Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Nothing beats Matt’s large outdoor patio… chances are, if you visit, you will most likely be serenaded by live mariachi music. Get a large Bob queso, a Mexican Martini (or a Shirley temple if you are under 21) and enjoy the beautiful sights of South Austin. www.mattselrancho.com
304 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Matt's El Rancho
2613 S Lamar BlvdNothing beats Matt’s large outdoor patio… chances are, if you visit, you will most likely be serenaded by live mariachi music. Get a large Bob queso, a Mexican Martini (or a Shirley temple if you are under 21) and enjoy the beautiful sights of South Austin. www.mattselrancho.com
Torchy’s Tacos isn’t just yummy, it’s truly an Austin staple. They get really creative with their tacos without losing sight of the classics. Some favorites include the Fried Avocado, Trailer Park (fried chicken & green chilies), and the Dirty Sanchez (breakfast taco). And pssst… don’t forget to order off their secret menu. www.torchystacos.com
1076 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st St
Torchy’s Tacos isn’t just yummy, it’s truly an Austin staple. They get really creative with their tacos without losing sight of the classics. Some favorites include the Fried Avocado, Trailer Park (fried chicken & green chilies), and the Dirty Sanchez (breakfast taco). And pssst… don’t forget to order off their secret menu. www.torchystacos.com
Hungry for breakfast at dinner time? Dinner at breakfast time? Magnolia serves up a wide assortment of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time from Huevos Rancheros to Spinach Lasagna. Open 24 hours. www.magnoliacafeaustin.com
478 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress AveHungry for breakfast at dinner time? Dinner at breakfast time? Magnolia serves up a wide assortment of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time from Huevos Rancheros to Spinach Lasagna. Open 24 hours. www.magnoliacafeaustin.com
A culinary sanctuary for vegetarians and vegans, Bouldin Creek Coffee House serves up a variety of tasty dishes that will please even the most devoted meat eaters as well! My go-to dish is the Renedict (served until they run, typically around 1 pm) I get it on a hashbrown with tofu scramble and a side of Chipotle Pecan Pesto. INSANELY good! Try the Tokyo Fog as an after dinner beverage. www.bouldincreekcafe.com
565 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StA culinary sanctuary for vegetarians and vegans, Bouldin Creek Coffee House serves up a variety of tasty dishes that will please even the most devoted meat eaters as well! My go-to dish is the Renedict (served until they run, typically around 1 pm) I get it on a hashbrown with tofu scramble and a side of Chipotle Pecan Pesto. INSANELY good! Try the Tokyo Fog as an after dinner beverage. www.bouldincreekcafe.com
Sway offers a classy, modern Thai dining experience. This as-ready kitchen serves dishes hot right off the stove, so this dining experience is best shared. I highly suggest the Jungle Curry! www.swayaustin.com
349 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sway
1417 S 1st StSway offers a classy, modern Thai dining experience. This as-ready kitchen serves dishes hot right off the stove, so this dining experience is best shared. I highly suggest the Jungle Curry! www.swayaustin.com
Two things that pair beautifully together: pizza and beer! The ABGB does just that with a great selection of beer, fine foods, and exceptionally good pizza. www.theabgb.com
435 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StTwo things that pair beautifully together: pizza and beer! The ABGB does just that with a great selection of beer, fine foods, and exceptionally good pizza. www.theabgb.com
Downtown’s best option for bayou-inspired seafood po-boys and salads, Turf N’ Surf has evolved from a coveted (and still running) food truck to a brick and mortar success by sourcing the freshest seafood possible straight from the Gulf with two locations. With hefty portions and reasonable prices, this place is a must-try.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Turf N' Surf Po Boy
407 Lavaca StDowntown’s best option for bayou-inspired seafood po-boys and salads, Turf N’ Surf has evolved from a coveted (and still running) food truck to a brick and mortar success by sourcing the freshest seafood possible straight from the Gulf with two locations. With hefty portions and reasonable prices, this place is a must-try.
After many moves, La Barbecue’s colorful new home at the Aztec Food Park on East Cesar Chavez is still smoking the same beautiful briskets, ribs, and sausages that people line up for. Now it’s helmed by head pitmaster Dylan Taylor while while John Lewis focuses on Charleston. Hours are from Wednesdays to Sundays starting at 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Recommended orders: brisket, pulled pork, Frito pie
www.labarbecue.com
421 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StAfter many moves, La Barbecue’s colorful new home at the Aztec Food Park on East Cesar Chavez is still smoking the same beautiful briskets, ribs, and sausages that people line up for. Now it’s helmed by head pitmaster Dylan Taylor while while John Lewis focuses on Charleston. Hours are from Wednesdays to Sundays starting at 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Recommended orders: brisket, pulled pork, Frito pie
www.labarbecue.com
The ambiance at Claypot is suitable for dates and romantic evenings, and the menu includes happy hour drink and food specials. On deck are curries, tandoori, naans, and vegetarian specials. www.claypit.com
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe StThe ambiance at Claypot is suitable for dates and romantic evenings, and the menu includes happy hour drink and food specials. On deck are curries, tandoori, naans, and vegetarian specials. www.claypit.com
30 year Austin institution, first bottle shop/beerbar/restaurant in Austin and still the best. This converted convenient store doesn't look like much from the highway but I promise you won't be disappointed if you check them out. They offer Indian appetizers and a wide selection of alcohol. www.whipin.com
267 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whip in
1950 S I-35 Frontage Rd30 year Austin institution, first bottle shop/beerbar/restaurant in Austin and still the best. This converted convenient store doesn't look like much from the highway but I promise you won't be disappointed if you check them out. They offer Indian appetizers and a wide selection of alcohol. www.whipin.com
The Oasis sits right on Lake Travis and offers stunning sunset views. www.oasis-austin.com
507 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Oasis On Lake Travis
6550 Comanche TrailThe Oasis sits right on Lake Travis and offers stunning sunset views. www.oasis-austin.com
This place can arguably be categorized as a dessert shop as well. Gourdough’s donuts take a fork and knife to get through, like the Elvis, which boasts caramelized banana, bacon, and peanut butter on a single ring. At first glance the menu may give you paralysis-by-analysis, but even if you make an impulse order because you’ve been awkwardly looking at the menu for five minutes, you’ll still end up with one of the best and most memorable donuts you’ve ever had. www.juiceland.com
226 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gourdough's Public House
209 W 5th StThis place can arguably be categorized as a dessert shop as well. Gourdough’s donuts take a fork and knife to get through, like the Elvis, which boasts caramelized banana, bacon, and peanut butter on a single ring. At first glance the menu may give you paralysis-by-analysis, but even if you make an impulse order because you’ve been awkwardly looking at the menu for five minutes, you’ll still end up with one of the best and most memorable donuts you’ve ever had. www.juiceland.com
A local Austin company, JuiceLand now has 20 or so stores across Texas and New York City. They serve delicious and healthy, completely organic smoothies and juices along with many items such as salads and snack packs in their fridge.
520 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs RdA local Austin company, JuiceLand now has 20 or so stores across Texas and New York City. They serve delicious and healthy, completely organic smoothies and juices along with many items such as salads and snack packs in their fridge.
Elizabeth Street Cafe serves up Vietnamese dishes with French accents. Try a "Shaking" Steak & Eggs with Niman Ranch ribeye, sauteed spinach, spicy caramel, and toast, or a peach galette with homemade puff pastry and chia ice cream, slathered in ginger peach compote. www.elizabethstreetcafe.com
426 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StElizabeth Street Cafe serves up Vietnamese dishes with French accents. Try a "Shaking" Steak & Eggs with Niman Ranch ribeye, sauteed spinach, spicy caramel, and toast, or a peach galette with homemade puff pastry and chia ice cream, slathered in ginger peach compote. www.elizabethstreetcafe.com
Micklethwait stands with the top tier of pitmasters in terms of quality, but also differentiates themselves by focusing on their sausage offerings and taking a more artisanal approach to their menu. The trailer serves homemade bread, and often has off-menu specials like pork chops or esoteric sausages. The trailer has recently expanded their hours -- you can actually get dinner service -- and also sports some excellent side items and dessert offerings, assuming you can find the room.
215 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood AveMicklethwait stands with the top tier of pitmasters in terms of quality, but also differentiates themselves by focusing on their sausage offerings and taking a more artisanal approach to their menu. The trailer serves homemade bread, and often has off-menu specials like pork chops or esoteric sausages. The trailer has recently expanded their hours -- you can actually get dinner service -- and also sports some excellent side items and dessert offerings, assuming you can find the room.
www.tosspizzeria.com
One of the more recent arrivals in Austin’s pizza scene is Toss Pizzeria, with New York-style pies fashioned by former Southside Flying Pizza's John Pennington. This includes pies topped with brisket, whole eggs, and more, which pairs nicely with frozen margaritas.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toss Pizzeria & Pub
2901 S 1st Stwww.tosspizzeria.com
One of the more recent arrivals in Austin’s pizza scene is Toss Pizzeria, with New York-style pies fashioned by former Southside Flying Pizza's John Pennington. This includes pies topped with brisket, whole eggs, and more, which pairs nicely with frozen margaritas.
