Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Amazing interior mexican food, family owned, reasonable prices. Great weekend breakfast. Great lunch and dinner all week. Our favorite.
43 locals recommend
El Mesón Tequileria
2038 S Lamar BlvdAmazing interior mexican food, family owned, reasonable prices. Great weekend breakfast. Great lunch and dinner all week. Our favorite.
High-end gourmet, small boutique dinner. Amazing.
Start with wine next door at Henri's
153 locals recommend
Barley Swine
6555 Burnet RdHigh-end gourmet, small boutique dinner. Amazing.
Start with wine next door at Henri's
Interior mexican lunch and dinner during week, Breakfast on weekends. Neighborhood feel, not fancy.
31 locals recommend
Sazon
1816 S Lamar BlvdInterior mexican lunch and dinner during week, Breakfast on weekends. Neighborhood feel, not fancy.
Juice. Fresh juice of all kinds. Great place - you'll get addicted immediately.
519 locals recommend
JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs RdJuice. Fresh juice of all kinds. Great place - you'll get addicted immediately.
Famous Austin destination. Great american food. Try to get there before 5 to get a table outside under the live oak trees
171 locals recommend
Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs RdFamous Austin destination. Great american food. Try to get there before 5 to get a table outside under the live oak trees
Amazing sushi. Great architecture. One of Austin's best destinations. Prepare to wait for a table, but it's worth it.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdAmazing sushi. Great architecture. One of Austin's best destinations. Prepare to wait for a table, but it's worth it.
American cuisine. Good big-breakfasts, good lunch. Can sit in or outside.
85 locals recommend
Austin Java
1608 Barton Springs RoadAmerican cuisine. Good big-breakfasts, good lunch. Can sit in or outside.
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdFamous Austin tex-mex food. Fun, loud, tasty.
Burgers and fries, shakes. All sustainably raised. Healthy, socially conscious fast food? Yep. and tasty. Outside seating or drive-thru.
302 locals recommend
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdBurgers and fries, shakes. All sustainably raised. Healthy, socially conscious fast food? Yep. and tasty. Outside seating or drive-thru.
360 Pizza
2107 Kinney AvePizza - great family pizza shop. Mostly to-go.
Good pizza, dine-in (casual, basic setting), to-go or deliver.
19 locals recommend
Austin's Pizza South Lamar
1817 S Lamar BlvdGood pizza, dine-in (casual, basic setting), to-go or deliver.
Green Mesquite BBQ
1400 Barton Springs RdAuthentic Texas meat. Great ambiance. Sit in the courtyard.
Macro-biotic food. Great hidden courtyard restaurant. Very peaceful. Very healthy.
163 locals recommend
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdMacro-biotic food. Great hidden courtyard restaurant. Very peaceful. Very healthy.
Good coffee. GREAT hidden courtyard thru back door to relax outside.
72 locals recommend
Irie Bean Coffee & Wine Bar
2310 S Lamar BlvdGood coffee. GREAT hidden courtyard thru back door to relax outside.
Good tex-mex food. On a cold day, we love to order the caldo (soup). Enchiladas, tacos, and good breakfast every day. Breakfast tacos are classic fare as is are migas (egg dish).
80 locals recommend
Maudie's Too
1212 S Lamar BlvdGood tex-mex food. On a cold day, we love to order the caldo (soup). Enchiladas, tacos, and good breakfast every day. Breakfast tacos are classic fare as is are migas (egg dish).
Great neighborhood Thai restaurant and coffee shop. Good all day, best for dinner. Relaxed, reasonable prices.
189 locals recommend
Thai Fresh
909 W Mary StGreat neighborhood Thai restaurant and coffee shop. Good all day, best for dinner. Relaxed, reasonable prices.
Fantastic vegetarian restaurant. Very relaxed, bohemian and at the gateway to S.First St. shops and dining. One of our all-time favorites, especially for breakfast.
565 locals recommend
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StFantastic vegetarian restaurant. Very relaxed, bohemian and at the gateway to S.First St. shops and dining. One of our all-time favorites, especially for breakfast.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StFrench Vietnemese. Great food and coffee and pastries.
Taco Cabana
211 S Lamar BlvdLate night hungry? Open 24/7. Good tacos.
Shake Shack
1100 S Lamar BlvdGreat hamburgers, fries, shakes. New in 2015 (started in NYC)
One of 4 locations in Austin - homegrown coffee shop business and some of the BEST cappuccino / latte baristas in town. Quiet, modern space.
342 locals recommend
Caffe Medici
1101 W Lynn StOne of 4 locations in Austin - homegrown coffee shop business and some of the BEST cappuccino / latte baristas in town. Quiet, modern space.
Fantastic Ramen soups - nicely complimented with a glass of sake !
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdFantastic Ramen soups - nicely complimented with a glass of sake !
New in 2015. Chic, delicious Italian food with nice outdoor dining. Large venue with several options for dining spaces / character inside.
77 locals recommend
Juliet Italian Kitchen
1500 Barton Springs RdNew in 2015. Chic, delicious Italian food with nice outdoor dining. Large venue with several options for dining spaces / character inside.
We love this coffee shop. Amazing coffee, great outdoor gardens and some of Austin's BEST breakfast tacos at the food trailer in the garden: Veracruz.
435 locals recommend
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdWe love this coffee shop. Amazing coffee, great outdoor gardens and some of Austin's BEST breakfast tacos at the food trailer in the garden: Veracruz.
Good coffee shop. Modern interior, some outdoor seating in back. Limited parking.
98 locals recommend
Patika
2159 S Lamar BlvdGood coffee shop. Modern interior, some outdoor seating in back. Limited parking.
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StPerhaps Austin's BEST BAKERY.
Amazing baguettes and more.
From same owners of I Luv Video - one of Austin's most authentic coffee shop / restaurants. Great local scene and mixing with UT crowd. CLASSIC Austin. Great garden / outdoor seating.
176 locals recommend
Spider House Ballroom
2906 Fruth StFrom same owners of I Luv Video - one of Austin's most authentic coffee shop / restaurants. Great local scene and mixing with UT crowd. CLASSIC Austin. Great garden / outdoor seating.
SECRET:
You will either have to drive here or HIKE from the Green Belt. AUSTIN'S BEST TACOS. and hidden in a neighborhood. Classic.
203 locals recommend
Tacodeli
1500 Spyglass DrSECRET:
You will either have to drive here or HIKE from the Green Belt. AUSTIN'S BEST TACOS. and hidden in a neighborhood. Classic.
Drinks & Nightlife
Expensive wine and snacks, but very well curated. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
44 locals recommend
Henri's Cheese & Wine
2026 South Lamar BoulevardExpensive wine and snacks, but very well curated. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
Romantic, casual wine bar. Wine, snacks only. Sit in or out. Bohemian feels-like-home atmosphere.
85 locals recommend
House Wine
408 Josephine StRomantic, casual wine bar. Wine, snacks only. Sit in or out. Bohemian feels-like-home atmosphere.
Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S Lamar BlvdBurgers and beer. Sports bar. Fun, lively.
Meat and beer. Good micro-brewery. Ask for the small servings of beer and try several.
98 locals recommend
Uncle Billy's Brewery & Smokehouse
1530 Barton Springs RdMeat and beer. Good micro-brewery. Ask for the small servings of beer and try several.
Some of our FAVORITE PIZZAs here...New in 2015, Italian cafe, excellent food and environment. Owner: Emmett Fox - one of Austin's best chefs.
Next to the new CAFE MEDICI coffee shop.
18 locals recommend
CANTINE Italian Cafe & Bar
1100 South Lamar BoulevardSome of our FAVORITE PIZZAs here...New in 2015, Italian cafe, excellent food and environment. Owner: Emmett Fox - one of Austin's best chefs.
Next to the new CAFE MEDICI coffee shop.
Gibson Street Bar
1109 S Lamar BlvdBar with some good outdoor seating in back and side yard.
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveAustin's best Jazz club. In the basement.
Welcome to EAST AUSTIN. This stretch of East 6th street is among the most bohemian local hang-out in the city.
70 locals recommend
Grackle
1700 E 6th StWelcome to EAST AUSTIN. This stretch of East 6th street is among the most bohemian local hang-out in the city.
One of our favorite outdoor bars with an amazing Italian food truck - perfect for dinner and drinks. Very bohemian and classic Austin shackitecture (inexpensive regional architecture).
145 locals recommend
The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdOne of our favorite outdoor bars with an amazing Italian food truck - perfect for dinner and drinks. Very bohemian and classic Austin shackitecture (inexpensive regional architecture).
OUTDOOR MUSIC venue for many top bands coming to Austin. Check listings.
282 locals recommend
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
801 Red River StOUTDOOR MUSIC venue for many top bands coming to Austin. Check listings.
Very stylish bar/restaurant. Excellent design. Heart of new Austin downtown scene.
191 locals recommend
La Condesa
400 W 2nd StVery stylish bar/restaurant. Excellent design. Heart of new Austin downtown scene.
SECRET:
In our opinion, Austin's BEST RESTAURANT, and maybe our favorite on this planet. Every item on the (short) menu is fresh daily and delicious. Try the $5 Syrah with your meal.
180 locals recommend
Bufalina Pizza
2215 E Cesar Chavez StSECRET:
In our opinion, Austin's BEST RESTAURANT, and maybe our favorite on this planet. Every item on the (short) menu is fresh daily and delicious. Try the $5 Syrah with your meal.
Everything Else
Best bike shop in Austin. Excellent selection of bike rentals - all styles.
42 locals recommend
Trek Bicycle Lamar
517 S Lamar BlvdBest bike shop in Austin. Excellent selection of bike rentals - all styles.
Next to the world-famous Barton Springs natural swimming hole. Free outside theatre in the Summer. Check the local Chronicle paper for listings or online.
17 locals recommend
Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
2206 William Barton DrNext to the world-famous Barton Springs natural swimming hole. Free outside theatre in the Summer. Check the local Chronicle paper for listings or online.
Great vegetarian healthy food - healthy mexican food! Good for kids. Casual, cafeteria style.
145 locals recommend
Mr. Natural
1901 E Cesar Chavez StGreat vegetarian healthy food - healthy mexican food! Good for kids. Casual, cafeteria style.
Haircuts. Great place. Ask for your free beer while you wait. You can call in and get an appointment for next available - they'll let you know when to show up.
53 locals recommend
Birds Barbershop
2110 S Lamar BlvdHaircuts. Great place. Ask for your free beer while you wait. You can call in and get an appointment for next available - they'll let you know when to show up.
Patisserie. Super-cute, small. Great baked goods. Mostly to go. A few seats inside and a few seats outside. We love this place. Don't tell anyone or they'll run out of eclairs.
55 locals recommend
La Pâtisserie
602 W Annie StPatisserie. Super-cute, small. Great baked goods. Mostly to go. A few seats inside and a few seats outside. We love this place. Don't tell anyone or they'll run out of eclairs.
Bass Concert Hall
510 E 23rd StExcellent shows, music - on UT campus
New in 2014 - elevated walkway along Ladybird Lake - extends for a mile along the South shore.
39 locals recommend
Boardwalk
BoardwalkNew in 2014 - elevated walkway along Ladybird Lake - extends for a mile along the South shore.
Historic dance hall. Once far out of town, now sandwiched between modern buildings but all forgiven once you are inside. Traditional Texas two-stepping ! Great live country music.
478 locals recommend
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdHistoric dance hall. Once far out of town, now sandwiched between modern buildings but all forgiven once you are inside. Traditional Texas two-stepping ! Great live country music.
Once of Austin's best blues music venues - historic location. NOTE: there is also an upstairs room with separate shows playing. Check listings.
