I’m often asked for Austin recommendations to which I usually reply with a long, detailed note I keep handy within my phone but with the Pearl Jam shows just around the corner, I’ve decided to compile all of my info into this blog post. If you’re wondering where to stay, what to eat, where to explore- this is for you. TROUBLED SOULS UNITE!
Food & Drink
Austin, the Music Capital of the World, is also being recognized for its incredible dining options. This could mean standing outside of a gas station grabbing tacos or sitting down at one of our James Beard Award winning restaurants. This list might come off as overwhelming but don’t stress! I am just eager to share some of my favorite spots within the city.
- Pizza 🍕| Via 313 is my favorite pizza in town. They have several locations and These pies are Detroit style meaning they are thiccc. As a vegetarian, my go-to is “The Herbavore” but they have options for EVERYONE! There is even a Jack White, White Pizza in homage to Detroit.
- Pizza 🍕| Homeslice Pizza is an Austin staple since 2005 with their New York style pies.
- Pizza 🍕| Sammataro Pizza has two locations on each side of town making it a convenient option no matter where you’re staying.
- Pizza 🍕| Allday Pizza located within flows wine bar is a new favorite. I love the zucchini summer!!
- BBQ 🍖 | Franklin’s BBQ is the most popular BBQ in town run by nationally known pit master, Aaron Franklin. Franklin’s has been featured on several food networks which means lining up early and “tailgating” until doors open at 11 is expected. They normally sell out by 2 or 3 PM. It’s recommended to bring a lawn chair and a cooler. I agree that it is the best brisket in town but am not overly crazy for their sides.
- BBQ 🍖 | Mickelwhaits BBQ is a food truck located on the East Side near Rosewood. IMO it’s the best BBQ option because the BBQ AND THE SIDES are top notch and the wait is typically under 30 minutes. The jalapeño cheese grits are a must.
- BBQ 🍖 | Distant Relatives, parked at the Meanwhile Brewery is another solid option.
- BBQ 🍖 | Salt Lick BBQ is about 30 minutes outside of Austin. The original BBQ pit is front and center when you walk into the restaurant. Pair this with a trip to Jacob’s Well (Currently closed for swimming) for the ultimate day trip.
- BBQ 🍖 | Terry Blacks– If you’re short on time and looking for a quick BBQ option then try Terry Blacks.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | 1886 Cafe, located within the Driskill hotel is a MUST. The Texas-shaped waffle loaded with berries and whip cream, stacked on a yummy jam with nuts is the best waffle in town. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- WAFFLES ARE PANCAKES WITH ABS.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Cenote, located on East Cesar Chavez is a local joint with several breakfast and lunch items. The ambiance is very chill and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Try Hard Coffee, located in my favorite part of town (Rosewood) has the best vibes with daily DJ spins, coffee and food options for everyone! They also sell vinyl and support local musicians. I know we can all respect a spot that supports their local artists.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Walton’s Fancy and Staple, located downtown on West 6th street is somewhat of a hidden gem. This restaurant used to be owned by Sandra Bullock. I really enjoy the vegan tacos, the Belgian waffle, and lunch sandwiches. They’re also a bakery so don’t miss out on some homemade macarons, cookies and mini cakes. YUM
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Kerbey Lane Cafe is certainly an Austin OG diner with several locations around town. My favorite spot is the Central location (on Kerbey Lane ☺️) but just caught word that the South Lamar location will be open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Phoebe’s Diner has two locations. I’ve only been once but I loved it enough to throw on this list. The staff was exceptional.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Bird Bird Biscuit…..WHOA. Best breakfast sandwiches in town. Believe me.
- Breakfast/Brunch 🍳 | Juiceland is my favorite smoothie shop in town. The Originator and the Julio Verde are my favorites but the options are endless! You can turn any smoothie into a bowl which is topped with granola, strawberries and banana slices.
- Tacos 🌮 | Veracruz All Natural. Sisters and Besties, Reyna and Maritza started their first trailer back in 2008. Since then, they’ve been featured on The Food Network and have six locations throughout town. The Line Hotel location is the easiest to access; right along the Lady Bird trail. My order always includes at least one Migas Taco and a Watermelon Agua fresca.
- Tacos 🌮 | Cuantos Tacos is located in a food park off of 12th street. These tacos are small but mighty. I LOVE their mushroom quesadilla. They do offer a 6 taco platter for those that cannot decide on one! They’ve started serving breakfast quesadillas on Saturday mornings and those….well, there are no words.
- Tacos 🌮 | Nixta Taqueria is a one-of-a-kind experience. There is often a line, they do not take reservations (first come, first serve) and they rock the “mom and pop” vibes. Quality over quantity is their motto. They’ve been featured on several food networks including “Somebody Feed Phil” with the entire Taco Mafia and Bernie Sanders was a customer just a few months ago!
