Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
A very unique spot that is British owned and ran. Stop in for high tea, coffee, homemade sweets or fish & chips.
33 locals recommend
Full English
2000 Southern Oaks DrA very unique spot that is British owned and ran. Stop in for high tea, coffee, homemade sweets or fish & chips.
Strange Brew
Organic Fair Trade locally roasted Coffee! Beer, wine, live music
Gourmet "Modern"Thai. Expect a wait. This place is amazing.
My recommendation: Prawn Miange, Jungle Curry (spicy!),
349 locals recommend
Sway
1417 S 1st StGourmet "Modern"Thai. Expect a wait. This place is amazing.
My recommendation: Prawn Miange, Jungle Curry (spicy!),
You know how they say everything is bigger in Texas? Try these donuts!
My favorites: Funky Monkey and Miss Shortcake
If you're lookin' for a heart attack try the Flying Pig.
226 locals recommend
Gourdough's Public House
209 W 5th StYou know how they say everything is bigger in Texas? Try these donuts!
My favorites: Funky Monkey and Miss Shortcake
If you're lookin' for a heart attack try the Flying Pig.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StVegan/Veggie Friendly Cafe and Coffee Shop!
Galaxy Cafe
9911 Brodie LnGreat Austin restaurant. Try a Buddha Bowl with chicken and avocado!
Curra's Grill
614 E Oltorf StAvocado margaritas. Need I say more?
Interior Mexican
Probably Austin's most famous food truck. One of the originals.
My recommendations: the Brushfire or the Demmocrat, and the Independent if you're veggie/vegan!
275 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
1311 South 1st StreetProbably Austin's most famous food truck. One of the originals.
My recommendations: the Brushfire or the Demmocrat, and the Independent if you're veggie/vegan!
I'm big on brunch and in my opinion this place is TOPS in Austin. Their food is really fantastic.
My recommendation: the Eggs Florentine
59 locals recommend
Olivia
2043 South Lamar BoulevardI'm big on brunch and in my opinion this place is TOPS in Austin. Their food is really fantastic.
My recommendation: the Eggs Florentine
Unique Austin farm to table restaurant, all outdoor seating, always packed! Great vibes.
297 locals recommend
Contigo
2027 Anchor LnUnique Austin farm to table restaurant, all outdoor seating, always packed! Great vibes.
Began as a beloved Austin food trailer and became a brick and mortar! Changing small plates menu. Moscow mules on tap. One of my fav spots. Expect to spend a lot of money but you get what you pay for!
374 locals recommend
Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar BlvdBegan as a beloved Austin food trailer and became a brick and mortar! Changing small plates menu. Moscow mules on tap. One of my fav spots. Expect to spend a lot of money but you get what you pay for!
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
1905 S 1st StWon Food Network's Cupcake Wars, so duh, go get a cupcake!
French "peasant" food. Cool vibe. Another great Austin restaurant. Make a reservation here!
522 locals recommend
Justine's
4710 E 5th StFrench "peasant" food. Cool vibe. Another great Austin restaurant. Make a reservation here!
If you are looking for southern home-style cooking this is your place. Also famous for their buffet style brunch but go early b/c you will wait for hours.
I recommend the green chili mac n cheese.
150 locals recommend
Moonshine Grill
303 Red River StIf you are looking for southern home-style cooking this is your place. Also famous for their buffet style brunch but go early b/c you will wait for hours.
I recommend the green chili mac n cheese.
Dolce Neve Gelato
1713 S 1st StHomemade Gelato
Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner. This place is awesome at all times of day.
354 locals recommend
Hillside Farmacy
1209 E 11th StBrunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner. This place is awesome at all times of day.
Another great brunch spot! Louisiana French
My recommendation: beignets of course.
44 locals recommend
épicerie café & grocery
2307 Hancock DrAnother great brunch spot! Louisiana French
My recommendation: beignets of course.
Best coffee in Austin, well, besides Medici. Take home some of their local roast, Tweed.
186 locals recommend
Houndstooth Coffee
4200 N Lamar BlvdBest coffee in Austin, well, besides Medici. Take home some of their local roast, Tweed.
Caffe Medici
1101 W Lynn StBest coffee in Austin.
With decor inspired by Wes Anderson's Royal Tennenbaums who wouldn't love this German Beer Garden & Bakery?
My recommendation: Classic brat on pretzel bun and an order of beer cheese!
358 locals recommend
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StWith decor inspired by Wes Anderson's Royal Tennenbaums who wouldn't love this German Beer Garden & Bakery?
My recommendation: Classic brat on pretzel bun and an order of beer cheese!
La Condesa
400 W 2nd StInterior Mexican
My absolute favorite place for a NICE cocktail. Depression era inspired. Legit mixologists. Owner is a personal acquaintance.
