What’s better than a delicious meal you didn’t have to cook yourself and the bonus perk of the kids being entertained by something other than their iPads?  We’ve rounded up restaurants in Austin where you can see animals, from peacocks, goats, and cats to ducks and turtles.  With hopes of the weather turning soon, we hope you can get out there and enjoy nature…and a great meal.

Peacocks

Peacocks at Mattie’s via Yelp

Mattie’s Austin
811 W Live Oak St. Green Pastures
Mattie’s a little fancy schmancy, which makes sense since peacocks call this estate-turned-restaurant home. But if you want to try some fine dining with the kids you can see gorgeous Peacocks nesting in the trees, roaming the wraparound porch, and doing as they please in the driveway.  The food is great, and having dined there ourselves with young kids, we found Mattie’s to be upscale and lovely, but also kind and accommodating to families.

Goats

via Jester King Brewery

Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh Road
This brewery, kitchen, farm, and event hall is famous in Austin for its pizza and brews, as well as its brood of adorable baby and full-grown goats.  Walk their two-mile trail, hang with the goats, and enjoy some of our favorite pizza in Austin.  Check out their event schedule and specials here.

More places to see goats in Austin

Ducks and Turtles

The outdoor patio at Mozart’s via Yelp

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Is it just us, or does it always seem a smidge cooler at Mozart’s?  Sit under their lush trees on their outdoor patio and watch the ducks – and sometimes turtles – swim by.  We recommend their quiche and lattes but you can’t go wrong with any of their delectable baked goods.  Check here for more info and their upcoming events – Mozart’s always does a great job for families!

Ski Shores via Yelp

Ski Shores Cafe
3103 Pearce Rd 
Ski Shores on the the Lake is a wholesome, fried-food-focused family experience.  They have a little playground and a small arcade, a great kids’ menu, and docks if you’re brave enough to park a boat in front of their many patio guests.  The local lake wildlife loves this spot, too, and you can see ducks, turtles, and swans awaiting their next treat thrown in by a kid.  Check their menu and hours here.

Lily Pads at Laguna Gloria via Yelp

Spread & Co. at Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th St
Grab a picnic to go and sit by the water’s edge for a quiet view of wildlife in and on the lake at Laguna Gloria.  There’s plenty of shade, and we like the salads, cheese plate, and wine list from Spread & Co.  While there are benches to sit on, we prefer bringing a picnic blanket, finding some shade, and turtle-watching.

Check out more places to dine out by the water

Cats

via Patrizi’s FB Page

Patrizi’s
Two locations, but the one with the cat is 2307 Manor Rd
Patrizi’s food is SO good and if you want to escape the heat and grab a bottle of wine or a martini to go with your Italian fare, there’s a lovely little cat who calls their bar home.  At least, that’s where we saw “the Patrizi’s cat” last!  We recommend their garlic bread fully knowing it’s still on our breath a few days later – it’s so worth it.

Purr-fecto Cat Lounge via Yelp

Purr-fecto Cat Lounge
2300 S Lamar Blvd unit 104
At Purrfecto Cat Lounge, you can book a reservation to play with cats and hang out in their bright and cheerful lounge space. They’ve teamed up with local coffee shop, Irie Bean so that you can place orders for coffee, cocoa, cold brew, and more when you check in. Purrfecto Cat Lounge works with two cat rescue organizations, the Sunshine Fund, and the Fuzzy Texan Animal Rescue.  Anyone is welcome to book an appointment regardless of interest in adopting.  Cat experiences can be booked for ages three and up. Get more info here.

Bats

Check out our guide to seeing the bats in Austin and some suggestions for restaurants near the Congress Bridge where you may be able to eat while seeing the bats come out.

  • The Four Seasons Hotel | Their restaurant, Ciclo, has a great kids’ menu and you can walk down to see the bats emerge
  • Hyatt Regency Hotel | Check out one of their many restaurants – some of which have views of the Congress Bridge where the bats emerge, or take a short walk outside to see the bats at dusk.

If you’re looking to bring your pet, check out our Dog-Friendly Guide to Austin.

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