- Tacos 🌮 | Torchy’s Taco, another Austin staple with several locations. They get creative with their “Taco of the Month” special and I can always count on a delicious Migas taco. I love Torchys but do not expect authentic Mexican tacos like others on this list.
- Tacos 🌮 | Palo Seco 512 is a food truck located in a gas station parking lot but don’t let it fool you… they offer some of the best birria tacos in the city.
- Tacos/Tex Mex 🌮 | La Santa Barbacha (a new favorite) is a food trailer located in Manor. The Chilaquiles bowl is so, so good. They’ll replace the meat with Brussel sprouts if you ask! I appreciate their tortilla variety (flour, corn, spinach and beets). A must try!
- Dinner 🍽️ | Licha’s is in my top 3 favorite go-to restaurants. Reservations are encouraged but there are several bars nearby to grab a drink if you throw your name on the list. Another authentic dining experience located in an old Victorian style home on the east side of town. The Elotes and Queso Fundido are my favorite appetizers. This is the perfect spot to grab some tacos and margaritas!
- Dinner 🍽️ | Aba is a VIBE! Their patio center piece is an enormous heritage oak tree. They offer Mediterranean dishes; I love their hummus, dill seasoned rice, cauliflower kabobs and roasted potatoes. Again, another location with an outstanding drink menu.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Suerte is the place to be for mezcal and tequila tastings. Their cocktail and dinner menus are out of this world.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Intero is a solid farm-to-table dinner option that often has last minute openings. I’ve had two incredible experiences and appreciate that the chef gets creative with vegetarian dishes. Their menu rotates with the seasons but they have veg and meat options.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Fresa’s on South First is one of my favorite outdoor dining spots. It’s casual but the food and drinks are always delicious. I’ll often go here with bigger groups. Check for reservations!
- Dinner 🍽️ | Canje, a Caribbean dining option with a relaxing, hip atmosphere. Recently walked in and snagged a seat at the bar. Very impressed.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Bar Peached, located a few blocks from Waterloo Records has a fun ambiance. Steak Frites are the Tuesday special 5P-10P so this may be a great option before the concert that night.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Pool Burger, a tiny burger joint directly behind the one and only “Deep Eddy Cabaret”. These burgers and crinkle fries are a dream.
- Dinner 🍽️ | Other options that I enjoy- Komé, True Food Kitchen, North Italia, Hestia, Buenos Aires Cafe, Diner Bar and Veracruz Fonda.
- Bars 🍻 | White Horse is the place to be for some two-steppin, live music and dive bar, honky tonk vibes. There is usually a $5-10 cover.
- Bars 🍻| Donn’s Depot, also a fav Austin staple for two-steppin. If you come around Christmas- this is the place to be.
- Bars 🍻 | Deep Eddy Cabaret is a legendary watering hole located in front of Pool Burger.
- Bars 🍻| Nickel City is a Buffalo Backer dive bar with fancy cocktails. The bar has several projectors to watch the games. Random fact: their vegetable spring rolls are on point.
- Bars 🍻| Whislers is a laid back hipster bar with great cocktails. They have an upstairs mezcal tasting bar worth checking out.
- Bars 🍻| Dirty Bills on West 6th gets rowdy (in a good way) after 11. The place will be packed, people will be drinking MadDog 20/20 and they’ll be playing all of the 90’s and 2000 greatest hits causing a major dance party. Maybe have a couple drinks before going.
- Bars 🍻| Barbarella’s is the ultimate sweat box dance party with throwback jams.
- Breweries 🍻🍺 | Meanwhile Brewery, Cosmic Beer Garden, Radio Beer Garden, AGBG, Zilker brewery and Lazarus brewery.
Where to Stay
There is certainly no shortage of lodging accomodations in Austin but I’ve tried to narrow it down to the spots I think show the most character while offering the best guest experience.
- Hotels 🏨 | South Congress Hotel is in a prime location with several dining options on site including Otoko, Central Standard, Maie Day and Cafe No Sé. The hotel is a perfect representation of Austin.
- Hotels 🏨 | The Thompson is a newer accommodation. I haven’t stayed but I really love the vibe in their on-site coffee shop, lobby and “The Diner”” restaurant.
- Hotels 🏨 | The Line, located downtown overlooking Lady Bird/Town Lake. BONUS: Veracruz Tacos is available in the lobby.
- Hotels 🏨 | Hotel San Jose, located on South Congress has been around since the 1930’s. Historically the hotel had a bad rep until Liz lambert took over in 1994, making this hotel the perfect representation of Austin.
