ATX East Downtown Recommendations
Food Scene
Cuvée Coffee Bar in East 6th serves up some of the most well-known specialty coffee in the city. If you haven't been to the flagship stop, odds are you've tasted one of their roasts at popular Austin restaurants. The industrial vibe might make you want to crank out some work on your laptop, but steer clear of that; the coffee shop has no Wi-Fi to promote natural conversation among its patrons. The nitro cold brew and craft beer selection round out this quintessential hipster hot spot.
160 locals recommend
Cuvee Coffee Bar
2000 E 6th StCuvée Coffee Bar in East 6th serves up some of the most well-known specialty coffee in the city. If you haven't been to the flagship stop, odds are you've tasted one of their roasts at popular Austin restaurants. The industrial vibe might make you want to crank out some work on your laptop, but steer clear of that; the coffee shop has no Wi-Fi to promote natural conversation among its patrons. The nitro cold brew and craft beer selection round out this quintessential hipster hot spot.
This lunch-only spot often sees long lines of customers waiting to order pulled pork, brisket and other smoked meats. Chef Aaron Franklin brought quality barbecue to Austin that was excellent enough to earn him the 2015 James Beard Award for "Best Chef: Southwest." His BBQ is so lauded that meat lovers from around the world regulalry make a pit stop at this shack-like locale in East Austin.
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StThis lunch-only spot often sees long lines of customers waiting to order pulled pork, brisket and other smoked meats. Chef Aaron Franklin brought quality barbecue to Austin that was excellent enough to earn him the 2015 James Beard Award for "Best Chef: Southwest." His BBQ is so lauded that meat lovers from around the world regulalry make a pit stop at this shack-like locale in East Austin.
These ramen joints “deliver with a bang” thanks to “super-flavorful” broths and “perfect” noodles creating “life-changing” bowls of the Japanese comfort classic that “always hit the mark”; its casual spaces are dine-in only, and there are “long lines”, but most insist it’s “worth the wait.”
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdThese ramen joints “deliver with a bang” thanks to “super-flavorful” broths and “perfect” noodles creating “life-changing” bowls of the Japanese comfort classic that “always hit the mark”; its casual spaces are dine-in only, and there are “long lines”, but most insist it’s “worth the wait.”
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Hightower’s happy hour comes with $6 cocktails and dishes, like Brussels sprouts and hush puppies, from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.
The dishes at High Tower -- a friendly neighborhood spot in East Austin -- run the gamut from Tex-Mex to Asian, and though their flavor and presentation could compete with the best of Austin's white-hot culinary scene, they're still affordable enough to order any night of the week, not just for special occasions. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio and try the ever-popular and comforting roasted pork jowl, a Korean hot pot filled with rice, egg yolk, cucumber, pickled shallots, and house Sriracha.
50 locals recommend
The Hightower
1209 E 7th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Hightower’s happy hour comes with $6 cocktails and dishes, like Brussels sprouts and hush puppies, from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.
The dishes at High Tower -- a friendly neighborhood spot in East Austin -- run the gamut from Tex-Mex to Asian, and though their flavor and presentation could compete with the best of Austin's white-hot culinary scene, they're still affordable enough to order any night of the week, not just for special occasions. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio and try the ever-popular and comforting roasted pork jowl, a Korean hot pot filled with rice, egg yolk, cucumber, pickled shallots, and house Sriracha.
As if ordering a huge bloody steak wasn’t enough of a carnivorous venture, celeb chef Tim Love took it several steps further with wild game options at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. At Lonesome Dove, you can have your steak, boar, elk, and buffalo with a tasty side of rabbit-rattlesnake sausage. And, if you’re up for the challenge, check out the hand-cut wagyu tomahawk steak served with serrano lime butter. The gamey menu and woodsy decor give the place a definite destinct atmosphere, and make it a place to go for a very different meal than you would get anywhere else.
