
Barley Swine
A Michelin-starred gem offering a dynamic, seasonal tasting menu with a focus on local ingredients and creative flair.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Barley Swine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Michelin-starred gem offering a dynamic, seasonal tasting menu with a focus on local ingredients and creative flair.
"A life-changing meal, Barley Swine offers one of the best dining experiences in Austin."
Opt for the Tasting Menu
The Chef's Tasting menu offers an immersive culinary journey with approximately 10 courses.
Consider Supplements
Enhance your tasting menu with optional supplements for an even richer experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (Seasonal)
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Michelin-Starred Culinary Journey
Experience creative, seasonal American small plates with a renowned tasting menu. A true foodie destination.

Chef's Table Experience
Dine at the intimate chef's table for a unique, immersive tasting menu experience with front-row views.

Seasonal American Small Plates
Enjoy meticulously crafted dishes showcasing the freshest local ingredients, constantly evolving with the seasons.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Opt for the Tasting Menu
The Chef's Tasting menu offers an immersive culinary journey with approximately 10 courses.
Consider Supplements
Enhance your tasting menu with optional supplements for an even richer experience.
Leisurely Dining
Be prepared for a relaxed pace; the experience is designed for savoring each course.
Dietary Accommodations
The restaurant is known for accommodating food allergies and special requests.
Tips
from all over the internet
Opt for the Tasting Menu
The Chef's Tasting menu offers an immersive culinary journey with approximately 10 courses.
Consider Supplements
Enhance your tasting menu with optional supplements for an even richer experience.
Leisurely Dining
Be prepared for a relaxed pace; the experience is designed for savoring each course.
Dietary Accommodations
The restaurant is known for accommodating food allergies and special requests.
Parking Fees
Be aware of potential parking fees as free parking can be limited.
Included Gratuity
A 20% tip is automatically included in your bill, regardless of party size.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barley Swine is highly acclaimed for its exceptional tasting menu, creative dishes, and attentive service, making it a standout for special occasions. While the experience is often described as a culinary highlight, some diners note that portions can be small if not opting for supplements, and parking availability should be considered.
"Amazing celebration meal! The staff was lovely, service impeccable, and food was wonderful! We added all the supplements to the tasting menu and that was a delicious and well orchestrated journey! Wine pairings were good and mostly celebrated female wine makers for women’s history month. We were Very full at the end of the meal - probably could have skipped 1-2 of the supplements - maybe the rib and duck liver, but can’t skip the dumplings!!
Will return!!!"
Mike and Betsy McLane
"A Memorable Anniversary Dinner
We visited this restaurant for the first time tonight to celebrate our anniversary. My husband made the reservation, so I had no idea what to expect—but from the moment we walked in, I was impressed.
The ambiance was just right—elegant yet relaxed, with a great vibe that set the tone for a special evening. Our reservation was for 5:15 PM, and we were seated right away. We ended up staying until 8:00 PM, so be prepared to settle in and enjoy a leisurely dining experience.
Everything we ate was absolutely fantastic. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed every course. The desert was surprisingly good! My husband is not a fan of sweets/chocolate, but he ate it all and enjoyed it! You can order cookies to go, so we had to try them. They were the right balance of sweet and salty. I am glad we took some home! Although we don’t have any dietary restrictions, we overheard another table mention how accommodating the restaurant is with food allergies and special requests, which is always great to know.
Our server, Rina, made the evening even more enjoyable. She was friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable—she gave us excellent recommendations and knew the food and drink menus inside and out.
I highly recommend giving this place a try. We’ll definitely be back!
Things to note:
* Be prepared to pay for parking as the free parking is very limited.
* 20% tip is included in tip, no matter the size party.
*The toilets are very small, I know it's odd to mention, but true."
Lorena Snyder
"Parking - there is a lot in front, though half of the spots were closed off for valet parking. This seemed unnecessary since the lot is right in front of the complex.
Would recommend making reservations early as they can be hard to come by. They also offer a discount if dining early on Sundays, which is nice (check the website for pricing).
The food and service were excellent. The servers were very attentive and friendly. They adjust the dishes as necessary to cater to allergies as well.
Every dish was very tasty, although I would not recommend coming super hungry, because the portions are pretty small. We ordered the beef rib supplement, which was fine and helped fill us up, but a bit underwhelming overall (would not get again).
The wine tasting was also a great experience and went well with the meal, though I would skip it next time (just because it’s too pricy).
Overall everything was fantastic, I would definitely recommend coming here for a special occasion."
Stephanie C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Barley Swine offers a sophisticated tasting menu experience with a focus on seasonal, local American small plates.
The primary dining option is a chef-curated tasting menu, with optional supplements to enhance the experience.
Yes, Barley Swine is known for being very accommodating to food allergies and special dietary requests.
Parking is available, but it is limited, and there may be associated fees. It's advisable to check in advance.
Yes, a 20% gratuity is automatically added to all checks, regardless of party size.
The ambiance is described as elegant yet relaxed, with a great vibe suitable for special occasions.
