Austin Guide
AUSTIN GUIDE
first published February 17th, 2020; last updated June 30th, 2023
Austin, Texas is a spot that has been on our travel list for longer than I care to admit before we finally made it there. It’s such a quick flight from either NY or LA, so we really have no excuse as to why we had never visited until early 2020. Apparently having a wedding in Houston {and finding $100 R/T Delta flights} was just the push we needed to make it happen. As predicted, we a) wondered why we had waited so long to visit, b) kicked ourselves for not visiting sooner and c) definitely thought “Wow! We could live here!” at least a million times in 4 days {the $400k brand new homes that would cost at least $2 million in LA may or may not have heavily influenced our train of thought}. It’s a fun and quirky city but in the best way possible (it’s easy to see why it’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird”). Everyone is super friendly, there’s definitely a nice city buzz, there are tons of outdoor elements (like the lake) that are easily accessible, everything feels like it takes 15 minutes or less to get to (ok, not really, but let’s just say it’s not LA traffic haha), and the food! Wow! The food! I mean, we basically just eat our way around the city, so you could say the food is pretty darn good. Yup, Austin, I’m a big fan.
Below, I’m sharing more on where we’ve stayed, where and what to eat, what to do and more in my Austin Travel Guide.
On our first trip to Austin, we rented a bungalow close to South Congress (sadly, it’s no longer listed on Airbnb), but if we hadn’t rented a house I would have 1000% booked a room at the Austin Proper {It’s a stunning property in downtown Austin!}. Another hotel in Austin to check out, and where we stayed on our most recent trip, is the Arrive Hotel. This is the third location from the budget conscious hotel group Arrive (a group from the same people behind PaliHouse). But don’t let the budget part fool you. The property is nicely decorated in an industrial-meets-70’s boho vibes kind of way, the rooms are simple but modern and spacious, amenities include Brooklinen bedding and in-room Marshall speakers and did I mention that you’re greeted with welcome drinks when you check-in?! Plus, it’s located in prime East Austin, right at the corner of east 6th Street and Chicon, so it’s really convenient, especially for going out for food and bevs.
I’m obviously no expert as I’ve only visited Austin twice, but based on my experience, whether it’s a hotel or a home rental, if you’re looking for the most local feel during your stay, East Austin is definitely the area you want to be in.
There are certainly no shortage of good foodie areas and food options around Austin. From the expected, like bbq and tacos, to the infamous food trucks found tucked into any and every corner of the city, to neighborhoods, like South Lamar (home of the well known Ramen Tatsu Ya and their sister tiki bar, Tiki Tatsy-ya) and East Austin, brimming with delicious options.
I’ve been bookmarking Austin restaurants for a while now, and with so many new spots opening up over the last couple of years, it can definitely be a challenge to fit in so many spots in so little time. Thankfully just about every place has a happy hour {I’ve noted them below}, which allows you to do a bit of a progressive meal sitch and get to multiple places in one time frame. I also love that so many spots have all day menus and are open from breakfast until dinner, making it much easier to try more places than if they only offered dinner.
FYI, I’ve starred the spots that are our absolute favorites.
BITES
ELIZABETH STREET CAFE* (HH 3-6pm, Mon-Fri) //
Where Vietnamese cuisine meets French bakery; this is one of those spots that I dream about and crave because their food is just so fresh and delicious! It was a favorite from our first trip to Austin and when I tell you that I literally could not wait to get back here, I mean I wanted to come here straight from the airport and basically not eat anywhere else! Ha! The first time we went for lunch and tried their special of the day, which was some amazing rice with a Vietnamese cilantro pesto sitch and flank stank, a salad {with kefir fried chicken added, which is 10/10 a sold decision} and an order of the spring rolls {also a V solid decision}. The second time we went for a late lunch/to take advantage of the happy hour aka basically order the entire apps menu (since it’s half off for happy hour), and when I tell you that you can’t go wrong with anything here, I really truly mean it.
KG BBQ* //
Not your typical bbq but in the best way possible! We went on our most recent Austin trip and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Everything was so good! We got the pomegranate glazed pork ribs (Drool!), the brisket shawarma (Double drool!) with an added side of mint chimichurri (Just trust me on this!), the pink potato salad (A must!) and the cardamom and pistachio rice pudding for dessert (unexpectedly delightful and so delicious). My only regret- that I couldn’t try more things because everything sounded and looked amazing! Also, pro tip- go early and/or during the week if you can to avoid waiting and lines.