- Hotels 🏨 | Austin Motel, also located on South Congress, has the same vibes as San Jose but at a fraction of the cost. Both are stellar options.
- Hotels 🏨 | Either Marriott in the downtown area of Austin offer exceptional amenities.
- Hotels 🏨 | The Fairmont Hotel is one of my favorite buildings downtown because its sleek design will mimic the Austin sky. It is often hard to find because it’ll look like a sunny day.
- Hotels 🏨 | Carpenter Hotel is an open-air hotel with easy access to a lot of Austin’s outdoor activities (Barton Springs, Zilker Park, etc). They also have a tasty brunch!
What to do!
Explore our 10-mile trail around Lady Bird Lake. There are several entry points so don’t feel pressured to do the entire loop. I enjoy the Auditorium Shores area because there’s a dog park, tons of space for a picnic and games, the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue and across the street is the Doug Sahm Hill view point with an incredible view of downtown.
Spend some time on the water! Rent a kayak from my favorite spot- Zilker Park Boat Rentals and start out in a clear water channel with the turtles or rent a Retro Boat to slowly cruise along the Colorado River.
Check out Zilker Park (where ACL Festival takes place). This is another perfect spot for games, picnics, reading a book, letting your dog run free, etc.
To cool down, take a plunge in our natural, spring-fed Barton Springs Pool that typically sits around 68-70 degrees.
Hike along our 7.25 mile Greenbelt trail, where swimming holes abound. Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, Gus Fruh and The Hill of Life Dam are the most popular. Check water levels ahead of time using the Greenbelt water level tracker. Please note: at this time, the green belt is dry.
Sports
Go to a game! Our new Q2 Soccer Stadium holds massive energy during a match. Grab a supporter section ticket and be a part of the verde movement. If soccer isn’t your thing, attend a UT football game, bleed burnt orange and see Bevo, baby!
Art
Look for murals. Austin is a vibrant, artistic city with art at every corner!
Shopping
Austin has an abundance of local shops for souvenirs, vinyl, clothes and books. Some of my favorites are:
Waterloo Records 🎶 | Get lost in time browsing through records and trinkets at Waterloo. Check the “In-store performance” schedule for an intimate musical experience. I’ve personally seen Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & POTR and Parker Millsap just to name a few. They’ll often do meet and greets after their performance.
Paper Work 🛍️🖼️ | One of my favorite shops in Austin that houses art, gifts, jewelry and clothes created by local Artists.
Big Top Candy Shop 🍬🍭 | Located next door to Paper Work, this is the ultimate old-school Candy Shop. Everything you can imagine exists in this store so live a little and enjoy some treats that teleport you right back to your childhood!
Austin Rocks 🎶 | The perfect Austin souvenir shop downtown.
Book People 📚 | Another favorite spot where time just does not exist. This is a two-story bookstore across the street from Waterloo Records. Check out their author introductions and book signing schedule to possibly meet your fav writers!
Museums & Such
Blanton Art Museum 🖼️ | (Free every Tuesday) is one of the largest university art museums in the country and is located within The University of Texas campus. As of late, they have some new installations that are worth checking out.
Central Austin Public Library 📚| Our impressive six-floor library with a rooftop terrace that overlooks the city is one of our most unique public spaces. This is a great opportunity to see modern architecture while sipping on a coffee from the downstairs cafe.
Texas State Capitol 🏛️ | Everyday the Capitol offers free tours that last roughly 45 minutes. The tour allows visitors to enter the Capitol and view the rotunda and legislative offices. I was impressed by the architectural detail displayed throughout the building from the walls to the door knobs, it is clear that Texans love them some… Texas.
Last but not least, I’d like to mention our beloved music venues throughout the city. Be aware that there are THREE Moody locations.
- Moody Center, where Pearl Jam will be playing, is our new multi-purpose venue that holds roughly 15,000 spectators. This is home to our UT basketball team.
- Moody Amphitheater is also a newer venue located within Waterloo Park in downtown Austin.
- Moody ACL Live theatre is my favorite venue. Expect an intimate show with a maximum attendance of 2,750 people. The coolest feature is every single seat is within 75 feet of the stage. It’s incredible! This is home to the Austin PBS “Austin City Limits” tapings. Tickets are free and can be won in a lottery system on the ACL Live webpage. Attending a taping is the utmost Austin experience.
A few other venues worth mentioning:
- Continental Club
- Stubbs
- Mohawk
- Emo’s
- Empire
- 3Ten (attached to ACL Live)
- Bass Concert Hall
- Antone’s
Music can be found at any corner in Austin- I mean it! Keep your ears open and enjoy our special oasis. Remember to keep our city clean and keep it weird! Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World because our audiences are respectful of artists and their performances. Please keep that in mind when attending a show 🙂 Welcome to texas!
