Kristin’s guidebook
Food scene
I love to saddle up to the bar at this French restaurant. If you go early enough, you can usually grab a bar seat. Great absinthe cocktails and wine list, paired with excellent food. It's on the expensive side.
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Péché
208 W 4th StI love to saddle up to the bar at this French restaurant. If you go early enough, you can usually grab a bar seat. Great absinthe cocktails and wine list, paired with excellent food. It's on the expensive side.
Phenomenal oyster and seafood joint with plentiful outdoor seating and a great bar inside. You need a reservation, though if you go early, you can put your name on the list and then walk South Congress for an hour or two. (South Congress is home to tons of shops and great sightseeing + photo ops such as the famous "I love you so much" sign by Joe's Coffee).
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Perla's
1400 S Congress AvePhenomenal oyster and seafood joint with plentiful outdoor seating and a great bar inside. You need a reservation, though if you go early, you can put your name on the list and then walk South Congress for an hour or two. (South Congress is home to tons of shops and great sightseeing + photo ops such as the famous "I love you so much" sign by Joe's Coffee).
There are a few Easy Tiger locations, the original being on E 7th St. I flagged this location on S Lamar because it's within walking distance (substantial walk) or a short drive or bike ride from my apartment. Great beer pub with interesting bites. I love to come in evening and also pick up a loaf of fresh-baked bread from the bakery here, if I am in the mood to have some bread the next mornings.
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Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StThere are a few Easy Tiger locations, the original being on E 7th St. I flagged this location on S Lamar because it's within walking distance (substantial walk) or a short drive or bike ride from my apartment. Great beer pub with interesting bites. I love to come in evening and also pick up a loaf of fresh-baked bread from the bakery here, if I am in the mood to have some bread the next mornings.
An Austin institution. This is a walkable place for great queso, guac, tacos, etc. If you can handle the heat, Torchy's is renowned for its verde (dona) salsa, though they also make an excellent roja (red) and another option. Torchy's has a patio + indoor seating. I often pick up Torchy's to go and eat at home.
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Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StAn Austin institution. This is a walkable place for great queso, guac, tacos, etc. If you can handle the heat, Torchy's is renowned for its verde (dona) salsa, though they also make an excellent roja (red) and another option. Torchy's has a patio + indoor seating. I often pick up Torchy's to go and eat at home.
Bustling beer dive. Very casual with pool and darts inside, plus a very lively patio. This is a good local dive with a great selection of brews and classic pub fare (people rave about the burgers).
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Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S Lamar BlvdBustling beer dive. Very casual with pool and darts inside, plus a very lively patio. This is a good local dive with a great selection of brews and classic pub fare (people rave about the burgers).
This is a bbq joint / bar with some Asian flare. Huge patio, so great for ample space and people watching. Ring toss available.
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Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdThis is a bbq joint / bar with some Asian flare. Huge patio, so great for ample space and people watching. Ring toss available.
I love the HH patio scene here. It has a trendy see and be seen energy, plus the food is great. HH prices are hard to beat. The regular menu is more pricey.
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Juliet Italian Kitchen
1500 Barton Springs RdI love the HH patio scene here. It has a trendy see and be seen energy, plus the food is great. HH prices are hard to beat. The regular menu is more pricey.
This is my favorite pizza place in Austin! (That said I'll recommend some pizza spots closer to my apartment, such as Pinthouse Pizza on S. Lamar.) Bufalina Due sadly closed its original location on East Cesar Chavez in February due to covid (the original venue was tiny, intimate, and established Bufalina as a go-to place for delicious pizza and Italian appetizers with a very creative wine list). I still drive up to Burnet Road for their fare.
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Bufalina Due
6555 Burnet RdThis is my favorite pizza place in Austin! (That said I'll recommend some pizza spots closer to my apartment, such as Pinthouse Pizza on S. Lamar.) Bufalina Due sadly closed its original location on East Cesar Chavez in February due to covid (the original venue was tiny, intimate, and established Bufalina as a go-to place for delicious pizza and Italian appetizers with a very creative wine list). I still drive up to Burnet Road for their fare.
Pinthouse Pizza
4236 S Lamar BlvdPinthouse Pizza is bomb for great pizza and beer.
I love this venue and patio for local brews. They also make pizza in house. It's just a cool, hipster scene.
