Best Family Restaurants in Lake Austin

"First opened in 2013, Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers classic barbecue with a Tex Mex twist. The smoked meats include brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken, and they can be ordered by the pound, in a sandwich, or as part of a special Mexican taco. The restaurant is also well-known for its Mexican-inspired side dishes and its delicious breakfast tacos; breakfast is served between 8:00am and 11:00am sharp."

"The far South Austin truck marries the best of Texas’s favorite foods — barbecue and breakfast tacos — into some of the best breakfasts found in the area. Look no further than its Real Deal Holyfield taco, where the flour tortilla cradles a thick slice of brisket, a fried egg, and a bed of refried beans, potatoes, and bacon. Pickup orders can only be placed online, and there are outdoor tables available for dine-in service."

"11500 Manchaca Rd | If you’re in the South Austin area, Valentina’s is the go-to spot for the best brisket south of Hwy 71. Their super moist, perfectly smoked brisket is exceptional, but add a few of their homemade flour tortillas (instead of white bread) and you’ll find may find a new religion. Photo by Hayden Walker"

"Though it looks like a dive bar from the outside, DK Sushi serves delicious and gorgeously executed sushi creations. The hearty Rainbow Roll is a California roll topped with yellowtail, escolar, tuna, and salmon. For a spicy kick, try the Jalapeño Roll, with octopus, avocado, jalapeño, and Japanese mayo."

"They also introduced us to both sushi and karaoke, so imagine the insanity of having the two of them together!. DK Sushi North provides a delectable menu of Japanese and Korean rolls as well as a weird, wild karaoke night. Try the Torched Escolar: Did you know fish can melt in your mouth!?"

"With both a North Lamar and South Lamar location, DK Sushi is obviously doing something right. Expect an easy, casual vibe, Japanese and Korean dishes, and sushi rolls that even non-sushi eaters can get on board with ⁠— oh hello, California roll and rainbow roll."

"If you’re looking for a more laid back patio with awesome daily specials Doc’s Backyard Grill is your spot. This South Austin gem has plenty of outdoor seating and when the weather is nice they open up the garage doors in the restaurant to make it one large open area. Doc’s is the perfect family-friendly hangout, whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or coming to watch the Longhorns play, your kiddos will be pumped every time you stop by!"

"A terraced patio gives parents a great vantage point to watch kids roam the expansive play area and climbing trees at Doc’s in Sunset Valley. The menu is standard bar fare, with tacos, salads, burgers, and nachos featuring heavily. There’s an excellent selection of Texas craft beer on tap, while cocktails lean toward the light porch pounders with vodka and tequila mixers."

"For Jack Gilmore’s first non-Jack Allen’s Kitchen restaurant, the chef turned to seafood with his Round Rock spot. The menu spans raw bar offerings, kettle soup, to the rich chowder fries."

"Two Locations | Jack Gilmore’s seafood restaurant offers a menu that spans from raw bar offerings, shrimp, fried and blackened fish, to hearty bowls of chowder. Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm"

"Two Locations| Jack Gilmore’s seafood restaurant offers a menu that spans from raw bar offerings, shrimp, fried and blackened fish, to hearty bowls of chowder. Photo by Hayden Walker"

"Modern Market has a kids’ menu and delicious food for adults, like sandwiches and pizza. They also have a casual family atmosphere. 1822 S Congress Ave, modernmarket.com"

"The Cedar Park location of Santa Catarina has a nice shaded outdoor playscape and indoor and outdoor seating. 500 Cypress Creek Rd, Ste 170, santacatarinarestaurant.com"

"Taverna is a warm and welcoming restaurant serving dishes from northern Italy. They specialize in crafting exquisite risottos using Carnaroli rice. On the menu, you’ll also find sea bass, bay scallops, pesto pasta, truffle oil, and prosciutto."

"Not only is the food incredible, like the Lobster Omelet and Taverna Hash, but their $2 Mimosas and Bellinis 100% also hit the spot. With a price like that you are sure to have more than just one!"

"The gist: Chef Davis Turner cut his teeth with top local chefs before returning to his Southern coastal roots with Huckleberry, a food truck peddling Gulf Coast-inspired comforts out of Circle Brewing’s lot. The food: Go big with favorites like the Gulf Coast Fish Sandwich (fried Gulf Black Drum, Barton Springs Mill cornmeal challah bun, pickles, tomato, lettuce, onions, lemon caper remoulade), po’boys stuffed with fried shrimp or fried oysters, or the Thursday-only Angus smash burger guaranteed to sell out in a flash. On-theme sides like fried green tomatoes, bean dip, and coleslaw round things out.The cost: Starters and sides $3 - $15, mains $12 - $36.How to order: Stop by for counter-service or call 512-900-5818 for take-out."

"Black tea, green tea, white tea, chai tea, tisanes … you name it, they’ve got it. Owned by husband-and-wife team Nat and Cosette (and their dog Pepper), Cup & Leaf sources loose-leaf tea from all over the world. With a modern look and mellow vibe, this is the ideal spot to grab a cup of organic tea and sip while you take advantage of the outdoor seating (for you and your pooch) and the free Wi-Fi."

"Leaf offers healthy, customizable, fresh salads that are made to order. Menu highlights include the strawberry fields salad, made with fresh strawberries and goat cheese, the Asiago lemon shrimp salad with shrimp and Asiago cheese, or the Nicoise salad, featuring tuna and green beans–yum!"

"American , Vegetarian"

"Even if you don’t stay here you can marvel at the architecture and the creepy vibe, and get a confection at the 1886 Café & Bakery. Cross over Lady Bird Lake and keep going until you arrive at the city’s most popular strip, South Congress Avenue, which is lined with funky shops, trendy boutiques, and restaurants. If you get hungry, order a margarita with shrimp fajitas at popular Güero’s Taco Bar. Check out the oddity shop Uncommon Objects and marvel at the $3,000 cowgirl boots at Allens Boots."

"Located downtown in the historic Driskill Hotel is this elegant little cafe. While partaking in some food and bubbly, be sure to save some room for the decadent chocolate cake with rich chocolate ganache. View this post on Instagram"

"Downtown's 1886 Cafe & Bakery, located at 604 Brazos St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bakery, traditional American breakfast and brunch eatery four stars out of 415 reviews."

"A more traditional breakfast spot, Counter Cafe’s simple diner setup and classic menu make it great for a low-key breakfast situation. Somewhere between the steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and hot cakes, you’ll feel right at home here. If you’re dining solo, grab a spot at the counter and do like they did in the 40’s (or whenever it was that people actually ate a real breakfast before work)."

"I love this cute, casual, East Austin cafe for their giant pancakes, locally sourced eggs and meat, and all-around yummy breakfast!. Try their giant blueberry pancakes, the crab cake benedict, and the tasty biscuits and gravy. WEBSITE | 1914 E 6th St, Austin"

"Greasy diner meets farm-to-table in the most delicious way possible at Counter Cafe. Yes, all-day breakfast is a thing, and yes, you can find it here."