The Absolute Best Mac and Cheese in Austin [Updated 2025]

With my extensive palate, I’ve sampled and scrutinized a dozen different mac and cheese offerings around the city. From classic comfort food joints to innovative culinary spots, I’ve delved into what makes each dish special.

Join me on this delicious journey as I share my favorites, showcasing the creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and unique twists that Austin has to offer.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of this beloved dish or new to the mac and cheese scene, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant foodie city. Let’s dig in and discover your next mac and cheese obsession!

Hyde Park Bar & Grill

Highlights
Strong happy hour drinks
Family-friendly atmosphere
Local artwork enhances vibe
Big portion sizes for price
Attentive and friendly service

When I wandered into Hyde Park Bar & Grill, the atmosphere was instantly welcoming—a delightful blend of local artwork and a family-friendly vibe. It felt like a cozy yet lively spot, perfect for a fun meal or gathering. I was particularly eager to dive into their renowned mac and cheese, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The generous portion sizes matched the price, and I found myself grinning at the mountain of creamy goodness before me. The first forkful was a comforting hug: rich, cheesy, and expertly blended with just a hint of spice to keep things interesting. It’s a classic preparation that embraces tradition while still allowing for a hint of fun.

As I sipped on their strong happy hour drinks, the attentive and friendly service made my experience all the more enjoyable. I couldn’t help but notice how this place suits everyone—from families to friends gathering for a night out. If you’re searching for an indulgent mac and cheese that brings a bit of Austin charm, then Hyde Park Bar & Grill is definitely worth a visit!

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Hoover's Cooking

Highlights
Huge portions, reasonable prices
Wonderful service throughout
Delicious fried chicken etouffee
Must-try pies: chocolate, peach
Kid-friendly menu options

Hoover's Cooking is a delightful gem that quite frankly, has made my mac and cheese quest an absolute pleasure. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by an inviting atmosphere and wonderful service—the staff was genuinely eager to help and make my meal memorable.

Now, let’s talk about that mac and cheese! Served in huge portions, it’s the kind of dish that invites you to dig in with reckless abandon. The creamy blend of cheeses hugged the pasta with a richness that was both indulgent and satisfying. I found it to be a comforting classic, perfect for the soul—because who doesn’t love a good, gooey mac?

While I was there, I couldn’t resist sampling the fried chicken etouffee, which had a delightful kick, and of course, I had to save room for dessert. The must-try pies, especially the chocolate and peach, were a sweet finish to an already fantastic meal. With a kid-friendly menu, it’s easy to recommend Hoover’s for family outings. If you’re on a quest for exceptional mac and cheese in Austin, this place deserves a top spot on your list!

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Newk's Eatery

Highlights
Friendly and helpful service
Fantastic sandwiches and soups
Kid-friendly menu options
Soft and crunchy bread
Great atmosphere

When I wandered into Newk's Eatery in Austin, I was immediately greeted by the warm atmosphere and friendly staff who were more than eager to help me find the perfect comfort dish. I didn’t just come for any mac and cheese; I came for the mac and cheese experience. This establishment dazzles not only with its delicious cheeses but also with a menu that boasts fantastic sandwiches and soups, ideal for pairing.

The star of my meal was undoubtedly the mac and cheese, which offered a delightful balance of creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Each forkful was a hug in a bowl, striking the right chord between soft indulgence and a slight crunch from the top. Newk’s also features a kid-friendly menu for those little ones, ensuring that everyone can join in on the cheesy fun. The soft yet crunchy bread that accompanied my meal was a pleasant bonus, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Newk's Eatery proves that it's more than worth a visit if you're on the hunt for delectable mac and cheese in Austin. You've gotta try it for yourself—your taste buds will thank you!

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Stella San Jac

Highlights
Exceptional customer service
Mouthwatering dishes
Inviting atmosphere
Fantastic brunch options
Delicious coffee

Nestled in the heart of Austin, Stella San Jac is a delightful spot that goes beyond the ordinary with their take on mac and cheese. From the moment I walked in, the inviting atmosphere embraced me like a warm blanket on a chilly day. The exceptional customer service added to the charm, making me feel like a valued guest rather than just another diner.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the mac and cheese! With its rich, creamy texture and a blend of cheeses that make your taste buds sing, each bite was an explosion of flavor. The dish was perfectly baked, topped with a crispy layer that provided an exciting contrast to the gooey goodness underneath. It's comfort food redefined.

But the magic didn’t stop there. I also had the pleasure of enjoying their delicious coffee, a perfect accompaniment to the meal. And if you’re looking for a spot for brunch, the extensive menu offers mouthwatering options that complement their signature mac and cheese.

Overall, Stella San Jac is more than worthy of a visit for mac and cheese enthusiasts. You won’t just taste a dish; you’ll savor an experience!

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Wink

Highlights
Amazing vegan options
Impeccable service
Beautiful and delicious food
Knowledgeable staff
Great wine pairings

During my latest culinary adventure in Austin’s vibrant food scene, I made my way to Wink, and let me tell you, it was truly a delightful experience. As someone who appreciates a well-crafted mac and cheese, I was thrilled to discover their menu features amazing vegan options that didn’t skimp on flavor. The creamy texture of their vegan mac was unexpected and left me craving more.

But it wasn't just the dish itself that made my visit memorable. The impeccable service swept me off my feet; the staff was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely enthusiastic about their offerings. They recommended the perfect wine pairing, making my meal feel like a sophisticated affair.

