Guidebook for Austin

Sharon
Guidebook for Austin

Food Scene

Austin is a city of fun and casual dining. Even fine dining has a more relaxed feel in Austin (black tie...or any tie, is never required). This is just a sampling of some local dining close to your home away from home. Get out and explore and discover your own Austin finds.
They have their own bakery, smoke their own meats AND vegetables (have you ever had smoked carrots? Amazing!). Outdoor space for dining and drinking, a bar and inside dining. Check out their happy hour. And now Wednesday Trivia Night!
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
They have their own bakery, smoke their own meats AND vegetables (have you ever had smoked carrots? Amazing!). Outdoor space for dining and drinking, a bar and inside dining. Check out their happy hour. And now Wednesday Trivia Night!
Great fresh made smoothies and juice,, it's a daily habit for me! I like to pick up some of their raw food lunch options, pre-prepared and ready to go. Cool vibe!
520 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs Rd
520 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great fresh made smoothies and juice,, it's a daily habit for me! I like to pick up some of their raw food lunch options, pre-prepared and ready to go. Cool vibe!
This doesn't really fit into a category such as "cafe". It's a outdoor dining area with a walk up window that just happens to have the best sandwiches and salads in town. My sister makes it her mission to go to ADP every time she visits. Bonus: Free Beer Fridays!
112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Austin Daily Press
1900 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This doesn't really fit into a category such as "cafe". It's a outdoor dining area with a walk up window that just happens to have the best sandwiches and salads in town. My sister makes it her mission to go to ADP every time she visits. Bonus: Free Beer Fridays!
Open 24/7, fun and funky with great coffee. Decorated with what appears to be leftover office furniture and shabby couches, this place always attracts a crowd. Free wi-fi and power outlets everywhere. Any time of day or night you'll find students of all ages studying, socializing and sipping java. Has breakfast tacos, pastries, light bites and cold drinks too.
223 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bennu Coffee
2001 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
223 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Open 24/7, fun and funky with great coffee. Decorated with what appears to be leftover office furniture and shabby couches, this place always attracts a crowd. Free wi-fi and power outlets everywhere. Any time of day or night you'll find students of all ages studying, socializing and sipping java. Has breakfast tacos, pastries, light bites and cold drinks too.
A 24/7 diner with the best omelette I've ever had..seriously! The veggie omelette with spinach and mushrooms is the one to order. Fun and funky, this is our go to late night place only minutes away.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Star Seeds Cafe
3101 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A 24/7 diner with the best omelette I've ever had..seriously! The veggie omelette with spinach and mushrooms is the one to order. Fun and funky, this is our go to late night place only minutes away.
Easy walk and down home cooking like chicken-fired steak, okra and tomatoes and peach cobbler. Daily specials on a chalkboard with huge portions and friendly service. This is a go to for us!
164 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hoover's Cooking
2002 Manor Rd
164 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Easy walk and down home cooking like chicken-fired steak, okra and tomatoes and peach cobbler. Daily specials on a chalkboard with huge portions and friendly service. This is a go to for us!
Great food, good service and a nice outdoor patio. The food here is the bomb! Don't miss this one!
381 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salty Sow
1917 Manor Rd
381 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great food, good service and a nice outdoor patio. The food here is the bomb! Don't miss this one!

Drinks & Nightlife

I could write a book about the many venues for music, dancing, drinking and playing in Austin. Besides the local places listed here, most of which are walking distance, check out Manor Road (just to your south and also an easy walk), East 5th/6th and 7th Streets (coffee shops, great eateries, fine dining, bars and music), 6th Street District (a dense area of live music venues and tattoo parlors with walk up pizza windows and food carts), the Warehouse District, 2nd Street District (more dining and shopping near the City Hall downtown), SoCo (South Congress is a strip of music venues, novelty stores, antiques, galleries and even a vintage costume shop, Lucy in Disguise).
Mezcal is the drink supreme here. But if it's not your thing, not to worry, they have some of the most inventive cocktails I have every tasted (and I've tasted a few)! Weekend music, with a jazz vibe. A back yard with picnic tables and games. Did I mention the FANTASTIC pizza? Paper thin, cracker crust and loaded with fresh and imaginative toppings. A fav hang for us!
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
King Bee Lounge
1906 E 12th St
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mezcal is the drink supreme here. But if it's not your thing, not to worry, they have some of the most inventive cocktails I have every tasted (and I've tasted a few)! Weekend music, with a jazz vibe. A back yard with picnic tables and games. Did I mention the FANTASTIC pizza? Paper thin, cracker crust and loaded with fresh and imaginative toppings. A fav hang for us!
Okay, it's not in the neighborhood, but it's not far either. A short drive, or take a shared ride. Some of the greatest acts that come to Austin play at the Continental Club. It's a throw back and the music is always good. Check out their happy hour shows starting at 6:30. Roots, rock and roll, blues and country...all in one place. Iconic Austin!
815 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress Ave
815 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Okay, it's not in the neighborhood, but it's not far either. A short drive, or take a shared ride. Some of the greatest acts that come to Austin play at the Continental Club. It's a throw back and the music is always good. Check out their happy hour shows starting at 6:30. Roots, rock and roll, blues and country...all in one place. Iconic Austin!

Arts & Culture

Austin is filled with history, art and culture. Everything from Blanton Museum with fine art to the hole-in -the-wall theaters like The Vortex and The Hideout. More into big name and Broadway shows? Check out the Zach Theatre, The Stateside Theater and the Paramount.
Terrific interactive displays. A wonderful history of Texas beautifully done. Fun for everyone!
593 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia del Estado de Texas Bullock
1800 Congress Ave
593 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Terrific interactive displays. A wonderful history of Texas beautifully done. Fun for everyone!
Beautiful architecture, terrific permanent collection and special events. A new cafe makes this a great spot to spend the afternoon with a friend or family.
644 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo de Arte Blanton
200 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
644 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beautiful architecture, terrific permanent collection and special events. A new cafe makes this a great spot to spend the afternoon with a friend or family.
Beautiful artwork!
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th St
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beautiful artwork!
This place rocks! A small theatre button-holed above a great coffee shop. Saturday evenings at 6:00 catch singing improv. Yes, you heard me right, SINGING improv. Hysterical! It's something fun and different...and you can take your drink from the coffee shop upstairs to the theatre. They do sell out so buy your tickets on line in advance.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hideout Theatre
617 Congress Ave
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This place rocks! A small theatre button-holed above a great coffee shop. Saturday evenings at 6:00 catch singing improv. Yes, you heard me right, SINGING improv. Hysterical! It's something fun and different...and you can take your drink from the coffee shop upstairs to the theatre. They do sell out so buy your tickets on line in advance.
Fun and funky theatre, the Vortex is always a surprise. Stop in before the show for a drink in the Butterfly Bar in the back garden patio.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Vortex
2307 Manor Rd
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fun and funky theatre, the Vortex is always a surprise. Stop in before the show for a drink in the Butterfly Bar in the back garden patio.

Parks & Nature

Known for its green spaces, Austin has pockets of natural beauty everywhere. My favorite is the trail around Lady Bird (aka: Town) Lake. Rent a bike, canoe or kayak, take a paddle boat tour, or just put on our walking shoes and walk the trail. The east side of the trail (east of I-35) is quiet and has beautiful grassy areas for a sunset picnic.
Picnic along the lake, walk around the trail, rent a kayak or paddle board and take to the water. A fav hang out, access to the trail/lake is about 2.3 miles due south, straight down Chicon. The street dead-ends into the park. An easy bike ride.
959 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
959 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Picnic along the lake, walk around the trail, rent a kayak or paddle board and take to the water. A fav hang out, access to the trail/lake is about 2.3 miles due south, straight down Chicon. The street dead-ends into the park. An easy bike ride.
What getting out of doors is all about. Take your hiking shoes and your swimsuit for a day of activity. Or, take a blanket and a book for a day of serenity.
376 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal McKinney Falls
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy
376 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
What getting out of doors is all about. Take your hiking shoes and your swimsuit for a day of activity. Or, take a blanket and a book for a day of serenity.
It's no secret...Austin get's hot in the summer. But there is so much to do and see that you can't let the heat deter you. Do what we locals do and head over to Barton Springs Pool for an dip in the icy water. Warm up again on the grassy shores. Repeat. Note: This is a protected natural spring. Food cannot be brought into the pool area. Grab some lunch before you go at one of the many restaurants on Barton Springs Road. We love Shady Grove.
2454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2131 William Barton Dr
2454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It's no secret...Austin get's hot in the summer. But there is so much to do and see that you can't let the heat deter you. Do what we locals do and head over to Barton Springs Pool for an dip in the icy water. Warm up again on the grassy shores. Repeat. Note: This is a protected natural spring. Food cannot be brought into the pool area. Grab some lunch before you go at one of the many restaurants on Barton Springs Road. We love Shady Grove.