The Picnic was founded on one simple concept: support local. The Picnic is located on prime real estate in the heart of Austin, and while the property attracted attention from national chain restaurants, the owners elected to develop an environment where locally owned food trucks could flourish. Constructing amenities unheard of in the food trailer world, including 80 paved parking spaces, architecturally designed pavilions, and air conditioned restrooms, the owners invested in the future of Austin by creating a property in which local business could thrive for years to come.
https://www.thepicnicaustin.com
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Picnic - Food Truck Park
1720 Barton Springs RdThe Picnic was founded on one simple concept: support local. The Picnic is located on prime real estate in the heart of Austin, and while the property attracted attention from national chain restaurants, the owners elected to develop an environment where locally owned food trucks could flourish. Constructing amenities unheard of in the food trailer world, including 80 paved parking spaces, architecturally designed pavilions, and air conditioned restrooms, the owners invested in the future of Austin by creating a property in which local business could thrive for years to come.
https://www.thepicnicaustin.com
Few shops in town serve as the type of community hub as Radio, whose patio is a melting pot of South Austinites hungry for great coffee, beer, food, and entertainment. Stumptown supplies the coffee, while a roster of mostly local beer fills the tap, food trucks like Cazamance and Veracruz All Natural keep folks fed, and a packed calendar of music and outdoor movie screenings makes every night of the week feel like a special occasion.
435 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdFew shops in town serve as the type of community hub as Radio, whose patio is a melting pot of South Austinites hungry for great coffee, beer, food, and entertainment. Stumptown supplies the coffee, while a roster of mostly local beer fills the tap, food trucks like Cazamance and Veracruz All Natural keep folks fed, and a packed calendar of music and outdoor movie screenings makes every night of the week feel like a special occasion.
Located in a non-descript building at 3115 S 1st, Summermoon Coffee is Austin’s best kept secret. Summermoon's Moon Milk is a combination of 7 secret, all natural, all organic ingredients.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Summer Moon Coffee
3115 S 1st StLocated in a non-descript building at 3115 S 1st, Summermoon Coffee is Austin’s best kept secret. Summermoon's Moon Milk is a combination of 7 secret, all natural, all organic ingredients.
A cozy, Greek haven tucked away in the heart of South Austin. They have a little of everything... pizza, quick greek bites like a hummus plate, beer, wine, live music, a nice big patio and plenty of places to work.
129 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Opa
2050 S Lamar BlvdA cozy, Greek haven tucked away in the heart of South Austin. They have a little of everything... pizza, quick greek bites like a hummus plate, beer, wine, live music, a nice big patio and plenty of places to work.
Stumptown coffee, baked goods & more from a colorful kiosk with outdoor seating & iconic graffiti.
495 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveStumptown coffee, baked goods & more from a colorful kiosk with outdoor seating & iconic graffiti.
Move over Chicago-style, New York-style, Neapolitan-style: there's a new geographically oriented pizza in town. "Detroit-style" pizza has landed--we should say, pulled up--in Austin, thanks to two brothers from the Mitten State with a truck and a dream. Seems to be a local favorite.
372 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Via 313 Pizza
10106 W 6th StMove over Chicago-style, New York-style, Neapolitan-style: there's a new geographically oriented pizza in town. "Detroit-style" pizza has landed--we should say, pulled up--in Austin, thanks to two brothers from the Mitten State with a truck and a dream. Seems to be a local favorite.
Sightseeing
This is one of those Austin stops that uniquely captures the essence of Austin. Once slated to be a condo project that ended up not materializing, the concert foundation has become a canvas for local graffiti artists. It is constantly changing, just like the city. While there be sure to climb to the top to get a great view of the city. Location: 11th & Baylor Street
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Graffiti en Castle Hill
1008 Baylor StThis is one of those Austin stops that uniquely captures the essence of Austin. Once slated to be a condo project that ended up not materializing, the concert foundation has become a canvas for local graffiti artists. It is constantly changing, just like the city. While there be sure to climb to the top to get a great view of the city. Location: 11th & Baylor Street
This massive art piece sits quietly in the backyard of a South Austin residence. Call ahead to make a reservation. Donations accepted.
110 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina DrThis massive art piece sits quietly in the backyard of a South Austin residence. Call ahead to make a reservation. Donations accepted.
People often wonder why I would recommend that they visit a grocery store but trust me, it's SO much more than that. It's sure to be the nicest grocery store you've ever visited. It includes multiple places to eat, a HUGE hot bar, plenty of outdoor seating, a bar and live music.
1332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdPeople often wonder why I would recommend that they visit a grocery store but trust me, it's SO much more than that. It's sure to be the nicest grocery store you've ever visited. It includes multiple places to eat, a HUGE hot bar, plenty of outdoor seating, a bar and live music.
Parks & Nature
Zilker Park is a 351 acre, dog-friendly park situated in the heart of Austin. It serves as a hub for many special events such as ACL, SWSW, The Zilker Kite Festival and many more. The park offers many different types of fun outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, jogging, kayaking, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
1533 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Metropolitano Zilker
2207 Barton Springs RdZilker Park is a 351 acre, dog-friendly park situated in the heart of Austin. It serves as a hub for many special events such as ACL, SWSW, The Zilker Kite Festival and many more. The park offers many different types of fun outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, jogging, kayaking, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Barton Springs Pool is situated at the grounds of Zilker Park. It is a must-go-to place in the summer to cool off, with a 68 degree temperature all year round.
