Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdTrudy's South Star
901 Little Texas LnHopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveP. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdHome Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveAmys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveKerbey Lane Cafe - Central
3704 Kerbey LnMagnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress AveTorchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StTacodeli
4200 N Lamar BlvdHula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BlvdThe food is shit, but the drinks are strong and the view is incredible. For this, it is stupid expensive (for what you get) and the service is no good.
506 locals recommend
The Oasis On Lake Travis
6550 Comanche TrailThe food is shit, but the drinks are strong and the view is incredible. For this, it is stupid expensive (for what you get) and the service is no good.
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StSalt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826Round Rock Donuts
106 W Liberty AvePluckers Wing Bar
2222 Rio Grande StVoodoo Doughnut - 6th Street
212 E 6th StGourdough's Public House
209 W 5th StWhataburger
601 Barton Springs RdShopping
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View Rd"SoCo" has a popular, funky, “Keep Austin Weird” vibe to the
thousandth degree. You can walk, shop, and just check out SoCo.
447 locals recommend
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue"SoCo" has a popular, funky, “Keep Austin Weird” vibe to the
thousandth degree. You can walk, shop, and just check out SoCo.
Drinks & Nightlife
This part of downtown is older (25-40ish) than "Dirty" and more low-key. Maybe more "frat" or businessmen, but definitely classier. You won't see homeless people or people puking in the streets.
Personally, I would go to: Dogwood, Kung Fu Saloon, and the Ranch. Other places that have been recommended: Parlor & Yard, Star Bar, and Key Bar.
334 locals recommend
West 6th Street
West 6th StreetThis part of downtown is older (25-40ish) than "Dirty" and more low-key. Maybe more "frat" or businessmen, but definitely classier. You won't see homeless people or people puking in the streets.
Personally, I would go to: Dogwood, Kung Fu Saloon, and the Ranch. Other places that have been recommended: Parlor & Yard, Star Bar, and Key Bar.
So, "Dirty 6th" is technically "east" but the drop-down box wouldn't let me put anything else. (We have a place we refer to as well that is actually EAST of IH-35 but that is another section.)
Dirty is exactly that. Dirty! Sloppy drunks, loud music, and people passed out on the street. A lot of tourists feel it is a must-see and I get it. However, if you live here and over 21, most people avoid it. 21-year old me, from almost a decade ago, frequented: Maggie Mae's, Blind Pig, the Library, Shakespeare's, and the Cheers shot bar. A friend recommends Parkside which has a bar on the first floor. Good luck and please rideshare!
395 locals recommend
East 6th Street
East 6th StreetSo, "Dirty 6th" is technically "east" but the drop-down box wouldn't let me put anything else. (We have a place we refer to as well that is actually EAST of IH-35 but that is another section.)
Dirty is exactly that. Dirty! Sloppy drunks, loud music, and people passed out on the street. A lot of tourists feel it is a must-see and I get it. However, if you live here and over 21, most people avoid it. 21-year old me, from almost a decade ago, frequented: Maggie Mae's, Blind Pig, the Library, Shakespeare's, and the Cheers shot bar. A friend recommends Parkside which has a bar on the first floor. Good luck and please rideshare!
Oilcan Harry's
211 W 4th StA bunch of old houses that have been converted into bars. A very homey feel to it. Still kind of hipster but very casual, and VERY Austin.
Haven't been here too much either, but only because it got more popular after I became a Grandma (basically at age 20, haha). (Somewhat) recommended by me, by friends, and by Google: Banger's, Lucille, Icenhauer's, Bar 96, Blackheart, Container Bar, etc...
793 locals recommend
Rainey Street
Rainey StreetA bunch of old houses that have been converted into bars. A very homey feel to it. Still kind of hipster but very casual, and VERY Austin.
Haven't been here too much either, but only because it got more popular after I became a Grandma (basically at age 20, haha). (Somewhat) recommended by me, by friends, and by Google: Banger's, Lucille, Icenhauer's, Bar 96, Blackheart, Container Bar, etc...
You can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour (beer, wine, drinks), or entertain yourself with a mixture of activities. Those activities include karaoke, bowling, ping pong, pool, and vintage arcade games.
56 locals recommend
Punch Bowl Social Austin
11310 Domain DrYou can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour (beer, wine, drinks), or entertain yourself with a mixture of activities. Those activities include karaoke, bowling, ping pong, pool, and vintage arcade games.
Parks & Nature
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdBarton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrZilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs RdThe original name, but now called Lady Bird Lake (which is what all the signs say, just FYI!). There is running, walking, and a bike trail. Gorgeous.
959 locals recommend
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailThe original name, but now called Lady Bird Lake (which is what all the signs say, just FYI!). There is running, walking, and a bike trail. Gorgeous.
Texas Rowing Center
1541 W Cesar Chavez StMount Bonnell
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
North Capital of Texas HighwayBarton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayThe only legally recognized clothing optional public park in Texas.
102 locals recommend
Hippie Hollow Park
7000 Comanche TrailThe only legally recognized clothing optional public park in Texas.
Entertainment & Activities
This is a small, quaint, and RESCUE zoo. I love this place and have been going here for over 20-25 years.
81 locals recommend
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide TrailThis is a small, quaint, and RESCUE zoo. I love this place and have been going here for over 20-25 years.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdPeter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs RdTopgolf
2700 Esperanza CrossingArts & Culture
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveYou can tour our capital at certain times.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress AveThe Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardGraffiti Park at Castle Hill
1008 Baylor StCathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina DrParamount Theatre
713 Congress AveCapitol City Comedy Club
11506 Research BlvdEssentials
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdCostco Wholesale
4301 W William Cannon Dr