10 Best Family Restaurants in Austin

10 restaurants
Austin, Texas
Updated April 8, 2026

The ten best family restaurants in Austin include Jack Allen's Kitchen, The Salt Lick BBQ, Moonshine Grill, Iron Cactus, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Hoover's Cooking, The Peached Tortilla, Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill, and Franklin Barbecue. Family dining in Austin, TX often comes with expansive outdoor play areas, communal picnic tables, and large-format barbecue platters. These family-friendly venues serve regional favorites like slow-smoked brisket, creamy Kerbey queso, and chicken fried steak.

Dining spots across the city occupy restored 19th-century buildings, rustic stone facilities, and converted residential houses. They often have dedicated kid menus, on-site playgrounds, and high chairs for younger guests. The majority of these locations provide spacious outdoor patios where children move freely while adults enjoy local craft beers. A meal at a family restaurant in Austin averages $25 per person.

Jack Allen's Kitchen ranks as the top choice for a focus on local Texas ingredients, a dedicated gluten-free menu, and a spacious outdoor patio equipped for large groups. Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen prepares affordable American classics for a quick, family-style meal. Hoover's Cooking offers a refined dinner experience with Southern soul food portions and historical Texas roots. Kerbey Lane Cafe provides plant-forward pancakes for vegan diners, and the smoked brisket and bison ribs at The Salt Lick BBQ provide naturally gluten-free choices for guests with dietary restrictions.

The top family restaurants in Austin are listed below.

1

1. The Salt Lick BBQ

The Salt Lick BBQ operates a large, open-pit barbecue facility in the Texas Hill Country. Diners sit at long communal tables in a rustic stone building surrounded by vineyards.

Item Prices

72

Average Item Price

$15.91

The Salt Lick BBQ Brisket Plate Price The Salt Lick BBQ Sliced or Chopped Beef (Sandwiches) Price

More about The Salt Lick BBQ

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Texas Barbecue

Signature Dishes:

Pulled Pork
Brisket Sandwich
Breakfast Tacos

Location:

18300 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, United States

Special Feature:

Massive open fire pit visible to guests upon entry

What Makes It Special:

Cash-only policy and BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) tradition

What Sets It Apart:

Provides a historical Hill Country atmosphere with an all-you-can-eat family-style option

Operating Hours:

Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person

The Salt Lick BBQ Menu Prices
2

2. Iron Cactus

Iron Cactus provides contemporary Mexican cuisine on the historic 6th Street. The restaurant features a rooftop patio overlooking the downtown skyline.

Item Prices

505

Average Item Price

$20.26

More about Iron Cactus

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Tex-Mex / Mexican

Signature Dishes:

Chicken Quesadilla
Brisket Queso
Mexican Meatloaf

Location:

606 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Special Feature:

Rooftop terrace with views of the city

What Makes It Special:

Extensive tequila selection with over 100 varieties

What Sets It Apart:

Combines traditional Mexican flavors with creative, modern preparation

Operating Hours:

Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person

Iron Cactus Menu Prices
3

3. Kerbey Lane Cafe

Dinner Chicken Salads Sandwiches Burgers Coffee Fried Chicken Vegan Lunch Breakfast Vegetarian Tacos American Breakfast Breakfast and Lunch Sandwich Fries Family Meals Omelets Pancakes Vegetarian Friendly Family Friendly chips Eggs Vegan Friendly Avocado Toast Breakfast, Salads & Sandwiches Sweet Potato Fries

Kerbey Lane Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on local and seasonal items. The original location on Kerbey Lane maintains a cozy, converted-house feel.

Item Prices

127

Average Item Price

$9.49

More about Kerbey Lane Cafe

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

American / Tex-Mex

Signature Dishes:

The Kerbey Lane Combo
Steak Frites
Salmon Curry

Location:

3704 Kerbey Ln, Austin, TX 78731, United States

Special Feature:

Seasonal menus that rotate throughout the year

What Makes It Special:

Long-standing history as a community meeting spot since 1980

What Sets It Apart:

Known for serving breakfast items 24 hours a day in specific locations

Operating Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $10 to $20 per person

Kerbey Lane Cafe Menu Prices
4

4. Hoover's Cooking

Hoover's Cooking offers Southern soul food and Tex-Mex influences in a friendly, unpretentious space. The restaurant emphasizes "honest-to-goodness" cooking.

Item Prices

321

Average Item Price

$9.81

More about Hoover's Cooking

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Southern Soul Food

Signature Dishes:

Chicken-Fried Steak Cutlet (1) & 2 House Mates
Chicken-Fried Chicken Breast (1/4lb) & 2 House Mates
Fried Catfish (5pc) & 2House Mates

Location:

2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722, United States

Special Feature:

Large selection of traditional Southern side dishes

What Makes It Special:

Portions are sized to ensure guests leave satisfied

What Sets It Apart:

Focuses on the intersection of Southern, Texan, and Cajun flavors

Operating Hours:

Monday: ClosedTuesday, Thursday–Friday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–8:30 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PMSaturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–8:30 PM

Price:

Price range from $10 to $20 per person

Hoover's Cooking Menu Prices
5

5. The Peached Tortilla

The Peached Tortilla started as a food truck and transitioned into a brick-and-mortar space serving Asian-Southern fusion. The interior features modern, minimalist decor.