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The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StI love this venue and patio for local brews. They also make pizza in house. It's just a cool, hipster scene.
Clarksville is an adorable neighborhood to walk. I am a huge fan of Clark's, particularly Sunday HH when bottles of wine are half-price all day.
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Clark's Oyster Bar
1200 W 6th StClarksville is an adorable neighborhood to walk. I am a huge fan of Clark's, particularly Sunday HH when bottles of wine are half-price all day.
June's is one of my all-time favorite venues in Austin. I'm obsessed with the grilled artichoke and the snapper ceviche, as well as the burger + fries. They do an extended brunch if that tickles your fancy. You'll want a reservation, but if you don't have one, you can try popping your head in, putting your name on the list, walking South Congress, and waiting to receive a text from June's that your table or bar seats are now available.
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June's
1722 S Congress AveJune's is one of my all-time favorite venues in Austin. I'm obsessed with the grilled artichoke and the snapper ceviche, as well as the burger + fries. They do an extended brunch if that tickles your fancy. You'll want a reservation, but if you don't have one, you can try popping your head in, putting your name on the list, walking South Congress, and waiting to receive a text from June's that your table or bar seats are now available.
Guero's is an Austin institution for Mexican fare. You want some queso.
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Güero's Taco Bar
1412 S Congress AveGuero's is an Austin institution for Mexican fare. You want some queso.
So this is renowned Mexican cuisine in Austin — but don't expect Tex-Mex. This is more authentic and upscale.
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Fonda San Miguel Restaurant
2330 W N Loop BlvdSo this is renowned Mexican cuisine in Austin — but don't expect Tex-Mex. This is more authentic and upscale.
Maudie's Too
1212 S Lamar BlvdMaudie's is popular for Tex-Mex fare. Margaritas, essential.
So, people are obsessed with the new Italian hot stop, Red Ash. It's nearly impossible to get a reservation. I'm only listing it because if you like to check out the most trendy spots in Austin, you'll want to consider this one. Book a reservation WELL in advance (I'm talking like a month).
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Red Ash
303 Colorado StSo, people are obsessed with the new Italian hot stop, Red Ash. It's nearly impossible to get a reservation. I'm only listing it because if you like to check out the most trendy spots in Austin, you'll want to consider this one. Book a reservation WELL in advance (I'm talking like a month).
Aba is the hippest Mediterranean spot in town. Another one of those hard-to-get-in venues where you need to reserve like at LEAST a month in advance. Call to see if they can fit you in, whether on patio or indoor. I think the biggest draw is this place is jaw-droopingly gorgeous. It's tucked away, behind some venues off South Congress. Great people watching. Dress to impress (or at least be seen).
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Aba
1011 S Congress AveAba is the hippest Mediterranean spot in town. Another one of those hard-to-get-in venues where you need to reserve like at LEAST a month in advance. Call to see if they can fit you in, whether on patio or indoor. I think the biggest draw is this place is jaw-droopingly gorgeous. It's tucked away, behind some venues off South Congress. Great people watching. Dress to impress (or at least be seen).
I love this casual wine joint for wine and tapas. The wine list is INNOVATIVE. Think lesser-known regions and natural wines. Be ready to experiment. I dig the tapas; their melt-in-your-mouth quail rocked my world.
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Winebelly
519 W Oltorf StI love this casual wine joint for wine and tapas. The wine list is INNOVATIVE. Think lesser-known regions and natural wines. Be ready to experiment. I dig the tapas; their melt-in-your-mouth quail rocked my world.
Hanging out on the east side of Austin? This joint attracts a crowd. It's fun to be among the hustle and bustle, eating delicious food, throwing back margaritas, and people watching or mingling. You need a rez; despite their large patio, this place fills up.
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Licha's Cantina
1306 E 6th StHanging out on the east side of Austin? This joint attracts a crowd. It's fun to be among the hustle and bustle, eating delicious food, throwing back margaritas, and people watching or mingling. You need a rez; despite their large patio, this place fills up.
Suerte is the new hot Mexican establishment in Austin. Great for a trendy scene + Nuevo Mexicano...