My recommendation: Fig Manhattan
93 locals recommend
Péché
208 W 4th StMy absolute favorite place for a NICE cocktail. Depression era inspired. Legit mixologists. Owner is a personal acquaintance.
My recommendation: Fig Manhattan
This may not be the absolute best BBQ in Austin, of course Austinites are super snobs about BBQ, but the full Texas experience at this place can't be beat! It is BYOB! And cash only! Go prepared.
480 locals recommend
Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826This may not be the absolute best BBQ in Austin, of course Austinites are super snobs about BBQ, but the full Texas experience at this place can't be beat! It is BYOB! And cash only! Go prepared.
Where everyone in Austin says has the BEST BBQ, but be in line at 7am b/c they only make a limited amt and sell out FAST.
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StWhere everyone in Austin says has the BEST BBQ, but be in line at 7am b/c they only make a limited amt and sell out FAST.
Chef Paul Qui went from Uchi sushi chef to winning Top Chef Texas and is now one of Austin's most famous chefs. Also owns East Side King food trailers.
79 locals recommend
Kuneho
1600 East 6th StreetChef Paul Qui went from Uchi sushi chef to winning Top Chef Texas and is now one of Austin's most famous chefs. Also owns East Side King food trailers.
If you are looking for a sushi experience, look no further. Owned by Chef Tyson Cole and formerly home to Chef Paul Qui who was once a sushi chef here.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdIf you are looking for a sushi experience, look no further. Owned by Chef Tyson Cole and formerly home to Chef Paul Qui who was once a sushi chef here.
mmm fried chicken. or chicken & waffles if you are someone who needs your fried chicken fix earlier in the day.
208 locals recommend
Lucy's Fried Chicken
2218 College Avemmm fried chicken. or chicken & waffles if you are someone who needs your fried chicken fix earlier in the day.
Everything Else
French Vietnamese Boulangerie. Have some bahn mi, bahn cun, bun, etc.
My recommendation: Try the Thai Basil Curry Escargot and Dragon Punch!
426 locals recommend
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StFrench Vietnamese Boulangerie. Have some bahn mi, bahn cun, bun, etc.
My recommendation: Try the Thai Basil Curry Escargot and Dragon Punch!
Best place for cool--not tacky-Austin souvenirs, t-shirts, art, coasters, jewelry. You name it, they have it. I frequently buy Austin gifts here to give people when I travel!
72 locals recommend
Parts & Labour
1704 S Congress AveBest place for cool--not tacky-Austin souvenirs, t-shirts, art, coasters, jewelry. You name it, they have it. I frequently buy Austin gifts here to give people when I travel!
Hey Cupcake!
4209 Airport BoulevardAn Austin icon. A cupcake icon.
Red velvet is where it's at.
Smelly hipster honky-tonk. Mustaches and 2-stepping. Can't decide if I love this place for it's weirdness or just hate it.
672 locals recommend
The White Horse
500 Comal StSmelly hipster honky-tonk. Mustaches and 2-stepping. Can't decide if I love this place for it's weirdness or just hate it.
Who doesn't like a good handlebar mustache themed bar with see-saws and giant jenga on the roof?
37 locals recommend
HandleBar
121 E 5th StWho doesn't like a good handlebar mustache themed bar with see-saws and giant jenga on the roof?
Think "We Bought A Zoo" except the Texas version. Go see a Madagascar Fossa! This place has the ONLY breeding pair in N. America, and owner was 1st to bring them to the states.
16 locals recommend
Capital of Texas Zoo
376 Jenkins RoadThink "We Bought A Zoo" except the Texas version. Go see a Madagascar Fossa! This place has the ONLY breeding pair in N. America, and owner was 1st to bring them to the states.
Shopping
Limbo Jewelry
1708 S Congress AveGreat place shop local Austin jewelry designers, art, etc.
Strut
2208 S Lamar BlvdLocal trendy women's boutique.
Allens Boots
1522 S Congress AveTo make your Texan cowboy boots dreams come true.
The Domain
11410 Century Oaks TerraceHigh end shopping.
My absolute favorite shop in Austin. Antiques EVERYWHERE. Cool displays. Unique finds. A great place to mosey through.
194 locals recommend
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View RdMy absolute favorite shop in Austin. Antiques EVERYWHERE. Cool displays. Unique finds. A great place to mosey through.
Homemade Local ice cream: I recommend the Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey
270 locals recommend
Lick Honest Ice Creams
1100 S Lamar BlvdHomemade Local ice cream: I recommend the Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey
Arts & Culture
Independent Movie Theater. Awesome decor, seating, bar, etc. Don't be late! You won't be seated.
347 locals recommend
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th StIndependent Movie Theater. Awesome decor, seating, bar, etc. Don't be late! You won't be seated.
