Things To Do
Chinatown Downtown
Keith's favorite karaoke spot in town. We'll hit it up Thursday night with anyone who wants to join us.
Joann's Fine Foods
Adjacent to the Austin Motel and a short walk to or from the bat cruise. Great any time of day or night (til midnight). Healthy smoothies, flavorful salads, great migas or try the chicken tingua chalupa - Kerri's fave.
Jo's Coffee
Famous for the "I love you so much" graffiti (go ahead, get your picture taken) but honestly great coffee too. Try their signature iced Turbo.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Gourmet & local sourced burgers (including two vegetarian options), tasty truffle fries, and a decadent shake or their Doble Fina margarita to wash it down.
Lucky Robot
The only 100% sustainable sushi restaraunt in TX. Huge curated sake collection. Right next to Amy's Ice Cream if you have any room left.
Torchy's Tacos
Our favorite queso in town (all the world?) and the tacos are good too! (There's several locations but if you're staying at the Austin Motel, this is just a couple great window-shopping-blocks up)
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
You can rent bikes or run or stroll. Keith runs on it & takes it to work every day. Kerri walks the dog along a different stretch. The trail is a big loop, with various off-shoot options, including boardwalks & gravel trails, across bridges, the south shore of downtown, and through several parks including Zilker. Also note there's several places to rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddle boards if you want to get out on the water.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Maybe you took the trail here, or maybe you get dropped off and save your energy for exploring within. If you have little ones, there's a cute mini steam train (Zilker Zephyr) that you can ride through the park: board at the playground. Nearby is Barton Springs Pool (or wade for free in the natural spring overflow). Kayaks & Stand Up Paddleboards available for rent along the shore here too.
Uncle Billy's Brewery & Smokehouse
Keith's favorite neighborhood spot by his/our old apartment (right by Zilker, too). Friendly staff, great beer selection, decent barbecue, sports on the tvs, indoor and outdoor seating, dog friendly.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Want to learn more about the Nation of Texas? ;) Kerri's favorite Austin museum is the LBJ Presidential but this one covers a lot more ground and is more engaging for children and those less interested in politics.
LBJ Presidential Library
Recent history! Vietnam, Civil Rights & NASA! Kerri thinks this place is so cool, even if it does (understandably) ignore LBJs worst qualities. Located on the NE edge of UT campus downtown, it's an entertaining outing for an hour or two and we even found a great discount for you (linked). Official website info http://www.lbjlibrary.org/
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
Our wedding & reception will be on the top floor Saturday night but if you are at all interested in checking out the other cool spaces & collections at this state-of-the-art library, you need to come during regular hours (generally 10a-6p)
Moonshine Grill
Some really tasty and unique menu items. You can't order wrong here but our must-have starter is the corndog shrimp with blueberry swirl honey mustard.
La Barbecue
Keith's pick for best barbecue in Austin. Still a wait, but not quite as long as at Franklin. Please skip Terry Black's.
The Liberty
If you're wanting to explore the quirky east Austin scene, The Liberty is a very Austin version of a dive bar, with a fantastic Thai-fusion food truck, East Side King, located out back.
Cheer Up Charlies
Kombucha on tap, unique organic cocktails, and a vegan food truck. Open 4p-2a with live music many nights, too. (Shows big and small all over Red River street and Dirty 6th too, if you dare)