Larry & Karissa's guidebook
Favorite Resaturants
Most of these spots are within a 15-20 minute drive on the east side or south of downtown.
One of our favorite spots. Loved by locals, this place has an amazing ambience and is perfect for a romantic date or an intimate group dinner. Great wine and cocktails, and good French food. Get the burger.
522 locals recommend
Justine's
4710 E 5th StOne of our favorite spots. Loved by locals, this place has an amazing ambience and is perfect for a romantic date or an intimate group dinner. Great wine and cocktails, and good French food. Get the burger.
GREAT Thai food. A little out of the way, but if you are up north, give this place a try.
89 locals recommend
Titaya's Thai Cuisine
5501 N Lamar BlvdGREAT Thai food. A little out of the way, but if you are up north, give this place a try.
Amazing Tex Mex and incredibly strong margaritas. We love their fajitas with corn tortillas. They have a salsa bar with all kinds of salsa and escabeche. We've never NOT been here after a day out on Town Lake or Lake Travis.
277 locals recommend
Polvo's Mexican Restaurant
2004 South 1st StreetAmazing Tex Mex and incredibly strong margaritas. We love their fajitas with corn tortillas. They have a salsa bar with all kinds of salsa and escabeche. We've never NOT been here after a day out on Town Lake or Lake Travis.
Less busy than Franklin, but still busy. Get there early. Amazing Barbecue, cool space. It's attached to a great convenient store called Quickie Pickie with great craft beer, specialty pricey snacks, and good coffee.
421 locals recommend
La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StLess busy than Franklin, but still busy. Get there early. Amazing Barbecue, cool space. It's attached to a great convenient store called Quickie Pickie with great craft beer, specialty pricey snacks, and good coffee.
We love this place so much they catered our wedding. Austin food truck staple by renowned chef / owner Paul Qui. Creative asian fusion cuisine for very affordable prices. Get a few things and share. The Brussel sprouts are a must. There are a few locations in town.
77 locals recommend
East Side King
2000 E 6th StWe love this place so much they catered our wedding. Austin food truck staple by renowned chef / owner Paul Qui. Creative asian fusion cuisine for very affordable prices. Get a few things and share. The Brussel sprouts are a must. There are a few locations in town.
We have eaten here so many times over the last 12 years, we've probably put the owner's kid through college. Open til 2am, this place has great food for good prices. Not a fancy place by any stretch, but great if you're wanting late night asian food.
136 locals recommend
888 Pan Asian Restaurant
2400 E Oltorf StWe have eaten here so many times over the last 12 years, we've probably put the owner's kid through college. Open til 2am, this place has great food for good prices. Not a fancy place by any stretch, but great if you're wanting late night asian food.
A converted convenient store (that's a thing here in Austin) — cool spot with great craft beer, wine and 'Indian' food. Probably not the place to go if you want super authentic Indian, but good if you want a different take on bar food. They play live music most nights and is a cool place to hang for a few hours.
267 locals recommend
Whip in
1950 S I-35 Frontage RdA converted convenient store (that's a thing here in Austin) — cool spot with great craft beer, wine and 'Indian' food. Probably not the place to go if you want super authentic Indian, but good if you want a different take on bar food. They play live music most nights and is a cool place to hang for a few hours.
YUM... The best fish taco in Austin. All their tacos are bomb. It takes a long time to get your order, but it's worth the wait.
314 locals recommend
Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadYUM... The best fish taco in Austin. All their tacos are bomb. It takes a long time to get your order, but it's worth the wait.
If you're downtown, stop by the flagship Whole Foods. It's like Texas' 2nd most touristed location after the capitol building. Great for picking up food for a picnic or quick bite before heading out to Town Lake.
1332 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdIf you're downtown, stop by the flagship Whole Foods. It's like Texas' 2nd most touristed location after the capitol building. Great for picking up food for a picnic or quick bite before heading out to Town Lake.
Duh. But this place is actually amazing. Their pizza is fantastic and it's really fun. There is a to-go spot right next door to the main location if you're in a hurry. But if you're not, sit outside on their patio while taking a break for shopping on S. Congress.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveDuh. But this place is actually amazing. Their pizza is fantastic and it's really fun. There is a to-go spot right next door to the main location if you're in a hurry. But if you're not, sit outside on their patio while taking a break for shopping on S. Congress.
Another great BBQ spot. Less crowded than some other spots, but it's still BBQ in Austin, which always means lines. Just plan ahead and you'll be glad you did.
215 locals recommend
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood AveAnother great BBQ spot. Less crowded than some other spots, but it's still BBQ in Austin, which always means lines. Just plan ahead and you'll be glad you did.
A super cute French / Vietnamese restaurant and bakery. Perfect for a girl's lunch (just cause it's so damn cute). Great food, great ambience, wine + macaroons :-)
426 locals recommend
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StA super cute French / Vietnamese restaurant and bakery. Perfect for a girl's lunch (just cause it's so damn cute). Great food, great ambience, wine + macaroons :-)
Amazing Neapolitan style pizza that rivals all the pizza we had in Italy. Great wine list, great appetizers... try the burrata! A small, intimate spot so there might be a wait on popular nights, so get there early or call ahead.
180 locals recommend
Bufalina Pizza
2215 E Cesar Chavez StAmazing Neapolitan style pizza that rivals all the pizza we had in Italy. Great wine list, great appetizers... try the burrata! A small, intimate spot so there might be a wait on popular nights, so get there early or call ahead.
I just think this place is so fun on a warm day. It's right by Deep Eddy Pool – which is the oldest pool in Texas. They have great drinks and serve burgers out of a truck. They have a vegan burger and really cute Hawaiian decor.
57 locals recommend
Pool Burger
2315 Lake Austin BlvdI just think this place is so fun on a warm day. It's right by Deep Eddy Pool – which is the oldest pool in Texas. They have great drinks and serve burgers out of a truck. They have a vegan burger and really cute Hawaiian decor.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin, but some people will say it's overrated. Yes, you pay too much for small portions. But their ceviche is killer, their pineapple margarita is THE BEST, and their space is beautiful. Go during happy hour and save a few bucks.
191 locals recommend
La Condesa
400 W 2nd StThis is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin, but some people will say it's overrated. Yes, you pay too much for small portions. But their ceviche is killer, their pineapple margarita is THE BEST, and their space is beautiful. Go during happy hour and save a few bucks.
An Austin MUST if you have some cash to burn and love sushi. If you have less cash to burn, go during "Sake Social Hour" – their happy hour that happens Monday – Friday from 5-6. Get their at 4:30 to put your name in. You will get a ton of great stuff for WAY cheaper than normal. Uchi is one of the best dining experiences you will probably have in Texas.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdAn Austin MUST if you have some cash to burn and love sushi. If you have less cash to burn, go during "Sake Social Hour" – their happy hour that happens Monday – Friday from 5-6. Get their at 4:30 to put your name in. You will get a ton of great stuff for WAY cheaper than normal. Uchi is one of the best dining experiences you will probably have in Texas.
Like it's sister restaurant, this place is amazing. This one specializes in more "Farmhouse Japanese" cuisine, whatever that means. A little less sashimi, a little more sauce? We spent 4 hours here one time at the sushi bar and have zero regrets.
309 locals recommend
Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdLike it's sister restaurant, this place is amazing. This one specializes in more "Farmhouse Japanese" cuisine, whatever that means. A little less sashimi, a little more sauce? We spent 4 hours here one time at the sushi bar and have zero regrets.
The best Vegan junk food you'll ever eat :-) We've taken so many meat eaters to this all vegan food truck, and they are stunned that it's vegan. Amazing burgers, great fries / tots / Mac + cheez. Stop here if you're downtown after a show at Cheer Up Charlies or Mohawk.
43 locals recommend
Arlo's
2906 Fruth StThe best Vegan junk food you'll ever eat :-) We've taken so many meat eaters to this all vegan food truck, and they are stunned that it's vegan. Amazing burgers, great fries / tots / Mac + cheez. Stop here if you're downtown after a show at Cheer Up Charlies or Mohawk.
Favorite Coffee Shops
Great patio, good extensive food menu, good coffee. Go here on a nice day and sit outside.
379 locals recommend
Cenote
1010 E Cesar Chavez StGreat patio, good extensive food menu, good coffee. Go here on a nice day and sit outside.
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
1111 Chicon StHip little spot with great coffee on the east side.
Delicious coffee with all sorts of blends to choose from. Near a lot of other places in the East 6th district.
160 locals recommend
Cuvee Coffee Bar
2000 E 6th StDelicious coffee with all sorts of blends to choose from. Near a lot of other places in the East 6th district.
Really unique flavor to their beans – has a wood fired taste. They do their own spin on lattes with a secret "moon milk" recipe. Super tasty stuff.
