Hollywood is where many celebrities live, work, and play. But sometimes, the stars look to Austin to take on another role — in the restaurant world, that is.
We’ve rounded up a few local restaurants powered by celebrity chefs + other big names in showbiz. Lights. Camera. Action. Eat.
Walton’s Fancy and Staple, 609 W. 6th St.
This charming brick bakery, deli + flower shop is owned by Miss Congeniality herself, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock. The star is said to have tremendous pride in her Austin business, right down to deciding what’s on the menu. Try the Challah French Toast for breakfast or the Gobble sandwich for lunch — yum.
Franklin Barbecue, 900 E. 11th St.
James Beard Award-winning chef and New York Times bestselling author Aaron Franklin owns this beloved restaurant alongside his wife, Stacy Franklin. The couple began their business as a roadside trailer and today, patrons line up for hours for the brisket that Texas Monthly once dubbed “the best barbecue in the known universe.”
Uptown Sports Club, 1200 E. 6th St.
The historic East Austin spot has been reimagined as the latest project for restaurateur Aaron Franklin and his friends. The laid-back, New Orleans-inspired eatery (with a Texas twist, of course), offers coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and dinner plates like Steak Frites. Don’t miss happy hour — 2-5 p.m. on weekdays — that Fried Green Tomato is calling our name. Make a reservation.
Arlo Grey, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St.
“Top Chef” winner, host, and cookbook author Kristen Kish is the chef/partner of this chic downtown restaurant at the LINE Austin hotel. Kish’s dishes blend her love of fine dining and travel while showcasing ingredients from local farmers + purveyors. This is a buzzy spot — make a reservation. Pro tip: Order a bottle of wine on Sunday nights — they’re $20 off.
The Diner Bar, 500 San Jacinto Blvd.
James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Mashama Bailey leads this seafood bistro; you’ll recognize her from season 6 of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix, “Top Chef,” and the critically-acclaimed restaurant, The Grey. Don’t miss the menu’s shrimp toast, hot crab dip, and swordfish frites and daily happy hour (all night on Sunday + Monday).
Aba, 1011 S. Congress Ave.
This modern Mediterranean restaurant with a California twist is owned by “Top Chef” alum CJ Jacobson. Try signature dishes like the smoky garlic hummus + whipped feta spread (both available during happy hour, too), or head here on the weekends for brunch. The bar specializes in rare Mediterranean wine + spirits, so come thirsty. Make a reservation.
Family Business Beer Company, 19510 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs (Temporarily Closed)
This Hill Country taproom is owned by “Supernatural” actor Jensen Ackles and his wife, “One Tree Hill” actress Danneel Ackles. Jensen Ackles’ brother-in-law, Gino Graul, is also an owner — hence the name of the biz. The brewery is known for its rotating selection of craft beers; try the award-winning Golden Age pilsner, and don’t sleep on those frozen seltzer-based cocktails. On May 8, 2024 the brewery announced it was temporarily closing its Dripping Springs location as it searches for a taproom location closer to Austin. We can’t wait to see what’s brewing for this spot in the future.
The main dining room at Bacalar, the stunning spot helmed by “Top Chef” winner Gave Erales.
Photo via Bacalar
Bacalar, 44 E. Ave., Ste. 100
“Top Chef” winner Gabe Erales helms this stunning spot alongside Urbanspace Hospitality. The restaurant is inspired by the Yucatán Peninsula region of Mexico and its diverse flavors. Peep the menu — it includes standouts like the masa dumpling, castacan tacos, aged duck breast, and pescado a las brasas. Try happy hour Tuesday-Sunday, 5-6:30 p.m., and brunch on weekends, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — complete with a DJ spinning downstairs.
The drinks are Uchiko are top-notch.
Photo by @uchikorestaurants
Uchiko, 4200 N. Lamar Blvd.
This Japanese restaurant — an offspring of Uchi — hails from “Iron Chef America” star and James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole. The menu features stunning dishes like the 10-course Chef’s Tasting omasake, toyosu, sushi, and sashimi. Reserve your table; there’s happy hour daily, 4-6 p.m.
Loro, 2115 S. Lamar Blvd.
This trendy Asian smokehouse comes from two titans: Aaron Franklin + Tyson Cole. The local James Beard Award-winning chefs merged their love of Asian cuisine and barbecue to create an unforgettable menu; we’re still thinking about that spicy Japanese curry ramen. Oh, and those boozy slushies? Find them for $5 during happy hour, weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