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Fried and True Food Truck
1308 E 6th StSuerte is the new hot Mexican establishment in Austin. Great for a trendy scene + Nuevo Mexicano...
Are you vegetarian or vegan? Or are you simply craving a healthy and delicious meal? Counter Culture is the excellent.
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Counter Culture
2908 E Cesar Chavez StAre you vegetarian or vegan? Or are you simply craving a healthy and delicious meal? Counter Culture is the excellent.
LOVE me some brunch at Hillside. It's a reformed pharmacy. Great decor, amazing cocktails and food.
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Hillside Farmacy
1209 E 11th StLOVE me some brunch at Hillside. It's a reformed pharmacy. Great decor, amazing cocktails and food.
Great spot to grab some coffee and food truck tacos or other bites. Patio seating only now. Huge patio. They also serve awesome beer and sometimes have live music at night.
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Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdGreat spot to grab some coffee and food truck tacos or other bites. Patio seating only now. Huge patio. They also serve awesome beer and sometimes have live music at night.
My favorite coffee spot up in Cherrywood. I love this little neighborhood, so I'll venture all the way up here often just for their coffee + breakfast tacos (early enough before they sell out). I'll also tack on a visit to Nature's Treasures Texas to buy some crystals... in case you're into that kind of thing, too.
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Thunderbird Coffee
2200 Manor RdMy favorite coffee spot up in Cherrywood. I love this little neighborhood, so I'll venture all the way up here often just for their coffee + breakfast tacos (early enough before they sell out). I'll also tack on a visit to Nature's Treasures Texas to buy some crystals... in case you're into that kind of thing, too.
I pick up coffee to-go here frequently. Their back patio is open if you like to grab a seat. They do NOT have breakfast tacos, but they do have delicious, savory cheddar bacon biscuits and other bakery bites.
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Patika
2159 S Lamar BlvdI pick up coffee to-go here frequently. Their back patio is open if you like to grab a seat. They do NOT have breakfast tacos, but they do have delicious, savory cheddar bacon biscuits and other bakery bites.
Great to spot to grab tacos before or after a Greenbelt hike! (While I greatly prefer my Greenbelt entrance, this one is convenient and fun as well.)
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Tacodeli
1500 Spyglass DrGreat to spot to grab tacos before or after a Greenbelt hike! (While I greatly prefer my Greenbelt entrance, this one is convenient and fun as well.)
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdChuy's is infamous, so why not grab a bite?
Love to chill outdoors at this lovely Greek venue. Bring your laptop and work all day, or chill with friends. Delicious food, drinks - including wine and beer, and also coffee & desserts. I think they still do Tuesday comedy nights as well.
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Opa
2050 S Lamar BlvdLove to chill outdoors at this lovely Greek venue. Bring your laptop and work all day, or chill with friends. Delicious food, drinks - including wine and beer, and also coffee & desserts. I think they still do Tuesday comedy nights as well.
Neighborhoods
GET YOURSELF TO ZILKER PARK. Hike/walk Town Lake or paddle board (you can rent some boards)! It's phenomenal people-watching and gorgeous views, plus you'll get a taste of Austin's active scene. There are parking lots to get into Zilker; it can get crazy... so might be easier to Uber or Lyft your way there. I do generally find parking in one of the lots. Ask any locals how to access the trails.
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Zilker
GET YOURSELF TO ZILKER PARK. Hike/walk Town Lake or paddle board (you can rent some boards)! It's phenomenal people-watching and gorgeous views, plus you'll get a taste of Austin's active scene. There are parking lots to get into Zilker; it can get crazy... so might be easier to Uber or Lyft your way there. I do generally find parking in one of the lots. Ask any locals how to access the trails.
City/town information
Lockhart is also home to some of the best BBQ around (this said, I do prefer Cooper's in Llano). I head to Lockhart for Smitty's BBQ followed by some antique shopping in the local town square.
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Lockhart
Lockhart is also home to some of the best BBQ around (this said, I do prefer Cooper's in Llano). I head to Lockhart for Smitty's BBQ followed by some antique shopping in the local town square.
