Guidebook for Austin!
Food Scene
Great Mexican food with great Margaritas (not touristy and not a taqueria) but be prepared for a wait at dinner time!
277 locals recommend
Polvo's Mexican Restaurant
2004 South 1st StreetGreat Mexican food with great Margaritas (not touristy and not a taqueria) but be prepared for a wait at dinner time!
Insane Donuts (if you love sweets) it's a must try (you can share one) they also have a donut truck on South 1st street if you want to avoid going to the restaurant/bar location.
226 locals recommend
Gourdough's Public House
209 W 5th StInsane Donuts (if you love sweets) it's a must try (you can share one) they also have a donut truck on South 1st street if you want to avoid going to the restaurant/bar location.
Vegan food, zen environment, cafeteria/restaurant style. A lovely zen environment as you make your way to the cafeteria area.
163 locals recommend
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdVegan food, zen environment, cafeteria/restaurant style. A lovely zen environment as you make your way to the cafeteria area.
It is a chain restaurant but, their sushi menu is massive and delicious. Also, they have a cheap happy hour and good sake!
47 locals recommend
Sushi Zushi
3221 Feathergrass CtIt is a chain restaurant but, their sushi menu is massive and delicious. Also, they have a cheap happy hour and good sake!
Cute little restaurant and bar that has more "foodie" type of American New menu. Good ambiance.
354 locals recommend
Hillside Farmacy
1209 E 11th StCute little restaurant and bar that has more "foodie" type of American New menu. Good ambiance.
LOVE this place! It can get quite busy but, the cocktails are serious and the food is like art! Lots of small plates for sharing. Cool ambiance and decor on the East side.
397 locals recommend
Launderette
2115 Holly StLOVE this place! It can get quite busy but, the cocktails are serious and the food is like art! Lots of small plates for sharing. Cool ambiance and decor on the East side.
I would much rather send you to a local coffee shop, but this IS the closest one.
109 locals recommend
Starbucks
6816 West Gate BlvdI would much rather send you to a local coffee shop, but this IS the closest one.
Local chain of interesting ice cream flavors and the employees usually give you a show by throwing the ice cream across the room into your cup.
211 locals recommend
Amy's Ice Creams
1012 W 6th StLocal chain of interesting ice cream flavors and the employees usually give you a show by throwing the ice cream across the room into your cup.
Whip In is a cool spot, it's a converted gas station that has a huge beer selection, a cute wine bar with knowledgable bartender and a menu of indian fusion food. They also have a little grocery store inside. Make sure to go on Wednesday's for Wine Wednesday!
267 locals recommend
Whip in
1950 S I-35 Frontage RdWhip In is a cool spot, it's a converted gas station that has a huge beer selection, a cute wine bar with knowledgable bartender and a menu of indian fusion food. They also have a little grocery store inside. Make sure to go on Wednesday's for Wine Wednesday!
HEB-owned/Texas local organic + better product grocery store. Also has a nice florist inside. Has dine-in cafe with food/beer/wine/gelato counter/coffee bar.
**Bonus, you can walk around the grocery store with your open container / cup beer and wine!
Live music/swing bands and dancing on Friday evenings (non-covid times).
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdHEB-owned/Texas local organic + better product grocery store. Also has a nice florist inside. Has dine-in cafe with food/beer/wine/gelato counter/coffee bar.
**Bonus, you can walk around the grocery store with your open container / cup beer and wine!
Live music/swing bands and dancing on Friday evenings (non-covid times).
Pet & Kid friendly large outdoor coffee shop with cocktails + beer. 3-4 food trucks on site and sometimes weekend pop-up markets. We love this place!
205 locals recommend
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdPet & Kid friendly large outdoor coffee shop with cocktails + beer. 3-4 food trucks on site and sometimes weekend pop-up markets. We love this place!
This is closed for covid, so the experience is better for dine-in. Great sushi and and sit-down (whole in the wall) Japanese style restaurant. Friendly staff. They usually have weird anime on the TV's and the walls are graffiti all over, feel free to add to it!
