Finding the best restaurant in Austin means stepping into one of the city’s oldest buildings, where Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill has been serving Southern comfort food since 2003.
This downtown gem at 303 Red River Street earned a 4.5-star rating on Yelp with over 6,300 reviews, proving consistent excellence over two decades.
The historic building features a timeless antique interior with both public and private dining rooms, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into Texas history.
Moonshine’s reputation rests on two pillars: their legendary Sunday Brunch Buffet and attentive, hospitable staff that treats every guest like family.
What Makes Moonshine the Best Restaurant in Austin
The secret to earning the title of best restaurant in Austin lies in perfecting Southern comfort food classics while maintaining generous portions that never disappoint.
The Chicken Fried Steak features a massive breaded cutlet served with creamy mashed potatoes, representing everything great about Texas comfort food.
At reasonable prices for downtown Austin, diners get huge portions that often require taking half home, delivering exceptional value alongside quality.
The menu showcases Southern staples done right: chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, pork chops, blackened catfish, and jalapeño hanger steak.
Everything gets prepared fresh with attention to flavor profiles that balance richness with brightness.
The Moonshine Grill commitment to consistency means regulars know exactly what to expect every visit, while newcomers discover why this spot has thrived for over 20 years.
Signature Dishes That Define Excellence
The Original Moonshine “Corn Dog” Shrimp combines unexpected flavors with perfect execution.
Four pieces arrive with honey mustard and blueberry swirl dipping sauces that sound odd but pair beautifully.
Reviewers consistently praise this creative appetizer as a must-try that showcases Moonshine’s innovative approach to Southern cuisine.
The Center Cut Pork Chop earns rave reviews for being juicy, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by chutney with a surprising hint of spice.
Fresh dill garnish adds a different flavor profile that elevates the dish beyond standard pork preparations.
Elite Yelp reviewers specifically recommend this entrée, calling it “soooo good” and urging others to order it.
The Best Restaurant in Austin Story
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill opened in 2003 in one of Austin’s oldest buildings, bringing authentic Southern hospitality to downtown’s Red River district.
The historic structure features a Texas historical marker, recognizing its significance to Austin’s architectural heritage.
The owners transformed the space while preserving its character, creating a restaurant that honors both the building’s past and Texas culinary traditions.
Building a Reputation Over Two Decades
Over the years, Moonshine developed a reputation for their bountiful Sunday Brunch Buffet that draws crowds every weekend.
The all-you-can-eat spread features Southern breakfast and lunch favorites, making it a Austin brunch institution.
Regulars plan their weekends around this buffet, while visitors add it to their must-do lists when exploring Austin.
The restaurant expanded its appeal beyond brunch by perfecting dinner service with consistent quality across an extensive menu.
Private dining rooms accommodate groups from intimate gatherings to parties of a dozen, with staff creating special menus for large reservations.
This flexibility makes Moonshine popular for business dinners, celebrations, and special occasions requiring attentive service in a memorable setting.
Why Consistency Matters
With over 6,300 reviews maintaining a 4.5-star average, Moonshine demonstrates rare consistency in the restaurant industry.
Reviewers from years ago and recent visitors report the same high standards, proving the kitchen and service teams maintain excellence daily.
This reliability transforms first-time diners into regulars who return monthly, knowing their favorite dishes will taste exactly as remembered.
The historic building’s character adds atmosphere that modern restaurants can’t replicate.
Walking into Moonshine feels like visiting a Texas farmhouse, with antique decor creating warmth and authenticity.
Festive decorations during holidays enhance the already inviting space, making it perfect for celebrations throughout the year.
