Welcome to The Austin Insider, your one stop shop for finding out what’s what in Austin, Texas. All over the “Articles” tab of austinpedalparty.com, there is no shortage of information about this great city. No matter who you’re with or why you’re here, we have something for you to do in Austin and we are ready to tell you all about it. In this edition we have highlighted some of our favorite Women Owned restaurants in the town we call home. Austin is known for being a real contender in the world of fine food and beverage and with so many options to choose from you could probably eat at a different restaurant every night for years! In this article we narrow down the search to women owned food establishments to celebrate the craft and passion of our local culinary queens.
Adiamo Ristorante
4.4 ★
North Point Center Mall is home to what might just be one of the “Best Italian Restaurants in Austin” according to rave reviews. Closed on Sundays, but open from 5 -9 pm every other night, Adiamo Ristorante serves up locally sourced pasta, salads and main courses that will take you right to Italy from the very first bite. Authentic Italian cuisine awaits at Adiamo, even Fettuccine di Barbabietole, or beet fettuccine for those looking for something unique.
Arlo Grey
4.3 ★
The LINE Austin, once an old jazz club from the 1960s is now a top notch hotel located right on Ladybird Lake. Along with being the swanky stay right out of your best daydreams, The LINE is home to Arlo Grey, owned by cookbook author and Top Chef winner Kirsten Kish. Wednesday through Sunday, 5 – 10 pm (11 pm at the bar) try out selections like Heritage Berkshire Pork Chops or Burrata.
Baby Greens
4.5 ★
For those perfect weather days, when you don’t want to stay inside, Baby Greens on Research Blvd has everything you need. Choose from drive thru or take a seat at a picnic table and enjoy fresh made wraps and salads served with house recipe dressings. Healthy options only, select from chicken, tofu or walnut protein and enjoy a summer style treat that is light, but loaded with flavor at Baby Greens. Outside of Sunday, come and see them any day from 11 am – 7 pm (early close at 3 pm on Saturdays) and look for the little green storefront.
Casa Maria
4.2 ★
Using all original recipes, Casa Maria has been serving up quality Mexican food since 1997 with no intentions of slowing down. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even a bakery with varying forms of sweet bread is waiting for you all day long. Stop into the 1st street location from 6 am (7 am on Sunday) until 9 pm (10 pm on the weekends) for your new favorite meal no matter how late you sleep in. Hangover cures, brunch and family dinners can be made that much better by a trip to Casa Maria.
Chez Zee American Bistro
4.4 ★
Everyone knows about the Chez Zee and their outstanding weekend brunch specials, but they are open almost all week long. Anytime other than Monday, you can find some comfort food with all the classics you love at this family friendly restaurant. From 11 am to 9 pm most days, you can wander into Chez Zee for not just fried pickles and fries but for live music as well. Who knew that Chez Zee is also a great stop for live jazz tunes as well? Add a trip to Balcones Drive to the list of “must-go” selections for you and the family.
El Alma
4.4 ★
Known for being a “vibrant take on the contemporary flavors of Mexico” , El Alma exists on Barton Springs road from 11 am – 10 pm (11 pm on the weekends) every day of the week. Come in sometime and try out menu favorites from the brunch or dinner menu. You have not truly lived until you’ve tasted the Jalapeno Crab Queso Dip or the Braised Shredded Duck Enchiladas. Though our word count only allows so many menu option mentions, you will want to take a taste of everything that El Alma has to offer. There’s no going wrong at this location. Ask about their catering offers and even gift cards, there’s no better way to show appreciation to your Austin local friends and family. For an interesting twist that is way better than it sounds try their avocado margarita!
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Freda’s Seafood Grille
4.4 ★
Beginning with a love of wine and paired with a passion for Cajun food, Freda has spent most of her life in the restaurant business and one visit to Freda’s Seafood Grille will show that expertise. Affordable, but not lacking in quality, this is the place you visit for a steak unlike any other. Pecan Park boulevard is home to this cozy location that welcomes you any day from 11 am – 9 pm (10 pm on Friday/Saturday) for a relaxing and filling experience.
Garbos
4.5 ★
Combining two amazing concepts that we just LOVE is Garbos on N. Mopac expressway. Here’s the one spot in Austin where you can order New England cuisine with a touch of Austin style. From the lobster rolls served at the main location to anything you see featured on the food truck menu, Garbos stands out with their seafood. You’re not likely to forget a meal from this spot. Check out their website for a list of where you can find the food truck, but don’t sleep on the main location. Open every day except Monday from lunchtime until 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays) they are always ready to serve up some killer New England plates with a side of Austin.