Austin is home to this quirky full food service cinema chain. Known for their zero-tolerance no talking and no cell phone policies, PSAs, quote-alongs, singalongs, video dance parties etc. A MUST!
770 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdAustin is home to this quirky full food service cinema chain. Known for their zero-tolerance no talking and no cell phone policies, PSAs, quote-alongs, singalongs, video dance parties etc. A MUST!
Head here around 6pm during the summer for the Hartman Series FREE Austin Symphony performances. Take a picnic, a blanket, and be ready to relax while watching the sun set over the city.
167 locals recommend
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W Riverside DrHead here around 6pm during the summer for the Hartman Series FREE Austin Symphony performances. Take a picnic, a blanket, and be ready to relax while watching the sun set over the city.
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveClassic Austin live music venue. Must catch a show here!
The state's oldest theater. During the summer you can beat the heat by seeing a classic film here!
75 locals recommend
The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress AveThe state's oldest theater. During the summer you can beat the heat by seeing a classic film here!
Drinks & Nightlife
Awesome seedy looking old school Austin jazz lounge. Get grab a bite and a cocktail upstairs at Swift's Attic first, then mosey downstairs for some jazz.
224 locals recommend
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveAwesome seedy looking old school Austin jazz lounge. Get grab a bite and a cocktail upstairs at Swift's Attic first, then mosey downstairs for some jazz.
Ah Sing Den
1100 E 6th StDepression era bar and restaurant. Live music every evening.
Over 100 beers on tap, amazing gourmet sausages, dog friendly, live music, TONS of outdoor seating.
My recommendation: Dak Bulgogi or the South Texas Antelope & Venison Marguez
264 locals recommend
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
79 Rainey StOver 100 beers on tap, amazing gourmet sausages, dog friendly, live music, TONS of outdoor seating.
My recommendation: Dak Bulgogi or the South Texas Antelope & Venison Marguez
THE BLACKHEART
86 Rainey StWhiskey bar. Live music every evening.
Container Bar
90 Rainey Sta bar made out of shipping containers. welcome to Austin.
Video Dance Club. Voted best place to dance in Austin. Thurs night is Grits N Gravy night (50s/60s), Fri is 80s night, Sat is new Indie dance. Cover starts after 11pm.
153 locals recommend
Barbarella
611 Red River StVideo Dance Club. Voted best place to dance in Austin. Thurs night is Grits N Gravy night (50s/60s), Fri is 80s night, Sat is new Indie dance. Cover starts after 11pm.
Kung Fu Saloon
716 W 6th StArcade Bar
Cool bar. Crowd is more late 20s early 30s biz professionals.
Recommend a sweet tea vodka lemonade here. They serve them in mason jars!
96 locals recommend
The Dogwood
715 W 6th StCool bar. Crowd is more late 20s early 30s biz professionals.
Recommend a sweet tea vodka lemonade here. They serve them in mason jars!
Chicken Shit Bingo. 'nuf said. bring your gamblin' money and dancin' shoes.
166 locals recommend
Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon
5434 Burnet RdChicken Shit Bingo. 'nuf said. bring your gamblin' money and dancin' shoes.
Moontower Saloon
10212 Menchaca RdCool new neighborhood bar.
Entertainment & Activities
Austin summers are hot hot hot. Cool off at this quintessential Austin spot.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAustin summers are hot hot hot. Cool off at this quintessential Austin spot.
Sightseeing
Go take a hike in part of Austin's 7 mile green belt that runs straight through the city! Take a swimming suite b/c this entrance is prime for swimming holes. Hike 30min in to Sculpture Falls! WorthIt
66 locals recommend
Twin Falls
3918 S MoPac ExpyGo take a hike in part of Austin's 7 mile green belt that runs straight through the city! Take a swimming suite b/c this entrance is prime for swimming holes. Hike 30min in to Sculpture Falls! WorthIt
Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
1008 Baylor StAustin's Graffiti Park
A couple things you should know: 1.) Our capitol is only state capitol bigger than the White House, 2.) TX flag is allowed to fly same height as US flag b/c we were once a republic 3.) TX pink granite
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveA couple things you should know: 1.) Our capitol is only state capitol bigger than the White House, 2.) TX flag is allowed to fly same height as US flag b/c we were once a republic 3.) TX pink granite
Republic Square
422 Guadalupe StWake up early on Saturday and head to the Farmer's Market!
Park here and walk out onto the Congress St bridge to see the largest migrating free-tail bat population take flight in the evening. Best month to go is in August.
131 locals recommend
Statesman Bat Observation Center
305 S Congress AvePark here and walk out onto the Congress St bridge to see the largest migrating free-tail bat population take flight in the evening. Best month to go is in August.