38 locals recommend
DK Sushi
6400 S 1st StThis is closed for covid, so the experience is better for dine-in. Great sushi and and sit-down (whole in the wall) Japanese style restaurant. Friendly staff. They usually have weird anime on the TV's and the walls are graffiti all over, feel free to add to it!
With locations all over town, you'll be able to get your healthy dose of juice, to-go healthy snacks/meals or one of their many crazy & delicious combo smoothies!
18 locals recommend
JuiceLand
6705 US-290With locations all over town, you'll be able to get your healthy dose of juice, to-go healthy snacks/meals or one of their many crazy & delicious combo smoothies!
Named by Texas Monthly as one of the top 50 BBQ spots, this food truck holds up to its reputation. We LOVE the tacos and oh man! you gotta order the queso! Sometimes there is a line but it moves fast!
146 locals recommend
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdNamed by Texas Monthly as one of the top 50 BBQ spots, this food truck holds up to its reputation. We LOVE the tacos and oh man! you gotta order the queso! Sometimes there is a line but it moves fast!
With multiple locations, this Austin-based burger drive through (made with quality produce and beef) is a delicious alternative to fast food.
302 locals recommend
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdWith multiple locations, this Austin-based burger drive through (made with quality produce and beef) is a delicious alternative to fast food.
You will be saying "wholly cow"! after you taste this DELICIOUS burger!!! Seriously the best burger I've ever had in my life!
36 locals recommend
Wholly Cow Burgers
3010 S Lamar BlvdYou will be saying "wholly cow"! after you taste this DELICIOUS burger!!! Seriously the best burger I've ever had in my life!
Close to the casita option for quality + organic groceries. Never crowded. Also has a great "bulk" bin section with sundries + candies.
165 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
4006 S Lamar BlvdClose to the casita option for quality + organic groceries. Never crowded. Also has a great "bulk" bin section with sundries + candies.
Great "cafe" / restaurant that has that "weird" old - Austin feel and ambiance. The crowd is hipsters, hippies and techies. Families and book worms. Dog friendly on the patio. Vegan, vegetarian friendly, organic meals. They often have pop-up markets on their lawn in warmer seasons.
565 locals recommend
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StGreat "cafe" / restaurant that has that "weird" old - Austin feel and ambiance. The crowd is hipsters, hippies and techies. Families and book worms. Dog friendly on the patio. Vegan, vegetarian friendly, organic meals. They often have pop-up markets on their lawn in warmer seasons.
We will love this funky-cozy Cuban fare restaurant and cantina! Cute outdoor booths with Tiki-hut straw coverings (dog friendly outside). The inside is also warm and inviting. We love the food here and drinks!
36 locals recommend
Habana Restaurant
2728 S Congress AveWe will love this funky-cozy Cuban fare restaurant and cantina! Cute outdoor booths with Tiki-hut straw coverings (dog friendly outside). The inside is also warm and inviting. We love the food here and drinks!
There is actually a Summer Moon coffee truck on S. 1st street in addition to this location (parking is very difficult for the location listed). good local coffee.
176 locals recommend
Summer Moon Coffee
3115 S 1st StThere is actually a Summer Moon coffee truck on S. 1st street in addition to this location (parking is very difficult for the location listed). good local coffee.
Neighborhoods
A MUST for any visitor to ATX. This LONG strip of shops, motels, restaurants, bars, street musicians and pop-up markets is Austin's oldest strip. The strip has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years but, still offers plenty to do, see and taste alone or with a group. Make sure to spend a day doing this!
650 locals recommend
South Congress
A MUST for any visitor to ATX. This LONG strip of shops, motels, restaurants, bars, street musicians and pop-up markets is Austin's oldest strip. The strip has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years but, still offers plenty to do, see and taste alone or with a group. Make sure to spend a day doing this!
