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18 Amazing Post-Running-Trail Restaurants in Austin

Replenish those burnt calories with tacos, brisket, coffee, or a cocktail

by Johanna Gretschel Feb 4, 2019, 3:02pm CST

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True Food Kitchen’s burger on lettuce and sweet potatoes

| True Food Kitchen/Facebook

by Johanna Gretschel Feb 4, 2019, 3:02pm CST

It’s no secret that Austinites adore outdoor activity just as much as brisket and tacos. The only thing that’s tougher than deciding which trailhead to check out is figuring out where to go eat afterwards. Replenishing is important, after all, after expending calories.

Below is Eater’s definitive guide to the best restaurants, cafes, and bars near the city’s running trails to refuel the Austin way, from coffee shops like Fleet Coffee, tacos from Tacodeli, restaurants like True Food Kitchen, barbecue from Salt Lick Barbecue, and even a couple of bars like Pool Burger (you’ve earned some booze).

For similar needs, Eater gathered the best places to work out and drink at the same time, as well as healthy restaurants, salads, juices, barbecue, and poke.

If your favorite post-run restaurant, bar, or cafe is missing from the list, let Eater know through the tipline or leave a comment below.

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Salt Lick

Plan a trail-running adventure at Old Settlers Park to coincide with a Round Rock Express baseball game at Dell Diamond to maximize the trip. Close out the day at Salt Lick’s other location, which is located right next to the stadium. Don’t leave without trying the brisket, and top sides include potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
Closest trail: Old Settlers Park (3300 East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock)

Open in Google Maps

Round Rock, TX 78665

Visit Website

Salt Lick’s chopped brisket sandwich

Antojitos El Progreso

Honduran food truck Antojitos El Progreso is a hidden gem by the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park just north of downtown Austin. Start your day with a hike or run in the 293-acre paradise, then refuel with a tasty baleada — an oversized, handmade flour tortilla filled with refried beans, scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and sour cream. Add grilled beef for extra protein, and don’t forget to order a side of sweet fried plantains.
Closest trail: Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park (12138 North Lamar Boulevard, North Austin)

Open in Google Maps

12030 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Carne asada con tajadas from Antojitos El Progreso

Dry Creek Cafe

Arrange a hike at the gorgeous, 200-acre Bright Leaf Nature Preserve through Friends of Bright Leaf, then stop by the dive bar bar to relax. Dry Creek Cafe is cash-only and open from 4 to 9 p.m. daily.
Closest trail: Bright Leaf Nature Preserve (4200 Old Bull Creek Road, Waterford Place)

4812 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731

Visit Website

Dry Creek Cafe

Torchy's Tacos

There’s no itch that tacos can’t scratch, no matter what workout you choose at Bartholomew Park — disc golf park, swimming pool, baseball fields, and good old-fashioned running paths. Torchy’s dishes on the healthier side include the Tipsy Chick, a chicken taco with spinach and grilled corn; the fried avocado taco, with pico de gallo and poblano sauce; and Mr. Pink, a seared ahi tuna taco.
Closest trail: Bartholomew District Park (5201 Berkman Drive, Mueller)

1801 E 51st St Bldg D, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Tacos from Torchy’s

Also featured in:

Halcyon

Another superb post-Mueller Lake Park jog spot is Halcyon, where — depending on the time of day — you can tuck into your choice of coffee, drinks, cocktails, or even coffee-inspired cocktails. There’s also daily breakfast and lunch options, with brunch specials on the weekend. You can also skip the real food altogether and indulge in shareable s’mores.
Closest trails: Mueller Lake Park (4550 Mueller Boulevard, Mueller)

1905 Aldrich St Suite 110, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Eggs from Halcyon

Also featured in:

Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Park by lakeside coffee shop Mozart’s and go for a jog along Scenic Drive through the gorgeous Tarrytown neighborhood up to Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in the entire city of Austin. A word of encouragement: the run back down is much easier. Relax with a coffee in hand on Mozart’s iconic patio overlooking the Colorado River. Iced coffee refills are free, so it’s worth hanging for awhile or bringing a laptop to work the rest of the day.
Closest trail: Scenic Drive to Mount Bonnell (3800 Mount Bonnell Road, Tarrytown)

Open in Google Maps

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @paytonkellermusic on Nov 29, 2018 at 12:21pm PST

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

The best excuse to check out Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches is to make a quick trek to Mueller to jog the Mueller Lake Park and end by the Southwest Greenway. Then hit up the kolache and beer shop, which offers everything you really crave after a tough workout: an eclectic and robust craft beer selection, a full coffee and espresso bar, plus sweet and savory kolaches. The meat-filled kolaches are filled with sausage and brisket from Micklethwait Craft Meats — one of the best barbecue places in the entire city.
Closest trail: Mueller Lake Park (4550 Mueller Boulevard, Mueller)

