Things to Do and Places to Eat

Barbeque!

la Barbecue

One of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas and one of our personal favorites. Expect an hour wait in line at least but the brisket and the strawberry habanero glazed ribs are worth it.

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar

Asian BBQ with brisket from Aaron Franklin. A reliable favorite, the pork belly bowl is amazing. One of our favorite restaurants in the city.

Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Michelin star winning BBQ. There may be a line but it moves fast and is worth the wait.

Terry Black's Barbecue

Barbecue downtown!

Franklin Barbecue

Make sure to get here early (like 7 am)

Lamberts

Downtown BBQ but a little fancier (and more $$$) than Terry Black's

Mexican!

La Piscina

Best fajitas in the city!

El Alma

Good enchiladas and good margaritas!

ATX Cocina

Great Mexican restaurant with delicious margaritas located downtown. $$$ but a local favorite.

Veracruz All Natural

Most famous breakfast tacos in Austin. There are multiple locations but this is the original food truck. It's in the yard of Radio which is a great coffee shop and delicious bloody mary's!

Grizzelda's

Local tex-mex with lots of floral accents, super cute, great for brunch and lively happy hours

Favorites!

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Our favorite steak house! Get the smoked ribeye and lobster mac and cheese. A 20 minute uber ride from downtown Austin (more if it's rush hour) but the views of Lake Travis and the smoked rib eye are worth it.

Canje

James Beard winning Caribbean restaurants. Another one of our favorites. We’ve tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all delicious, get at least 2 of the Roti.

It's Italian Cucina

Our second favorite Italian restaurant. The orange cream lobster ravioli is one of our favorite dishes.

Red Ash

High end Italian steakhouse.

Patrizi's

Cool outside Italian restaurant, this location is based out of a food truck and SO good. An Austin staple

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

Get the soup dumplings and Hawaiian sesame chicken with the "electric daisy" to drink. One of our favorite Austin staples

Juliet Italian Kitchen- Barton Springs

Cute patio and their lasagna is delicious

Sammie's

Our Favorite Italian Restaurant! A true taste of NY in Texas

Uchi Austin

Best sushi restaurant in Texas, expensive but elevated and delicious takes on sushi you won’t find anywhere else

NADC Burger

Amazing smash burgers, ranked best in the city!

Odd Duck

high end farm to table foods ranging from wood-smoked Southern fare to creative global plates

Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin

adorable spot for some of the best oysters in town!

Perla's

Best seafood restaurant in the city! Our second date! Scallops are phenomenal

Toasty Badger

cute breakfast diner on South Congress!

Southern Cuisine!

Mattie's

Fun place for any meal with a lot of Texas Charm. Located at an old mansion. Look for the peacocks roaming the property.

Geraldine's

Chic, music‑infused rooftop restaurant and bar atop the Hotel Van Zandt

Eberly

Good vibes, good food and great drinks!

Fixe Southern House

Downtown restaurant known for southern cuisine

Spicy Boys Fried Chicken - East 6th

Some of the best chicken sandwiches (not toooo spicy!) also have great chicken nuggets and tots

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

the name speaks for itself... delicious

Lutie's

High end restaurant located at a historic mansion, greenery wall to wall, vibes vibes vibes

Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile

Family‑owned, ranch‑to‑table with views of the Colorado river, serving hearty Southern comfort food

Salty Sow

Gastro‑pub on the east side, Southern‑soul comfort food—think slow‑cooked meats, creative cocktails, and seasonal small plates

Live Music!

The Rustic Tap

Outside bar with live music 7 nights a week! One of our favorite bars in Austin.

The White Horse

One of the best country music venues in Texas. Usually a cover but the music is always worth it. You'll find a lot of country dancers and two steppers here.

San Jac Saloon

Country music venue located downtown! Usually live music on both floors.

Antone's Nightclub

Austin's world famous home of the Blues! Check their website to see who is playing and if there is a cover.

The Continental Club

Famous live music venue that specializes in Blues and Soul music. Usually a cover but check their website to see who is playing.

Broken Spoke

Dance hall located on the Texas register of historical places. Usually a cover and long lines at the bar ( I think because they only hire family members) but the music is always good and the pitchers of beer are always cold.

Friends Bar

Famous local bar for blues and rock.

Sagebrush

A true Texas Honky Tonk. A little further from downtown but great music!

Coffee!

The Dead Rabbit, Austin

2nd location of the world famous Irish pub in NYC. Voted best Irish coffee and best Irish pub in the USA. The food is pricey but the Guinness is poured perfectly.

Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Great coffee and pastries and beautiful views of Lake Austin! Another of our favorite spots

Radio Coffee & Beer

Bars, Cocktails and Breweries!

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

300+ beers on tap. A Rainey street staple. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable about beer so this is a must if you want to try as many local beers as possible. Skip their food but usually great cover bands as well!

Chalmers Austin

Best sports bar in the city with great BBQ

The Roosevelt Room

Best cocktail bar in Austin. You usually need reservations but it's worth it.

Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Austin's first bourbon distillery. Come visit for a tasting or a tour. This area (The Yard) has a lot of breweries and bars to walk to as well!

Meanwhile Brewing

Great local beers, relaxed vibe and lots of picnic tables. A good staple

Lazarus Brewing Co.

Cute place on the east side, has great beers and indoor/outdoor patios

Rosie's Wine Bar

Cute local wine spot in Clarksville

House Wine

New location for an Austin staple, great home pours, one of our favorite places for wine!

Half Step

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

Zilker Brewing Company and Taproom

Dainty Dillo

Central Machine Works

Large brewery usually with live music and pizza. Good for large groups.

Activities around Austin!

Butler Pitch & Putt

9 hole walking golf course down town. All par 3s and you only need two clubs. Only takes about 60-90 min.

Texas Rowing Center

Great place to rent paddle boards from and take in the views of downtown Austin!

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge

Great place to view a special Austin spectacle! Watch the Mexican free tailed bats emerge from the bridge by the millions, best time to see them is about 30-60 minutes before sunset.

Barton Springs Pool South Gate

Natural pool always at a cool 65 degrees, with incredible views of downtown. One of our favorite spots in the city

LBJ Presidential Library

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Mount Bonnell

A short hike for a great view of Lake Austin!

South Congress

Shopping district. Has both international brands and quirky local shops.