City Guide: Austin, Texas
This Texas State capital is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and its motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” While you won’t find many cowboys here, you will still find that Texas charm mixed in with the city’s free-spirited vibe. Austin is vibrant and creative. Its young culture is booming with entrepreneurial spirit and it has become a hub for tech and many major companies. It is an outdoor mecca, has an amazing culinary scene, and is bursting with unique local venues. Here is my guide to this quirky and remarkable city that became one of my favourites to visit.
WHERE TO STAY
The Line Hotel
Once home to a jazz club, this newly renovated hot spot opened in June 2018. This trendy hotel is in the perfect location, right in the heart of the city on Lady Bird Lake and South Congress. It features a lakeside infinity pool, a restaurant with an award-winning chef, L.A. based Alfred’s coffee shop, and a rooftop lounge (coming soon). Art made by local artists is incorporated into the hotel’s modern and chic minimalist decor. The Line is pet friendly, and offers many services including complimentary wellness classes.
The Line Hotel
South Congress Hotel
A trendy boutique hotel located in the heart of Austin’s famous South Congress Street.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Located steps away from Rainey street, this is another hotel with a great location. Hotel Van Zandt has a sophisticated yet laid back vibe. Its design pays tribute to Austin’s prominent music scene, and its comfortable rooms are the perfect place to settle in for a weekend getaway. Great aesthetics aside, there is something to be said about the service and amenities as well. Hangout at the full service rooftop pool, grab a bite to eat at their rooftop restaurant, or hop on one of their complimentary bikes and explore the city. To top it all off, each evening you can find “social hour” in the lobby with complimentary wine and beer served.
Hotel Kimpton Van Zandt
WHERE TO EAT
Austin is a foodie’s heaven. While the city may be known for its breakfast tacos and barbecue, it has a lot more to offer. From food trucks to fine dining, Austin’s renowned food scene has it all.
Suerte
Mezcal and masa— this upscale Mexican restaurant is one not to be missed. The house made masa is the specialty and is found in many of the dishes, which are designed to be shared. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (seriously, everything we had was delicious)— the suadero tacos, the octopus tostada, and nachos were some of our favourites. The restaurant sets some tables aside for walk ins, but its best to make a reservation to avoid long wait times.
Suerte
Odd Duck
This restaurant is the perfect balance of elevated dining in a casual setting. Dishes are served small plates style and are made from locally sourced ingredients. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff is personable and the service is excellent. Menu items rotate with what is in season, but if available make sure to order the ceviche (we liked it so much we ordered a second instead of dessert at the end of our meal). Reservations are a must.
Launderette
As the name might suggest this restaurant once housed a laundromat. The vibe is cool and the Mediterranean inspired food is excellent. Whether it is weekend brunch, happy hour, or dinner, this place is buzzing day and night.
Launderette
Veracruz All Natural
Breakfast tacos are a staple in Austin, so a trip to this city wouldn’t be complete without trying them. Head to Veracruz All Natural food truck and order the migas taco for one of the best in the city (and top five tacos in America according to the Food Network). The word has gotten out on these, be prepared to wait in line.
Fareground at One Eleven
Austin’s first food hall. There are six local vendors serving a variety of food, plus a full service bar. This isn’t your typical food court, this is quick but quality food in a casual and inviting atmosphere.
Fareground at One Eleven
Franklin Barbecue
Arguably the best barbecue in America, Franklin Barbecue is an Austin institution. They open at 11:00am daily, but the line starts forming around 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. While I can’t speak from first hand experience, I have been told it is worth the wait… If you’re not up for it, La Barbecue is another great spot to check out.
Café No Sé
A bright and airy café in the South Congress hotel— perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The Brewer’s Table
A unique restaurant housed in an old Quonset hut. Beer brewed in house is the star of the show, with it being incorporated into a lot of the farm to table cuisine.
The Brewer’s Table
June’s All Day
As the name suggests, this cool and casual café is the perfect spot for any time of day. Whether its breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even just drinks, the great food and laid-back atmosphere is great for whatever you’re in the mood for.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
A great all day café for good food in a casual atmosphere.
Pitchfork Pretty
Serving Texas Hill Country inspired comfort food with sophistication. This restaurant’s stylish interior suits its name.
Pitchfork Pretty
Uchi
Inventive Japanese cuisine— best for a date night or special occasion. You can find sake social hour from 5:00-6:30pm daily with deals on drinks and select menu items.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
An East Coast vibe in Austin. Ideal for a late patio lunch or cozy dinner. The oysters here are flown in daily, so you’ll pay a pretty penny for them—but try to stop in during happy hour when you can get them for 50 cents off and with $5 martinis. The lobster roll and burger both served with a pile of shoestring fries are other favourites.
Explore Austin’s Food Truck Parks
Seeing as there are more than 1,500 food trucks throughout Austin, they deserve a section of their own. From BBQ, to vegan, to doughnuts, these food trucks are said to have some of the best food in the city and you’ll find something for whatever you’re in the mood for. There are many food truck parks throughout Austin where you’ll find multiple food trucks parked together to create an outdoor food court style atmosphere. Here you can search for different food trucks and parks throughout the city.