HOLIDAY* //
Obsessed with this place in every way and so glad my friend introduced us to this gem of a place! The The space is huge, lots of outdoor seating, great for groups but also cozy enough vibes for date night, the decor and vibes are so up my alley (very neutral-mediterranean-ish) and they have great bites, but the drinks are where it’s at! The frozen Mexican martini is an absolute must and the 87 club martini is maybe one of the best dirty martinis I’ve ever had! The food menu is small but well done, perfect for snacking, sharing or for a light meal (but if you’re starving this might not be the best option for dinner, more like go for apps and drinks then head to dinner somewhere else). We got the olives, fries, zucchini fritters, shrimp and chopped kale salad, all of which I loved, and the Spanish anchovies and butter which Dave said is possibly the best he’s ever had! Just an all around great spot whether you want to come for just drinks and drinks and a few snacks.
CLARK’S OYSTER BAR* (HH 3-5pm, Mon-Fri)//
Another new-to-me favorite; great vibes, great food, great bevs; game plan you can’t go wrong with- go for an afternoon lunch, sit outside, get a glass of wine, order some oysters and split a burger. FYI, their happy hour includes half off burgers and martinis and 50¢ off oysters!
LUTIE’S* //
Just wow! If you’re looking for a special spot for dinner, let it be this one located on the Commodore Perry Estate. Everything, and I do mean everything, is just absolute perfection- service, decor, drinks, the food. This place does not miss! Whatever you do, don’t skip the estate biscuits (They come with a layered butter sitch that is just divine!) and the kouign-amann ice-cream left me speechless. It’s a must! FYI, they also just recently started serving brunch!
EMBER* //
Another wonderful dinner spot! Literally every single bite we had was so delicious! It’s located downtown in an old converted power plant, which is kind of cool, and everything is cooked in a Josper oven over a live fire, which is part of why everything has the incredible flavor that it does. We got the caviar bites, salpicon de pulpo (so fresh and wonderful flavor), shrimp scampi (Not your typical scampi, but you must get it. Trust me!), roasted carrots (Loved!), chile relleno, pork chop and wagyu (absolutely melts in your mouth). Also, the tortillas are amazing and I love that the chef’s mom comes in and makes them fresh every morning. I may or may not have smuggled are leftover tortillas out in my purse because they were that good!
BIRDIE’S //
Casual dinner spot, there can be a wait depending on when you go, not my favorite meal, but I do have to say that soft serve was dreamy and I would honestly just come here for that! Ha!
JUNE’S* (HH 3-5pm, Mon-Fri) //
We went here for lunch and split the French onion soup, a sandwich and fries; loved the French vibes and would love to come back for dinner/wine at the bar
I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to go here, but it is a decent late night food truck option if you’re out in East Austin (or staying at Arrive); it’s cheesy and rich and greasy and perfect for soaking up booze (but might be a little heavy otherwise) and the tacos are great, but the queso is skippable imo
JEFFRERY’S (HH all night Sun. + all night Mon. in the lounge) //
We really wanted to come here for dinner but just didn’t have enough nights, so we settled for a happy hour, which I can’t recommend enough, especially if it happens to be on a Monday night because happy hour goes all.night.long. And they happy hour menu just so happens to be kind of insane! Like I’m talking pasta dishes and steaks. Of course the catch is you may have to wait for a seat, but it’s totally worth it. The place was buzzing, service was great and everything was delicious {their bar popcorn is addictive and don’t miss the chestnut tortellini!}. 1000% will be back to take full advantage of the Monday HH sitch and/or get a full dinner!
HESTIA (closed Mon) //
This was a favorite spot from our first trip to Austin, which was shortly after it opened. We didn’t make it bakc on our most recent trip and I’ve heard mixed reviews about how it is currently. I don’t want to not recommend it because we had such an incredible experience when we went, but I also don’t want to give it raving reviews when I myself haven’t been in a few years, you know what I’m saying?