Barley Swine was recognized with one Michelin star in the inaugural Austin Michelin Guide announcement.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best fine-dining restaurants in Austin for a special occasion
Similar to sister restaurant Odd Duck in the way the menu shifts seasonally, Barley Swine represents owner-chef Bryce Gilmore’s dedication to culinary creativity. You'll be wooed by any dish offered here, but if you wish to err toward the mind-blowing end of the spectrum, we recommend going for the Chef’s Tasting experience: $90 for about 10 courses, depending on the season, with a reservation at the 8-seat chef’s table. The 80-seat dining area and more relaxed patio are also excellent options, but watching the prep behind each impressive dish makes for at least half the enjoyment of this essential, high-end ATX eatery.
The 25 Best Restaurants In Austin - Austin
Barley Swine feels like a secret supper club tucked inside a cozy ski lodge, but it’s actually one of Austin’s OG trailer-to-fine-dining success stories. Now in Brentwood, this tasting-menu spot serves seasonal Texas-inspired dishes. You might start with a bite-sized tartare puff and end with a masa tres leches that tastes like cornbread’s fancier cousin.
9 Romantic Things to Do in Austin, Texas
With a history of trying to support farmers and ranchers in the Austin region, Barley Swine is the best restaurant for couples in Austin who also consider themselves foodies. Here, you’ll enjoy a dining experience with courses inspired by the fresh food and produce available from local areas during the season you’re eating in, so no frozen dishes here!. Creative dishes like shitake dumplings and rice pudding with hibiscus make sure that you’re always trying a combination of flavors that you haven’t considered before, and the cocktails and drinks use ingredients from the restaurant’s garden.
The 30 Best Restaurants In Austin Right Now
Chef Bryce Gilmore of Odd Duck was at the forefront of the farm to table movement in Austin way back in 2009, and his two restaurants are still considered the gold standard for locally-sourced, farm-fresh cuisine in Austin, Texas. In fact, their focus on sustainability inspired them to work with ZeroFoodprint to reduce their carbon footprint and become a carbon neutral restaurant while inspiring other Texas restaurants to source locally. While Odd Duck in South Austin focuses on small, shareable plates, Barley Swine has a sophisticated tasting menu with optional beverage pairings.
Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Austin – Texas Breaking News
Barley Swine is the perfect restaurant in Austin for couples who also consider themselves foodies, with a history of attempting to support farmers and ranchers in the Austin region. There will be no frozen foods here; instead, you will enjoy a dining experience with courses inspired by the fresh food and produce available from local places throughout the season you are dining in. Creative meals like shitake dumplings and hibiscus rice pudding ensure that you’re continually sampling new flavors, while the cocktails and drinks feature ingredients from the restaurant’s garden.
10 Austin restaurants we wish made USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year
Bryce Gilmore’s tasting menu restaurant still hits with the same creativity, intentionality, sincerity and lack of pretense as it did at Barley Swine’s original South Austin incarnation. Poached halibut set in a dashi broth looks like it could come from a top French or Japanese kitchen, while a blushing hulk of Texas Akaushi ribeye and ruby Muscovy duck, laced with strawberries and beets, firmly place you in Texas. Along the way, smart and exciting wine pairings.
18 Best Upscale Special Occasion Restaurants in Austin
If you love small plates, farm-to-table American fare, and a seasonal chef’s tasting menu, you must book a reservation at Barley Swine for your next fancy dinner in Austin. It’s from the same team as Odd Duck (number 17 on this list), but it’s a tasting menu restaurant….which is perfect for diners who don’t want to have to make menu selections. Barley Swine is a comfortable, trendy restaurant that’s been in north Austin since 2010.
8 Best Austin Restaurants for 2018
You can't go wrong with the creative straight-from-the-farm dishes from chef/owner Bryce Gilmore at Barley Swine, which sources from over 60 local ranchers, farmers, and local producers. You can order a la carte, or go large with the 10-course tasting menu. The menu changes constantly, but expect items like beef tartar with beer-battered kale and pork belly served with cabbage and rice in an XO sauce.
Austin Restaurants for Special Occasions: Want some ambience to go with your food? No problem. - Food
When we talk about restaurateurs that helped put Austin on the food city map, multiple James Beard Award finalist Bryce Gilmore – executive chef and co-owner of Barley Swine, Odd Duck, and Sour Duck Market – is up there with the best. His acclaimed fine dining restaurant Barley Swine, opened in 2010, spotlights his dedication to seasonal ingredients with an always exquisite tasting menu.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Austin: 7 Unique Restaurants That Will Leave You Speechless
Since 2010, Barley Swine has brought fresh flavors and local ingredients to life in the heart of Austin. The team at Barley Swine is led by Austin local Bryce Gilmore and this restaurant is committed to supporting local farmers and ranchers. They’re also committed to doing their part in protecting the environment, working closely with the non-profit organization ZeroFoodprint.