WHERE TO DRINK
Austin has the highest number of bars per capita in the U.S. From cocktail bars to beer gardens, to speakeasy’s, and dive bars, there is no shortage of great places to grab a drink.
Rainey Street
Rainey street consists of little bungalows that have been converted in to a long strip of bars that span a few blocks. Relaxed atmospheres and great outdoor spaces strung with lights make it perfect for day or night. With so many close in proximity it is easy to hop around to a few by foot. Check out Craft Pride—a beer garden serving up a large selection of the best Texas craft beers, Half Step— a laid-back house party vibe with a great patio and craft cocktails, or Clive Bar—a causal but chic cocktail bar.
Whisler’s
Handcrafted cocktails in a rustic-chic chill atmosphere.
Garage Bar
An intimate bar tucked inside a parking garage where you’ll find some of the best cocktails in Austin.
Garage Bar
Midnight Cowboy
Hidden amongst the “Dirty Sixth” street dive bars downtown is the speakeasy Midnight Cowboy. This bar serves expertly crafted cocktails—some of which are made tableside. Its best to make a reservation as walk ins are limited (if walk-in tables are available, you’ll see the vacancy sign outside the entry lit). Once you arrive, ring the buzzer marked “Harry Craddock” for entry.
Kitty Cohen’s
A retro-inspired bar with a great outdoor space. This is a great place to go for an afternoon drink before dinner.
Breweries
Austin’s craft beer scene has taken off. Check out Austin Beerworks, Hops and Grain, Adelbert’s, or St. Elmo Brewing Co for some of the city’s best.
A Unique Distillery
While technically in Driftwood, a bit outside Austin, Desert Door Distillery is the only distillery in the U.S. that makes Sotol. Made from the Sotol plant, this spirit is similar to Tequila or Mezcal and easily became one of our new favourites. The distillery offers guided tastings, craft cocktails, and snacks in their desert-modern tasting room; or you can take a full tour of the facility and learn about their process.
Desert Door Distillery
What To Do
Live Music
As the Live Music Capital of the world, Austin has more than 250 live music venues that feature everything from rock, to country, to jazz. You’ll find live music at bars, coffee shops, festivals, and even at the airport. For some of Austin’s classics check out The White Horse or Broken Spoke for honkey tonk, The Elephant Room for jazz, or The Continental Club for a little bit of everything.
Visit the Texas State Capital Building
The Texas State Capital is the largest capitol building in the United States. Open to the public year round, you can spend time walking through at your own pace or, if you’d like to learn more about the architecture and history of the building, take a guided tour. Free 30-minute tours are offered every day of the week.
Texas State Capital Building
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening from April to October over 1.5 million bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Stand along the sidewalk of the bridge itself for a great view, or even head down to Lady Bird Lake to take in the view from the water on a kayak or boat tour. The bats emerge about 15 minutes before sundown, be sure to get there a little early to secure a spot.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake runs through downtown Austin. Walk, run, or bike along the 10 mile Ann and Roy Butler trail that spans it, or head down to Congress Avenue Kayaks to rent a paddle board or kayak and hop on the lake to get an even better view of Austin’s Skyline.
Lady Bird Lake
Check Out Austin’s Central Library
Yes, even Austin’s library is cool. While it does have over 500,000 books, this isn’t just your typical library. It also houses an event centre, an art gallery, a rooftop butterfly garden, a cookbook bar and café, and a “technology petting zoo.” Time Magazine mentioned it in its article of one of the “Worlds Greatest Places 2018.”
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is an outdoor pool in Zilker Park that is filled with water from surrounding natural springs. The water stays around 68-70 degrees year round, making it the perfect place to cool off in the Texas Heat.
Barton Springs Pool
South Congress Ave
Take a stroll down South Congress Avenue (or “SoCo” as the locals call it). Here you can find everything from quirky shops, boutiques, restaurants and some of Austin’s most famous murals—all within walking distance.
Shop
Much like its restaurants and bars, Austin’s shopping scene is diverse. With malls, vintage shops, and boutique stores, there’s something for whatever you’re looking for. Visit some of the following on South Congress for some unique to Austin:
Uncommon Objects – an eclectic mix of antique items.
Sunroom- a West coast inspired boutique with women’s apparel, swimwear and jewelry.
By George – luxury boutique with men’s and women’s apparel and accessories.
Allen’s Boots – an Austin institution with hundreds of styles of cowboys boots.
Allen’s Boots
Pro Tips
To beat the extreme Texas heat visit in the spring between March-May or fall from September-November.
One thing Austin doesn’t have is a great public transportation system. While the downtown area is very walkable, you will likely have to rely on other modes of transportation during your trip. Besides renting a car, both Uber and Lyft are available and convenient options. You can also find bike and scooter rentals (such as Lime Bike) scattered throughout the city for use.