Item Prices

235

Average Item Price

$11.66

The Peached Tortilla Southern Fun Price The Peached Tortilla Dan Dan Noodles Price

More about The Peached Tortilla

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Asian Fusion

Signature Dishes:

Chinese BBQ Chicken
Asian Chicken Salad Wrap w/ Belgian Fries
Korean Steak Bowl

Location:

5520 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX 78756, United States

Special Feature:

Creative cocktail program inspired by Asian ingredients

What Makes It Special:

Unique flavor combinations like miso-maple salmon

What Sets It Apart:

Successfully blends Asian street food with Southern comfort staples

Operating Hours:

Monday: ClosedTuesday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PMThursday–Friday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PMSaturday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PMSunday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person

The Peached Tortilla Menu Prices
6

6. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill

Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill provides a menu inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest and Mexico. The Avery Ranch location offers a spacious dining room and bar.

Item Prices

410

Average Item Price

$14.29

More about Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Southwestern

Signature Dishes:

Chorizo Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Habanero Herb Butter Filet Mignon
Diablo Pasta

Location:

9400 Arboretum Blvd Ste A Austin, TX 78759

Special Feature:

Skillet cornbread served with honey butter as a standard starter

What Makes It Special:

Bold spices and fresh ingredients characteristic of the Southwest

What Sets It Apart:

Features a distinct blend of Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona culinary influences

Operating Hours:

Closed

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person

Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill Menu Prices
7

7. Jack Allen's Kitchen

Jack Allen’s Kitchen provides a relaxed environment focused on Southern-inspired Texan cuisine. The menu prioritizes locally sourced ingredients from area farmers and ranchers.

More about Jack Allen's Kitchen

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Southern-Texan Comfort

Signature Dishes:

House-Made Pimiento Cheese
Lydia's Chicken Strips
Twisted Cobb Salad

Location:

7720 State Hwy 71 West, Austin, TX 78735, United States

Special Feature:

Large outdoor patio and a dedicated gluten-free menu

What Makes It Special:

Sourcing ingredients directly from local Texas farms

What Sets It Apart:

Merges upscale Southern flavors with a laid-back neighborhood feel

Operating Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person
8

8. Moonshine Grill

Moonshine Grill serves classic American comfort food in a restored 19th-century building downtown. The space includes a comfortable patio and a cellar bar.

More about Moonshine Grill

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Southern Comfort

Signature Dishes:

Brisket Burnt Ends Quesadilla
Wagyu Salisbury Steak
Pan-Fried Chicken Almondine

Location:

303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Special Feature:

Complimentary popcorn served to guests while waiting for a table

What Makes It Special:

Historical architecture combined with hearty portions

What Sets It Apart:

Offers a sophisticated take on traditional Sunday brunch and Southern staples

Operating Hours:

Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $20 to $30 per person
9

9. Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen focuses on American classics made from scratch daily. The dining room offers a comfortable, family-oriented setting with large booths.

More about Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

American

Signature Dishes:

Chicken Tenders
Monte Cristo
Honey Butter Croissants

Location:

4301 W William Cannon Dr Suite D, Austin, TX 78749, United States

Special Feature:

Open kitchen where guests observe food preparation

What Makes It Special:

Emphasis on hand-crafted meals with an affordable price point

What Sets It Apart:

Maintains a high standard of freshness by avoiding pre-packaged ingredients

Operating Hours:

Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $10 to $20 per person
10

10. Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is a world-renowned destination for central Texas-style smoked meats. The restaurant operates out of a simple blue building with a large outdoor waiting area.

More about Franklin Barbecue

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Texas Barbecue

Signature Dishes:

Pulled Pork
Pork Ribs
Tipsy Texan Sandwich

Location:

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States

Special Feature:

Daily lines of customers waiting hours for service

What Makes It Special:

Brisket smoked for 12 to 15 hours using post oak wood

What Sets It Apart:

Achieved international fame solely through the quality of smoked meats

Operating Hours:

Monday: ClosedTuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Price:

Price range from $30 to $50 per person

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Family Restaurants in Austin Famous?

Austin family restaurants are famous for their expansive outdoor play areas, communal picnic table seating, and large-format Texas barbecue platters. Austin provides a welcoming environment where parents enjoy craft beer while children utilize on-site playgrounds. Regional specialties like slow-smoked brisket and oversized Tex-Mex plates allow groups to share meals easily. Presence of historic Hill Country settings and restored downtown buildings adds unique character to group dining.

What Types of Family Restaurants are Commonly Found in Austin?

