Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Dai Due
2406 Manor RdLunch and Dinner Tues-Sun. Nearby, high end foodie fare.
Excellent family style or single plate Italian just off Lake Park. Closed Tuesdays.
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L'Oca d'Oro
1900 Simond AveExcellent family style or single plate Italian just off Lake Park. Closed Tuesdays.
Some of the best burgers in town. The South Congress location is great, but North Lamar might have a shorter wait.
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Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveSome of the best burgers in town. The South Congress location is great, but North Lamar might have a shorter wait.
This modern Japanese/Sushi restaurant made Tripadvisor's Top 20 Restaurants in the United States. Uchiko and its sister restaurant, Uchi (South of the river) are Austin institutions.
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Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdThis modern Japanese/Sushi restaurant made Tripadvisor's Top 20 Restaurants in the United States. Uchiko and its sister restaurant, Uchi (South of the river) are Austin institutions.
Crowded and touristy but some of the best pizza in town. The 53rd street / Hyde Park location is closer to us and less crowded than the original on South Congress ... but it's still very crowded.
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Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveCrowded and touristy but some of the best pizza in town. The 53rd street / Hyde Park location is closer to us and less crowded than the original on South Congress ... but it's still very crowded.
South Congress Cafe was serving some of the best brunch in town before Austin was cool. Get there right at opening (9 AM) on the weekends to avoid a wait for more than two people.
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South Congress Cafe
1600 S Congress AveSouth Congress Cafe was serving some of the best brunch in town before Austin was cool. Get there right at opening (9 AM) on the weekends to avoid a wait for more than two people.
Delicious and affordable eat-in or take-out pan-asian bowls with plenty of healthy options. Lunch or dinner.
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Koriente
621 E 7th StDelicious and affordable eat-in or take-out pan-asian bowls with plenty of healthy options. Lunch or dinner.
Worth the trip out to the edge of hill country (or visit the 360 location) for some of the best Southwestern cooking in Austin. Appetizers are sizable and half off during one of the longer happy hours in town (Mon-Fri, 3-7 PM). One of our favorite places to eat.
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Jack Allen's Kitchen Oak Hill
7720 State Hwy 71Worth the trip out to the edge of hill country (or visit the 360 location) for some of the best Southwestern cooking in Austin. Appetizers are sizable and half off during one of the longer happy hours in town (Mon-Fri, 3-7 PM). One of our favorite places to eat.
French and Vietnamese cooking and bakery. It can get crowded but it's one of our favorite spots.
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Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StFrench and Vietnamese cooking and bakery. It can get crowded but it's one of our favorite spots.
Probably the best Italian restaurant in Austin. Reservations recommended, or check out Vespaio Enoteca for a more casual (and affordable) but still excellent dinner next door.
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Vespaio
1610 S Congress AveProbably the best Italian restaurant in Austin. Reservations recommended, or check out Vespaio Enoteca for a more casual (and affordable) but still excellent dinner next door.
No visit to Austin is complete without stopping by this Austin chain, which has several locations around town; this one has a full bar and is quite close by. Order on-line for pickup to skip the (sometimes very long) line and definitely get a full order of the green chile queso.
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Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StNo visit to Austin is complete without stopping by this Austin chain, which has several locations around town; this one has a full bar and is quite close by. Order on-line for pickup to skip the (sometimes very long) line and definitely get a full order of the green chile queso.
Haymaker
2310 Manor RdGreat sandwiches and a good selection of beer nearby along Manor road.
Our answer to "is it worth the wait" is "yes." Be there by 8:00 AM and don't expect to walk out until after 11, but even waiting in the line (with its lawn chairs and beers) is an Austin social ritual.
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Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StOur answer to "is it worth the wait" is "yes." Be there by 8:00 AM and don't expect to walk out until after 11, but even waiting in the line (with its lawn chairs and beers) is an Austin social ritual.
While nobody goes to The Oasis for the food, it's worth the trip out to Lake Travis for a sunset and an overpriced margarita.
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The Oasis On Lake Travis
6550 Comanche TrailWhile nobody goes to The Oasis for the food, it's worth the trip out to Lake Travis for a sunset and an overpriced margarita.
La Condesa
400 W 2nd StContemporary and trendy Mexican with a large tequila selection.
While the original location on 71 can be less crowded, Jack Allen's second location on Capital of Texas Highway is just as good.
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Jack Allen’s Kitchen 360
3600 N Capital of Texas HwyWhile the original location on 71 can be less crowded, Jack Allen's second location on Capital of Texas Highway is just as good.
While it's not much to look at, Ola Poke serves good and fairly inepxensive poke. Also, check out the Korean bakery next door!
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Ola Poke
6808 N Lamar BlvdWhile it's not much to look at, Ola Poke serves good and fairly inepxensive poke. Also, check out the Korean bakery next door!