This is one of Austin's first "strips" that was walkable and fun for tourists. It has changed a lot and unfortunately it's not what it used to be ... "weird" but, it is still fun to walk around if you are visiting the campus or student friends/children.
30 locals recommend
The Drag
453-401 W 23rd StThis is one of Austin's first "strips" that was walkable and fun for tourists. It has changed a lot and unfortunately it's not what it used to be ... "weird" but, it is still fun to walk around if you are visiting the campus or student friends/children.
Known for it's "vintage" row. North Loop has a lot of great mid-century furniture & vintage clothing shops. Get pizza at the famous "Home - Slice" pizzeria down the way.
34 locals recommend
North Loop IBIZ District
Known for it's "vintage" row. North Loop has a lot of great mid-century furniture & vintage clothing shops. Get pizza at the famous "Home - Slice" pizzeria down the way.
The "East Side" covers quite a bit of area (from Cesar Chavez all the way up to MLK and across to Springdale). This up and coming - quickly gentrifying neighborhood is where you will find all the California - tech people have built their homes. Lots of great restaurants, bars and nightlife. Funky shops, organic - clothing boutiques, plants shops and lots of wall - murals. A great mix of culture in this area.
395 locals recommend
East 6th Street
East 6th StreetThe "East Side" covers quite a bit of area (from Cesar Chavez all the way up to MLK and across to Springdale). This up and coming - quickly gentrifying neighborhood is where you will find all the California - tech people have built their homes. Lots of great restaurants, bars and nightlife. Funky shops, organic - clothing boutiques, plants shops and lots of wall - murals. A great mix of culture in this area.
"The Dirty Sixth" is what it's called and there's a reason for it. Starting Thursday - Saturday night, this street is closed off to cars, bars are open, cops on horses are out in full force and college kids are dressed in their most revealing clothes and ready to party. Go with caution as it gets pretty wild. ** Not kid friendly environment or safe. Also, aggressive homeless people.
334 locals recommend
West 6th Street
West 6th Street"The Dirty Sixth" is what it's called and there's a reason for it. Starting Thursday - Saturday night, this street is closed off to cars, bars are open, cops on horses are out in full force and college kids are dressed in their most revealing clothes and ready to party. Go with caution as it gets pretty wild. ** Not kid friendly environment or safe. Also, aggressive homeless people.
North Austin has an outdoor upscale mall & condo neighborhood called Mueller. In the spring and summer they have a massive farmers market with music, vendors and artists. (Get there early bc parking is difficult!).
**Not sure when this will be back open sans-covid.
105 locals recommend
Mueller
North Austin has an outdoor upscale mall & condo neighborhood called Mueller. In the spring and summer they have a massive farmers market with music, vendors and artists. (Get there early bc parking is difficult!).
**Not sure when this will be back open sans-covid.
Sightseeing
The new downtown library is pretty cool! Multiple levels make for great pictures. A whole kids floor, and a cafe/bar downstairs with and entranced from the bridge with interesting views of downtown. There's also a gift shop.
148 locals recommend
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StThe new downtown library is pretty cool! Multiple levels make for great pictures. A whole kids floor, and a cafe/bar downstairs with and entranced from the bridge with interesting views of downtown. There's also a gift shop.
Large art compound that frequently has art openings. Has a restaurant and bar onsite, along full time- vendor tenants.
84 locals recommend
Canopy Austin
916 Springdale RdLarge art compound that frequently has art openings. Has a restaurant and bar onsite, along full time- vendor tenants.
If you're in town, make sure to enjoy this event! You can download the map online of participating galleries, venues and homes. It's basically an art hop! Super fun and there are often parties/pop-up events to celebrate.
East Austin Studio Tour
5007 E Cesar Chavez StIf you're in town, make sure to enjoy this event! You can download the map online of participating galleries, venues and homes. It's basically an art hop! Super fun and there are often parties/pop-up events to celebrate.
