Going out to eat in Austin can be daunting. Everything seems to be more expensive than ever and you likely have to pay for parking on top of your meal.
City Cast Austin caught up with Brian Montoya of TwentyTab on Instagram to find out where Austinites can find a decent meal for $20 or less.
Montoya absolutely delivered and we’ve got all his recommendations for you:
Where To Take a Date
For a first date, you may not want to spend your whole paycheck. You just met this person!
“I like going for something that's a little bit more approachable on a first date,” Montoya explained.
He recommends bringing your potential love connection to La Perla Bar on East Sixth Street. The bar’s "ArModelo" drink, which is a Modelo with lime juice and Tabasco, is $3.75, Montoya said. After you grab a beer, which Montoya says is perfect for kissing because it leaves the lips a little numb, take your date to The Liberty, which is another great dive bar.
Where To Take Visitors
Austinites always have someone visiting. Impress your friends and family with the happy hour at Bill’s Oyster downtown. The restaurant’s happy hour runs 3-5:30 p.m. every day and includes $10 burgers, $12 tuna tartare, and half-off wine bottles.
Montoya recommends getting the happy hour martinis, which are $10, for a complete meal.
“You get a really nice burger and a really nice drink for $20 total per person,” Montoya said.
Where To Go on a Work Trip
Perhaps you’ve clicked on this story while you’re in town for work. If that’s the case, and your boss is only giving you $20 to eat, Montoya recommends trying Maie Day on South Congress Avenue before it closes later this month.
The restaurant has a great happy hour that runs Tuesdays through Saturdays 5-6:30 p.m. You can get a burger and fries for $12 and pair it with a half-off cocktail, glass of wine, or beer.
“I went and got the double cheeseburger with fries and three beers for $20,” Montoya said.
