A LOCAL'S GUIDE

Where to Eat Near Zilker Park: Top Picks for a Spring Day in Austin

Bites and brews that pair perfectly with your Zilker Park adventure.

Zilker Park is where Austin comes alive in the spring — frisbees fly, music floats in the air, and the sun feels just right. Whether you’re headed in for a paddleboarding session or winding down after a lazy day in the grass, here are the best restaurants nearby to keep the good vibes going.

Tigers Den

Located just a few minutes from Zilker Park, Tigers Den is the perfect stop to refuel after a day in the sun. With a menu full of bold Asian street food—spicy fried rice, savory wings, umami-packed noodles—Tigers Den hits all the right notes when you're hungry and craving something different. The patio is casual and inviting, ideal for cooling off with a cold beer or cocktail while you dig into something delicious. Whether you’re headed home or looking to keep the day going, Tigers Den is a flavorful, no-fuss option with serious post-park appeal.

Colorful bowl of fried rice with green onions, snow peas, carrots, peas, and slices of Chinese sausage, served in a black bowl on a stone-textured surface at Tigers Den.

Refuel after Zilker with bold bites and ice-cold cocktails just down the road.

Barbecue tray with sliced brisket, sausage, mac and cheese, potato salad, pickles, onions, and white bread on a red tray with butcher paper, served at Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin.

Post-park barbecue bliss just around the corner from Zilker.

Terry Black's Barbecue

Nothing says Austin like post-park barbecue, and Terry Black’s has it down to an art. Located just a stone’s throw from Zilker, this spot serves up legendary brisket, ribs, and all the fixings in a laid-back setting with picnic tables and skyline views. The smoker’s going strong all day, and the portions don’t mess around. Whether you’re rolling in with friends or family, it’s a tried-and-true place to satisfy your appetite after a full day at Barton Springs or a stroll through Zilker.

Sandy's Hamburgers

For a true Austin classic near Zilker, head to Sandy’s Hamburgers. This old-school burger stand has been serving juicy burgers, golden crinkle-cut fries, and their famous frozen custard since the 1940s. It’s a quick, affordable stop just steps from Barton Springs, perfect for capping off a sunny day at the park. There’s no pretense here — just retro charm and the kind of custard that melts perfectly in the heat. Whether you’re in sandals and a swimsuit or just craving something nostalgic, Sandy’s always hits the spot.

Three stacked cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mustard on a paper wrapper, with a soft focus green background, served outdoors at Sandy’s Hamburgers in Austin.

Old-school eats and creamy custard just steps from the springs.