Best of 11 lunch restaurants in South Austin
When it comes to satisfying your midday hunger, look no further than the lunch restaurants in South Austin. This vibrant area is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you're craving mouth-watering barbecue, delicious tacos, or healthy salad bowls, the lunch restaurants in South Austin have got you covered. With so many options to explore, you're sure to find a new favorite spot to grab a bite.
1. Uncle Remus SFC - Central & Madison
Homestyle cooking, family-friendly atmosphere

Uncle Remus SFC - Central & Madison is a well-known restaurant in Chicago, famous for its delicious and high-quality chicken dishes. The chicken breast dinner is a popular choice, and the mild sauce is a customer favorite due to its exceptional flavor. Although the surrounding neighborhood may not be appealing, the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere, reasonable prices, and excellent service make it a popular spot.
The user confesses their preference for Uncle Remus over Harold's Chicken, having been introduced to it by an ex-girlfriend from the west side of Chicago in 2006. They enjoy Uncle Remus' sweeter sauce and the complimentary roll that comes with it. However, the user criticizes the attitude of some of the women taking orders and notes that they have run out of chicken on occasion. Despite their loyalty to Harold's, they believe that Uncle Remus has a slight edge in taste.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Whale Fish & Chicken
Family-owned, offering both seafood and chicken choices.

This establishment is known for its fresh and high-quality food offerings, particularly their fish and chicken dishes. Customers can take advantage of their generous payment policies, which allow for card payments for orders under $20 and cash for orders over that amount. The restaurant also places a strong emphasis on customer service, providing a pleasant dining experience for all patrons.
It is important to note that certain seasonings, such as lemon pepper, are added to dishes by default, so customers should remember to specify if they prefer their meal to be plain. Despite this minor inconvenience, the restaurant's delicious food and commitment to customer satisfaction have earned it high praise from diners. Overall, it is a great spot for anyone seeking a satisfying meal with reliable and friendly service.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. Chop Suey Kitchen
Family-owned and operated since 1968, uses original recipes

The restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, including spicy chicken, orange chicken, and beef. These dishes are perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, making them a must-try for any visitor. The restaurant's staff is also a highlight, providing terrific service that is sure to make you feel welcome and well taken care of.
In addition to the mouth-watering main dishes, the restaurant also serves up excellent shrimp fried rice. Whether you choose to dine in or take it to go, you'll be impressed by the generosity of the servings. The shrimp fried rice is hot and flavorful, and the to-go cartons are filled to the brim, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
4. Sunny's Submarine
Family-owned, offers catering services, homemade bread and sauces

This location is an excellent alternative to mainstream fast-food restaurants, whose apps and systems are often unreliable. In contrast, this place consistently operates smoothly. However, my recent experience was disappointing. I visited around 10 am, hoping to order a turkey sub, but they only offered two different sandwiches.
Additionally, I was overcharged and never received a receipt for my purchase. The lack of choices and poor service were unexpected, especially since this establishment is known for being a "gem" among the other subpar fast-food options. It's worth noting that my experience may not be the norm, but it's still crucial to address these issues to ensure that all customers receive the best service possible.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
5. Chyros Famous Halal Food
Family-owned business with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Upon placing my first order, I was pleased to receive a call from the restaurant as they didn't have my hummus choice. They offered an alternative recommendation, which I appreciated. The entire order was enjoyable, from the flavorful seasoning of the gyro meat to the perfectly seasoned fries and tasty sauce.
Later, I ordered the chicken platter and was impressed by the delicious taste. The chicken, rice, and sauce complemented each other well, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal. The prompt delivery and accurate order added to my positive experience with the service.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
6. Sunny Sub in South Austin
Family-owned, uses fresh ingredients, delicious homemade bread

Sunny Sub is a local favorite in Chicago, known for its charming ambiance and exceptional service. The menu features a variety of options, but the Chicken Sandwich is a standout, perfectly fried and served with fresh lettuce and cheese on a sesame seed bun. The GyroCheeseBurger and Philly cheese steak meal are also popular choices.
Some customers have mentioned that the prices are higher compared to other places in the neighborhood. However, many feel that the food's taste and quality make up for the cost. Overall, Sunny Sub is a great spot for those looking to enjoy delicious food in a welcoming environment. To try the menu, customers can order food delivery or pickup from Grubhub. The restaurant is located at 5140 W Madison St, Chicago, IL, 60644, and has received positive reviews from many satisfied customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
7. 3 KINGS JERK & SOUL in South Austin
Combines Jamaican and Southern American cuisine

3 Kings Jerk & Soul in Chicago is a must-visit restaurant for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious food, including signature dishes like jerk chicken egg rolls and homemade jerk sauce. The staff is friendly, attentive, and committed to providing excellent service, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The menu features a range of options, with the surf and turf loaded potato being a standout dish, featuring succulent salmon and shrimp. The owners' passion for their restaurant is evident in the cleanliness and warmth of the environment. To top it all off, guests can view the menu, check prices, find the restaurant's location, and see photos and ratings online before making a reservation by calling the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Personal Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
8. Original Maxwell Street
Cash-only, legendary status in Chicago

Original Maxwell Street is known for its delicious and high-quality food offerings. The establishment is beloved by customers for its great taste and affordable prices. One popular dish is the polish with onions, peppers, and fries. The service at Original Maxwell Street is also top-notch, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
In addition to the food and service, Original Maxwell Street has made it even easier for customers to enjoy their meals. They now accept credit cards, providing added convenience for those who prefer not to use cash. Whether it's the delicious food, great service, or convenient payment options, Original Maxwell Street has a lot to offer its customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
9. Sun Submarine
Family-owned business since 1978, Chicago-style cuisine.

Sun Subs, located at 321 North Laramie Avenue in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, is not a high-end dining establishment. It's situated in a less-than-elegant part of town, south of Kinzie and Lake. However, it is a popular fast-food emporium that serves up a variety of affordable and delicious comfort or street food that Chicago Cubs fans can't resist. The menu includes the famous Gym Shoe, among other offerings.
With a rating of 3.5 and 36 reviews, Sun Submarine is known for its good food, on-time delivery, and correct orders. While the exterior and location may not be fancy, the food and service speak for themselves. The establishment has managed to satisfy customers with its offerings, making it a go-to spot for those in the area. The positive reviews and high rating are a testament to the quality of the food and the reliability of the service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
10. Panchitos Tacos Truck

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
11. Ruby's Soul Food

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats