Where to Eat and Drink in East Cesar Chavez

This east side neighborhood specializes in healthy and laid-back options

by Rafiq el Arculli Feb 23, 2018, 12:00pm CST

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Dinner at Bufalina

| Nicolai McCrary Photography/Bufalina/Facebook

by Rafiq el Arculli Feb 23, 2018, 12:00pm CST

The East Cesar Chavez neighborhood consists of an eclectic mix of new and old in the ever-changing east side of Austin. Populated with a variety of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, there’s something for everyone in the area.

Start the day with some craft coffee at Flat Track Coffee or sip on a beverage in the company of cats at Blue Cat Café. Enjoy clean, vegetarian and vegan eats at Mr. Natural, Curcuma or Counter Culture. In the mood for something more upscale? Bufalina fires up some of the city’s best Neapolitan pizzas, while Mongers Market + Kitchen focuses on fresh seafood with a southern take. Grab some dessert from Capital City Bakery and wind down the night with drinks at Drinks Lounge.

For the purposes of this map, the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood consists of establishments located on the south side of Cesar Chavez Street, east of I-35. For recommendations just across the street, scope out Eater’s East Side neighborhood guide.

For other neighborhood guides, check out Eater’s picks for South Congress, downtown Austin, Oak Hill, Round Rock, UT’s campus, Westlake, East Side, Mueller, the Domain, Cherrywood, South Lamar, and the comprehensive Austin guide.

Everything below is listed in geographical order, from west to east. If a favorite East Cesar Chavez spot is missing, let Eater know through the tipline or in the comments.

Blue Cat Cafe

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The first cat café to open in Austin, Blue Cat serves a vegan-focused menu along with a variety of coffee and tea beverages. Grab a bite and a drink and enjoy the free Wi-Fi while lounging and playing with friendly cats, the majority of which are available for adoption.

95 Navasota St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 766-5003

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Bufalina Pizza

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Arguably the best Neapolitan style pizzeria in the city, Bufalina sports an open kitchen housing a can’t-miss wood-fired oven. Choose between traditional and more innovative pizzas, like the harissa (roasted cauliflower, dates, pistachio), and an extensive wine list spanning an array of countries.

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1519 E Cesar Chavez St #200, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 524-2523

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Bufalina’s pizza — A variety of pizzas from Bufalina

Flat Track Coffee

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Nestled in a shared space with Cycleast, a bicycle repair shop, Flat Track serves craft coffee and espresso drinks made from beans roasted in-house. Sip on a beverage while catching up on work and enjoy the company of the shop dogs that tend to wander around.

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1619 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 540-6040

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Mission Dogs

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Bacon-wrapped hot dogs with innovative Asian-inspired toppings, like papaya slaw and sesame miso sauce, is the focus at Mission Dogs. Vegetarians and vegans don’t need to fret as the restaurant also offers vegetarian hot dogs and sausages.

1701 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

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Vietdog, garlic fries and vegetarian Vietdog from Mission Dogs

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Mr. Natural

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An Austin haven for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free eats. The expansive Tex-Mex menu ranges across breakfast (chilaquiles, migas), lunch (salads, sandwiches) and dinner (Tex-Mex plates). Don’t forget about the bakery stocked full of muffins, cookies, cakes, and more.

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1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 477-5228

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Drinks Lounge

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Along with cocktails, Drinks Lounge does a lot of things well — the dark, dive environment coupled with an open-air lounge feel makes it a great spot for a low-key after-work drink, or the place to buckle down for the night. There’s also free pool on Tuesdays and DJs spinning on the weekends.

4511, 2001 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 524-0130

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Quickie Pickie

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Part-grocery store, part-coffee and beer joint, Quickie Pickie opened its kitchen and dining space to La Barbecue last summer. Customers can now grab what they need from the retail space while enjoying critically acclaimed barbecue.

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2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 992-1357

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Taqueria Chapala

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In the mood for some authentic, no-frills Mexican food? Let Taqueria Chapala be the fix with its menu of Mexican staples such as enchiladas, migas, tortas, flautas, and more.

2101 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 320-0308

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Curcuma

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Curuma’s focus is on Ayurvedic-inspired food and beverages, which treats food as medicine for the body. Their bowls, toasts, smoothies and drinks (including golden mylk) are all plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free.

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2207 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 956-9550

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Capital City Bakery

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Baked fresh daily and made from scratch, this vegan bakery offers treats such as cupcakes, cakes, and kolaches that are made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Custom orders are also available, and it’s highly encouraged to order ahead of time.

2211 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 666-7437

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An assortment of vegan cupcakes from Capital City Bakery

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Counter Culture

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This popular east side vegan restaurant appeals to both herbivores and omnivores alike with its innovative takes on popular foods like barbecue and Tex-Mex plates. Come for lunch, brunch, or dinner.

2337 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 524-1540

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Jackfruit barbecue quesadilla from Counter Culture

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Mongers Market + Kitchen

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Southern takes on fresh seafood is the name of the game at Mongers Market + Kitchen, where the restaurant is accompanied by a market offering raw and ready-to-take-home items. Try a few items from the raw bar to pair with starters and mains.

2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 215-8972

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