Best Austin Restaurants With A View (Scenic Dining Guide)

Jump to: Lake Travis & Lake Austin | Downtown & Rooftops | Hill Country & Riverside

Nothing elevates a dining experience more than a spectacular view. Austin restaurants with a view will show you just how beautiful this city is! From rooftop bars with city light views to scenes of rolling green hills and blue lakes, there are so many places in the city that feed the eyes as well as the appetite.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.

Also, check out our articles on the Best Restaurants in Downtown Austin, Austin Patio Restaurants, Late Night Food in Austin, and Waterfront Restaurants in Austin.

Austin Restaurants With a View – Lake Travis & Lake Austin (Waterfront)

The Oasis on Lake Travis

Image credit: The Oasis on Lake Travis Facebook

This is the “Sunset Capital of Texas.” Perched high above Lake Travis, it features tiered outdoor decks that offer the most famous panoramic water views in the state.

Vibe Check: Touristy but essential. It’s the quintessential spot for Tex-Mex and margaritas at sunset.

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 8 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
How Much: $25 – $50 per person

Hula Hut

A Lake Austin staple, Hula Hut blends “Tex-Mex with a Polynesian twist.” The dining area extends out over the water on a pier, providing a cool breeze and views of the colorful boats passing by.

Vibe Check: Casual, family-friendly, and very “Old Austin.”

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday 11 am – 11 pm | Saturday 10:30 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 10:30 am – 10 pm
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How Much: $15 – $35 per person

Ski Shores Cafe

Image credit: Ski Shores Cafe Facebook

Nestled on the banks of Lake Austin since 1954, this spot was recently revitalized but still has a classic lakeside charm. You can even pull your boat right up to the dock!

Vibe Check: Retro lakeside hangout with great burgers and fried catfish.

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 9 p m| Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 9 pm
Where: 2905 Pearce Road, Austin, TX 78730
How Much: $20 – $40 per person

The County Line on the Lake

Located in an old lake lodge right on Bull Creek, this BBQ joint offers a serene view of the water and resident turtles. It’s tucked away in the trees for a “hidden gem” feel.

Vibe Check: Rustic and relaxed. Perfect for showing out-of-towners Texas BBQ without the long lines.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday 11 am – 9:30 pm | Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 5204 FM 2222, Austin, TX 78731
How Much: $20 – $45 per person

Best Austin Restaurants With a View – Downtown & Rooftop Views

Nido

Located on the top floor of The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Nido offers floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible view of the skyline and the lush trees lining the lake.

Vibe Check: Sophisticated and upscale. Ideal for a high-end date night or anniversary.

Operating Hours: Breakfast: Daily 7 am – 11 am | Brunch: Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 2:30 pm | Lunch: Monday – Friday 11 am – 2:30 pm | Bar Snacks: Daily 2:30 pm – 5 pm | Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm; Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm
Where: Rooftop, 1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: $50 – $100+ per person

P6 at The LINE

Image credit: P6 Facebook

Formerly a parking garage, this space has been transformed into a lush, garden-like rooftop lounge overlooking the Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s the best spot to see the bats emerge in the summer.

Vibe Check: Intimate and trendy with Mediterranean small plates.

Operating Hours: Kitchen: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm || Bar: Sunday – Thursday 4 p – 11 pm | Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 12 am
Where: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $30 – $60 per person

Azul Rooftop

Sitting 20 stories up at the Westin Austin Downtown, Azul is officially one of the highest rooftop bars in the city. You get a literal bird’s eye view of the entire downtown grid.

Vibe Check: Poolside chic with fire pits and craft cocktails.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 12 am
Where: 310 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $20 – $45 per person

El Alma

The rooftop patio at El Alma offers a unique “street-level-plus” view of the downtown skyline, while being nestled right into the South Lamar hillside.

Vibe Check: Vibrant, colorful, and serves some of the best queso fundido in the city.

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 10 pm | Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
Where: 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: $20 – $40 per person

Austin Restaurants With a View – Hill Country & Riverside Greenspace

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Image credit: Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Facebook

Built on a historic ranch, this steakhouse sits on a hill overlooking Lake Travis and the rolling Hill Country. The massive patio is perfect for a breezy evening with live music.

Vibe Check: Cowboy-chic and high-end.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday 4 pm – 11 pm | Saturday 3 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
Where: 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd, Austin, TX 78732
How Much: $50 – $100 per person

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile

Located in East Austin, Jacoby’s has a back patio that looks out over the Colorado River. It feels like you’ve been transported to a ranch out in the hill country.

Vibe Check: Rustic-modern. Known for their ranch-to-table beef and incredible mac and cheese.

Operating Hours: Supper: Wednesday – Thursday 5 pm – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 5 pm -10 pm || Brunch: Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 2 pm
Where: 3235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
How Much: $30 – $60 per person

Duchman Family Winery

Technically in Driftwood, but a must for Austin residents seeking a vineyard view. The Italian-style villa overlooks rows of grapes, making it feel like Tuscany in Texas.

Vibe Check: Peaceful and romantic. Perfect for a long Saturday lunch.

Operating Hours: Monday 12 pm – 6 pm | Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: 13308 RM 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
How Much: $25 – $55 per person

The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen (Westlake)

The Westlake location is perched on a ridge that provides sweeping views of the Hill Country greenery and the canyon.

Vibe Check: Modern and airy. A great spot for a health-conscious but scenic meal.

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 10 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:30 am – 10 pm
Where: 6317 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746
How Much: $25 – $50 per person

Common Questions about Best Austin Restaurants With a View

What is the best place to view Austin’s skyline?

Nido and P6 are widely considered to have the best direct views of the skyline and Lady Bird Lake.

Are there any waterfront restaurants you can boat to?

Yes! Both Hula Hut and Ski Shores Cafe have boat slips available for diners arriving by water.

What restaurant does Sandra Bullock own in Austin?

We’ve had quite a few folks ask us about this one — Sandra Bullock owns Walton’s Fancy and Staple on West 6th Street. While it’s a local icon, it is a street-level deli/bakery and doesn’t offer the panoramic views featured in this list. But it’s worth an honorable mention.

Looking for more fun in the city? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Austin.

Author
Recent Posts

Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.