Types of family restaurants commonly found in Austin are open-pit barbecue smokehouses, traditional Tex-Mex cantinas, and Southern comfort cafes. The list below details specialized Austin restaurants suitable for families.

Texas Barbecue Smokehouses: These venues feature large outdoor pits and long communal tables. The Salt Lick BBQ and Franklin Barbecue fit this category.
Tex-Mex Cantinas: These spots serve large portions of enchiladas and tacos in a lively atmosphere. Iron Cactus and Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill provide this experience.
Southern Comfort Cafes: These locations focus on scratch-made staples like chicken fried steak and biscuits. Moonshine Grill and Hoover's Cooking exemplify this style.
All-Day Breakfast Spots: These neighborhood favorites serve pancakes and queso throughout the day. Kerbey Lane Cafe is a prime choice.
Fusion Eateries: These modern venues blend global street food with Southern ingredients. The Peached Tortilla offers this approach.

Does Austin Have an Authentic Family Restaurant?

Yes, Austin features authentic family restaurants, including Hoover's Cooking, The Salt Lick BBQ, and Kerbey Lane Cafe. Hoover's Cooking preserves a genuine Southern soul food experience, preparing "honest-to-goodness" meals using recipes rooted in Texas heritage. The Salt Lick BBQ provides a real Hill Country atmosphere, serving meats cooked over a massive open stone fire pit since 1967. Kerbey Lane Cafe offers a true neighborhood experience, operating in a converted house and sourcing seasonal ingredients from local producers.

Do Austin Family Restaurants Offer Easy Online Reservations?

Yes, family restaurants in Austin provide simple online booking through digital platforms. Guests secure tables via individual websites or through applications such as OpenTable and Resy. Upscale-leaning locations like Jack Allen's Kitchen and Moonshine Grill use these services to manage high guest volumes. Other popular locations, including Iron Cactus and Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill, also offer convenient digital scheduling. World-famous barbecue destinations like Franklin Barbecue operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring physical lines instead of digital slots.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Family Restaurants in Austin?

Signature dishes of the best family restaurants in Austin consist of slow-smoked brisket, creamy queso, and Southern-style chicken fried steak. Notable food in Austin appears in the list below.

Smoked Brisket: Beef brisket cooked for 12 to 15 hours over post oak wood until tender. Franklin Barbecue is famous for this central Texas staple.
Kerbey Queso: A rich cheese dip topped with guacamole and pico de gallo. Kerbey Lane Cafe specializes in this local favorite.
Chicken Fried Beef Rib: A unique twist on a classic featuring a deep-fried, breaded beef rib. Jack Allen's Kitchen serves this hearty dish.
Banh Mi Taco: A fusion creation combining Vietnamese ingredients with a traditional taco format. The Peached Tortilla is known for this signature item.
Corn-Flake Crusted Chicken: Crispy fried chicken coated in crushed cereal for added texture. Moonshine Grill prepares this Southern comfort staple.

Does Austin Enjoy Family Food?

Yes, the Austin community enjoys family food, with large crowds filling outdoor patios and communal dining halls every weekend. Residents and visitors actively seek out environments that accommodate children while providing high-quality regional cuisine. High volume of daily traffic at all-day cafes and barbecue pits confirms a strong appetite for group-oriented dining. Local culture prioritizes relaxed, social meals where multiple generations gather over shared platters.

What is the Average Meal Price at Family Restaurants in Austin?

The average meal price for family restaurants in Austin is $25 per person. A single meal at a casual cafe like Kerbey Lane Cafe costs between $10 and $20. A group meal for two to four people at a mid-range barbecue spot like The Salt Lick runs from $60 to $120 total. Full dinner with drinks at a sit-down Southern restaurant such as Moonshine Grill requires $30 to $50 per person. Budget-friendly options like Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen offer meals for $15 to $25 per person.

Are There Vegan Options at Family Restaurants in Austin?

Yes, vegan options in family restaurants in Austin include meatless dishes at Kerbey Lane Cafe, The Peached Tortilla, and Jack Allen's Kitchen. Kerbey Lane Cafe provides a dedicated vegan menu featuring items like vegan queso and plant-based pancakes. The Peached Tortilla offers several vegetable-forward Asian fusion bowls and tacos. Jack Allen's Kitchen prepares fresh salads and vegetable-based sides using ingredients from local farms. A large number of locations provide modifications to traditional dishes to suit plant-based diners.

Do Family Restaurants in Austin Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, family restaurants in Austin offer gluten-free options at Jack Allen's Kitchen, The Salt Lick BBQ, and Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill. Jack Allen's Kitchen maintains a comprehensive gluten-free menu with clearly marked entrees and appetizers. The Salt Lick BBQ serves meats and sides that are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill modifies traditional Southwestern plates and provides corn tortillas to accommodate gluten-free diets. A majority of sit-down locations provide clear labeling or chef consultations for guests with dietary restrictions.