Nighlife
This is a GREAT bar if you want to go where the hipster cowboys frequent. A small stage and dance floor with good looking bartenders. Theres also an outdoor patio area. Super fun, not kid friendly. 21+ only.
672 locals recommend
The White Horse
500 Comal StThis is a GREAT bar if you want to go where the hipster cowboys frequent. A small stage and dance floor with good looking bartenders. Theres also an outdoor patio area. Super fun, not kid friendly. 21+ only.
The owner recently died, so hurry and go here before they tear it down and put up more crappy condos. This is an OLD Austin dance-hall where you can see the old-stool western crowd dance and have a good time.
478 locals recommend
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdThe owner recently died, so hurry and go here before they tear it down and put up more crappy condos. This is an OLD Austin dance-hall where you can see the old-stool western crowd dance and have a good time.
Very old-skool Gothic high-end hotel. Take a walk to the upstairs bar and have a drink in the dimly-lit couch rooms. (You can order food as well). Take a walk out to the veranda and look out over downtown.
104 locals recommend
The Driskill In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt
604 Brazos StVery old-skool Gothic high-end hotel. Take a walk to the upstairs bar and have a drink in the dimly-lit couch rooms. (You can order food as well). Take a walk out to the veranda and look out over downtown.
Great venue for intimate live music performances from top touring musicians. Seating only.
326 locals recommend
ACL Live
310 W Willie Nelson BlvdGreat venue for intimate live music performances from top touring musicians. Seating only.
Music venue and BBQ local favorite, Large bands play the outdoor venue and smaller bands indoors.
282 locals recommend
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
801 Red River StMusic venue and BBQ local favorite, Large bands play the outdoor venue and smaller bands indoors.
Rainy Day things to do
There are about 5-6 Austin locations. This is one of the first ever- dine and drink booze while you watch cinemas. The downtown is the original location. Make sure to check out their website as they are constantly showing "old movies" like cult-classics, sing-a-longs, halloween themes slashers or comedic live narrated shows (the famous "Mr. Pancake Theater" (just like Mystery Science Theater). A great rainy-day thing to do!
107 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Slaughter Lane
5701 W Slaughter LnThere are about 5-6 Austin locations. This is one of the first ever- dine and drink booze while you watch cinemas. The downtown is the original location. Make sure to check out their website as they are constantly showing "old movies" like cult-classics, sing-a-longs, halloween themes slashers or comedic live narrated shows (the famous "Mr. Pancake Theater" (just like Mystery Science Theater). A great rainy-day thing to do!
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThis large modern art museum has a lot to look at.
We also added this to "rainy day" things to do, but, it's mostly a great thing to take your kid to do for about 30-40 minutes.
20 locals recommend
Cabela's
15570 S I-35 Frontage RdWe also added this to "rainy day" things to do, but, it's mostly a great thing to take your kid to do for about 30-40 minutes.
Nothin' fancy about it, but you can get your bowl-on just down the street at lower prices.
32 locals recommend
Westgate Lanes
2701 W William Cannon DrNothin' fancy about it, but you can get your bowl-on just down the street at lower prices.
Kid-friendly
We like to go here and get a beer (or wine) and a snack and sit outside to let our toddler blow off steam and run around the large playscape while we sit close by and enjoy the outside atmosphere. Dog friendly and there is also a walking trail that goes in a loop just a few feet away.
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdWe like to go here and get a beer (or wine) and a snack and sit outside to let our toddler blow off steam and run around the large playscape while we sit close by and enjoy the outside atmosphere. Dog friendly and there is also a walking trail that goes in a loop just a few feet away.
When our kid needs to get out of the house for a minute or it's raining we will pop over to Cabela's to let him run around the taxidermy gallery they have there. Also, they have a hallway with large fish aquariums. Two-level giant camping/hunting superstore.
20 locals recommend
Cabela's
15570 S I-35 Frontage RdWhen our kid needs to get out of the house for a minute or it's raining we will pop over to Cabela's to let him run around the taxidermy gallery they have there. Also, they have a hallway with large fish aquariums. Two-level giant camping/hunting superstore.
