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The 20 Best Restaurants At The Domain

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My Favorite Restaurants At The Domain

After many shopping trips (and, well, eating trips…), I’ve rounded up the following 20 restaurants as the best places to eat at The Domain. I’m including my top picks for all times of day, from breakfast through late night, and types of food like dessert, happy hour, dinner, and more.

For each restaurant, I’ll include the best time of day to eat there, my favorite menu items, and quick links to the address and phone number in case you need to make reservations.

And if you’re looking to make a weekend trip of shopping and eating Austin, here are the best luxury hotels in Austin

The 20 Best Domain Restaurants

1. Second Bar + Kitchen

This American restaurant has been an Austin favorite for more than 10 years. Although the original downtown location has now closed, the Domain location is even more beautiful! It’s located inside the 4-star Archer Hotel with soaring ceilings and large windows for lots of natural light. This is a great place for a fun cocktail happy hour with girlfriends, or make a reservation for a nice dinner out. They also serve both Saturday and Sunday brunch!

What to order:

Their Congress Burger has been nationally recognized. And you should definitely order a side of truffle fries. Just sayin’.
Second Bar + Kitchen has artisanal pizzas, and the Black + Bleu with medjool dates and bleu cheese is excellent.
Wonderful cocktail menu and really fun desserts here!

Other specials: Sun-Thurs 3-6 pm happy hour with $5 drinks, $5 snacks, and $10 pizza.

Second Bar + Kitchen

3121 Palm Way #101, Austin, TX 78758

(737) 300-4800

2. Xian Noodles

For excellent handmade noodles and Chinese dishes, you need to try this little restaurant at the Domain. Xian means “fresh” in Chinese, and that’s exactly the type of food you’ll find here. It’s a pretty small restaurant with booths and tables; it’s the perfect place to put down your shopping bags and to enjoy a lunch break.

What to order:

Start with Shui Mai (steamed pork and shrimp dumplings)
My favorite dish is simply called “Stir-Fried Noodles” on the menu. A bit vague, but it’s made with soy sauce, baby bok choy, bell peppers, onions, leeks, and eggs. Pick your own noodle shape, but I like the wide and flat fettucini shape.

Other specials: they have a daily drink special for $4 or $5, plus a lunch menu from 11-2:45 with discounted prices.

Xian Noodles

3401 Esperanza Crossing #106, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 614-4028

Looking for more places to eat in Austin? Click here for the 20 best Austin restaurants!

3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Well, this Columbus-based ice cream company opened a few locations in Austin, and now we’re all obsessed. Take all my money, Jeni’s!

A single scoop of their ice cream isn’t cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for with their high-quality ingredients and unbelievable flavors. (I never knew that a basic milk chocolate ice cream could taste SO rich and delicious!) If you need a quick dessert stop during your shopping day, swing by Jeni’s for a scoop.

What to order:

Gooey Butter Cake and Brambleberry Crisp are the two flavors I could not live without.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

11601 Rock Rose Ave #110, Austin, TX 78758

(737) 209-0336

4. Chi’Lantro

What started as an award-winning Korean Mexican fusion food truck in 2010 is now a multi-location favorite restaurant in Austin…including a location at the Domain! The Chi’Lantro location near the Domain is a bright and urban little eatery. It’s the perfect spot for a solo or group lunch.

What to order:

They’re famous for their kimchi fries. Pick your protein, but I love the bulgogi beef!
When I’m craving something healthier, I love their Signature Bowl – it’s so colorful. You can also create your own customized bowl.

Chi’Lantro

11005 Burnet Rd #108, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 852-8789

5. Houndstooth Coffee Domain

This was one of the first successful specialty coffee shops in Austin, and now they have a location at the Domain Austin. It’s one of the very best coffee shops in Austin! This location has gorgeous high ceilings, wood accents, and lots of space indoor and out. If you’re ready for a caffeine break or a quiet glass of wine, skip the coffee shop chains and head to Houndstooth Coffee for the best latte of your life.

What to order:

They really do serve the finest coffee here! Houndstooth isn’t the type of place for froo-froo coffee drinks, but rather really high quality basics like a cortado or cappuccino.
Houndstooth has a full bar of cocktails, beer and wine.

Other things to know: while they do offer free wifi, this location of Houndstooth doesn’t have wall outlets (except for lightning plugs to charge your phone.)

Houndstooth Coffee

11501 Rock Rose Ave Ste 118, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 243-7963

6. Culinary Dropout

Photo via Culinary Dropout

This is definitely one of the best Domain restaurants for a fun dinner with friends! It’s a casual New American gastropub with a lively feel, classic food, and solid cocktails. It has a fun urban aesthetic and big windows so you can see straight into the kitchen. Looking for brunch restaurants at the Domain? Culinary Dropout has both Saturday and Sunday brunch! It’s also one of my top picks for a casual dinner restaurant.

What to order:

The soft pretzels + provolone cheese are a must-order starter

If you’re extra hungry, try their fried chicken. It’s served with a buttermilk biscuit, mashed potatoes, and creamy gravy. Delicious.

Other specials: happy hour deals are available M-F from 3-6 pm.

Culinary Dropout

11721 Rock Rose Ave Ste #100, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 777-3394

7. Valencia’s Tex Mex Garage

If you’re craving chips and queso, big plates of sizzling beef fajitas, and extra-strong jumbo margaritas, look no further! Valencia’s Tex Mex Garage is one of my favorite new restaurants at the Domain. (It’s recently re-opened as a newly branded restaurant – it was previously known as Cyclone Anaya’s.) It’s fun, casual, upbeat, and SO delicious. Head to Valencia’s for a giant Tex Mex dinner or for one of the best happy hours at the Domain for margaritas and chips + queso. The menu is huge and covers all the Tex Mex classics, but here are some of my favorites:

What to order:

Start with some of their Tex-Mex loaded queso and seafood ceviche for the table
They make their own corn and flour tortillas here, so definitely get an order of tacos.
The TX Loop Burrito is a little bit of everything! Filled with carne guisada and black refried beans, topped with chili con carne and queso, and garnished with guacamole and jalapeños.

Other specials: Happy hour deals on food and drinks run from 11 am – 6 pm M-F and 3-4 pm on Sa-Su!

Valencia’s Tex Mex Garage

3120 Palm Way #170, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 339-6277

8. Thai Kun

This is one of the best spots for Authentic Thai street food in Austin, whether you’re looking for a Domain restaurant or not! Thai-Kun is an Austin classic that goes way back to its food truck days, and now it’s a staple at the Domain Austin. It’s a lovely dining room that’s located right on Rock Rose Ave, so you can stop by for a shopping break and enjoy a big lunch or dinner.

What to order:

If you’re up for something VERY spicy, their panang curry can’t be beat.
Feeling a milder dish? I love their Pad Thai and Pad See Ew.

Thai Kun

11601 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 394-5550

9. Bakery Lorraine

This is one of the sweetest and most beautiful little cafes and a must-visit for breakfast or lunch. Bakery Lorraine started at our nearby neighbor city San Antonio, but Austinites are pretty happy that they decided to open a location at The Domain. Stop in for a solo breakfast pastry + coffee, or meet up with your mom for a delicious cafe lunch.

What to order:

I wish I had a pastry suggestion, but they’re all SO good! Bakery Lorraine is known for their French pastries, so the macarons and croissants are a good place to start. But I’ve also tried (and loved) their cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, muffins, and cookies.
It’s simple, but they have a great grilled cheese with brie and fontina. Pair it with their daily soup.

Other things to know: they have free wifi + some wall chargers, so this is a convenient morning spot to get some laptop work done.

Bakery Lorraine

11600 Rock Rose Ave #100, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 300-0300

10. Flower Child

Craving a healthy lunchtime pick-me-up? Flower Child is one of my favorite healthy restaurants in Austin. It started in Arizona but their scratch-made veggie-forward food has now gained fans throughout the southern states, including Texas. It’s a bright and beautiful restaurant with white marble tables and lots of indoor/outdoor seating. If you follow a certain lifestyle like vegetarian, vegan, paleo, DF, GF (or if you just like delicious healthy food), you’ll enjoy Flower Child for a lunch restaurant at the Domain.

What to order:

Their organic kale salad is one of my favorite kale salads in Austin. Sweet apples and grapefruit, smoky almonds and chunks of white cheddar, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
If it’s your first visit, try the protein + two sides. The red chili glazed sweet potatoes are perfectly soft and flavorful, and the GF mac & cheese is wonderful whether you eat gluten or not.

Flower Child

11721 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 777-2493

11. North Italia

This beautiful Italian restaurant is actually from the same restaurant group as Culinary Dropout and Flower Child, so you might get a similar vibe: tall ceilings, white marble tabletops, high-quality food, and gorgeous design. You’ll not only find scratch-made pasta and daily pizza specials, but also a great wine list and some fun Italian cocktails. North is a great place for a date night dinner restaurant or a late afternoon happy hour of Italian cocktails.

What to order:

If you’re visiting for happy hour, the Chef’s Board is a great deal.
They have an amazing Tuscan Kale salad here.
All of their noodles are made from scratch, but the tagliatelle + bolognese is phenomenal.

North Italia

11506 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 124, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 339-4400

12. Tacodeli

In the battle of Austin tacos, locals will have strong opinions about where to get the very best tacos in Austin. But you’ll definitely find a strong group of TacoDeli supporters who believe these are the very best tacos in Austin. TacoDeli’s north location is a small drive away from the shops at the Domain, but it’s a great option for a casual breakfast or lunch plate of tacos, some chips + guac, or a delicious salad with grilled sirloin.

What to order:

For breakfast, try the Otto (but add egg!) or the Sirloin, Egg, and Cheese.
For lunch, the chips + guac are better than the chips + queso.
If you want something other than tacos, the Ensalada Tacodeli is one of my regular lunch staples. It’s filling and tastes a bit indulgent while still being full of greens!

Tacodeli

12001 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 339-1700

13. Juiceland

When you’re walking around the Domain in the heat of the summer, you’ll definitely need a refreshing pick-me-up at some point. Stop by one of Austin’s most popular juice bars, Juiceland, for a cold-pressed juice or a smoothie. This is a walk-up window located at a convenient location (right across the street from The Apple Store and Nordstrom).

What to order:

For green, go for the Ninja Bachelor (it has some jalapeño spice!)
For fruity, go for the Pleasant Valley (lots of pineapple/orange/lemon/lime. Yum.)

Other specials: they have a daily smoothie special that’s discounted.

Juiceland

3120 Palm Way #114, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 291-3409

14. Punch Bowl Social

While it’s advertised as arcade, karaoke, food, and drinks, keep this place in mind as a fun spot to stop for a happy hour…games or not! It’s a big, lively place with lots of bowling lanes and a mini golf course, but half of the space is reserved for the restaurant. (Psst: a great option if you’re looking for late night restaurants at the Domain!) Walk in and sit at the bar or grab a table, and enjoy some of the best happy hour deals at the Domain. They also have a bunch of lunch and dinner options, and a brunch menu that’s available on both Saturday and Sunday.

What to order:

Grab a big plate of their fries for the table (Nashville Haute Fry or Buffalo Fries)
The Single Knock Burger on the happy hour menu is a delicious and really great deal!

Other specials: Happy Hour runs Sun-F from 4-6 pm, and brunch is offered on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Punch Bowl Social

11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 368-9070

15. Velvet Taco

This is a “funky, fast-casual concept” that serves globally inspired tacos, meaning these aren’t the Tex-Mex or Mexican street food tacos that you’ll typically find in Austin. Instead, expect things like a Fried Paneer taco (vegetarian), and a crazy delicious Fish ‘n Chips taco served on a soft flour tortilla. These tacos span cultures from Korean to Indian, Nashville cuisine to England, and all sorts of new and fun menu options popping up seasonally. Velvet Taco started in Dallas, and it fits right in at The Domain (which is, let’s be honest, more of an extension of Dallas than anything…) Walk in, order at the bar, and your lunch tacos will be brought to you in a dash.

What to order:

The Chicken Tikka taco. Just do it.
The Red Curry Coconut Queso for a very fun and unique twist on typical queso.

Velvet Taco

11501 Rock Rose Ave Ste 160, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 704-8226

16. Lotus Chinese

This is a locally-owned little fast-casual restaurant that has some delicious American Chinese dishes. You’ll find delicious crispy dumplings, big plates of fried rice, and popular favorites like Orange Chicken and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. It’s a fairly small restaurant with big communal tables, so it’s a good place to show up for a solo casual lunch, or a fun option if you’re looking for a place to take a dinner break from shopping and enjoy big plates of food with your friends.

What to order:

Definitely get some of those classic Pork and Cabbage dumplings, fried.
It’s basic, but they do a really delicious Sweet and Sour Sesame Chicken

Lotus Chinese

11501 Rock Rose Ave #152, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 334-9387

17. Jinya Ramen Bar

If you’re shopping on a cold, windy day in the autumn or winter, nothing tastes better than a creamy bowl of ramen. Jinya Ramen Bar is one of my top picks for best Domain restaurants. They slow-simmer their six signature broths for 20 hours, resulting in a deep, rich flavor. Jinya began in Tokyo in 2000, and now there are multiple locations in the United States – including this one at The Domain. Because they have standard counter seating (typical for what you see at a ramen bar), it’s a great place to stop in for a quick solo lunch.

What to order:

The Sprouting Up Ramen is their most “classic” style, with a blend of chicken and pork broth and all of the typical ramen toppings like pork chashu and soft boiled egg.
The Tonkotsu Spicy is a good pick if you want 100% tonkotsu broth.

Jinya Ramen Bar

3210 Esperanza Crossing Suite 130, Austin, TX 78758

(512) 829-7779

18. Plank Seafood Provisions

Photo via Plank Seafood Provisions

Plank Seafood Provisions is one of the new Domain restaurants to grace the dining scene. If you’ve ever eaten at Anthem Texasian on Rainey street, this is from the same management group. Plank is an absolutely stunning oyster bar and seafood house. They have a full raw bar, seafood towers, delicious chowder, and gorgeous entrees like wood grilled sea scallops on squid ink linguini and fried gulf shrimp with herb fries.

Plank has one of the most beautiful patios, so it’s great for outdoor dining year-round. They also offer a beautiful Saturday and Sunday brunch menu. They’re committed to sustainably sourcing their seafood.

What to order:

A plate of their raw iced oysters. They’re responsibly sourced and shipped in daily for maximum freshness.
If you’re going out to celebrate, splurge on the Grand Seafood Tower!

Other things to know: Plank Seafood Provisions at the Domain has a gluten sensitive menu.

Plank Seafood Provisions

11410 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 136, Austin, TX 78758

(737) 234-1122

19. Cranky Granny’s

I’m going to be that you’ve never tried a sweet roll quite like this! Cranky Granny’s is one of the best Domain restaurants for a sweet breakfast treat. They’re totally scrumptious and indulgent, so get ready to go into a sugar coma. I honestly love the classic rolls the best: they’re soft and fluffy, brown butter-y, and topped with a thick layer of smooth glaze. Cranky Granny’s also has some pretty outstanding flavors like banana pudding, chocolate peanut butter topped with Reese’s Pieces, and Cookies n Cream,

What to order:

If it’s your first time, I would start with the variety 4 pack. Be sure to get at least one of the classic rolls in there!

Other specials: Cranky Granny’s has a vegan roll available.

Cranky Granny’s

10910 Domain Dr suite 106, Austin, TX 78758

(609) 401-0090

20. Shake Shack

Alright NYC, we’re all going to admit that you have a pretty great fast-casual burger chain. I’m not ashamed to add this as one of the best restaurants at the Domain for a quick and delicious burger lunch. This is a big, bright, airy location with an awesome patio space.

What to order:

Classic ShackBurger + Crinkle Fries
A hand-spun classic milkshake.

Shake Shack

11228 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78759

(512) 717-0422

Need more help planning where to eat in Austin?

The Domain is a great place to enjoy some shopping and dining in ATX, but there’s a lot of other great food in Austin, too! Here are the 20 best restaurants in Austin to get you started. And grab my FREE 3-Day Guide to Austin right here!