Madeline & Katie
Recommendations
Eldorado Cafe
Eldorado Cafe ($$)- Our home base restaurant. BEST enchiladas in Austin. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it is worth it. Our salsa pick is salsa X.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Mozart's Coffee Roasters ($)- A cute patio moment on Lake Austin with yummy coffee and yummier pastries. 10/10 views and where we had our first date!
Easy Tiger (Multiple Locations)
Easy Tiger ($$)- AMAZING bakery and restaurant which serves coffee and baked goods, or a full meal. Whichever you're in the mood for. They're a beer garden too! They have multiple locations and the South Lamar spot is nicer if you are willing to make the drive.
Quack's 43rd Street Bakery
Quack's Bakery ($)- Excellent bakery and coffee shop! They have multiple locations but this is the location you see in our engagement photos! Check out the Mueller location for an option closer to the hotels.
Julio's Cafe
Julio's Cafe ($$)- Right next door to Quacks, this was our go to restaurant when we lived in the neighborhood. Great chicken and margaritas!
Antonelli's Cheese Shop - Hyde Park
We love to swing by Antonelli's to sample some cheeses and bring something home for later! It's located right next to Quack's on 43rd and Julio's, so you can really make an afternoon of it.
Vic and Al's
Vic & Al's ($$$)- For a fancier night out, Vic & Al's is the place to go. Cajun cooking and craft cocktails. The restaurant is on the smaller side and has a limited menu each day so check before you go!
Rosita's Al Pastor
Rositas's Al Pastor ($)- Classic Austin taco truck on Riverside. Nothing fancy but it always gets the job done.
FoodHeads
FoodHeads ($$)- Sandwich shop near UT campus, great spot to grab lunch!
Cosmic Pickle
Cosmic Coffee ($)- Combination coffee shop and bar with great outdoor space! The perfect place to get together.
Radio Coffee & Beer
Radio Coffee & Beer ($)- Another combination coffee shop and bar! It's the Austin way. Great outdoor space!
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and take in the stunning view of the city from Lady Bird Lake. There are many rental shops located along the river. (insider info: the water isn't recommended for swimming so stay in your boat lol)
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Take a cold plunge in Barton Springs- if you do want to take a dip and you can brave the cold, Barton Springs is highly recommended. Natural beauty right in the heart of the city. The water is 68-70 degrees year-round.
Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller
Mueller Farmer's Market- Sunday mornings from 10 am- 2 pm, you can find a sprawling farmer's market in the Mueller area with all kinds of treats and delights to offer.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mueller
Catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse- A movie theater chain that started right here in Austin. If there happens to be anything good showing while you're in town, we recommend a visit to Alamo Drafthouse and you can enjoy good drinks and food while you're there. Just don't talk or text during the show.
Hike the Greenbelt
If you're outdoorsy, Austin has a few trails along the greenbelt where you can get away and enjoy some fresh air without even leaving the city.
BookPeople
BookPeople- A 2-story bookstore downtown, you can get lost here for hours. Definitely worth a visit if you are the literary type.