There’s a good reason why Austin is one of the most popular and desirable places to live in the U.S. This wonderfully eclectic city is packed with diverse culture, delectable food and unbeatable views around every corner! From lakeside lounges to park side cafes, there are plenty of places around the city that offer much more than just tasty food. Whether you’re a visitor or a hungry local looking for some dinner scenery, here are 10 fantastic rooftop restaurants in Austin with incredible views.   

Boiler Nine Bar + Grill

Located in the heart of downtown, Boiler Nine is an edgy, modern American restaurant located inside what used to be the ninth boiler room of the Austin Power Plant – hence the name! This four-story concrete monolith serves up satisfying wood-fired fare from out of the main dining room as well as craft cocktails and drinks in their underground “Boiler Room”. Some preferred dishes at Boiler Nine include the vegetarian Tempeh Burger with coconut lime slaw, Twice Cooked Pork Ribs and zesty Green Curry Shrimp Skewers. But if you head up to the spacious, sky high “deck nine observatory bar” you can enjoy fresh air and commanding views of LadyBird Lake and the Colorado River. 

El Alma

Tucked away in south Austin, El Alma (“soul” in Spanish) is a cozy fusion cafe that offers tasty Mexican-style fare and great drink specials in a casual, true to austin setting. Chef Alma is a master of her craft and enjoys creating original dishes inspired by her favorite Mexican flavors, such as Duck Enchiladas, spicy Shrimp and Crab Relleno and Tacos al Pastor. From the outside, this tiny restaurant doesn’t look like much since it’s just randomly plopped on the street corner next to a convenient store. But where the real magic happens is upstairs, on El Alma’s perfectly pleasant little rooftop patio. This second-story deck is not fancy by any means – the table sets are plastic and the floors are made of old wood – but there’s just something magical about the twinkly string lights and ancient trees overhead that makes El Alma’s patio irresistibly charming at night. 

Bob’s Steak and Chop House

Originally opened in Dallas, TX, Bob’s Steak and Chop House is a mouthwatering, meaty food franchise that has grown to fifteen fabulous locations since its inception. This renowned chophouse is known for their scrumptious steaks and iconic side dishes, including their towering hand battered onion rings and larger than life glazed carrot – which Bob’s is famous for.  Menu offerings at the Austin location include prime porterhouses, filet mignon, Maryland style crab cakes and creamed spinach. For a romantic dinner date idea, request a seat on the rooftop of Bob’s and soak up the energy of the city while you enjoy great views of the downtown skyline. 

Michelada’s Cafe y Cantina

Boasting a prime downtown Austin location next to the ritzy Fleming’s steakhouse,  Michelada’s Cafe y Cantina is a casual Mexican restaurant that offers delicious drinks, a dog friendly patio and killer Tex Mex food that really hits the spot after a few margaritas! Located within walking distance from all the action around the Austin Convention Center, Michelada’s is a great place to take a refreshing break between window shopping downtown or grab a satisfying bite after a long day of sight-seeing. From the swanky rooftop of Michelada’a you can see a stellar city skyline and watch the hustle and bustle of downtown. 

Red’s Porch

Centered in lush Barton Creek, Red’s Porch is a neighborhood bar and grill with a spacious dining area and dog-friendly shaded patio upstairs.  This hip hangout has a fantastic selection of beers, great happy hour specials and spectacular bar bites including Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits, Fried Pickles and Red’s Wings. During the winter – which is like, two weeks long – guests can stay warm indoors. But throughout most of the year you can find folks on the rooftop patio chilling with brewskies and enjoying the gorgeous greenery and tree-lined views of Barton Creek. 

Iron Cactus – 6th St.

With locations in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, Iron Cactus is one of the most venerated Tex Mex spots in Texas. People just can’t get enough of the huge handcrafted margaritas made with fresh fruit ingredients, and the tequila grill menu is the stuff of dreams with Three Chili Pork Loin and Hickory Grilled Salmon. The Iron Cactus in downtown Austin is parked two stories high right in the middle of dirty sixth street! A coveted rooftop seat at this location – usually a hefty wait on a Friday or Saturday night – means a front row view of all the chaos and excitement of  the east sixth street district. But if you’re patient enough – or you make a reservation – then you can have a delicious dinner downtown and watch the night whirl by below you. 

Geraldine’s

Located on the fourth floor of the super swanky Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s is a gorgeous restaurant and bar in downtown Austin that dishes out delectable globally influenced cuisine. This amazing elevated dining space is dressed to the nines in tasteful modern decor, vaulted wood beamed ceilings and sumptuous suede upholstery. Along with a sexy interior, hand crafted cocktails and awesome live music performances on the regs, Geraldine’s also offers some of the most inventive cuisine in the city.  The mouth watering menu includes fresh Ceviche Tacos, sublime Roasted Quail and Dewberry Farmfried Chicken. But one of the best parts about Gerlaldines is that the restaurant and its guests get to make use of Hotel Van Zandt’s posh poolside patio just right outside. Here you can find awesome pool parties, live DJ’s, cocktails and breathtaking views of downtown Austin.  

Eastside Tavern

Perched on the corner of Cesar Chavez and Comal street, Eastside Tavern is a happening haunt in downtown Austin that offers a great selection of craft beers and tasty eats. This trendy tavern is known for their great happy hour specials, perfectly smoked meats and sinful sides like Pickled Deviled Eggs, Brisket + Cheddar Tater Tots and Loaded Baked Potatos. Whether you’re a red meat fan or a lean meat eater, Eastside Tavern has plenty of gut-busting options for all food fans. If you’re looking for the best seat in the house, head upstairs to the tavern’s rooftop where you can enjoy a cold beer and a giant plate of ribs with a gorgeous view of downtown Austin on the side.