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* Terry Blacks downtown is overrated. – 🧑🏻 [Central Austin] KG BBQ - Middle Eastern inspired BBQ that stays true to Texas roots. Try the brisket, lamb chops, buttermilk beetroot potato salad. – [East Austin] La Barbecue - Show up 30-1hr before they open. – [East Austin] Franklins BBQ. Best brisket on earth. People stand in line an hour+ before opening. Pro tip - you can order ahead online *now* to guarantee you get some). 💡 For almost any BBQ restaurant worth going to, you'll want to get in line at least 20 minutes *before they open* to get in line - earlier for the very popular spots. 💡 If a spot has banana pudding, you must try it. 💡 Even if you skip the meat, the sides and desserts are reason enough to tag along. 💰 BBQ is expensive. A lot of time goes into preparing and sourcing high quality ingredients.
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– 👩🏻 [East Austin] Desnudo Coffee - very very good coffee in food truck park (outside). Probably want to avoid peak times, but we’ve never had much of an issue. Grab a poblano migas from Veracruz all natural to eat with your coffee. – [East Austin] Comadre Panadería - mexican bakery. **Get the pink cake**, whatever concha they have that day. They also have good coffee. – [East Austin] Mercado sin nombre - mexican coffee shop/light breakfast bites. Order the *Atole Cortado*. Pancakes or biscuit sandwich if you’re hungry - avoid the masa Twinkie its not as good as it looks. – [South Riverside] Noble Joe Coffee - just steps from the Lady Bird Lake trail, perfect for a coffee and walk.
Must-try eats for the true Austin flavor
– 🧑🏻 [Downtown] Taqueria 10/10: feels like mexico city. Pastor, carne asada, pollo. Nopales taco if you’re vegetarian. – [East Austin] Discada: They sell only 1 type of taco, they're small. You just tell them how many you want. For non-veg option, they have street corn. – [East Austin] Nixta: if you want to spend the most money you've ever spent on tacos. Try the duck carnitas. Veg options available (cauliflower taco, beet “tartare” tostada, etc). Refined "fancy" tacos that are worth a try if you've already experienced cheaper traditional places. --- Breakfast Tacos (Try a Migas taco or bacon + egg taco): – 🧑🏻 [East Austin] Joes Bakery: Sit-down Mexican-American diner – [Riverside] Rositas Al Pastor: OG Mexican spot with indoor seating. – [Mueller] Paco's Tacos: Laid back spot that feels like you're at someone's house + patio with live music.
The perfect spots for sightseeing and strolling
– 👩🏻 Jasmeen, a proud Longhorn, couldn’t let you visit without giving a shoutout to her alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin. Be sure to check out the historic and iconic UT Tower. – Texas State Capitol: A stunning historic building with free tours and beautiful grounds to explore. – Blanton Museum of Art: Modern art near UT. – Lady Bird Lake Trail: Walk, jog, or rent a kayak and enjoy the skyline views from the water or paddle board. – 👩🏻 Downtown Austin Public Library: Free to enter, great views from the top floor. – South Congress (SoCo) Strip: Murals, shopping, funky charm. – Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring-fed pool perfect for a refreshing dip. – Mount Bonnell: Hike with a beautiful view. – The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria: 14-acre art-in-nature museum (check hours). – Mozart’s Coffee Roasters: A chill spot right on the water, perfect for relaxing if you’re in the area.