6 Late Night Eats in Austin

Also check out our recently published – 20 Restaurants Open Late in Austin!

The time comes at the end of every great night when you hear the famous last words from your friendly bartender, “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” In that moment, my mind goes a flutter with flashback images of every late night food venue I’ve stepped foot in. As this happens, my inner writer creates a list of the best places to find a bite late at night. Today, I’ll share with you exactly what this food flutter looks like…dessert first.

Sweets First

Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery

Since 1948, Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery has been serving up hot donuts from their retail location at 4909 Airport Blvd. You can find their fresh, circular, golden rings of fried and iced goodness across Austin area hotels and convenience stores, or you can drive-thru. However, when you step inside to fetch donuts at Mrs. Johnson’s, all your senses will be satisfied. Watch the production, from dough to fryer to pastry bag.

Every item on the menu is under $1.00. When you receive a warm bag filled with delightful donut treats, you will agree the visit was worth every penny! Take note that Mrs. Johnson’s hot donuts are available daily beginning at 8:40 PM (yes, PM) and the shop remains open while production continues all night long.

La Mexicana Bakery

La Mexicana Bakery is best known for authentic Mexican pastries, including empanadas, pan de huevo, bunuelos and more.  Yet this 24-hour kitchen is also filled with the savory aromas of breakfast tacos, barbacoa and other traditional Mexican street food.

The family owned and operated business, located at 1924 S First Street, fulfills special orders and creates items related to Mexican holidays such as Rosca de Reyes cakes and Dia de Muertos sugar skulls.

Greasy Spoons

Austin Onion

Austin Onion proclaims they have “the best pizza you’ll never remember eating.” In that case, it will also be the most delicious zero calorie slice you’ll ever put in your mouth.

This not so serious pizza place does serve up a serious pizza pie for downtown dwellers. Located at 408 Brazos, Austin Onion will tempt you with its full pie, by the slice and salads on the menu until 3 AM Tuesday through Saturday, and even delivers in the downtown area until 11 PM.

Star Seeds Cafe

I happened upon Star Seeds Café, which is tucked away at 3101 N IH-35, when I decided a late night eats list was a fine idea.

Open 24 hours a day, every day, you can order brekkie any time. Star Seeds is particularly known for its sobering and study breaking late night plates. Their vast menu includes fresh fruit and other light options, a vegetarian menu, as well as traditional diner style items like pancakes, omelets and burgers. Best of all, everything on the menu is under $15.

Star Seeds Cafe is an active supporter of the arts in Austin. The restaurant buys and shows art, and plays host to events for local artists.

Bars Open

Dog and Duck Pub

If you want to wrap your cocktails and late night eating bliss into one tidy package, Dog and Duck Pub is your solution. What began as a British pub has grown into a top rated gastro pub, whose kitchen has received many top accolades from locals.

You will see the expected British fare at this pub. But the menu ventures out further, featuring salads, burgers and boasting 42 draught beers.

Open every day until 2 AM at 406 W 17th Street, indoor/outdoor seating and a spacious parking lot lend to Dog and Duck’s late night notoriety.

The Hideout Pub

One last nod for the north siders – need a bar food fix on your way home? Stop into The Hideout Pub located at 12164 N Mopac and order before midnight. I recommend the pulled pork BLT or a burger to cure your late night munchies.  Hideout’s full bar and large outdoor patio are an added bonus.

Although there are many more late night options around town, this is today’s food flutter!

@CrisMueller asks:

Where do you go when you need a bite late at night?