After a night out downtown, finding food becomes a necessity. Fortunately, the most popular nightlife area in Austin has a supply of late-night eateries for all the hungry bellies out there. From brick-and-mortar establishments to food trailers, these spots stay open until at least 2 am and can satisfy your "drunchies."
Casino El Camino
Everyone loves this burger joint. Three-quarters of a pound of juicy Angus beef with your choice of toppings and piles of crispy fries — topped with chili and cheese if you’re feeling it — make Casino El Camino a sure bet for drunk eating. The eclectic atmosphere will keep your attention while you wait for your food.
Open until 2 am, Monday through Sunday
Chinatown
Fried rice, dumplings, and other Chinese dishes are a pleasant change of pace from the typical late-night fare of burgers and pizza. Bonus: Thursday through Saturday are karaoke nights at this Fifth Street restaurant, which means you can serenade the other diners while you wait for you food.
Open until 2 am, Friday and Saturday
Easy Tiger
Traditional beer garden grub like sausages, pretzels, and sandwiches keep hungry drinkers fed. If these offerings don’t float your boat, Easy Tiger's bakery stays open as late as the kitchen.
Open until 2 am, Monday through Sunday
Frank
Did someone say queso fries? Yes. Frank has 'em, and they're everything you want them to be: crunchy, salty fries smothered in delightfully thick queso. You will also find gourmet hot dogs and other hearty eats at the corner of Colorado and Fourth streets.
Open until 2 am, Friday and Saturday
Gino's East
What could be more satisfying than pizza when you're drunk? Deep dish pizza. Get it at this famous pizzeria on Dirty Sixth.
Open until 2 am, Thursday through Saturday
Irene's
Irene's is worth the trek down to West Avenue (in between Fifth and Sixth streets). The toast — whether you like it sweet or savory — and comfort options like shells and cheese are even better if you're a little tipsy.
Open until 2 am, Monday through Sunday
The Best Wurst
Sausage and onions in a bun have been nourishing Germans for centuries. The Best Wurst, found in stands up and down Dirty Sixth, has been keeping downtown revelers fed for 20 years.
Open until 3 am, Wednesday through Sunday
Gourdough's Public House
Loss of inhibition is a side effect of drinking alcohol, and that kind impaired judgment is exactly what you need when going to Gourdough's Public House on West Fifth Street. Whether you go sweet or savory, you’ll certainly go home full.
Open until 3 am, Thursday through Saturday
The Halal Bros
The Halal Bros food truck is on Seventh Street, between Trinity and Neches, dishing out rice bowls and gyros.
Open until 3 am, Thursday through Saturday
Llama's Peruvian Creole
Within the same cluster of food trucks at Seventh and Trinity streets sits Llama’s Peruvian Creole. Here you'll find beef tenderloin sandwiches, stir fry, and even ceviche.
Open until 3:15 am, Wednesday through Saturday (extended for SXSW)
Mama V's Quezzadillaville
Mexican food is arguably one of the best drunk foods, and Mama V's serves tacos, quesadillas, and nachos to partygoers on Seventh and Trinity streets.
Open until 3 am, Tuesday through Saturday
Neapolitan Express
Neapolitan Express' ingredients are non-GMO and organic, enhancing the authentic flavor of the made-to-order pies. Even cooler, their trucks run on renewable energy, so it's kind of like you're making a difference while eating late. Find the two trucks at the intersections of Third Street and Congress Avenue, and Fifth and Colorado streets.
Open until 3 am, Thursday through Saturday
The Onion
The Onion's slogan is "the best pizza you'll never remember eating," which pretty much says it all. The tasty, thin-crust slices can be found between Fourth and Fifth streets on Brazos.
Open until 3 am, Tuesday through Saturday
P. Terry's
One of Austin's iconic burger stands recently landed at the intersection of Sixth Street and Congress Avenue, making 100 percent natural burgers and fries available to those wandering about Sixth Street.
Open until 3 am, Thursday through Saturday
24 Diner
Although it's farther from the rest, 24 Diner is the way to go if everything else is closed, because, as the name implies, it's open 24 hours a day. Choose between breakfast dishes like chicken and waffles, hash, and frittatas or standard menu items like a grilled cheese sandwich and meatloaf.
Gino's East does deep dish right.
