Lunch in North West Austin

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite lunch in North West Austin that you may want to visit when you finish up your Austin Newborn photography session with me! One great way to set aside time together is by going on a lunch date after your session! A while back I shared my favorite Date night restaurants and staycation ideas in Austin, so file this post with those so you can reference them!

Whether it’s a cozy cafe or a fancy restaurant, be sure to pick a place you both enjoy or a place you’ve both been wanting to try where you can relax and have a good time. Here are a few of my personal favorites that are not far from the studio in North Austin:

1. Interstellar BBQ

You may have heard of this place as it is currently ranked 2nd in Texas Monthly’s top 50 restaurants! They offer some of the best-smoked meats and sides in town, so if you are looking for some delicious barbecue, look no further than Interstellar. Everything from their brisket to their pork ribs and sausage is tender, juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection!

2. Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar

With its rustic-chic vibe, warm wood accents, and relaxed atmosphere, Oasthouse is a great option for a post-photo shoot lunch date. Their menu offers a fusion of European and American cuisine, focusing on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. They are known for their incredible charcuterie boards but other popular dishes include their burger, fish and chips, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well! You really can’t go wrong with Oasthouse! Also, has a playground!

3. Flores Mexican Restaurant

In the mood for some authentic Mexican/Tex-Mex cuisine? Then look no further than Flores on 620. Who can resist the smell of fresh house-made tortillas as you indulge in a delicious bowl of queso while dining alfresco on their spacious outdoor patio? If your mouth is watering just thinking about it, Flores, with their colorful, festive ambiance might be the perfect spot for you to grab a taco and maybe even a mid-day margarita! Also shares a playground with Oasthouse!

4. Green Mango

Green Mango is a family-owned restaurant blending traditional Thai dishes and innovative fusion cuisine. They are a great option for anyone looking for delicious Thai cuisine in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you go with their Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai soup, Green Curry, or maybe one of their many vegetarian or vegan options, you really can’t go wrong. There’s a reason why Green Mango is a local favorite!

5. The Oasis on Lake Travis

This iconic restaurant built into the side of a cliff overlooking Lake Travis is well known for its breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills. The Oasis serves a range of American cuisine, with a focus on seafood and Tex-Mex dishes. Since being rebuilt several years ago, they have added additional restaurants within their complex including an amazing burger joint and pizzeria. There is literally something for everyone at the Oasis and you just can’t beat the views!

Don’t have time for a fancy sit-down lunch but still want to enjoy a quick bite with your spouse? Check out these options

6. Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s is a beloved chain that was actually founded in Austin and serves up a variety of tacos, bowls, and sides with a unique and flavorful twist. Their queso is hands down the best there is. Their menu includes classic options, such as the Crossroads (smoked beef brisket, grilled onions, jalapenos, cilantro, avocado & jack cheese with tomatillo sauce), as well as more innovative options like the Brushfire (Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapenos, mango, and sour cream). They also offer vegetarian and vegan options like their Fried Avocado and Mushroom and Quinoa tacos. This Austin institution is a must-try! They also have an outdoor playground and Handles Ice cream is now next door for a sweet treat!

7. Chi’Lantro

You may have heard of Chi’Lantro as the popular local food truck featured on both ‘Shark Tank’ and the Food Network, but this Austin original now has a brick-and-mortar location just down the street from the studio! They are set up counter order style similar to Chipotle and offer a range of dishes that blend traditional Korean flavors with Mexican cuisine. Their most popular dish is their Korean BBQ bowl, which comes with your choice of protein, rice, beans, lettuce, and a variety of toppings like kimchi, cilantro, fried eggs, and onions. If you are feeling adventurous, you must try the Kimchi fries, which feature a pile of crispy french fries topped with bulgogi beef, caramelized kimchi, cheese, and a drizzle of Sriracha aioli. Overall, Chi’Lantro is a must for anyone looking to try something new and exciting!

8. Mod Pizza

In the mood for some pizza? Mod Pizza has you covered with their build-your-own pizza options. They offer a range of different crusts, sauces, and unlimited toppings for one fixed price! Their pizzas are cooked fresh and quickly in their wood-fired ovens resulting in a crispy and delicious crust. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find exactly what you’re craving! They also have an outdoor patio!

9. Rudy’s BBQ

Another Austin original staple for us locals, Rudy’s is well known for their fast and delicious BBQ. While their amazing fall-off-the-bone, tender, and flavorful brisket is the star of the show, they have so many other smoked meats to offer as well. Their Texas-style sides like their creamed corn and potato salad complement any entree you get. Be sure to check out Rudy’s for a quick, delicious, authentic Texas BBQ experience. The four points area Rudy’s also has a playground!

10. OZ Haus

One of my favorite places in the Four Points area. They have a playground, games, and a tap wall! What more could a Dad want? Yummy salads, burgers and more! Locally owned too.

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