Austin Favorites
Restaurants
- Suerte*: Mexican in East Austin. You must get the suadero tacos! - ATX Cocina*: Mexican in Downtown Austin. The best spicy margaritas in town. - Odd Duck*: Farm-to-table on South Lamar. - Perlas*: Seafood on South Congress. Their patio is first-come, first-serve. - Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum*: in West Austin. - Loro: BBQ/Asian fusion on South Lamar. - Ramen Tatsu-Ya: locations in both East Austin and on South Lamar. *Reservation recommended
Tex Mex
- Matt’s El Rancho: on South Lamar. There will be a wait but it’s a fun spot. - Fonda San Miguel*: in North Austin. - Chuy’s: on Barton Springs. - Guero’s: on South Congress. - Polvo’s: on S. 1st. - De Nada*: in East Austin. *Reservation recommended
BBQ
- Leroy and Lewis: in South Austin. Lauren’s favorite. - La Barbecue: in East Austin. Quinn’s favorite. - Franklins: in East Austin. Famous spot with a long wait. - Terry Black’s: on Barton Springs.
Coffee
- Mañana: Downtown and South Congress. - Desnudo: in food truck Downtown. Known for brown sugar miso latte. - Jo’s: on South Congress. Location of the ‘I love you so much’ mural. - Cosmic: in East Austin and South Congress. They also have great cocktails. - Radio: in South Austin. There is a Veracruz food truck here.
Breakfast
- Veracruz: Downtown (+ several other locations). Our favorite breakfast tacos. - Cafe No Se*: on South Congress. - Habanero Mexican Cafe: off of S. 1st. Very casual and one of our favorites. - Paperboy*: on South Lamar and in East Austin. - Swedish Hill: in West Austin and on S. 1st. *Reservation recommended
Breweries and Bars
- Lazarus: in East Austin. - Central Machine Works: in East Austin. Huge outdoor space. - St. Elmo’s: in South Austin with great food trucks. - Whisler’s: cocktail bar in East Austin. - Lavaca Street Bar: sports bar Downtown. - P6: Downtown (in Line Hotel). Requires reservation and has a great view of the lake.
Things to do
- Lady Bird Lake: 10 mile loop to walk/run. You can also rent paddle boards/kayaks. - Zilker Park: large park located near Downtown with great views of the city. - Auditorium Shores: park located by the trail and lake (also has great views!). - South Congress: walk along for great shopping, local restaurants, coffee shops, and live music. - Mount Bonnell: ascend 106 stone stairs to see panoramic views of Austin. - Barton Springs: natural springs pool in Zilker Park. - Texas State Capitol: free guided and self-guided tours.