SWEDISH HILL (HH chicken meal, 4-5pm, Mon-Fri)//
We stopped here to pick up dinner for the airport, and everything was so delicious, we wish we could have gone back for more! We loved the spicy chicken salad, golden beets with rye seeds, roasted broccolini with romesco sauce and their macaroons. Also, FYI, they have a pretty epic roast chicken dinner special that I 100% would have gotten if we hadn’t been going to the airport {Who am I kidding?! You know I still tried to get it, but someone *ahem Dave* shut it done real quick!} and on Monday-Friday, from 4-5pm it’s only $40 (walk-in order only)!
JOSEPHINE HOUSE (HH 3-5PM Mon-Fri, steak frites Mon) //
We came here for breakfast one morning and had a great time; our waitress was incredibly friendly, we sat in the garden area, which is lovely, and the food we got {Nutella morning bun and huevos rancheros} was really delicious!
LAUNDERETTE (HH 5-6pm, Mon-Fri) //
We came here for dinner and, while the service was subpar, the unique menu totally made up for it! We got the burrata with poached pear and pistachio butter {Yes, please!}, pork ribs, agnolotti and finished with their take on the classic Southern dessert, Hummingbird Cake {but honestly, their desserts were all so unique and unlike anything I had ever seen that I wanted to get them all!}.
VERACRUZ ALL NATURAL (breakfast tacos/Migas) //
They’re known for their breakfast tacos but we came for late night tacos, too, and honestly don’t regret it one bit. So delicious!
VALENTINA’S (closed Tuesdays)//
We had been planning to go to Franklin’s but we’re a little daunted by the wait, so when a chef from one of the other restaurants recommend this OG Tex Mex bbq we, of course, decided to go. It’s a bit of a drive outside of the city, but if you have a car it’s a fun and tasty venture to go on; we got the breakfast tacos which were delicious, not sure they’re totally worth the drive every time you’re in Austin, but definitely delicious!
A FEW OF THE PLACES STILL ON MY LIST TO GO TO- NADC Burger, Rosie’s Wine Bar, Sammie’s and Justine’s
sips
A fun, chill outdoor spot for drinks; it’s huge so definitely great for groups, lots of various things happening from live music to movie nights, sometimes they have a food truck open or have pizza, but I wouldn’t count on food here (go across the street to Justine’s for that first), oh and do yourself a favor and get a frozen espresso martini because it’s basically an adult frappuccino. You’re welcome!
MAMA DEAREST*//
I don’t even know how to put this spot into words, but just go here. It’s such a funky and fun vibe, and just feels very Austin but in the best way possible. Don’t forget to ask for a mini soft serve cone with your bev!
POOL BURGER (HH 3-5pm, Mon-Fri) //
Came for a frozen happy hour bev because it was so hot out and it delivered! Outdoor spot, tropical vibes, tucked in right above Deep Eddy pool so I feel like this is a good post-pool stop, or after a walk along Ann and Roy Butler Trail; also the burger looked amazing (I wish I had been hungry when we went) and I would definitely come back for it!
WHISLER’S //
This spot was a scene, let me tell you! Ha! We honestly only came because it was literally across the street from our hotel, but the space inside was kind of cool (gave me New Orleans vibes), the frozen drink of the day was actual one of my favorite cocktails of our trip (it was a blackberry mexcal marg on the night we went, and it was onl $12), they have a mezcal speakeasy room (which, hello, you know that’s so up my alley!), they have tons of outdoor space (again, great for groups) and their food truck had a pretty solid burger, chicken tender, frie and, most importantly, sauces, line up.
SMALL VICTORY {HH 5-8pm, Mon-Sat} //
A speak easy bar located in a parking garage; we came for a happy hour drink before dinner and had the place to ourselves, but I know it tends to get busy later in the evening
PROPER HOTEL* //
The lobby bar is pretty enough but they also have another bar on the property, Goldie’s {we didn’t go in there this time}, so basically you’ve got options when it comes to drinking at the Proper; also, they do such great non-alcoholic beverages that I didn’t even get anything with liquor in it {Who am I?!}; oh, and please do yourself a favor and order the short rib hummus while you’re there! You won’t regret it!