27 Best Restaurants In North Austin
Barley Swine first opened in 2010, and its goal is to use the products of local farmers and ranchers in every dish they serve. Executive Chef Bryce Gilmore is the source of inspiration for the restaurant’s ever-changing menu. Barley Swine is a place to gather with friends for a unique dining experience inspired by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the restaurant’s staff.
12 Fun Places to Eat in Austin
This hip yet laid-back North Austin restaurant from Chef Bryce Gilmore, a James Beard Award nominee, offers an ever-changing menu of creative small plates. While the dishes have ambiguous names like "chicken skin," "deviled egg," and "sorrel snow," they are each perfectly delicious, whimsical and memorable. 6555 Burnet Road, Ste.
Birthday Dinner in Austin | 21 Best in 2025
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Austin for a 21st birthday that’s a bit fancier, don’t overlook Barley Swine. This farm-to-table restaurant is a foodie hot spot that offers a tasting menu showcasing inventive dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Their tasting menu is immaculate.
17 Romantic Date Night Restaurants in Austin
The menu is constantly changing at Barley Swine, Bryce Gilmore’s farm-to-table food haven on Burnet Road. The restaurant partners with local producers like Barton Springs Mill, Jester King Brewery, Texas Olive Ranch and many more. Their passionate staff will lead you through a unique, intentional meal.
9 Best Fine-Dining Restaurants in North Austin, TX | Blog
With a revolving seasonal menu, Barley Swine is the home of one of the best chefs in all of Texas, Chef Bryce Gilmore. With menu options only created with ingredients from local farmers, such as the yellowtail crudo, this high-end, multi-flavored restaurant is a must-visit spot in North Austin.
15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Austin (Or Worthy of a Michelin Star)
Barley Swine exemplifies Austin’s booming farm-to-table culinary culture. With a contemporary, creative twist, this restaurant presents the finest of Texan ingredients. It specializes in creating unforgettable culinary experiences with a constantly changing menu inspired by the seasons.
The Absolute Best Fine Dining in Austin [Updated 2024]
Walking into Barley Swine, I was immediately drawn to its cute and historic ambiance. The warm wooden decor and dim lighting created an inviting and cozy atmosphere that set the perfect tone for a fine dining experience. As I settled into my seat, the impeccable service began to shine.
5 of the Most Expensive Restaurants in Austin to Wow Your Tastebuds
Bring a crowd to Barley Swine and try out their hand-picked tasting menu for a cool $95. The chefs work closely with local farmers to create ever-changing, but always delicious, seasonal menus. Beyond amazing menus and beverage pairings, this restaurant has become carbon-neutral.
Fine Dine Austin - Upscale
Barley Swine, chef Bryce Gilmore's experimental seasonal restaurant, offers multi-course chef's tasting menus for $115, featuring dishes like duck paired with brown butter apples and masa tres leches cake with peach jam. Indoor and outdoor dining areas are available.
The Best Reasons Tequila Drinkers Will Fall in Love with El Tequileño Distillery
Some reputable farm-to-table joints include the Barley Swine, where you’ll experience Chef Bryce Gilmore making seasonal cuisine from local ingredients. Dai Due is another alternative where you’ll understand more about regional produce and its agricultural roots.
Dinner Spots in Austin - Tipsiti
Restaurant serving sophisticated dishes made with local produce. Their seasonal, prix-fixe menu takes away all decision fatigue and allows guests to focus on their dining experience. Book the kitchen counter to watch the chefs in action.
The Best Happy Hour in Austin, Texas
Barley Swine is the sister restaurant to Odd Duck and offers a limited happy hour menu between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Known as Swine Time, shared plates are half-priced and you can wash it down with $7 cocktails and $4 Texas beers.
Austin's Top Dessert Spots Revealed
Barley Swine stands out for its dedication to locally-sourced ingredients. Their dessert offerings may include items like honey mousse with candied barley, showcasing the farm-to-table concept at its finest.
10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Austin
I took my partner to Barley Swine for our anniversary and it was a night to remember. Our table along the wall gave us a great view of this fancy restaurant. The atmosphere was lively.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Barley Swine's Tasting Menu Delights Diners in Austin, Texas
While Barley Swine was a notable and surprising omission from the Times' list, I recently was delighted by Chef Bryce Gilmore's $115 per person prix fixe tasting menu.
Things to do in Austin, TX: Activities & Attractions
Barley Swine, led by Chef Bryce Gilmore, is known for its farm-to-table tasting menu that highlights local, seasonal ingredients with a focus on sustainability.
50 Best Restaurants in Austin, TX for 2025 (Top Eats!)
This joint first opened its doors to the public in 2010 and is now the food buff’s favorite spot for its amazing seasonal dishes with Texan influences.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Austin by Diners
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1238 reviews)- Price level: $$$$- Address: 6555 Burnet Road Ste 400 Austin, Texas - Categories: New American, Bars- Read more on Yelp
50 Best Restaurants in Austin You Need to Try
6555 Burnet Rd #400, Austin, TX 78757Phone: 512-394-8150 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Barley Swine (@barleyswine)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit