Next time you find yourself craving nachos, take a trip to any of these locally loved restaurants in Austin! This selection includes Nachos that will literally change your life.
If you’ve happened to miss the buzzer on any of these locations, checkout our late night food guide to Austin to satisfy your cravings.
#1 Editor’s Choice
1. Beyond BBQ at Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
Stepping into Lamberts Downtown Barbecue feels like entering a stylish speakeasy—if that speakeasy happened to be obsessed with top-notch smoked meats. Housed in a renovated 19th-century building in Austin’s lively Second Street District, Lamberts exudes an upscale-yet-relaxed charm. Inside, rustic touches like exposed brick walls and wooden beams meet sleek, modern design accents, creating a mood that’s both cozy and refined. Upstairs, you’ll find a bar and lounge area often hosting live music—the perfect spot to sip a craft cocktail while soaking in the city’s music scene. Whether it’s date night or a group celebration, the ambiance at Lamberts balances the cool factor of downtown Austin with the down-home comfort of authentic barbecue.
Why Their Mac & Cheese Is Special
While the brisket and ribs often steal the spotlight, Lamberts’ mac & cheese deserves its own round of applause. Here’s what makes it shine:
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- Premium Cheeses – They blend aged cheddar and other specialty cheeses to develop a creamy, tangy sauce that blankets every bite.
- Gourmet Touches – Expect subtle enhancements—like a crispy breadcrumb crust, or a hint of smokiness that plays harmoniously with the barbecue.
- Perfect crust-to-cream ratio – Lamberts doesn’t just stir and serve. The mac & cheese is baked until the top gets just a kiss of golden-brown color.
2. Comfort at its finest at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
With its historic charm, comfort-driven menu, and a mac & cheese so good you might be tempted to order seconds, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill stands as a timeless staple in Austin’s dining scene. Expect a warm welcome, indulgent plates, and that signature Southern flair—because at Moonshine, every meal feels like a special occasion.
While Moonshine’s menu is stacked with comfort-food favorites, the mac & cheese truly stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Quality Cheeses: They blend several types of cheese for a velvety sauce that clings to every pasta shell.
- Baked to Perfection: A light sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top gets all golden and crispy under the broiler, creating that ideal crust-to-creamy ratio.
- Subtle Twists: Depending on the season, you might catch a variation with green chiles for a mild kick or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
It’s an indulgent side that can easily steal the spotlight from main dishes—don’t be surprised if you find yourself scraping every last bite from the bowl.
3. Lobstered up at Lucy’s Fried Chicken
In a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, Lucy’s Fried Chicken remains a cherished spot for locals and tourists craving authentic Southern comfort. Between the crispy fried chicken, the cheesy mac & cheese, and the welcoming patio scene, there’s no shortage of reasons to pull up a chair and dig in—Austin style. Enjoy!
While the spotlight typically shines on fried chicken, Lucy’s mac & cheese deserves top billing for its indulgent, cheesy glory:
- Creamy, Dreamy Sauce – Crafted with a blend of cheeses that meld into a rich, silky blanket over elbow noodles. Expect a thick, comforting bite in every forkful.
- Homestyle Touch – Baked to a bubbly finish, the top often boasts a lightly crisp crust—that perfect contrast to the ooey-gooey center.
- Southern Flavor Twist – Lucy’s might sneak in a dash of spice or garnish with crispy breadcrumbs, giving it a subtle kick that nods to Austin’s love for bold flavors.
4. Insta worthy Mac at Fixe Southern House
At Fixe Southern House, the team’s dedication to quality ingredients and genuine Southern hospitality shines through in every dish—especially their coveted mac & cheese. Expect an upscale take on classic comfort foods, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dining experience that lives up to Austin’s reputation as a culinary hot spot. Enjoy!
While Fixe’s entire menu pays homage to Southern staples with a modern twist, their mac & cheese has a devoted following for good reason:
- Artisan Cheeses – Rather than settling for standard cheddar, Fixe curates a blend of premium cheeses—like aged white cheddar, Gruyère, or even hints of smoked Gouda—creating a layered, complex flavor.
- Velvety Texture – The sauce is luxuriously creamy without being overly heavy, clinging to every noodle in a smooth blanket of indulgence.
- Subtle Seasonings – Expect a pop of warm spices or a dash of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor, plus a crispy breadcrumb topping that provides a satisfying crunch.
- Presentation – Served in a small cast-iron dish or stylish bowl (depending on the season), Fixe’s mac & cheese arrives at your table piping hot and ready for that Insta-worthy cheese pull.
5. Asian Fusion at The Peached Tortilla
At The Peached Tortilla, tradition meets innovation in the form of bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re going for the fiery-yet-comforting mac & cheese, the fusion-forward tacos, or a zesty cocktail, you’ll leave with a happy palate and a fresh appreciation for just how versatile Austin’s food scene can be.
While The Peached Tortilla’s menu is loaded with globally inspired dishes, their mac & cheese stands out for its irreverent twist on tradition:
- Asian Fusion Flavors – You might find gochujang or sriracha whisked into a rich cheese sauce, adding a tangy kick that sets this mac apart from the classic Southern variety.
- Toppings with a Twist – Sometimes they’ll top it with crispy pork belly bits or fresh scallions for extra crunch and savory depth.
- Perfectly Creamy Sauce – Despite the bold fusion elements, the sauce remains velvety and comforting—maintaining all the hallmarks of a true mac & cheese.
Expect your taste buds to dance between familiar comfort and spicy adventure in each bite.
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6. Touchdown at Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
At Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, every element—from the scenic setting and warm, inviting décor to the exceptional mac & cheese and thoughtful seasonal touches—contributes to a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. Enjoy the blend of tradition and innovation, and savor every moment along the Colorado River.
While Jacoby’s is celebrated for its farm-to-table fare, their mac & cheese has quietly earned a loyal following as a standout side dish:
- Epic Cheeses – Crafted with a careful blend of farmstead cheddar and other artisanal cheeses, the sauce is luxuriously rich and silky smooth—each bite oozing with quality and depth.
- Golden Perfection – The dish is finished in the oven until the top forms a golden, crispy crust, offering a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
- Seasonal Twists – Depending on the season, you might catch a hint of local herbs or a dash of spice that elevates the classic comfort food into something uniquely memorable.
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a soul-satisfying indulgence that perfectly complements the rustic flavors of the rest of Jacoby’s menu.
7. Chic Meets Classic at Cafe No Se
At Cafe No Se, you’re not just served a plate of mac & cheese—you’re treated to a gourmet reinterpretation of comfort food in an ambiance that perfectly captures the soul of Austin. Whether you’re in for the innovative flavors, the artful presentation, or the warm, modern setting, every visit is a reminder of why this spot has become a must-visit destination for food lovers across the city. Enjoy every savory, indulgent bite!
At Cafe No Se, mac & cheese transcends its humble roots to become a celebration of culinary ingenuity:
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- Artisanal Ingredients – Crafted from locally sourced, high-quality cheeses, their mac & cheese boasts a sauce that’s as rich and velvety as it is deeply flavorful. Each bite delivers the comforting creaminess you crave, elevated by a perfect balance of tang and depth.
- Gourmet Enhancements – A subtle drizzle of truffle oil or a delicate sprinkle of smoked sea salt often graces the dish, introducing unexpected layers of complexity that make it both familiar and exciting.
- Textural Perfection – The pasta is cooked al dente to retain a satisfying bite, while a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping provides a delightful contrast to the luscious, cheesy base—an artisanal twist on a timeless classic.