Another downtown Austin transplant, Halcyon is open from 8 to midnight every day and serves coffee, cocktails, breakfast, weekend brunch, and sandwiches with lighter entrees (but some serious dessert). The same owner runs Stella's Public House right next door: we recommend going for a cocktail around 5:30 and then walking over to Stella's for pizza.
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Halcyon
218 W 4th StAnother downtown Austin transplant, Halcyon is open from 8 to midnight every day and serves coffee, cocktails, breakfast, weekend brunch, and sandwiches with lighter entrees (but some serious dessert). The same owner runs Stella's Public House right next door: we recommend going for a cocktail around 5:30 and then walking over to Stella's for pizza.
Started in San Antonio, Stella has great beer and even greater pizza, all about a fifteen minute walk from our house. Open 4PM to 10PM.
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Stella Public House
1905 Aldrich StStarted in San Antonio, Stella has great beer and even greater pizza, all about a fifteen minute walk from our house. Open 4PM to 10PM.
It's not cheap but it's some of the best ice cream in town with flavors you aren't going to find anywhere else.
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Lick Honest Ice Creams
1100 S Lamar BlvdIt's not cheap but it's some of the best ice cream in town with flavors you aren't going to find anywhere else.
Bao are Chinese steamed buns traditionally served for breakfast, and this small restaurant next to the Alamo Drafthouse serves a variety of them as well as Taiwanese burgers, smoothies, and bubble tea. Open for Lunch and dinner and closed Tuesdays. A nice perk is that they let you choose how sweet you want your bubble tea!
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Bao'd Up
1911 Aldrich StBao are Chinese steamed buns traditionally served for breakfast, and this small restaurant next to the Alamo Drafthouse serves a variety of them as well as Taiwanese burgers, smoothies, and bubble tea. Open for Lunch and dinner and closed Tuesdays. A nice perk is that they let you choose how sweet you want your bubble tea!
It's a strip mall Thai restaurant but it's a good one and very close by (not quite walking distance, but definitely bicycling distance).
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Pad Thai Cuisine
1201 Barbara Jordan BlvdIt's a strip mall Thai restaurant but it's a good one and very close by (not quite walking distance, but definitely bicycling distance).
This strip mall cafe may not look like much from the street, but it's great and affordable Vietnamese. It's also walking distance from our house!
V Cafe
This strip mall cafe may not look like much from the street, but it's great and affordable Vietnamese. It's also walking distance from our house!
The only real New York City bagel shop in Austin! (Wholy Bagel, as Mike from Big City will tell you, is not: 'they're from Jersey!') He doesn't open until 8 AM but his bagels and sandwiches can't be beat.
Big City Bagels and Subs
The only real New York City bagel shop in Austin! (Wholy Bagel, as Mike from Big City will tell you, is not: 'they're from Jersey!') He doesn't open until 8 AM but his bagels and sandwiches can't be beat.
What might otherwise have been an unremarkable strip mall BBQ joint has unseated Franklin's as one of the best in Texas. Go early as lines get long, and enjoy the sides and dessert as well!
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Interstellar BBQ
12233 Ranch Rd 620 NWhat might otherwise have been an unremarkable strip mall BBQ joint has unseated Franklin's as one of the best in Texas. Go early as lines get long, and enjoy the sides and dessert as well!
Higher-end Japanese and Sushi that won't break the bank. One of the most reliable Japanese restaurants in North Austin.
Ebisu Japanese Restaurant
13376 N Hwy 183Higher-end Japanese and Sushi that won't break the bank. One of the most reliable Japanese restaurants in North Austin.
Fat Dragon
It's where we go for the best takeout in the area.
Old Thousand
1000 E 11th StHigh end Chinese in East Austin. Worth the drive!
The Northwest location for Kerbey Lane doesn't have as much character the newer Mueller location or the original, but it has the same menu and, often, less of a wait. Great for families.
Kerbey Lane Cafe - Northwest
The Northwest location for Kerbey Lane doesn't have as much character the newer Mueller location or the original, but it has the same menu and, often, less of a wait. Great for families.
Torchy's Tacos used to be the banner carrier for Austin's character, but has since blown up into a National chain and now the local hipsters don't recommend it. The tacos are novel and on the expensive side; they're fine. It's the green chili queso that shouldn't be missed.
Torchy's Tacos
Torchy's Tacos used to be the banner carrier for Austin's character, but has since blown up into a National chain and now the local hipsters don't recommend it. The tacos are novel and on the expensive side; they're fine. It's the green chili queso that shouldn't be missed.
A serviceable pizza chain, convenient to our house. Great for when you only need to feed 1-2 people or else can't agree on toppings.
MOD Pizza
A serviceable pizza chain, convenient to our house. Great for when you only need to feed 1-2 people or else can't agree on toppings.