Visually, the mac and cheese was beautiful, plated with a flair that was almost too pretty to eat—almost! The combination of flavors had me considering a second serving, but alas, I wanted to save room to explore more of their delightful menu. Overall, Wink isn’t just another mac and cheese spot; it’s a little slice of heaven that embraces all diners—meat lovers and vegans alike. Don't miss this hidden gem!

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Lamberts

Highlights
Amazing food
Friendly and attentive staff
Vibrant atmosphere
Historic downtown location
Great for special occasions

Lamberts in Austin is nothing short of a culinary gem, and their mac and cheese is a shining star in their menu. Upon entering, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the historic downtown location—it perfectly sets the stage for a remarkable dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff added a cherry on top, attending to my every need with delightful smiles.

Now, let’s talk about the main event: the mac and cheese. It’s a comforting bowl of cheesy indulgence that strikes the right balance between creamy and rich. Each bite was a delightful embrace of flavors, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The blend of cheeses was expertly crafted, giving it that perfect oooey-gooey texture that every mac and cheese lover dreams of.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a hearty meal, Lamberts is the place to go. If you're hunting for amazing food in Austin, don’t miss out on this mac and cheese masterpiece! Trust me; you’ll be dreaming about it long after your visit.

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Colleen's Kitchen

Highlights
Cozy and inviting atmosphere
Excellent service and friendly staff
Diverse seating options
Delicious and well-prepared food
Great for brunch gatherings

Colleen's Kitchen: A Cozy Mac and Cheese Marvel

During my latest culinary adventure, I found myself at Colleen's Kitchen, a spot that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and charm of Austin. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place for everything from brunch gatherings to intimate dinners. The friendly staff added to the ambiance, offering stellar service that had me feeling right at home.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: their mac and cheese. This dish is a testament to comfort food at its finest. The pasta was cooked to perfection, enveloped in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce. Each bite was rich and flavorful, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds). What I particularly appreciated was the care that went into its preparation—the balance of flavors was spot on, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the dish without overpowering it.

Overall, my visit to Colleen's Kitchen was a delightful culinary experience. If you're looking for mac and cheese that warms the soul, this spot deserves a prominent place on your must-visit list in Austin!

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Swift's Attic

Highlights
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Diverse and unique menu options
Modern speakeasy atmosphere
Great recommendations offered
Excellent drink selection

Swift's Attic is a delightful spot that embodies culinary creativity and a playful spirit. Upon entering, I was immediately charmed by the modern speakeasy atmosphere—the eclectic decor and dim lighting set the stage for what was to be an enchanting dining experience. The friendly and knowledgeable staff welcomed me warmly, eager to share their recommendations, which made me feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: their mac and cheese. This dish is a, dare I say, masterpiece. The cheese was perfectly melted, enveloping the pasta in a luscious embrace, while an unexpected hint of truffle oil elevated it to divine heights. Swift’s Attic manages to strike a perfect balance between comfort food and elegant dining. Each bite was a delightful revelation, showcasing their ability to turn something simple into a culinary adventure.

Not to be overlooked, the extensive drink selection paired beautifully with my meal, encouraging me to indulge further. Overall, Swift's Attic offers a fantastic mac and cheese experience that's worthy of the spotlight—deliciously unforgettable and just waiting to be discovered!

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Happy Chicks

At Happy Chicks, the mac and cheese is a creamy masterpiece that dances on your taste buds! The cheddar blend is rich and velvety, making each bite a warm embrace of comfort. I particularly loved how they topped it with crispy breadcrumbs that added a delightful crunch! The playfulness of flavors, complemented by a hint of spice, elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or indulging in a treat, Happy Chicks serves up mac and cheese that is sure to leave you smiling. A must-try in Austin’s culinary scene!

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Fixe Southern House

At Fixe Southern House, the mac and cheese was a creamy revelation that danced on my taste buds. Their blend of three artisanal cheeses creates a velvety texture, perfectly complemented by a hint of truffle oil. The house-made breadcrumbs added a delightful crunch, elevating each bite to new heights. Pairing this dish with their Southern charm and ambiance made for a truly memorable meal. If comfort food had a love affair with sophistication, it would be served right here. For anyone searching for the best mac and cheese in Austin, Fixe is definitely a place to indulge!

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24 Diner

At 24 Diner, I discovered a delightful spin on the classic mac and cheese that left me craving more. Their creamy, four-cheese blend envelops every noodle in a warm embrace, while a crisp, golden-brown topping adds just the right amount of texture. The addition of crispy bacon bits is a tantalizing surprise, elevating this dish to new savory heights. Paired with their nostalgic diner vibe, it’s an indulgence that feels both comforting and decadent. If you’re seeking a mac and cheese experience that’s both classic and inventive, look no further than 24 Diner—where every bite is pure joy!

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Eureka!

At Eureka!, the mac and cheese is nothing short of a decadent delight! The fontina and cheddar blend creates a creamy base that clings lovingly to every noodle. I was pleasantly surprised by the crispy parmesan crust that adds a satisfying crunch, elevating the dish to new heights. A hint of truffle oil rounds out the flavor with a luxurious touch. Paired with their vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a feast for the senses. If you're a mac and cheese aficionado, this dish is a stop you don’t want to miss in Austin's culinary scene!

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