A Palatable Exploration Of Austin

While fewer people are buying homes these days, there are still plenty of incredible options for moving locations. One growing trend is for homeowners to rent out the home they live while opting to rent elsewhere. You get to skip higher mortgage rates and closing costs - while simultaneously opting for a much lower-risk move than purchasing a new home in a new location.

And considering the plethora of gorgeous houses for rent in Austin in conjunction with its rich cultural cross section, Austin has been one favorite new landing spot for those eager to move.

Austin is one of those places where you can still feel the vibrance and life late at night without it being too overwhelming, like it can be in other large cities. It strikes that perfect balance of liveliness and calm, making it the perfect time to head out, grab a bite, and see the city in a whole new way. 

If you’re looking for a great spot for a late-night nibble in the city, you’ve found the ultimate list. Here are some of the best spots in Austin for just about any type of food. Your taste buds will thank you later.

Velvet Taco

If you are in the mood for tacos after a long night, Velvet Taco is the spot. They are open until 3–4 am on the weekends depending on the location (there are two in Austin), so whether you’re coming home from the bar with friends and in need of a bite or in need of a cozy spot to keep date night going, this is the perfect location. Velvet Taco serves up some crazy twists on the classic taco, such as chicken and waffles, red curry coconut queso, and pork and shrimp egg roll. Some of these combos sound a little insane, but trust me—it’s just crazy enough to work.

Delray Cafe

If you’re looking for a quick bite, the Delray Cafe food truck is ideal. This quick, delicious hot dog spot is owned by the Hunt brothers, the self-proclaimed Kings of Late Night, and there’s definitely something to that title. They’re also the minds behind Nickel City bar, to which the food truck is attached, as well as VIA 313 pizza, which has multiple locations around Texas and Utah.

These brothers hail from Motor City, which may be obvious by the 313 area code and Detroit-style pizza, they bring a little bit of their hometown into all they do—and the Austin area truly is better for it. Delicious Detroit-style dogs, fried bologna sammies, and more are available to you at Delray Cafe till 2 am every single night. 

Hoboken Pie

Hoboken Pie brings a little bit of that New Jersey flair to the Austin area. Known to many as one of the best pizza spots in town, Hoboken Pie serves up some delicious eats until 2am every day, either at their shop or for delivery. No matter what you like on your pizza, they’re sure to have it. Looking to try something new? One of their specialty pies like the West Texas—topped with bbq sauce, pulled pork, serrano peppers, shallots, gouda cheese, and cilantro sour cream dipping sauce—may pique your interest.

Péché

“Late-night eats” and “classy” are not often used in the same sentence, but when they are, you’re likely talking about Péché, the posh French spot in downtown Austin. In fact, it’s the first absinthe bar in Austin, showcasing a vast selection of pre-Prohibition style cocktails. Péché is open for drinks until about 1 am on the weekends, with the kitchen closing about 45 minutes before that. If you’re looking for an impressive spot to take a date on a Friday night, this is your spot.

Voodoo Doughnuts

After a fancy dinner at Péché, head over to 6th Street for the best donuts you’ve ever had in your life. Voodoo Doughnuts is open 24 hours a day, serving your favorite treat in a new, fun way. Originating in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo got its start with jelly donuts shaped as humans, with pretzel sticks for poking them like a voodoo doll. The concept really took off, but what impressed visitors most was the unique flavor combinations, a fresh take on the desert we already know and love.