Reale's has been in the area for more than 20 years and could be the encyclopedia entry for 'traditional Italian restaurant.' A little expensive but worth it (unless you want to drive to Vespaio...in which case, drive to Vespaio)
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Reale's Pizza & Cafe
13450 Research BlvdReale's has been in the area for more than 20 years and could be the encyclopedia entry for 'traditional Italian restaurant.' A little expensive but worth it (unless you want to drive to Vespaio...in which case, drive to Vespaio)
The Anderson Lane location of Jack Allen's is the least impressive on the outside, but the closest to our house and the menu is the same excellent happy hour of the other three locations.
Jack Allen's Kitchen
The Anderson Lane location of Jack Allen's is the least impressive on the outside, but the closest to our house and the menu is the same excellent happy hour of the other three locations.
Conmaye is within walking distance of our place (though consider driving because you have to cross 4 lanes of traffic or else walk out of your way to a crosswalk).
Excellent mexican food (not tex-mex!) and some of the best guava margaritas in town.
Conmaye Mexican Bar & Grill
Conmaye is within walking distance of our place (though consider driving because you have to cross 4 lanes of traffic or else walk out of your way to a crosswalk).
Excellent mexican food (not tex-mex!) and some of the best guava margaritas in town.
We haven't tried the hibachi side but their regular seating area has great sushi and plenty of other Japanese entrees.
Nagoya Steak and Sushi
11630 N FM 620We haven't tried the hibachi side but their regular seating area has great sushi and plenty of other Japanese entrees.
Drinks & Nightlife
Beer, coffee, or snacks from 8 AM to midnight (on weekends) or 9/10 PM other days. Friendly staff, great selection.
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WhichCraft Beer Store
1900 Simond AveBeer, coffee, or snacks from 8 AM to midnight (on weekends) or 9/10 PM other days. Friendly staff, great selection.
A family-friendly stop with house-made sodas before 8PM, Barrel 'o Fun at the Mueller Alamo Drafthouse becomes Bar 'o Fun after 8PM.
Barrel O' Fun
1911 Aldrich StA family-friendly stop with house-made sodas before 8PM, Barrel 'o Fun at the Mueller Alamo Drafthouse becomes Bar 'o Fun after 8PM.
Everything in BD Riley's was built in Ireland and shipped over. The original location downtown is known as "6th Street for Adults" but the Mueller location is a little more family friendly, at least during the day. We like BD Riley's because of its patio seating (inside can be a little noisy) and large selection of drinks. Opens at 11 AM Tues-Sat; closes at 1AM Fridays and Saturdays and midnight other days.
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B.D. Riley's Irish Pub at Mueller
1905 Aldrich StEverything in BD Riley's was built in Ireland and shipped over. The original location downtown is known as "6th Street for Adults" but the Mueller location is a little more family friendly, at least during the day. We like BD Riley's because of its patio seating (inside can be a little noisy) and large selection of drinks. Opens at 11 AM Tues-Sat; closes at 1AM Fridays and Saturdays and midnight other days.
This local dive bar is a short walk from our house. It's not glamorous and you won't find a cocktail menu, but it's cheap with plenty of characte!
Anderson Mill Pub
10401 Anderson Mill RdThis local dive bar is a short walk from our house. It's not glamorous and you won't find a cocktail menu, but it's cheap with plenty of characte!
A dive bar disguised as a cocktail bar (or the other way around?). One of my favorite places.
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The Aristocrat Lounge
6507 Burnet RdA dive bar disguised as a cocktail bar (or the other way around?). One of my favorite places.
It's not fancy but it's a lot less expensive than West 6th and has a great back patio (and food truck).
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Shangri-La
1016 E 6th StIt's not fancy but it's a lot less expensive than West 6th and has a great back patio (and food truck).
A high-end speakeasy whose entrance is a bookshelf in a nondescript strip mall down Anderson Mill rd. Some of the best cocktails around, but not cheap!
Prohibition ATX
A high-end speakeasy whose entrance is a bookshelf in a nondescript strip mall down Anderson Mill rd. Some of the best cocktails around, but not cheap!
An inexpensive and unpretentious bar with at least one food truck that has nightly karaoke.
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The Water Tank
7309 McNeil DrAn inexpensive and unpretentious bar with at least one food truck that has nightly karaoke.
Arts & Culture
The Blanton was just renovated in 2016/17 and is well worth a visit. It's quite accessible and one of the better museums in Austin.
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Blanton Listasafn
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThe Blanton was just renovated in 2016/17 and is well worth a visit. It's quite accessible and one of the better museums in Austin.
Austin's largest local theater company, the ZACH hosts a full regular season along with children's series and seasonal specials.
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Zach Theatre
202 S Lamar BlvdAustin's largest local theater company, the ZACH hosts a full regular season along with children's series and seasonal specials.
