Michelle & James
Things To Do
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek snakes through Southwest Austin. Head here for the greenery and water. Take a swim and enjoy the fact that there's no snow in March! This is a great place to spend a day, or several.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Head here for more trails closer to downtown. Enjoy the skyline views as you walk along the Colorado River. A nice place to relax in the park and enjoy the lovely (fingers crossed!) weather.
Franklin Barbecue
Austin has no shortage of good BBQ, the most legendary of which comes from Franklin's. La Barbecue (https://www.labarbecue.com/) is also a new favorite. Although many people still wait in line for hours at these institutions (and we seriously applaud you if you do this too!), if you want to skip the line, Cooper's on Congress Ave is a solid option for large groups.
Small Victory
We love the cocktails at this speakeasy style bar (the entrance through a parking garage staircase is easy to miss!). It was also designed by James's brother, Matt, who is an architect and used to work in Austin! Another good option for bar lounges that give some real Texas flair is the Driskill Hotel bar (https://driskillhotel.com/dining/driskill-bar/) inside the historic Driskill hotel.
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co
James brought Michelle here on one of her first Texas visits, and it was such a classic Texas experience for her. People country dancing to live music, or sitting at giant picnic tables under the big oak trees while drinking good beer. Michelle loved it!
South Congress Ave
Though many of the hot new restaurants are opening up in other neighborhoods, South Congress still has that classic, quirky Austin feel. Grab something fast and cheap to eat at Hopdoddy, Güero's, Torchy's, or find a food truck. Cool off with some Dolce Neve Gelato or Amy's Ice Cream, or indulge in a huge donut with all the fixings from Gordough's. Also, if you want to leave Texas looking a little more cowboy, Allen's Boots will make it happen.
Chuy's
What Tex-Mex is all about, with some New Mexican flavor thrown in for good measure. James grew up going here with the family and it's still a fixture of his visits home. Great for large parties, so everyone can make sure to get their margarita. There are several locations around the city, so depending on where you're staying, there may be a closer one.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
Michelle has watched more movies since dating James than her whole life before that. James is a BIG movie fan and Michelle has enjoyed being along for the ride and expanding her minimal pop-culture knowledge. So, if you need a break from the Texas heat (even in the springtime!) the Alamo Draft House is a great place to catch a movie. There are others around the city too!
Rainey Street
There are local beers, food trucks, and string-light covered patios for days on this street of quaint residential homes converted into bars. Enjoy hopping from place to place, but make sure to stop in at Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden, Clive, and Craft Pride.
Elephant Room
For some great Jazz/Blues music. However, Austin considers itself the Live Music Capital of the World, so you're likely to find music at essentially any bar with a patio.