Sightseeing

Sights are everywhere! If you feel like a day trip, check out the hill country to the west of Austin. Just plug in Pedernales Falls State Park, Enchanted Rock, or Fredericksburg into your GPS. Spend a day on the Texas Wine Trail, and be sure to stop for some sweet Texas peaches along the way! San Antonio and the Alamo are just an 1-1/2 hours to the south. A nice day trip where you can sightsee and then chill on the Riverwalk.
Stroll 6th street, now spanning from the east side of I-35 all the way to downtown. There is everything...bars and music venues, exotic restaurants, tattoo parlors, live variety shows (Esters' Follies) gift shops, dueling pianos and even a hand rolled cigar shop (they actually sit in the window and roll cigars). Oh, and don't miss "Museum of the Weird"! Street performers, pretzel carts, walk up windows with pizza by the slice...no need to even go inside a venue, though it's hard to resist. And then there are the side streets....OY!
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sixth Street Historic District
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stroll 6th street, now spanning from the east side of I-35 all the way to downtown. There is everything...bars and music venues, exotic restaurants, tattoo parlors, live variety shows (Esters' Follies) gift shops, dueling pianos and even a hand rolled cigar shop (they actually sit in the window and roll cigars). Oh, and don't miss "Museum of the Weird"! Street performers, pretzel carts, walk up windows with pizza by the slice...no need to even go inside a venue, though it's hard to resist. And then there are the side streets....OY!
Austin is the capitol of Texas, so a tour of the capitol is a must! The beautiful architecture of the hallowed halls of our capitol is worth the visit. The grounds are lovely, too and beckon you to take a stroll.
1121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Texas Senate
1200 Congress Ave
1121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Austin is the capitol of Texas, so a tour of the capitol is a must! The beautiful architecture of the hallowed halls of our capitol is worth the visit. The grounds are lovely, too and beckon you to take a stroll.

Essentials

Austin is known for it's diverse and healthy grocery stores. Organics, vegetarian and free-range, non-GMO food is readily available. Toiletries, paper goods and school supplies can be found just a short bus ride away at Target in the Dobi Mall on campus.
Though it is 3 miles away, it is worth the trip. Wheatsville Coop is owned and operated by a collective. It is totally cool and groovy! It has a wide variety of organic and healthy options. A yummy salad bar, taco bar and hot food bar. On Thursdays, starting 5:00PM, the hot food bar is all you can eat for $5! They have a covered outdoor patio for dining, too.
337 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe St
337 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Though it is 3 miles away, it is worth the trip. Wheatsville Coop is owned and operated by a collective. It is totally cool and groovy! It has a wide variety of organic and healthy options. A yummy salad bar, taco bar and hot food bar. On Thursdays, starting 5:00PM, the hot food bar is all you can eat for $5! They have a covered outdoor patio for dining, too.
Austin is the home of Whole Foods. You've probably been to one, but our downtown location is the "Largest Whole Foods on the Planet". Raw bar, sushi bar, salad bar...the food bars are countless! Even a chocolate fountain! Don't forget to swing by the walk through beer cooler. Check out their schedule of live music on the roof top patio. Oh, and I understand you can stock up on groceries, too. ;-)
1332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar Blvd
1332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Austin is the home of Whole Foods. You've probably been to one, but our downtown location is the "Largest Whole Foods on the Planet". Raw bar, sushi bar, salad bar...the food bars are countless! Even a chocolate fountain! Don't forget to swing by the walk through beer cooler. Check out their schedule of live music on the roof top patio. Oh, and I understand you can stock up on groceries, too. ;-)
A great grocery store, going to Trader Joe's feels like an adventure abroad. Prices are great, too!
289 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trader Joe's
211 Walter Seaholm Dr
289 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A great grocery store, going to Trader Joe's feels like an adventure abroad. Prices are great, too!
Located in the Dobi Mall, near the McComb's School of Business, you'll find a Target with all the essentials you might need. From school supplies to home goods and paper supplies, Target has you covered. They even have a small selection of groceries. Very convenient.
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Target
2300 W Ben White Blvd
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located in the Dobi Mall, near the McComb's School of Business, you'll find a Target with all the essentials you might need. From school supplies to home goods and paper supplies, Target has you covered. They even have a small selection of groceries. Very convenient.

Entertainment & Activities

Austin, Entertainment Capitol of the World! So much to do and so little time. Here are just a few suggestions. If you are bored in Austin, you just aren't trying. 😉
Conveniently located due south of us, Live Love Paddle has paddle boards, kayaks and more. Nothing says Austin like a day on the lake, paddling around. Don't forget the sunscreen!
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Live Love Paddle
1610 E Riverside Dr
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conveniently located due south of us, Live Love Paddle has paddle boards, kayaks and more. Nothing says Austin like a day on the lake, paddling around. Don't forget the sunscreen!
University of Texas Longhorns are Austin's home team and well loved by the locals. Catch a game at Memorial Stadium...or just tailgate from the back yard.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
2139 San Jacinto Blvd
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
University of Texas Longhorns are Austin's home team and well loved by the locals. Catch a game at Memorial Stadium...or just tailgate from the back yard.
One of the most hip, unique movie theaters in Austin. Check Out a film in style!
347 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th St
347 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the most hip, unique movie theaters in Austin. Check Out a film in style!
Vaudville, meets magic and political satire. This is a must see! Buy tickets in advance and arrive early for a good seat.
153 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Esther's Follies
525 E 6th St
153 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vaudville, meets magic and political satire. This is a must see! Buy tickets in advance and arrive early for a good seat.