Austin’s Favorite Best Restaurant in Austin Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Chicken Fried Steak: This massive Texas classic features a breaded cutlet fried to golden perfection, served with creamy mashed potatoes and country gravy. The breading delivers satisfying crunch while the meat stays tender inside. Well-seasoned throughout, this dish represents Southern comfort food at its finest. The huge portion often requires taking half home, providing excellent value. Some reviewers note the steak can be tough, but most praise the flavor and execution. This remains one of Moonshine’s most photographed and ordered dishes. 🥩
- Chicken and Waffles Plate: Sweet and savory combine perfectly in this Southern brunch staple. Crispy fried chicken sits atop fluffy Belgian waffles, served with syrup and butter. The contrast between crunchy chicken skin and soft waffles creates textural perfection. This dish earns consistent praise from reviewers who return specifically for it. The generous portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Multiple Elite reviewers list this as their go-to order every visit. 🧇
- Shrimp Corn Dogs: The Original Moonshine creation features four pieces with honey mustard and blueberry swirl dipping sauces. The blueberry element surprises first-timers but pairs beautifully with the battered shrimp. This creative appetizer showcases Moonshine’s willingness to innovate within Southern cuisine traditions. Servers warn it’s not as plentiful as other appetizers, but customers order it anyway because the flavor justifies the price. The unique preparation makes this a signature dish found nowhere else. 🍤
- Jalapeño Hanger Steak: Tender, flavorful steak gets elevated with jalapeño seasoning that adds heat without overwhelming. One reviewer called it “so good” and “full of flavor and tender.” The preparation lets quality beef shine while adding Southwestern flair. This dish represents Moonshine’s ability to blend Southern and Tex-Mex influences successfully. The generous portion and expert cooking make this a favorite among steak lovers. 🌶️
- Center Cut Pork Chop: Juicy, perfectly cooked pork arrives with chutney that has a surprising hint of spice. Fresh dill garnish adds a different flavor profile that elevates the entire dish. All ingredients complement each other beautifully, creating a memorable entrée. Elite reviewers specifically recommend this, using multiple exclamation points to emphasize how good it tastes. The preparation showcases why Moonshine excels at Southern classics done with care. 🐖
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes get served with smoked shrimp and pimento, creating a Southern appetizer elevated beyond the standard. The combination adds extra flavor layers that make this starter special. Multiple reviewers call these “super yummy” and praise the creative accompaniments. The dish represents Moonshine’s approach: take familiar Southern foods and make them better through quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. 🍅
Drinks and Desserts
The full bar features a large drink selection including craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Happy hour specials make Moonshine an after-work destination for downtown professionals.
The French 75 gets made well according to reviewers, while Old Fashioneds satisfy whiskey lovers.
Dessert portions arrive huge, with many customers sharing because the servings prove too generous for one person.
The Peanut Butter Mousse Pie delivers rich, intense flavor that benefits from pairing with ice cream.
Apple pie represents classic American dessert done right, while complimentary birthday desserts show Moonshine’s hospitality.
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a historic building in downtown Austin at 303 Red River Street, less than a block from Cap Metro rail.
Valet parking available in back, with convention center parking nearby on Red River and Fifth Street.
The building’s character shines through antique interior design that creates a timeless farmhouse feel.
Multiple dining areas include a main room, private spaces for groups, and a back patio described as “very cute” by reviewers.
The moderate noise level allows conversation without overwhelming quietness.
Casual dress code and family-friendly atmosphere welcome everyone from business groups to families with kids.
The historic significance adds appeal, with a Texas historical marker recognizing the building’s importance to Austin.
Christmas decorations transform the space into a festive wonderland during holidays.
Free popcorn and homemade biscuits with honey butter start meals on a welcoming note that sets the tone for the experience.
Service consistently earns praise, with servers providing detailed menu explanations and even history lessons about the building.
Staff never rushes guests, even when parties accidentally stay past closing time.
Attentive without being intrusive, the service style embodies Southern hospitality that makes every diner feel valued.
Bottom Line
Visit Moonshine Grill for the best restaurant in Austin featuring authentic Southern comfort food in a historic downtown building, legendary Sunday Brunch Buffet that draws crowds weekly, generous portions that provide excellent value, and attentive service that treats every guest like family.
With over 20 years of consistent excellence and 6,300+ five-star reviews, this downtown gem proves why it remains an Austin institution. 🌟
Address: Moonshine Grill
303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
📞 (512) 236-9599
🕔 Mon-Fri: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sun: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM