Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
My mouth is watering for La Barbecue right this second. Austin is known for its quintessential food truck scene, and La Barbecue does not disappoint. Located in the Aztec Food Trailer park in East Austin, this joint's family history makes it some of the most mouth-watering BBQ in Texas. The park is BYOB, but they also usually have a keg for sale: you buy a cup, you get a pour-your-own tasty beer. Pro-tip: buy a brisket and take it home to sous vide. It will not disappoint as it melts in your mouth. You can take it home on the plane you rode in on!
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La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StMy mouth is watering for La Barbecue right this second. Austin is known for its quintessential food truck scene, and La Barbecue does not disappoint. Located in the Aztec Food Trailer park in East Austin, this joint's family history makes it some of the most mouth-watering BBQ in Texas. The park is BYOB, but they also usually have a keg for sale: you buy a cup, you get a pour-your-own tasty beer. Pro-tip: buy a brisket and take it home to sous vide. It will not disappoint as it melts in your mouth. You can take it home on the plane you rode in on!
I travel a lot for work, and I thought my favorite ramen shops were in SF or LA. Ramen Tatsu-ya takes the cake on all the places I've ever been. The decor is funky, fun, and homegrown Austin-style. But the jewel: Tonkotsu Original is my jam, add Brussels sprouts, tofu, and fresh garlic. I want to make this broth at home. It soothes my tired spirit on cold night. Special treat: start with the Hush Piggies. Veggie Ramen is also excellent. I like to go early, like 5:30pm, but the long line later moves much faster than you can imagine.
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Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdI travel a lot for work, and I thought my favorite ramen shops were in SF or LA. Ramen Tatsu-ya takes the cake on all the places I've ever been. The decor is funky, fun, and homegrown Austin-style. But the jewel: Tonkotsu Original is my jam, add Brussels sprouts, tofu, and fresh garlic. I want to make this broth at home. It soothes my tired spirit on cold night. Special treat: start with the Hush Piggies. Veggie Ramen is also excellent. I like to go early, like 5:30pm, but the long line later moves much faster than you can imagine.
I hosted a group of twelve at Cantine. They made room for us at a beautiful table near the kitchen. We had a couple of preset cocktails that were delicious. We shared appetizers and entrees family-style. Such elegant comfort food in a warm cozy setting. The owner was in-house that night and told us stories of building Cantine, especially the origin of all the reclaimed wood in the restaurant. I've been to the bar for a happy hour treat, and I look forward to checking out the patio in warm weather.
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CANTINE Italian Cafe & Bar
1100 South Lamar BoulevardI hosted a group of twelve at Cantine. They made room for us at a beautiful table near the kitchen. We had a couple of preset cocktails that were delicious. We shared appetizers and entrees family-style. Such elegant comfort food in a warm cozy setting. The owner was in-house that night and told us stories of building Cantine, especially the origin of all the reclaimed wood in the restaurant. I've been to the bar for a happy hour treat, and I look forward to checking out the patio in warm weather.
VOX is my dream brunch spot. I can walk there. It's white marble crisp and clean. The cocktails are high-quality craftsman innovations (Tom Selleck's mustache, anyone?). The food is fresh and unforgettable. And I've gotten to laugh with the staff. I love sitting at the bar, so I'm easy to seat at busy times. I would take a date here or have a business meeting. It's also great for brunch hangover recovery in a posh place. Pricey, but worth every penny.
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VOX Table
1100 South Lamar BoulevardVOX is my dream brunch spot. I can walk there. It's white marble crisp and clean. The cocktails are high-quality craftsman innovations (Tom Selleck's mustache, anyone?). The food is fresh and unforgettable. And I've gotten to laugh with the staff. I love sitting at the bar, so I'm easy to seat at busy times. I would take a date here or have a business meeting. It's also great for brunch hangover recovery in a posh place. Pricey, but worth every penny.
Torchy’s has gone to the moon and back with some off-the-grid taco combinations. The Brushfire is jerk chicken- I repeat- JERK CHICKEN, mangoes, jalapenos, sour cream and cilantro. The Independent is deep-fried battered portobello mushroom strips, roasted corn, pickled carrots, refried black beans, and avocados with an insane chili aioli sauce that I would order shots of if they offered it. There’s even an entire breakfast menu of tacos if you feel like getting your Tex-Mex on early in the day, and there’s tons of veggie options that even meat eaters would love.