Literary and cultural artifacts in the arts and humanities: particularly photographs and manuscripts. Very friendly and helpful docents and a great way to spend an afternoon.
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Harry Ransom Center
300 W 21st StLiterary and cultural artifacts in the arts and humanities: particularly photographs and manuscripts. Very friendly and helpful docents and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Thinkery
1830 Simond AveA popular children's museum within walking distance!
A longstanding local Improv theatre with several shows every weekend.
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The Hideout Theatre
617 Congress AveA longstanding local Improv theatre with several shows every weekend.
Essentials
The closest major grocery store, this H-E-B has a good selection of most everything, including wine and beer. There is a Twin Liquors in the plaza adjacent to it. Bring your own bags if you can (feel free to borrow ours!)
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H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdThe closest major grocery store, this H-E-B has a good selection of most everything, including wine and beer. There is a Twin Liquors in the plaza adjacent to it. Bring your own bags if you can (feel free to borrow ours!)
In the event you find HEB too affordable or you just want to see the Whole Foods Mothership store, it's worth a visit in Downtown Austin.
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Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdIn the event you find HEB too affordable or you just want to see the Whole Foods Mothership store, it's worth a visit in Downtown Austin.
Our local (mega) grocery store and pharmacy in a shopping center that also has Torchy's tacos, MOD Pizza, and a liquor store.
H-E-B plus!
Our local (mega) grocery store and pharmacy in a shopping center that also has Torchy's tacos, MOD Pizza, and a liquor store.
Mojo Coffee
12206 Ranch Rd 620 NSome of the best coffee around and a drive-through besides!
It doesn't look like much in this 1980s strip mall, but it's a great local coffee chain with a handful of other locations in Central Texas. Get the Lamba Latte...1/4 sweet!
Lamppost Coffee
It doesn't look like much in this 1980s strip mall, but it's a great local coffee chain with a handful of other locations in Central Texas. Get the Lamba Latte...1/4 sweet!
Parks & Nature
Follow the Southwestern Greenway to Mueller Lake Park. Hosts the Mueller Farmer's Market on weekends.
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Mueller Lake Park
4550 Mueller BlvdFollow the Southwestern Greenway to Mueller Lake Park. Hosts the Mueller Farmer's Market on weekends.
A ribbon park & hiking trail right in Central Austin that isn't quite as busy as the Town Lake trail. You can start at Lady Bird Lake or at the 31st or 38th street entrances - we park at Randall's, hike down, then get a ride back up after having a drink downtown.
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Shoal Creek Trail
Shoal Creek TrailA ribbon park & hiking trail right in Central Austin that isn't quite as busy as the Town Lake trail. You can start at Lady Bird Lake or at the 31st or 38th street entrances - we park at Randall's, hike down, then get a ride back up after having a drink downtown.
"Minimum hike for maximum view." A short trail with and a prize you don't have to work very hard for!
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Mount Bonnell
"Minimum hike for maximum view." A short trail with and a prize you don't have to work very hard for!
One of Austin's biggest parks and the home to several big events: Austin City Limits, and annual Austin Shakespeare and Zilker Summer Musical theater productions.
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Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdOne of Austin's biggest parks and the home to several big events: Austin City Limits, and annual Austin Shakespeare and Zilker Summer Musical theater productions.
One of Austin's most famous swimming spots. Check online to make sure it's open and look out for crowds on Summer weekends.
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrOne of Austin's most famous swimming spots. Check online to make sure it's open and look out for crowds on Summer weekends.
Our neighborhood is convenient to the Upper Bull Creek trail, or a short drive from the (longer) Lower Bull Creek trails.
Bull Creek Greenway
6701 Lakewood DrOur neighborhood is convenient to the Upper Bull Creek trail, or a short drive from the (longer) Lower Bull Creek trails.
Shopping
Austin's newest shopping, dining, and 'mixed use' megaplex is mostly outdoors with a good range of dining and middle-to-high-end retail. Locals will usually drive past it and go out on Burnet for food and drink with a little more character!
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The Domain
11410 Century Oaks TerraceAustin's newest shopping, dining, and 'mixed use' megaplex is mostly outdoors with a good range of dining and middle-to-high-end retail. Locals will usually drive past it and go out on Burnet for food and drink with a little more character!
Austin's largest traditional shopping mall. Large and plenty of stores. Like every other mall you've seen!
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Barton Creek Square
Austin's largest traditional shopping mall. Large and plenty of stores. Like every other mall you've seen!
A traditional shopping mall with a lot of big box stores in the immediate vicinity, Lakeline is mostly notable for the farmer's market on Saturdays and for better deals than you'll find at the flashier Domain.
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Lakeline Mall
11200 Lakeline Mall DrA traditional shopping mall with a lot of big box stores in the immediate vicinity, Lakeline is mostly notable for the farmer's market on Saturdays and for better deals than you'll find at the flashier Domain.