815 locals recommend
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveOnce of Austin's best blues music venues - historic location. NOTE: there is also an upstairs room with separate shows playing. Check listings.
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveNext to Hotel San Jose and Austin Motel - GREAT outdoor coffee shop.
SECRET: you can walk into the central courtyard and order snacks, drinks - beautiful garden, very hip scene open to public in evening only.
209 locals recommend
Hotel San Jose Lounge
1316 S Congress AveSECRET: you can walk into the central courtyard and order snacks, drinks - beautiful garden, very hip scene open to public in evening only.
Austin's largest art museum and one of the largest university-owned collections in the U.S.
644 locals recommend
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardAustin's largest art museum and one of the largest university-owned collections in the U.S.
Welcome to CLARKSVILLE:
This small commercial intersection nestled in the heart of the Clarksville neighborhood is home to multiple GREAT restaurants, cafe's.
291 locals recommend
Fresh Plus Grocery
1221 W Lynn StWelcome to CLARKSVILLE:
This small commercial intersection nestled in the heart of the Clarksville neighborhood is home to multiple GREAT restaurants, cafe's.
The highest point in Austin. An amazing view of the city and Lake Austin. Great short pilgrimage. Caution: many steps to the top of the park to see the view.
36 locals recommend
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
3800 Mt Bonnell RdThe highest point in Austin. An amazing view of the city and Lake Austin. Great short pilgrimage. Caution: many steps to the top of the park to see the view.
our favorite ENTRANCE to the GREEN BELT. One of many entrances, this one leads you to a classic swimming hole.
41 locals recommend
Gus Fruh
2642 Barton Hills Drour favorite ENTRANCE to the GREEN BELT. One of many entrances, this one leads you to a classic swimming hole.
The home of Austin City Limits TV broadcasting and live shows. Check listings.
326 locals recommend
ACL Live
310 W Willie Nelson BlvdThe home of Austin City Limits TV broadcasting and live shows. Check listings.
Welcome to DOWNTOWN AUSTIN. This is the heart of the best walkable section of downtown. Many great bars, restaurants.
78 locals recommend
W Austin
200 Lavaca StWelcome to DOWNTOWN AUSTIN. This is the heart of the best walkable section of downtown. Many great bars, restaurants.
Comedy shows at Esther's are legendary. But beware, you are now in TOURIST CENTRAL. This is in the heart of Austin's equivalent to New Orlean's Bourbon Street. Many, many bars and live bands.
153 locals recommend
Esther's Follies
525 E 6th StComedy shows at Esther's are legendary. But beware, you are now in TOURIST CENTRAL. This is in the heart of Austin's equivalent to New Orlean's Bourbon Street. Many, many bars and live bands.
U.T. VISITORS PARK HERE (West of the Co-op on San Antonio is a parking structure - validated parking in the store) and explore the UT. Great university shop and the heart of the student district.
17 locals recommend
University Co-op
2246 Guadalupe StU.T. VISITORS PARK HERE (West of the Co-op on San Antonio is a parking structure - validated parking in the store) and explore the UT. Great university shop and the heart of the student district.
Our restored historic theater with great shows, music. Check listings.
75 locals recommend
The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress AveOur restored historic theater with great shows, music. Check listings.
GREAT BAR on 2nd floor balcony overlooking the street in historic downtown.
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
701 Congress AveGREAT BAR on 2nd floor balcony overlooking the street in historic downtown.
Essentials
Boutique convenience store / grocer. Great selections and many things you've never seen and will have to try.
We love Thom's!
78 locals recommend
Thom's Market
1418 Barton Springs RdBoutique convenience store / grocer. Great selections and many things you've never seen and will have to try.
We love Thom's!
This is the world headquarters and flagship of Whole Foods. Uber boutique groceries. Amazing experience. Grocery shopping and great people watching.
1332 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdThis is the world headquarters and flagship of Whole Foods. Uber boutique groceries. Amazing experience. Grocery shopping and great people watching.