176 locals recommend
Summer Moon Coffee
3115 S 1st StReally unique flavor to their beans – has a wood fired taste. They do their own spin on lattes with a secret "moon milk" recipe. Super tasty stuff.
Closest 24 hour coffee spot. Large space, but beware the swarm of students pulling all nighters in the late hours.
223 locals recommend
Bennu Coffee
2001 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdClosest 24 hour coffee spot. Large space, but beware the swarm of students pulling all nighters in the late hours.
Great coffee, cool space. It's connected to a cycling shop if you're into bikes and stuff.
127 locals recommend
Flat Track Coffee
1619 E Cesar Chavez StGreat coffee, cool space. It's connected to a cycling shop if you're into bikes and stuff.
Great indoor/outdoor space with coffee, beer, baked goods, food trucks, and a nice lawn for games and such. Vera Cruz has a truck here, and their tacos are magic.
435 locals recommend
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdGreat indoor/outdoor space with coffee, beer, baked goods, food trucks, and a nice lawn for games and such. Vera Cruz has a truck here, and their tacos are magic.
Really great space – large and has plenty of indoor / outdoor seating. There are a few food trucks, really good coffee and nice people.
205 locals recommend
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdReally great space – large and has plenty of indoor / outdoor seating. There are a few food trucks, really good coffee and nice people.
Breweries
Luckily we live pretty close to several breweries. Breweries in Austin usually offer good food – whether from a food truck or their kitchen.
Fantastic beer. Their hefeweizen and pilsner are our favorites, but all of them are good. They have grown over the years and now you can find it all over town.
56 locals recommend
Live Oak Brewing Company
1615 Crozier LnFantastic beer. Their hefeweizen and pilsner are our favorites, but all of them are good. They have grown over the years and now you can find it all over town.
Great Sours. One of Austin's only Sour breweries, runs on a punch card system, and you get a cool keepsake glass at the end of it. Not very big, so if you don't like standing on top of people, I'd try to go during an off-time. Located on the Eastside of downtown, so plenty of stuff to do around the area.
127 locals recommend
Blue Owl Brewing
2400 E Cesar Chavez StGreat Sours. One of Austin's only Sour breweries, runs on a punch card system, and you get a cool keepsake glass at the end of it. Not very big, so if you don't like standing on top of people, I'd try to go during an off-time. Located on the Eastside of downtown, so plenty of stuff to do around the area.
Tasting room with good beer and weekly brewery tours.
20 locals recommend
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company
8201 South Congress AvenueTasting room with good beer and weekly brewery tours.
Cool local spot with an industrial vibe that has great food and beer.
95 locals recommend
St Elmo Brewing Company
440 E St Elmo RdCool local spot with an industrial vibe that has great food and beer.
Small brewery with tasty beer and good food truck options. Nice spot to chill for a little bit.
15 locals recommend
Hi Sign Brewing
730 Old Bastrop HwySmall brewery with tasty beer and good food truck options. Nice spot to chill for a little bit.
Large space with tons of space inside and out. Good Brewery + Restaurant that gets pretty packed during peak times.
435 locals recommend
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StLarge space with tons of space inside and out. Good Brewery + Restaurant that gets pretty packed during peak times.
Another cool space with good beer and good food. Lots of space to choose from – inside. outside. half inside, half outside. In the east 6th area so lots of stuff to do nearby.
227 locals recommend
Lazarus Brewing Co.
1902 E 6th StAnother cool space with good beer and good food. Lots of space to choose from – inside. outside. half inside, half outside. In the east 6th area so lots of stuff to do nearby.
Outdoor Spots
Austin has lots of beautiful green spaces to take in, so if the weather allows, try to get outside for a bit.
You're 1 mile away from one of Texas' state parks. Here you'll find several designated hiking trails. The namesake features of the park are the scenic upper and lower falls along Onion Creek. See a variety of wildlife, such as white-tail deer, raccoons, armadillos, coyote, cottontail rabbits and Fox squirrels. There are also many bird species you will see. It's best to take your car through, grab a map at the front entrance, and drive around until you find a good spot to get out and hike.
376 locals recommend
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyYou're 1 mile away from one of Texas' state parks. Here you'll find several designated hiking trails. The namesake features of the park are the scenic upper and lower falls along Onion Creek. See a variety of wildlife, such as white-tail deer, raccoons, armadillos, coyote, cottontail rabbits and Fox squirrels. There are also many bird species you will see. It's best to take your car through, grab a map at the front entrance, and drive around until you find a good spot to get out and hike.