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Torchy's Tacos
1311 South 1st StreetTorchy’s has gone to the moon and back with some off-the-grid taco combinations. The Brushfire is jerk chicken- I repeat- JERK CHICKEN, mangoes, jalapenos, sour cream and cilantro. The Independent is deep-fried battered portobello mushroom strips, roasted corn, pickled carrots, refried black beans, and avocados with an insane chili aioli sauce that I would order shots of if they offered it. There’s even an entire breakfast menu of tacos if you feel like getting your Tex-Mex on early in the day, and there’s tons of veggie options that even meat eaters would love.
Drinks & Nightlife
Backbeat is a treasure. For whiskey lovers, it's an outstanding Manhattan. Also one of the best Fourth Regiments I've ever had. Great interior, awesome bartenders. Someone please take me here for a date. Note: I do not go to busy bars. I came here on a slow night, and I loved it. Great treat before or after ramen next door.
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Backbeat
1300 South Lamar BoulevardBackbeat is a treasure. For whiskey lovers, it's an outstanding Manhattan. Also one of the best Fourth Regiments I've ever had. Great interior, awesome bartenders. Someone please take me here for a date. Note: I do not go to busy bars. I came here on a slow night, and I loved it. Great treat before or after ramen next door.
The patio at Ranch 616 saved my soul once. After one particularly long work day, the Cactus margarita initiated a successful gear switch into Happy Hour. The talented bar staff use fresh juices and ingredients in all of their adult beverages. I have only had snacks on the lanai so far, but I will be back for dinner. It's a very convenient location in an extremely walkable neighborhood.
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Ranch 616
616 Nueces StThe patio at Ranch 616 saved my soul once. After one particularly long work day, the Cactus margarita initiated a successful gear switch into Happy Hour. The talented bar staff use fresh juices and ingredients in all of their adult beverages. I have only had snacks on the lanai so far, but I will be back for dinner. It's a very convenient location in an extremely walkable neighborhood.
The White Horse is definitely a must see if you want to put on your cowboy boots and two-step to some real live Texas music. I definitely would recommend checking the calendar for monthly events, located here https://www.thewhitehorseaustin.com . Some nights there’s free dance lessons, sometimes there’s a chili cook off competition... Don’t be too scared to try it out because this isn’t real complicated line dancing- it’s mostly two-step which is great for beginners or first time country dancers! The only food is the taco trucks outside, but inside there’s decently priced drinks, pool tables, a patio, and live music every single night if you want to get your yee-haw on like a local.
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The White Horse
500 Comal StThe White Horse is definitely a must see if you want to put on your cowboy boots and two-step to some real live Texas music. I definitely would recommend checking the calendar for monthly events, located here https://www.thewhitehorseaustin.com . Some nights there’s free dance lessons, sometimes there’s a chili cook off competition... Don’t be too scared to try it out because this isn’t real complicated line dancing- it’s mostly two-step which is great for beginners or first time country dancers! The only food is the taco trucks outside, but inside there’s decently priced drinks, pool tables, a patio, and live music every single night if you want to get your yee-haw on like a local.
Arts & Culture
While you are in town, I highly recommend you check out the Austin City Limits taping schedule. If it's suits you and spots are available, do not pass go. Just go attend one of the staples of making Austin the "Live Music Capital of the World". Broadcasting on public television for over 40 years, ACL is one of Austin's gems. It will likely be hard to get a spot, so plan ahead. And consider coming to Austin for the ACL music festival held over two weekends in the fall, usually October.
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ACL Live
310 W Willie Nelson BlvdWhile you are in town, I highly recommend you check out the Austin City Limits taping schedule. If it's suits you and spots are available, do not pass go. Just go attend one of the staples of making Austin the "Live Music Capital of the World". Broadcasting on public television for over 40 years, ACL is one of Austin's gems. It will likely be hard to get a spot, so plan ahead. And consider coming to Austin for the ACL music festival held over two weekends in the fall, usually October.
The Blanton Museum of Art is located kitty-corner from the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and offers permanent as well as rotating exhibits and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s not so large that you have to map and plan your next stop; in fact, you could probably see almost everything in one afternoon. Thursdays are FREE! Any day of the week, however, is also free for children under 12.The museum actually just reopened after a beautiful remodel in February 2017. If you want to check it out, I’d log in to http://blantonmuseum.org/exhibitions-calendar/ to see the current exhibitions.