Sightseeing
Austin's environmental crown-jewel. Even if you don't want to swim, you have to go sit at the edge of the pool and experience this. Night swim is pretty magical too.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAustin's environmental crown-jewel. Even if you don't want to swim, you have to go sit at the edge of the pool and experience this. Night swim is pretty magical too.
Great for kids. Explore nature. Good indoor and outdoor facility.
52 locals recommend
Austin Nature & Science Center
2389 Stratford DrGreat for kids. Explore nature. Good indoor and outdoor facility.
Free entry. Beautiful gardens. Don't miss the japanese gardens/pools.
429 locals recommend
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs RdFree entry. Beautiful gardens. Don't miss the japanese gardens/pools.
Big festivals, small festivals, picnic under a tree and look at Austin's skyline. Throw frisbees, watch soccer games, ride bikes, rollerblade, fly a kite. Best park in Texas.
7 locals recommend
Rock Island
2001-2115 Lou Neff RdBig festivals, small festivals, picnic under a tree and look at Austin's skyline. Throw frisbees, watch soccer games, ride bikes, rollerblade, fly a kite. Best park in Texas.
Boat rental - kayaks, canoes, paddle-boats and paddle-boards! One of the best things to do while in Austin.
148 locals recommend
Rowing Dock
2418 Stratford DrBoat rental - kayaks, canoes, paddle-boats and paddle-boards! One of the best things to do while in Austin.
Flag shows park at edge of Barton Springs Road. Walk north from here to a great hill overlooking downtown. Amazing at night. Great fountain-park for kids.
56 locals recommend
Butler Metro Park
1000 Barton Springs RdFlag shows park at edge of Barton Springs Road. Walk north from here to a great hill overlooking downtown. Amazing at night. Great fountain-park for kids.
Trailhead starts at the SouthWest end of parking lot at Barton Springs (near Kerr Street)....Great swimming, mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing. Our version of Central Park.
235 locals recommend
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trailhead
Barton Creek Greenbelt TrailTrailhead starts at the SouthWest end of parking lot at Barton Springs (near Kerr Street)....Great swimming, mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing. Our version of Central Park.
Spring-fed swimming pool at the edge of Town Lake. Great setting. Best lap-swimming in town.
25 locals recommend
Eilers (Deep Eddy) Neighborhood Park
401 Deep Eddy AveSpring-fed swimming pool at the edge of Town Lake. Great setting. Best lap-swimming in town.
Arts & Culture
Charles Umlauf, sculptor - small museum and beautiful grounds.
235 locals recommend
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Azie Morton RdCharles Umlauf, sculptor - small museum and beautiful grounds.
(closed temporarily during construction).
Austin's best cinema.
Movies and food/drinks and creative ownership.
770 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd(closed temporarily during construction).
Austin's best cinema.
Movies and food/drinks and creative ownership.
Austin's biggest dramatic theatre venue. New theatre building in 2012.
149 locals recommend
Zach Theatre
202 S Lamar BlvdAustin's biggest dramatic theatre venue. New theatre building in 2012.
Home of the Austin Symphony. Many great musical events here. Elegant.
167 locals recommend
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W Riverside DrHome of the Austin Symphony. Many great musical events here. Elegant.
Austin's long-established record/music store. A must for music-lovers
135 locals recommend
Waterloo Records
600 N Lamar BlvdAustin's long-established record/music store. A must for music-lovers
Shopping
CVS
2101 S Lamar BlvdDrug Store. Open 24/7 ?
Cindie's - South Lamar
2100 S Lamar BlvdAdult novelties and romance supplies. Clean, respectable, fun shop.
One of two locations in Austin, I Luv Video is one of the largest video rental stores remaining in the U.S. - Excellent curated collection...many hard-to-find films.
19 locals recommend
I Luv Video
4803 Airport BlvdOne of two locations in Austin, I Luv Video is one of the largest video rental stores remaining in the U.S. - Excellent curated collection...many hard-to-find films.