This original Austin hidden gem isn't so hidden anymore, but it's still an awesome sight none-the-less. Climb the rock staircase up to the top for some amazing views of the Austin area, including the skyline and the lake that runs through town.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
This original Austin hidden gem isn't so hidden anymore, but it's still an awesome sight none-the-less. Climb the rock staircase up to the top for some amazing views of the Austin area, including the skyline and the lake that runs through town.
Yep, it's super cold. But feels so good when it hits 107° in August. If you like getting into public pools, this is probably one of the best ones in the country to do it in. This super large pool is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs, and is located in beautiful Zilker Park.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrYep, it's super cold. But feels so good when it hits 107° in August. If you like getting into public pools, this is probably one of the best ones in the country to do it in. This super large pool is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs, and is located in beautiful Zilker Park.
Amazing nature spot during the summer when the greenbelt is full of water — which is not every summer. In 2019 it's supposed to be filled, so you're in luck. Hiking, swimming, people watching, sun bathing on a rock, day drinking... dream come true (or total nightmare depending on who you ask). There are several entrances to this Austin summer gem, so if you want to go, ask us and we'll provide better directions.
Barton Creek Green Belt Trailhead
2642 Barton Hills DrAmazing nature spot during the summer when the greenbelt is full of water — which is not every summer. In 2019 it's supposed to be filled, so you're in luck. Hiking, swimming, people watching, sun bathing on a rock, day drinking... dream come true (or total nightmare depending on who you ask). There are several entrances to this Austin summer gem, so if you want to go, ask us and we'll provide better directions.
Another great swimming hole to visit during the summer, it's a great alternative to Hamilton Pool. This one is probably my favorite – lots of great memories here. The spot is located on a families property, but there is an entrance fee of $5 cash. Bring more in case the price has gone up. It's BYOB and gets really busy in the afternoons on the weekend, so try to arrive early.
185 locals recommend
Krause Springs
424 Co Rd 404Another great swimming hole to visit during the summer, it's a great alternative to Hamilton Pool. This one is probably my favorite – lots of great memories here. The spot is located on a families property, but there is an entrance fee of $5 cash. Bring more in case the price has gone up. It's BYOB and gets really busy in the afternoons on the weekend, so try to arrive early.
Bars + Clubs
The coolest honky tonk in Austin. A no-frills space with a dance floor and live music every night. It has a photo booth, pool tables, a small yard with seating, and a full bar that serves whiskey on tap. Also, drinks are super cheap.
672 locals recommend
The White Horse
500 Comal StThe coolest honky tonk in Austin. A no-frills space with a dance floor and live music every night. It has a photo booth, pool tables, a small yard with seating, and a full bar that serves whiskey on tap. Also, drinks are super cheap.
"Divey" spot with craft cocktails. The Austin hipster dive bar you might be looking for.
97 locals recommend
Nickel City
1133 E 11th St"Divey" spot with craft cocktails. The Austin hipster dive bar you might be looking for.
A retro patio bar with feminine decor that's a little rough around the edges. They serve cocktails and punches in a backyard setting with poolside seating.
153 locals recommend
Kitty Cohen's
2211 Webberville RdA retro patio bar with feminine decor that's a little rough around the edges. They serve cocktails and punches in a backyard setting with poolside seating.
Another convenient store / bar... this one has a worn-out tropical vibe in a hipster design kind of way. Good food and great drinks can be enjoyed on a dusty gravel patio.
100 locals recommend
Kinda Tropical
3501 E 7th StAnother convenient store / bar... this one has a worn-out tropical vibe in a hipster design kind of way. Good food and great drinks can be enjoyed on a dusty gravel patio.
Great craft cocktails served in a kinda rustic, kinda modern, kinda vintage establishment. Check out the Mezcal bar upstairs.
561 locals recommend
Whisler's
1816 E 6th StGreat craft cocktails served in a kinda rustic, kinda modern, kinda vintage establishment. Check out the Mezcal bar upstairs.
Live music, Juice + Kombucha on tap, Cocktails and cheap bear. One of Austin's favorite clubs to see music or just hang out. Great Vegan food truck outside.
153 locals recommend
Cheer Up Charlies
900 Red River StLive music, Juice + Kombucha on tap, Cocktails and cheap bear. One of Austin's favorite clubs to see music or just hang out. Great Vegan food truck outside.