Habana Restaurant
4.3 ★
When you want some Caribbean or Cuban food down in Austin, look no further than Habana Restaurant on South Congress st. Mojitos, incredible food and outdoor cabana style seating are all there for you from 11 am – 10 pm (11 pm on the weekends) every day of the week. You won’t have to plan around a certain day or schedule to try out menu items like slow roasted pork sandwiches or crab and lobster cakes. You can never go wrong when selecting from this expansive menu. Come in sometime and say hello, you won’t regret it!
Lima Criolla
4.3 ★
Have you ever sat around craving authentic Peruvian food and had no idea where to go for that iconic set of flavors? When you’re in Austin, you won’t have to look further than Lima Criolla at The Linc on Frontage road. Nestled among trendy restaurants and a movie theater, you’ll find Lima Criolla, a slice of heaven where the original menu items are made fresh every single day. From about noon to 9 pm on average (check the website for official hours, they differ daily) you can take in steak and plantains, seafood chowder, honey funnel cakes and tons of other menu choices you might not have considered. Ask for a drink menu to really take the edge off with some very different and authentic alcoholic beverages.
Mary’s Cafe
4.6 ★
Conveniently located about two minutes from The University of Texas on Red River st, Mary’s Cafe creates incredible, locally sourced, house recipe meals all day long. Open from 7 am (9 on Saturday-Sunday) until 2pm every day, you won’t want to miss out on the fresh paninis, filling salads and organic coffee. Perfectly placed so you can grab a pick me up on the way to morning class, Mary’s Cafe will catch your eye from the moment you look at the big pink sign. Come in often and get to know the staff, Mary’s Cafe takes pride in their quaint family of baristas, servers, and cooks. Ask about their health care worker discount if that applies to you!
Mi Madre’s
4.3 ★
Any day outside of Monday, you can find yourself at Mi Madre’s “pooch friendly” patio or even inside from 7 am – 10 pm (3 pm on Sundays) for some Tex Mex that has been serving the Austin locals since 1990. What began as a taco joint that couldn’t seat a dozen people has expanded into a two dining room/patio area that’s ready to host everyone who comes in. Breakfast tacos, specialty plates and decently priced drinks are waiting at Mi Madre’s on Manor road.
Skull and Cakebones
4.7 ★
Proudly boasting their status at the “First Plant Based Market and Bakery” in the Austin area, Skull and Cakebones gives Vegan folks (and even the carnivores) a reason to rejoice. Entirely locally sourced, plant based and additive free ingredients are the only kind utilized in the creation of this menu. Located only a short drive from downtown Austin in Dripping Springs, this location is close enough to be featured. You won’t regret making the trip to US-290 a for a taste of what Skull and Cakebones has to offer. You will want to come in from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm (5pm on the weekends) and see what they have waiting to be your new go-to meal.
You + Brie
5.0 ★
Something unlike the other restaurants on our list today, You + Brie is a charcuterie spot meant to create the picnic or date night of your dreams. We couldn’t not mention this particular business as it is perfect for dates, business events and even just entertaining guests. Luxury picnic setups and custom charcuterie boards take the guesswork (and the work in general) out of providing a sweet set of snacks for everyone to enjoy no matter what the occasion. Place your order online for You + Brie and give them at least 48 hours to create your masterpiece or plan an entire picnic with them. Either way, you can’t go wrong when you utilize this local gem.
Zucchini Kill Bakery
4.8 ★
We would love to be able to tell you about the Zucchini Kill bakery menu in great detail but here’s the thing, they never keep the same menu options for more than a day or so. What does not change though, is the home made, vegan/gluten/soy free baked goods. With so much flavor, you won’t miss any of the extra additives or allergens. Check out their website for varying hours every day except Monday and Tuesday before you head over to 53rd street to find out why punk is not dead and why you don’t need any animal products in your food.
CONCLUSION
So there you go! A small list of some women owned restaurants here in Austin, Texas. When you want to celebrate some girl power and taste meals that cannot be beat, refer back to this list anytime. While you are here, don’t forget to take a moment to explore our other posts. Here at The Austin Insider, we cover everything from Vegan food to locally owned shopping and you will not want to miss out on anything we have to offer in Austin. This is a big city with so much to offer that it can sometimes be overwhelming, and we are here to take the guesswork out of crafting a great experience in Austin.