Be prepared to inhale the smell of feet! But, your kids will love this place! indoor trampoline park.
16 locals recommend
Altitude Trampoline Park
6800 West Gate BlvdBe prepared to inhale the smell of feet! But, your kids will love this place! indoor trampoline park.
**Please note, during covid times they want your kid to sit at the table and not get up.... call ahead and ask if kids can move about freely.
We LOVE Sour Duck! High-end snacks and cocktails and bakery/coffee while you sit outside in the large patio area. Lots of hipster parents with kids come here to hang. Also dog friendly .
152 locals recommend
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd**Please note, during covid times they want your kid to sit at the table and not get up.... call ahead and ask if kids can move about freely.
We LOVE Sour Duck! High-end snacks and cocktails and bakery/coffee while you sit outside in the large patio area. Lots of hipster parents with kids come here to hang. Also dog friendly .
"Thinkery" kids museum is a GREAT place with many levels and different areas for different ages. Please note this is a hands-on museum, I would not recommend bringing infants here as their immune system is not built up. I am speaking from experience. We went as a family and my infant was horribly ill after this.
105 locals recommend
Mueller
"Thinkery" kids museum is a GREAT place with many levels and different areas for different ages. Please note this is a hands-on museum, I would not recommend bringing infants here as their immune system is not built up. I am speaking from experience. We went as a family and my infant was horribly ill after this.
This park is nice for flat-terrain hiking and has a kids play ground.
38 locals recommend
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
907 W Slaughter LnThis park is nice for flat-terrain hiking and has a kids play ground.
Nature
My favorite place to walk/run around the Colorado River, AKA LBJ Lake, AKA Town Lake. This is my daily meditation walk! Take your earbuds and listen to audio books or music and enjoy the giant oak trees, people and dog watching. Hop in the water on one of the many paddle-board or kayak stops. There is a 3.5 mile loop or you can take a longer loop. There are MANY places to park and enter. I prefer to park at the South Austin Little League - Wright Field on Azie Morton Rd. There is ALWAYS parking and walking ramp that goes along the river and right onto the trail.
959 locals recommend
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailMy favorite place to walk/run around the Colorado River, AKA LBJ Lake, AKA Town Lake. This is my daily meditation walk! Take your earbuds and listen to audio books or music and enjoy the giant oak trees, people and dog watching. Hop in the water on one of the many paddle-board or kayak stops. There is a 3.5 mile loop or you can take a longer loop. There are MANY places to park and enter. I prefer to park at the South Austin Little League - Wright Field on Azie Morton Rd. There is ALWAYS parking and walking ramp that goes along the river and right onto the trail.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyBeautiful water falls and hiking! Close to the house!
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayLocals love to go on long hikes here!
We LOVE LBJ Wildflower center! Take a walk when the flowers are in bloom, go to one of their unique interactive art installations (currently Fortlandia!) or attend one of their evening events! Check their website for times and tickets.
252 locals recommend
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse AveWe LOVE LBJ Wildflower center! Take a walk when the flowers are in bloom, go to one of their unique interactive art installations (currently Fortlandia!) or attend one of their evening events! Check their website for times and tickets.
Simple hikes and a kids park / playground. Covered picnic tables.
38 locals recommend
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
907 W Slaughter LnSimple hikes and a kids park / playground. Covered picnic tables.
Large open-space park that sits along the banks of LBJ Lake/Town Lake. Large Dog parks, walking/jogging/biking trails and exercise areas. It hosts many fun seasonal events, such as ACL Music Fest and Trail of Lights at Christmas.
246 locals recommend
Zilker Park
Large open-space park that sits along the banks of LBJ Lake/Town Lake. Large Dog parks, walking/jogging/biking trails and exercise areas. It hosts many fun seasonal events, such as ACL Music Fest and Trail of Lights at Christmas.