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Celebrating Austin's Culinary Talents: The 2025 Eater Award Winners
Austin’s vibrant food scene shines once again as we unveil the winners of the 2025 Eater Austin Awards, highlighting the best local establishments that define the city’s gastronomic identity. This year, the awards spotlight restaurants and bars that have left a significant mark, showcasing creativity, community spirit, and authenticity.
Best New Restaurant: Fish Shop
Crowned Best New Restaurant, Fish Shop embodies the essence of delightful dining experiences with its commitment to fresh, quality seafood. Co-owned by Nicole Rossi and chef Justin Huffman, the restaurant stands out for its strong sense of community and family ties. Located at 1401 E. 6th Street, this jewel offers diners a warm atmosphere complemented by an inventive menu.
Notable dishes include the mezcal octopus tostada, which bursts with flavors, alongside the popular wagyu quarter-pounder burger. Every meal is crafted with care and showcases the couple’s dedication to quality, reimagining what seafood dining can look like in a landlocked city like Austin.
Best New Bar: Papercut
A favorite for cocktail enthusiasts, Papercut takes home the award for Best New Bar, located at 908 E. 5th Street. This establishment is a fusion of art and mixology, featuring drinks that mirror local artistic expressions. Each cocktail menu is inspired by featured artists, creating a unique synergy between flavor and visual art.
Popular menu items, like the Liquid Kolache, demonstrate the bar's creative spirit, offering drinks that transcend ordinary expectations with complex flavor profiles and artistic presentation. Papercut has also become a community hotspot thanks to its distinct approach to pairing cocktails with local art.
Best Comeback: Cenote
The award for Best Comeback goes to Cenote, a beloved spot that initially closed due to personal tragedy. The café’s owner, Mary Jenkins, worked tirelessly to honor her late husband while revitalizing her business, and now, Cenote is back, serving delicious coffee and food at its new location on E. 7th Street.
Known for an inviting atmosphere and an innovative menu, Cenote's return comes with a mission to keep the coffee culture alive in Austin, proving that resilience can lead to remarkable comebacks.
Best Piece of Old Austin: Posse East
When it comes to longevity, Posse East, established in 1971, remains a cherished institution in Austin. Located on Duval Street, this bar perfectly captures the culture of the town, providing an unfussy environment where both students and locals gather to enjoy cold beers and sports. Posse East gives patrons a taste of nostalgia while continuing to welcome generations of patrons.
Best Place to be a Regular: Komé
Winning the title of Best Place to be a Regular is Komé, a restaurant that strikes a balance between upscale and casual dining. Open since 2011, this restaurant on Airport Boulevard offers a consistent menu with diverse options that keep customers returning. With attentive service and high-quality dishes like donburi and ramen, Komé stands as a testament to what makes Austin dining special.
Connecting with the Community
The 2025 Eater Awards are not just about accolades; they symbolize the creativity, resilience, and community connection that define Austin's food scene. Each of these winners not only provides exceptional dining experiences but also fosters strong relationships within the local community. They remind us of the importance of supporting local businesses and the stories behind them.
This vibrant community spirit is what keeps the Austin dining scene thriving. From family-run establishments to artistic bars, these places highlight how local culture and entrepreneurship intertwine beautifully.
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