.

2. Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food – Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food, one of the most popular comfort-food restaurants in Austin, is a restaurant that specializes in classic southern cuisine. Customers love the restaurant’s homestyle cooking and friendly service. The menu features a variety of comforting dishes, including fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie. Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food also offers catering services, making it a great choice for family gatherings or special events.

3. Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane – Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane, another of the top comfort-food restaurants in Austin, is a popular restaurant that offers a wide range of comforting, homestyle dishes. Customers praise the restaurant’s farm-to-table approach, using locally sourced ingredients to create delicious, seasonal menus. Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane is particularly well-known for its brunch menu, which features classic southern dishes like migas, chicken fried steak, and buttermilk biscuits. The restaurant also offers a great selection of craft cocktails and beer, making it a popular spot for happy hour or a night out with friends.

3 Top Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin

1. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill - Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Address: 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-10:00pm
Phone Number: (512) 236-9599

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, included as one of the top comfort-food restaurants in Austin, is a popular comfort-food restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. The restaurant’s interior is a mix of rustic and modern elements, featuring exposed brick walls, wooden tables and chairs, and metal accents. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with dim lighting and a lively bar area.

One of the signature dishes at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is the chicken and waffles. The dish consists of a crispy, buttermilk-battered chicken breast served on top of a fluffy waffle, drizzled with chipotle honey and served with a side of bourbon syrup. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is a crowd-pleaser and has become a must-try for many first-time visitors.

What sets Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill apart from other comfort-food restaurants in Austin is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from nearby farms and vendors, ensuring the freshest, highest-quality ingredients possible. Additionally, the restaurant has a rooftop garden where they grow their own herbs and vegetables, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and quality.

In terms of service, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is known for its friendly and attentive staff. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions customers may have. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and special occasions, making it a great option for those looking to host a party or gathering.

Main Menu Items:

1. Chicken Fried Steak – A classic southern dish featuring a tenderized beef cutlet that’s breaded and fried until crispy, served with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and a generous ladle of creamy gravy.

2. Shrimp & Grits – A southern favorite made with plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and Cajun spices, served over a bed of creamy stone-ground grits and garnished with scallions.

3. Smokehouse Burger – A juicy half-pound beef patty grilled to perfection and topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomato, all served on a soft brioche bun with a side of fries.

4. Southern Fried Chicken – A dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving for comfort-food, featuring crispy fried chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

5. Chipotle Meatloaf – A unique take on a classic dish, made with ground beef, pork, and veal blended with chipotle peppers and topped with a sweet and spicy ketchup glaze, served with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the chicken and waffles and it was amazing! The chicken was perfectly crispy and the waffle was light and fluffy. The chipotle honey added just the right amount of heat. Service was great too – our server was friendly and attentive.”

“The atmosphere at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is cozy and inviting. I had the shrimp and grits and it was delicious. The grits were creamy and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. I also appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to using local ingredients.”

“Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is a great spot for brunch. I had the biscuits and gravy and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The biscuits were flaky and buttery, and the gravy was rich and flavorful. Our server was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed.”

Overall, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is a top-notch comfort-food restaurant in Austin, offering delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. It’s definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a satisfying and memorable dining experience. They rank amid the top 5 comfort-food restaurants in Austin for good reasons.


2. Lillie Mae's Comfort Food - Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin

Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food

Address: 1115 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm
Phone Number: (512) 709-8329

Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food, one of the most popular comfort-food restaurants in Austin, is a cozy, family-owned restaurant located in the heart of East Austin. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in comfort-food dishes that are made from scratch and packed with flavor. The interior of the restaurant is simple yet charming, with wooden tables and chairs, checkered tablecloths, and vintage decor.

One of the signature dishes at Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food is the chicken and waffles. The dish features a golden-brown waffle topped with a juicy fried chicken breast, served with a side of creamy butter and maple syrup. The waffles are light and fluffy, while the chicken is crispy and seasoned to perfection, making for a deliciously satisfying meal.

What makes Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food unique is its commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from nearby farms and vendors, ensuring that everything on the menu is of the highest quality. Additionally, the restaurant has a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere that makes it a great spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a good meal.