2454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2131 William Barton DrBarton Springs Pool is situated at the grounds of Zilker Park. It is a must-go-to place in the summer to cool off, with a 68 degree temperature all year round.
Drive over the bridge heading north, make a U-turn at the next light and park with all the cars on the side. A short hike up will take you to a beautiful overlook. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your camera! I recommend going early in the morning during the week. Beautiful and serene.
209 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
360 Bridge
4801 Plaza on the LakeDrive over the bridge heading north, make a U-turn at the next light and park with all the cars on the side. A short hike up will take you to a beautiful overlook. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your camera! I recommend going early in the morning during the week. Beautiful and serene.
Situated on 109 peaceful acres, Hippie Hollow is a clothing optional park securely nestled in the natural beauty of the Hill County of Lake Travis, only 20 minutes off Interstate 35, but a world away from the bustle of nearby Austin, a haven for those who wish to escape the rigors of modern life in a safe and comfortable nudist atmosphere.
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hippie Hollow Park
7000 Comanche TrailSituated on 109 peaceful acres, Hippie Hollow is a clothing optional park securely nestled in the natural beauty of the Hill County of Lake Travis, only 20 minutes off Interstate 35, but a world away from the bustle of nearby Austin, a haven for those who wish to escape the rigors of modern life in a safe and comfortable nudist atmosphere.
Mount Bonnell is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s. The mount provides a vista for viewing the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills. Along with being a featured location in the film Slacker, Mount Bonnell is designated as a Texas Historic Landmark and was also recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1083 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s. The mount provides a vista for viewing the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills. Along with being a featured location in the film Slacker, Mount Bonnell is designated as a Texas Historic Landmark and was also recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Drinks & Nightlife
The most well known party-street in Austin is still 6th Street, but in recent years Rainey Street has given it a run for its money. There are a plethora of older homes that have been turned into bars, and most of them have great outdoor patios. There are also several really great dining options in the neighborhood as well.
793 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rainey Street
Rainey StreetThe most well known party-street in Austin is still 6th Street, but in recent years Rainey Street has given it a run for its money. There are a plethora of older homes that have been turned into bars, and most of them have great outdoor patios. There are also several really great dining options in the neighborhood as well.
Entertainment & Activities
The Alamo Drafthouse is a well-known movie theater which offers food and drink service inside, while enjoying a movie. This theater also host different types of events and showings of all-time favorite classics first run movies. For a real treat go for a Quote-A-Long or Master Pancake showing.
770 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdThe Alamo Drafthouse is a well-known movie theater which offers food and drink service inside, while enjoying a movie. This theater also host different types of events and showings of all-time favorite classics first run movies. For a real treat go for a Quote-A-Long or Master Pancake showing.
Crux Climbing Center is a combination climbing gym with both rope climbing and bouldering. The 22,000 sq. ft. facility features rock climbing walls that are 30 feet high. The bouldering area isn’t completely vertical and features sharp angles. Seasoned climbers can experience the bouldering cave and members can get 24/7 access. Beginners can learn to rock climb without battling the elements.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crux Climbing Center
121 Pickle RdCrux Climbing Center is a combination climbing gym with both rope climbing and bouldering. The 22,000 sq. ft. facility features rock climbing walls that are 30 feet high. The bouldering area isn’t completely vertical and features sharp angles. Seasoned climbers can experience the bouldering cave and members can get 24/7 access. Beginners can learn to rock climb without battling the elements.
Kayak rental outfit offering guided tours of Austin & Congress Bridge with views of its bat colony.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Live Love Paddle
1610 E Riverside DrKayak rental outfit offering guided tours of Austin & Congress Bridge with views of its bat colony.
Arts & Culture
Take a free 30 minute tour of the capitol or take yourself on a self-guided tour!
1121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveTake a free 30 minute tour of the capitol or take yourself on a self-guided tour!
The Bullock Texas State History Museum includes three floors of exhibitions, an IMAX® theater, a 4D special effects theater, café, and museum store.
593 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia del Estado de Texas Bullock
1800 Congress AveThe Bullock Texas State History Museum includes three floors of exhibitions, an IMAX® theater, a 4D special effects theater, café, and museum store.
This is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. with 189,340 square feet devoted to temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, storage, administrative offices, classrooms, a print study room, an auditorium, shop, and cafe.
644 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo de Arte Blanton
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThis is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. with 189,340 square feet devoted to temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, storage, administrative offices, classrooms, a print study room, an auditorium, shop, and cafe.