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布蘭頓美術館
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThe Blanton Museum of Art is located kitty-corner from the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and offers permanent as well as rotating exhibits and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s not so large that you have to map and plan your next stop; in fact, you could probably see almost everything in one afternoon. Thursdays are FREE! Any day of the week, however, is also free for children under 12.The museum actually just reopened after a beautiful remodel in February 2017. If you want to check it out, I’d log in to http://blantonmuseum.org/exhibitions-calendar/ to see the current exhibitions.
The theater that just celebrated its 100th birthday has a long history of how it still stands today and has been reborn and is more beautiful that you can imagine. Film festivals, standup comedy, broadway plays, concerts and parties fill this historic landmark and can’t be passed up! There’s plenty of parking all over Congress Ave. and the staff gets you seated quickly and easily. Everything about this place oozes history; even the bathrooms have upholstered vanities you can sit down at to fix your hair and makeup. There’s bars and concession stands all over the theater so it’s perfect for date night or to bring the kids along.
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The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress AveThe theater that just celebrated its 100th birthday has a long history of how it still stands today and has been reborn and is more beautiful that you can imagine. Film festivals, standup comedy, broadway plays, concerts and parties fill this historic landmark and can’t be passed up! There’s plenty of parking all over Congress Ave. and the staff gets you seated quickly and easily. Everything about this place oozes history; even the bathrooms have upholstered vanities you can sit down at to fix your hair and makeup. There’s bars and concession stands all over the theater so it’s perfect for date night or to bring the kids along.
If you’re looking for a weird time, the curios of the MOTW is the place for you! Shrunken heads, two headed mermaids, and much more mysterious exhibits live in this quirky little place. The showmanship is really what sells it and it’s very kid friendly if you have a curious little one who is looking for some sightseeing of his own. Each $12 ticket comes with admission to the sideshow!! The gift shop is as much fun as the small tour itself and if you get a chance to talk to the man who actually operates the place, he will answer any question as he knows every single artifact and backstory in the whole joint. Austin prides itself on being weird, so it’s befitting to see the MOTW. Bring cash.
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怪奇博物館
412 E 6th StIf you’re looking for a weird time, the curios of the MOTW is the place for you! Shrunken heads, two headed mermaids, and much more mysterious exhibits live in this quirky little place. The showmanship is really what sells it and it’s very kid friendly if you have a curious little one who is looking for some sightseeing of his own. Each $12 ticket comes with admission to the sideshow!! The gift shop is as much fun as the small tour itself and if you get a chance to talk to the man who actually operates the place, he will answer any question as he knows every single artifact and backstory in the whole joint. Austin prides itself on being weird, so it’s befitting to see the MOTW. Bring cash.
Essentials
HEB is Austin's large value grocery store. This location is big, clean, and has more to offer that one can imagine. Get value here, and find fresh squeezed orange juice. For all your grocery needs, check out HEB. This 24hr location is particularly special: I have witnessed the glory of thousands of grackles roosting in the parking lot trees and on the racks of houseplants for sale outside the store. It's a sound travelers have to hear once, even if Austin locals who have to regularly deal with the bird give them low Yelp scores. It's literally for the early birds.
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H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdHEB is Austin's large value grocery store. This location is big, clean, and has more to offer that one can imagine. Get value here, and find fresh squeezed orange juice. For all your grocery needs, check out HEB. This 24hr location is particularly special: I have witnessed the glory of thousands of grackles roosting in the parking lot trees and on the racks of houseplants for sale outside the store. It's a sound travelers have to hear once, even if Austin locals who have to regularly deal with the bird give them low Yelp scores. It's literally for the early birds.
Fancy pantsy, but Delicious certainly lives up to its name. This is our closest quick market, great for grabbing food to go. They have an awesome staff and strong wine selection. Eat in or take it with you, mostly for sandwiches and such. Pricey; super convenient and clean. Search elsewhere for grocery essentials, but this market is great for travelers who are short on time.
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Delicious
1100 South Lamar BoulevardFancy pantsy, but Delicious certainly lives up to its name. This is our closest quick market, great for grabbing food to go. They have an awesome staff and strong wine selection. Eat in or take it with you, mostly for sandwiches and such. Pricey; super convenient and clean. Search elsewhere for grocery essentials, but this market is great for travelers who are short on time.
We know it's expensive and high quality, but this location is the flagship Whole Foods store. In the hot, hot Austin summer, stop by this location to take in the cold air in all it's glory. Get the freshest, posh organic foods for a picnic along Lady Bird Lake.
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Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdWe know it's expensive and high quality, but this location is the flagship Whole Foods store. In the hot, hot Austin summer, stop by this location to take in the cold air in all it's glory. Get the freshest, posh organic foods for a picnic along Lady Bird Lake.