In terms of service, Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food is known for its friendly and attentive staff. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations or answer any questions customers may have. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering services, making it a convenient option for those on-the-go or looking to host a party or event.

Main Menu Items:

1. Chicken and Waffles – A southern classic dish featuring a golden-brown waffle topped with a crispy, juicy fried chicken breast, served with creamy butter and maple syrup.

2. Shrimp and Grits – A delicious and hearty dish made with plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and Cajun spices, served over a bed of creamy stone-ground grits.

3. Meatloaf – A comforting dish made with ground beef, pork, and veal blended with a special seasoning blend, topped with a rich tomato glaze, and served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

4. Fried Catfish – A southern favorite made with tender and flaky catfish fillets that are seasoned with a special blend of spices, battered and fried until crispy, and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.

5. Mac and Cheese – A creamy and cheesy dish made with elbow macaroni and a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and American cheeses, topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the chicken and waffles and they were amazing! The waffles were so light and fluffy, and the chicken was perfectly seasoned and crispy. The staff was friendly and made us feel right at home.”

“Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food is a hidden gem in East Austin. I had the shrimp and grits and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The grits were creamy and the shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked. Highly recommend!”

“The mac and cheese at Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food is a must-try. It’s so creamy and cheesy, and the breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”

In summary, Lillie Mae’s Comfort-Food is a fantastic option for anyone looking for delicious comfort-food in a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. The chicken and waffles are a standout dish, but everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and packed with flavor. The friendly service and cozy atmosphere make for a great dining experience that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied. They stand out among the top comfort-food restaurants in Austin.


3. Jack Allen's Kitchen Anderson Lane - Comfort-Food Restaurants in Austin

Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane

Address: 3010 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-9:00pm; Friday-Saturday: 11:00am-10:00pm; Sunday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Phone Number: (512) 428-6944

Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane, another of the top comfort-food restaurants in Austin, is a farm-to-table restaurant that features a mix of traditional and modern Texas cuisine. The interior of the restaurant is modern with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dining area is spacious and has large windows that provide natural lighting, and there is an outdoor patio with seating available as well.

One of the signature dishes on the menu is the Green Chile Pork Tacos, which are made with slow-cooked pork shoulder, Hatch green chiles, cotija cheese, and avocado salsa. The tacos are served on homemade tortillas and come with a side of black beans and rice.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients and supporting local farms and ranches. The restaurant also has a unique brunch menu that is available on Sundays, featuring dishes like the Eggs Benedict with bacon jam and jalapeno hollandaise.

The service at Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane is known for being friendly and attentive. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.

Main Menu Items:

1. Green Chile Pork Tacos – Slow-cooked pork shoulder with Hatch green chiles, cotija cheese, and avocado salsa on homemade tortillas, served with black beans and rice.

2. Grilled Quail – Grilled quail with jalapeno-bacon grits, sautéed spinach, and cranberry-orange gastrique.

3. Chicken Fried Steak – Crispy chicken fried steak served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and jalapeno gravy.

4. Wild Boar Meatloaf – Wild boar meatloaf served with mashed sweet potatoes, haricot verts, and tomato-bacon jam.

5. Fried Chicken – Buttermilk-battered fried chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, and poblano cream gravy.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and green beans, and it was delicious. The breading was crispy and the steak was tender. Our server was very friendly and attentive.”

“I tried the Grilled Quail with jalapeno-bacon grits, and it was amazing. The quail was perfectly cooked and the grits had just the right amount of spice. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations.”

“I went for brunch and had the Huevos Rancheros, which were outstanding. The salsa had a nice kick to it and the eggs were perfectly cooked. The service was prompt and friendly.”

Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane is a top restaurant in Austin that offers a mix of traditional and modern Texas cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. The Green Chile Pork Tacos are a signature dish that is not to be missed, and the service is friendly and attentive. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 comfort-food restaurants in Austin.


Whether you’re in the mood for chicken fried steak, green chile pork tacos, or a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, these comfort-food restaurants in Austin are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious, comforting food. This is why they are the best restaurants in Austin for when you need to mellow out.



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