KALIMOTXO //
Located inside Hestia {it’s in the front, to the right, but also has its own entrance}, and from the same team behind Hestia, this pintxo bar is inspired by the Basque region of Spain, so think Pintxos {aka small bites}, wine served in porróns, Basque- style burnt cheesecake and frozen kalimotxos, which are based on a specialty of the Basque region and are a blend of red wine and Coca-Cola {aka this was basically an adult slushie and you should 100% get one}. Great spot to have a drink and a bite before dinner at Hestia!
Coffee
FLITCH* //
A gem of a spot tucked away in an unassuming location; pro tip- place an order for breakfast tacos at the truck next door, then pick up your coffee and then your tacos will be ready to go
PALOMINO COFFEE* //
An aesthetic dream and bonus the coffee is pretty darn good too! Also, a great space if you need to get some work done.
PAPERBOY* //
One of my favorites from our first Austin trip (they were only in a food truck at the time and have now expanded to a full location with food, too); brunch can be quite a wait but they have a window you can just walk up to to get coffee drinks and lighter bites to go (the breakfast sandwich is delish)
SUMMER MOON* //
Someone working in one of the shops we popped into told us we had to go here; it’s an unassuming spot {seriously, we drove by it multiple times and barely noticed it} so we probably wouldn’t have gone in otherwise, but so glad we got the suggestion! Hands down our favorite coffee of the trip! The beans are super unique as they are wood fire roasted, and the coffee shop, which has several locations throughout Austin and Texas, has a specialty milk that they make called Moon Milk {apparently it’s a secret recipe made of 7 all natural ingredients} which they in turn use to create some of the specialty drinks on their menu. I don’t know what is in this magical milk, but I do know it tastes absolutely divine and I basically want to put it on everything from here on out. FYI, they do offer it in non-dairy options, as well. They also have monthly drink specials…the one we got was a cinnamon latte made with oat Moon Milk {So good!} and $1 from each one was going to charity.
MAÑANA //
Part of South Congress Hotel; good spot to grab coffee if you’re in the are
This spot wins for the best to-go cups {you can see a picture in the slideshow} and I love that they roast their own beans; there’s also a cute little breakfast for truck parked outside if you need something to eat; plenty of room if you need to sit and work
A coffee shop meets bike shop located in the parking lot of a gas station; very Brooklyn/hipster vibes but they roast their own beans and make a great cup of coffee
CARPENTER HOTEL (HH 4-6) //
If you need to post up and get some work done, this is good spot to do it. Also, they have happy hour from 4-6pm every day with $5 nitro espresso martinis, which in and of itself is reason enough to go.
BOGGY CREEEK FARM //
Lady bird Lake //
Good spot to go walking, you can also take out kayaks/canoes, etc.
Barton Springs //
For cooling off on a hot day; it’s free in the off-season {aka while we were there} but you do have to pay to park and to get into the springs in prime season
Shopping //
There’s a great mix of boutiques, vintage shops and local designers; a few we checked out include Frond, Good Company, Bloomers and Frocks {amazing selection of vintage jewelry} and the W3LL People Studio, which is located a bit outside city limits, in an outdoor shopping area with lots of cute restaurants and other shops, including Desk Plants.
LIVE MUSIC //
In a city filled with music venues and a music festival or two (Hello SXSW and Austin City Limits! Just to name a few…) and infamous for its music scene, there’s certainly no shortage of live music. On our most recent trip we went to The White Horse, which, let me tell you, is a whole honky tonk experience, fun, wild, weird, a mix of cowboys and tourists and line dancing and cheap beer. Definitely a fun stop!
HISTORY + LEARNING //
We haven’t spent much time in Austin doing more “traditional” tourist things (outside of a drive by the Texas State Capitol, which probably doesn’t really count) but if history and learning is more your thing the Bullock Texas State History Museum might be worth checking out, or head over to South Austin to pay Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a visit and explore and learn about the more than 900 species of native Texas plants featured in both garden and natural settings.
TAKE A DAY TRIP //
If you have extra time and want to get out and explore a bit more, there are definitely some daytrip-worthy spots outside Austin city limits in Texas Hill Country. Everything from boating on Lake Travis, to exploring Dripping Springs to checking out one of the more than 50 wineries found throughout Hill Country to Fredericksburg (famous for peaches), there’s no shortage of experiences to keep you busy.