Fredericksburg is home to scores of wineries in Texas' Hill Country. It's a good 1.5-hour drive away, so you'd probably want to book a stay at a Inn or another Airbnb house if you head thattaway. (Airbnb auto-tagged Fredericksburg as a "dessert shop" but obviously they meant "wine country.")
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Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is home to scores of wineries in Texas' Hill Country. It's a good 1.5-hour drive away, so you'd probably want to book a stay at a Inn or another Airbnb house if you head thattaway. (Airbnb auto-tagged Fredericksburg as a "dessert shop" but obviously they meant "wine country.")
Sightseeing
There are dozens of access points to the Greenbelt. It's my favorite local experience - hiking the trails and admiring the overlooks. I can spend an hour here, or get lost the entire day. Ask me for the best access point (I can text it to you via Google Maps). Or, trying following these instructions:
Input these Google Maps points (see if it works):
30.2454610, -97.7867160
Essentially you go right on Barton Skyway, left on Rae Dell Ave and left on Crestvale Dr, and entrance is at bottom of dead end road (little pathway on left).
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Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayThere are dozens of access points to the Greenbelt. It's my favorite local experience - hiking the trails and admiring the overlooks. I can spend an hour here, or get lost the entire day. Ask me for the best access point (I can text it to you via Google Maps). Or, trying following these instructions:
Input these Google Maps points (see if it works):
30.2454610, -97.7867160
Essentially you go right on Barton Skyway, left on Rae Dell Ave and left on Crestvale Dr, and entrance is at bottom of dead end road (little pathway on left).
AMAZING fresh-water aquifer in the heart of Austin in Zilker Park. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I believe 5am - 10pm. Def check the website because there are seasonal changes to hours, etc. https://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAMAZING fresh-water aquifer in the heart of Austin in Zilker Park. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I believe 5am - 10pm. Def check the website because there are seasonal changes to hours, etc. https://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
Cool community hub featuring events and a busy bar. You can also chill and cowork here from your laptop.
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The Cafe at Native Hostels
807 E 4th StCool community hub featuring events and a busy bar. You can also chill and cowork here from your laptop.
I love to come here for jazz; blues legend Jimmie Vaughan, the late Stevie Ray's little brother, performs here most Fridays. Check the schedule and groove: https://www.cboys.com
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C-Boys Heart and Soul
2008 S Congress AveI love to come here for jazz; blues legend Jimmie Vaughan, the late Stevie Ray's little brother, performs here most Fridays. Check the schedule and groove: https://www.cboys.com
My favorite dive bar ever with a raucous live music + two-stepping and swing dancing scene. Come to watch the pros or to move your feet.
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The White Horse
500 Comal StMy favorite dive bar ever with a raucous live music + two-stepping and swing dancing scene. Come to watch the pros or to move your feet.
Broken Spoke is a S Lamar institution! Best authentic honky tonk two-stepping and people watching. You can walk here from my apartment, too.
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Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdBroken Spoke is a S Lamar institution! Best authentic honky tonk two-stepping and people watching. You can walk here from my apartment, too.
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveCool jazz in the basement since 1991. Tiny venue, need reservation.
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveJazz institution. Need I say more?
This dive books some of the best country artists in Texas. Definitely worth a trip for a taste of old Austin.
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Saxon Pub
1320 S Lamar BlvdThis dive books some of the best country artists in Texas. Definitely worth a trip for a taste of old Austin.
ACL Live at The Moody Theater features artists of all stripes. It's home to live tapings of Austin City Limits. Definitely worth booking tickets to a show here, if you can score some.
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ACL Live
310 W Willie Nelson BlvdACL Live at The Moody Theater features artists of all stripes. It's home to live tapings of Austin City Limits. Definitely worth booking tickets to a show here, if you can score some.
Popular bar scene with live music; across from Stubb's on Red River St, so people who are going to show there tend to cross-pollinate over here at Cheer Up.
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Cheer Up Charlies
900 Red River StPopular bar scene with live music; across from Stubb's on Red River St, so people who are going to show there tend to cross-pollinate over here at Cheer Up.
There are so many bars on Rainey Street, I could recommend just one. Walk up and down this wild street for boozy fun.
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Rainey Street
Rainey StreetThere are so many bars on Rainey Street, I could recommend just one. Walk up and down this wild street for boozy fun.