Open in Google Maps

3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Batch’s kolaches

Also featured in:

Pool Burger

Cool off from a run around the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail by taking a dip in Deep Eddy Pool and refueling at Pool Burger, a super-hip Airstream trailer serving beef and veggie burgers, soft-serve ice cream, and tiki-inspired cocktails.
Closest trails: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at the Mopac Rock (2102 Stephen F. Austin Drive, Clarksville)

Open in Google Maps

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

A burger in a paper wrap and fries in a tray on a blue picnic table. — Double burger from Pool Burger

Also featured in:

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon

The nicely shaded Shoal Creek Trail often gets overlooked. Refuel afterward down the street at Fresa’s take-out window; the drive-thru and walk-up spot offers several Mexican-inspired healthy options that settle well after a workout, including whole chicken meals, tacos, and good bowls and salads.
Closest trail: Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail at Pease District Park (1100 Kingsbury Street, Downtown)

Open in Google Maps

915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

Tacos from Fresa’s

Also featured in:

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

Located just a few blocks off both the Shoal Creek Trail and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail, Better Half boasts coffee, cocktail, and food menus for all needs. Healthy yet tasty items like the greens and grains bowl, Gulf redfish torta, and salads all stand out.

Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Shoal Creek Trail (2100 Stephen F. Austin Drive, Clarksville)

Open in Google Maps

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

A sandwich on a light plate on a table. — A sandwich from Better Half

Also featured in:

True Food Kitchen

Grab a friend to run a long loop around the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail, finish up at the Shoal Creek Trail towards the Seaholm District, and, after a quick stretch break, refuel with a healthy yet completely satisfying meal at True Food Kitchen. The “eco-chic” chain serves a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options, though there are also fish and meat dishes for protein-lovers. Try one of the signature bowls — ancient grains with chicken is amazing — and a cocktail made with fruits and vegetables for a healthy indulgence.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Shoal Creek Trail (Shoal Creek Trail and Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Seaholm District)

Open in Google Maps

222 West Avenue Suite HR100, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by True Food Kitchen (@true_food_kitchen) on Sep 27, 2018 at 4:45pm PDT

Also featured in:

Merit Coffee

The Seaholm District is a great starting point for a jog along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail. After getting in a few, cross over the pedestrian bridge to Merit Coffee for a variety of coffee options, Tacodeli tacos, and homemade pop tarts.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at the Pedestrian Bridge (Sandra Muraida Way and Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Seaholm District)

Open in Google Maps

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Merit Coffee

Also featured in:

Fleet Coffee

Refuel from a jog through the Boggy Creek Greenbelt in East Austin with a stop at Fleet Coffee on Webberville Road. The tiny space is intimate and welcoming, with a strong range of coffee options, Veracruz All Natural breakfast tacos and a variety of baked goods from Sour Duck Market.
Closest trail: Boggy Creek Greenbelt (1114 Nile Street, East Austin)

Open in Google Maps

2427 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fleet Coffee (@fleetcoffeeco) on Aug 26, 2018 at 12:35pm PDT

Also featured in:

Where to Find Coffee for Takeout and Delivery in Austin Right Now

JuiceLand

While there are a lot of West Austin post-workout food and drink options, you can’t go wrong with JuiceLand, which happens to be right by Zilker Park. The shop offers juices and smoothies to suit any palate. Need more nourishment? Smoothies can be turned into acai bowls topped with granola, or nab one of the prepared food options.
Closest trails: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Violet Crown Trailhead (William Barton Drive and Columbus Drive, Zilker Park)

1625 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

JuiceLand

Also featured in:

Alta's Cafe

Alta’s Cafe overlooks Lady Bird Lake and often features one of the best sunset views in the entire city. Stop by for a variety of coffee, smoothies, and grab-and-go food options, or stay and enjoy the view with a fancy toast.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Waller Creek (74 Trinity Street, Downtown)

Open in Google Maps

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Pastries and mimosas at Alta’s

Tacodeli

The new-school taco chain’s original location at the Spyglass trailhead features daily specials. Anything tastes good after putting some miles in on the Greenbelt, but the Tacodeli egg, bean, and cheese taco is truly iconic.
Closest trail: Barton Creek Greenbelt (Barton Skyway and Spyglass Drive, Barton Hills)

1500 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Visit Website

Tacodeli’s breakfast tacos

Also featured in:

Pinthouse Pizza

What else do you need after a solid Barton Creek Greenbelt run/hike than beer and pizza? Luckily, Austin brewpub Pinthouse Pizza has a location on South Lamar fairly close to the Greenbelt with tasty, eclectic beers and pies. Try the Nomura Imperial Jellyfish, a citrusy double-IPA, and the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi specialty pizza for something different.
Closest trails: Barton Creek Greenbelt at Gus Fruh access point (2642 Barton Hills Drive, Barton Hills)

7905, 4236 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Pinthouse’s pizzas and beer

Also featured in:

Cow Tipping Creamery

The entrance to the Gaines/Twin Falls Access point on the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a little bit tricky but totally worth it. After the run, cool off across the way with very indulgent sweets from Cow Tipping Creamery.
Closest trails: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Gaines Greenbelt (3918 MoPac South, Sunset Valley)

4715 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745

Visit Website

An ice cream stacker from Cow Tipping Creamery

Also featured in:

14 Excellent Frosty Milkshakes in Austin

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Salt Lick

Round Rock, TX 78665

Plan a trail-running adventure at Old Settlers Park to coincide with a Round Rock Express baseball game at Dell Diamond to maximize the trip. Close out the day at Salt Lick’s other location, which is located right next to the stadium. Don’t leave without trying the brisket, and top sides include potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
Closest trail: Old Settlers Park (3300 East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock)

Open in Google Maps

Round Rock, TX 78665

Visit Website

Salt Lick’s chopped brisket sandwich

Antojitos El Progreso

12030 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Honduran food truck Antojitos El Progreso is a hidden gem by the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park just north of downtown Austin. Start your day with a hike or run in the 293-acre paradise, then refuel with a tasty baleada — an oversized, handmade flour tortilla filled with refried beans, scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and sour cream. Add grilled beef for extra protein, and don’t forget to order a side of sweet fried plantains.
Closest trail: Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park (12138 North Lamar Boulevard, North Austin)

Open in Google Maps

12030 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Carne asada con tajadas from Antojitos El Progreso

Dry Creek Cafe

4812 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731

Arrange a hike at the gorgeous, 200-acre Bright Leaf Nature Preserve through Friends of Bright Leaf, then stop by the dive bar bar to relax. Dry Creek Cafe is cash-only and open from 4 to 9 p.m. daily.
Closest trail: Bright Leaf Nature Preserve (4200 Old Bull Creek Road, Waterford Place)

4812 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731

Visit Website

Dry Creek Cafe

Torchy's Tacos

1801 E 51st St Bldg D, Austin, TX 78723

There’s no itch that tacos can’t scratch, no matter what workout you choose at Bartholomew Park — disc golf park, swimming pool, baseball fields, and good old-fashioned running paths. Torchy’s dishes on the healthier side include the Tipsy Chick, a chicken taco with spinach and grilled corn; the fried avocado taco, with pico de gallo and poblano sauce; and Mr. Pink, a seared ahi tuna taco.
Closest trail: Bartholomew District Park (5201 Berkman Drive, Mueller)

1801 E 51st St Bldg D, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Tacos from Torchy’s

Halcyon

1905 Aldrich St Suite 110, Austin, TX 78723

Another superb post-Mueller Lake Park jog spot is Halcyon, where — depending on the time of day — you can tuck into your choice of coffee, drinks, cocktails, or even coffee-inspired cocktails. There’s also daily breakfast and lunch options, with brunch specials on the weekend. You can also skip the real food altogether and indulge in shareable s’mores.
Closest trails: Mueller Lake Park (4550 Mueller Boulevard, Mueller)

1905 Aldrich St Suite 110, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Eggs from Halcyon

Mozart's Coffee Roasters

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Park by lakeside coffee shop Mozart’s and go for a jog along Scenic Drive through the gorgeous Tarrytown neighborhood up to Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in the entire city of Austin. A word of encouragement: the run back down is much easier. Relax with a coffee in hand on Mozart’s iconic patio overlooking the Colorado River. Iced coffee refills are free, so it’s worth hanging for awhile or bringing a laptop to work the rest of the day.
Closest trail: Scenic Drive to Mount Bonnell (3800 Mount Bonnell Road, Tarrytown)

Open in Google Maps

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @paytonkellermusic on Nov 29, 2018 at 12:21pm PST

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

The best excuse to check out Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches is to make a quick trek to Mueller to jog the Mueller Lake Park and end by the Southwest Greenway. Then hit up the kolache and beer shop, which offers everything you really crave after a tough workout: an eclectic and robust craft beer selection, a full coffee and espresso bar, plus sweet and savory kolaches. The meat-filled kolaches are filled with sausage and brisket from Micklethwait Craft Meats — one of the best barbecue places in the entire city.
Closest trail: Mueller Lake Park (4550 Mueller Boulevard, Mueller)

Open in Google Maps

3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Visit Website

Batch’s kolaches

Pool Burger

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Cool off from a run around the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail by taking a dip in Deep Eddy Pool and refueling at Pool Burger, a super-hip Airstream trailer serving beef and veggie burgers, soft-serve ice cream, and tiki-inspired cocktails.
Closest trails: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at the Mopac Rock (2102 Stephen F. Austin Drive, Clarksville)

Open in Google Maps

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

A burger in a paper wrap and fries in a tray on a blue picnic table. — Double burger from Pool Burger

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon

915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

The nicely shaded Shoal Creek Trail often gets overlooked. Refuel afterward down the street at Fresa’s take-out window; the drive-thru and walk-up spot offers several Mexican-inspired healthy options that settle well after a workout, including whole chicken meals, tacos, and good bowls and salads.
Closest trail: Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail at Pease District Park (1100 Kingsbury Street, Downtown)

Open in Google Maps

915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

Tacos from Fresa’s

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Located just a few blocks off both the Shoal Creek Trail and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail, Better Half boasts coffee, cocktail, and food menus for all needs. Healthy yet tasty items like the greens and grains bowl, Gulf redfish torta, and salads all stand out.

Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Shoal Creek Trail (2100 Stephen F. Austin Drive, Clarksville)

Open in Google Maps

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Visit Website

A sandwich on a light plate on a table. — A sandwich from Better Half

True Food Kitchen

222 West Avenue Suite HR100, Austin, TX 78701

Grab a friend to run a long loop around the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail, finish up at the Shoal Creek Trail towards the Seaholm District, and, after a quick stretch break, refuel with a healthy yet completely satisfying meal at True Food Kitchen. The “eco-chic” chain serves a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options, though there are also fish and meat dishes for protein-lovers. Try one of the signature bowls — ancient grains with chicken is amazing — and a cocktail made with fruits and vegetables for a healthy indulgence.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Shoal Creek Trail (Shoal Creek Trail and Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Seaholm District)

Open in Google Maps

222 West Avenue Suite HR100, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by True Food Kitchen (@true_food_kitchen) on Sep 27, 2018 at 4:45pm PDT

Merit Coffee

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701

The Seaholm District is a great starting point for a jog along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail. After getting in a few, cross over the pedestrian bridge to Merit Coffee for a variety of coffee options, Tacodeli tacos, and homemade pop tarts.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at the Pedestrian Bridge (Sandra Muraida Way and Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Seaholm District)

Open in Google Maps

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Merit Coffee

Fleet Coffee

2427 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

Refuel from a jog through the Boggy Creek Greenbelt in East Austin with a stop at Fleet Coffee on Webberville Road. The tiny space is intimate and welcoming, with a strong range of coffee options, Veracruz All Natural breakfast tacos and a variety of baked goods from Sour Duck Market.
Closest trail: Boggy Creek Greenbelt (1114 Nile Street, East Austin)

Open in Google Maps

2427 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fleet Coffee (@fleetcoffeeco) on Aug 26, 2018 at 12:35pm PDT

JuiceLand

1625 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

While there are a lot of West Austin post-workout food and drink options, you can’t go wrong with JuiceLand, which happens to be right by Zilker Park. The shop offers juices and smoothies to suit any palate. Need more nourishment? Smoothies can be turned into acai bowls topped with granola, or nab one of the prepared food options.
Closest trails: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Violet Crown Trailhead (William Barton Drive and Columbus Drive, Zilker Park)

1625 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

JuiceLand

Alta's Cafe

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Alta’s Cafe overlooks Lady Bird Lake and often features one of the best sunset views in the entire city. Stop by for a variety of coffee, smoothies, and grab-and-go food options, or stay and enjoy the view with a fancy toast.
Closest trail: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail at Waller Creek (74 Trinity Street, Downtown)

Open in Google Maps

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Pastries and mimosas at Alta’s

Related Maps

Tacodeli

1500 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746

The new-school taco chain’s original location at the Spyglass trailhead features daily specials. Anything tastes good after putting some miles in on the Greenbelt, but the Tacodeli egg, bean, and cheese taco is truly iconic.
Closest trail: Barton Creek Greenbelt (Barton Skyway and Spyglass Drive, Barton Hills)

1500 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Visit Website

Tacodeli’s breakfast tacos

Pinthouse Pizza

7905, 4236 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

What else do you need after a solid Barton Creek Greenbelt run/hike than beer and pizza? Luckily, Austin brewpub Pinthouse Pizza has a location on South Lamar fairly close to the Greenbelt with tasty, eclectic beers and pies. Try the Nomura Imperial Jellyfish, a citrusy double-IPA, and the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi specialty pizza for something different.
Closest trails: Barton Creek Greenbelt at Gus Fruh access point (2642 Barton Hills Drive, Barton Hills)

7905, 4236 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Pinthouse’s pizzas and beer

Cow Tipping Creamery

4715 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745

The entrance to the Gaines/Twin Falls Access point on the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a little bit tricky but totally worth it. After the run, cool off across the way with very indulgent sweets from Cow Tipping Creamery.
Closest trails: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Gaines Greenbelt (3918 MoPac South, Sunset Valley)

4715 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745

Visit Website

An ice cream stacker from Cow Tipping Creamery

Related Maps