Thank you, Bird's, for taming the wild beast that is my hair. Bird's Barbershop has a few locations in Austin and Houston, but I know the one on South Lamar best. This place is full of weirdos, both behind the chair and waiting to get their hairs cut. It's also full of parents and their kids wanting a great style for a great value. I have been able to walk in and enjoy a free cold beer and fun tunes while waiting my turn. It just feels good in here. Queer-friendly and family friendly, give Bird's a try while you are in town.
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Birds Barbershop
2110 S Lamar BlvdThank you, Bird's, for taming the wild beast that is my hair. Bird's Barbershop has a few locations in Austin and Houston, but I know the one on South Lamar best. This place is full of weirdos, both behind the chair and waiting to get their hairs cut. It's also full of parents and their kids wanting a great style for a great value. I have been able to walk in and enjoy a free cold beer and fun tunes while waiting my turn. It just feels good in here. Queer-friendly and family friendly, give Bird's a try while you are in town.
Every single Saturday (rain or shine!) from 9am-1pm, there’s a farmers’ market in Republic Square Park. There’s live music, food trucks, fruit and veggie booths, and activities for kids. Vendors on any given Saturday are selling a range of cheeses, meats, flowers, jams, local Austin honey and tons of food are hot and ready for consumption while you peruse. Vendors come and go and aren’t the same every weekend, so, you might see an adorable miniature pony when they have a petting zoo. If you’re a frequent farmers’ market goer you might find this to be on the smaller side in terms of vendors or space, but it’s got some real Texas charm.
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Austin Farmers' Market at the Triangle
4600 West Guadalupe StreetEvery single Saturday (rain or shine!) from 9am-1pm, there’s a farmers’ market in Republic Square Park. There’s live music, food trucks, fruit and veggie booths, and activities for kids. Vendors on any given Saturday are selling a range of cheeses, meats, flowers, jams, local Austin honey and tons of food are hot and ready for consumption while you peruse. Vendors come and go and aren’t the same every weekend, so, you might see an adorable miniature pony when they have a petting zoo. If you’re a frequent farmers’ market goer you might find this to be on the smaller side in terms of vendors or space, but it’s got some real Texas charm.
Entertainment & Activities
Even if you've never been to Austin, surely you've heard of the Alamo Drafthouse. If not, let me explain the wonder of the Alamo: beers or cocktails for your movie experience; appetizers - like, real adult appetizers; amazing projection and sound. Order ahead, or learn their in-movie system for seat service. Alamo is pricey, but it's a special experience worth the value. Treat yourself!
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdEven if you've never been to Austin, surely you've heard of the Alamo Drafthouse. If not, let me explain the wonder of the Alamo: beers or cocktails for your movie experience; appetizers - like, real adult appetizers; amazing projection and sound. Order ahead, or learn their in-movie system for seat service. Alamo is pricey, but it's a special experience worth the value. Treat yourself!
Parks & Nature
Between March and November at dusk, thousands of bats emerge from under the bridge to begin their nightly feeding. This is a unique Austin experience that you have to see! More info: http://www.batsinaustin.com/
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Congress Avenue Bridge
Congress AvenueBetween March and November at dusk, thousands of bats emerge from under the bridge to begin their nightly feeding. This is a unique Austin experience that you have to see! More info: http://www.batsinaustin.com/
Sightseeing
(a.k.a. The Pennybacker Bridge) To experience the bridge like the locals do, you’ll have to hike to the top of an overlook that has the most beautiful view of the bridge, the Colorado River, and Downtown Austin! To get to the overlook, go south on 360 Loop/Capital of Texas Highway from 2222. After passing West Courtyard Drive and just before the bridge and light, you will see parking on the side of the road alongside a cliff to your right. The trail entrance will be located in the center of the lot and it’s about a 5-10 minute hike up the rocky hill. Wear sturdy shoes and DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
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360 Bridge
4801 Plaza on the Lake(a.k.a. The Pennybacker Bridge) To experience the bridge like the locals do, you’ll have to hike to the top of an overlook that has the most beautiful view of the bridge, the Colorado River, and Downtown Austin! To get to the overlook, go south on 360 Loop/Capital of Texas Highway from 2222. After passing West Courtyard Drive and just before the bridge and light, you will see parking on the side of the road alongside a cliff to your right. The trail entrance will be located in the center of the lot and it’s about a 5-10 minute hike up the rocky hill. Wear sturdy shoes and DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!