14 locals recommend
Lonesome Dove Austin
123 West 6th StreetAs if ordering a huge bloody steak wasn’t enough of a carnivorous venture, celeb chef Tim Love took it several steps further with wild game options at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. At Lonesome Dove, you can have your steak, boar, elk, and buffalo with a tasty side of rabbit-rattlesnake sausage. And, if you’re up for the challenge, check out the hand-cut wagyu tomahawk steak served with serrano lime butter. The gamey menu and woodsy decor give the place a definite destinct atmosphere, and make it a place to go for a very different meal than you would get anywhere else.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Mongers’ happy hour comes with a raw bar, including peel and eats, $1 off oysters, and seafood snacks. For drinks, order $5 glasses of wine and sangria, and get $1 off draft beers, all available from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
91 locals recommend
Mongers
4119 Guadalupe StreetGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Mongers’ happy hour comes with a raw bar, including peel and eats, $1 off oysters, and seafood snacks. For drinks, order $5 glasses of wine and sangria, and get $1 off draft beers, all available from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Both locations of the Neapolitan pizzeria and wine restaurant offers half-off pizzas from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, along with half-off wine bottles under $100 and other drink and snack deals.
180 locals recommend
Bufalina Pizza
2215 E Cesar Chavez StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Both locations of the Neapolitan pizzeria and wine restaurant offers half-off pizzas from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, along with half-off wine bottles under $100 and other drink and snack deals.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The hot new Mexican restaurant’s nightly happy hour features $6 snacks and taquitos (including sweet corn esquites), draft cocktails, mezcals with beer, and more. It runs from 5 to 6 p.m.
151 locals recommend
Fried and True Food Truck
1308 E 6th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The hot new Mexican restaurant’s nightly happy hour features $6 snacks and taquitos (including sweet corn esquites), draft cocktails, mezcals with beer, and more. It runs from 5 to 6 p.m.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Make a meal out of Licha's cocktails and small plates of Mexican food with its $5 happy hour menu, available Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
198 locals recommend
Licha's Cantina
1306 E 6th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Make a meal out of Licha's cocktails and small plates of Mexican food with its $5 happy hour menu, available Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The Rainey Street sausage restaurant and beer garden’s happy hour is full of $5 sausages, $3 snacks like boiled peanuts and fries, $4 beers, and $5 wines from 4 to 6 p.m. on the weekdays.
264 locals recommend
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
79 Rainey StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The Rainey Street sausage restaurant and beer garden’s happy hour is full of $5 sausages, $3 snacks like boiled peanuts and fries, $4 beers, and $5 wines from 4 to 6 p.m. on the weekdays.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Those who don't want to spend big money at a steakhouse should take advantage of Vince Young's bar and lounge happy hour, where decadent dishes like Wagyu brisket burgers, roasted bone marrow, and lobster rolls are only $10 from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.
21 locals recommend
Vince Young Steakhouse
301 San Jacinto BlvdGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Those who don't want to spend big money at a steakhouse should take advantage of Vince Young's bar and lounge happy hour, where decadent dishes like Wagyu brisket burgers, roasted bone marrow, and lobster rolls are only $10 from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Parkside’s weekday happy hour, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., is one of downtown’s very finest. The bar menu (think: oyster platters, french fries) is offered at half-price, as are beer and cocktails. Find similar deals at the other Parkside Projects restaurants, too: Backspace and Olive & June.
74 locals recommend
Parkside
301 E 6th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
Parkside’s weekday happy hour, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., is one of downtown’s very finest. The bar menu (think: oyster platters, french fries) is offered at half-price, as are beer and cocktails. Find similar deals at the other Parkside Projects restaurants, too: Backspace and Olive & June.
The South Congress Cafe has you covered, offering everything from venison meatloaf to duck sopes to crab cake Benedict. Show up whenever you want for its daily brunch and enjoy a drink while you wait. We recommend the Bloody Mary, which happens to be one of Austin's most beloved: tall glass filled to the rim with spicy mix, Tito’s vodka (infused with bell peppers, onions, celery, lemons, limes, garlic, and jalapeños), and served with celery, olives, and a pickled banana pepper.
279 locals recommend
South Congress Cafe
1600 S Congress Ave The South Congress Cafe has you covered, offering everything from venison meatloaf to duck sopes to crab cake Benedict. Show up whenever you want for its daily brunch and enjoy a drink while you wait. We recommend the Bloody Mary, which happens to be one of Austin's most beloved: tall glass filled to the rim with spicy mix, Tito’s vodka (infused with bell peppers, onions, celery, lemons, limes, garlic, and jalapeños), and served with celery, olives, and a pickled banana pepper.
Located among the boutiques and vintage stores on South Congress is Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar, a casual spot where you can enjoy super-fresh seafood and oysters, or just sit out on the patio and sip a cocktail from their list of signature concoctions.
398 locals recommend
Perla's
1400 S Congress Ave Located among the boutiques and vintage stores on South Congress is Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar, a casual spot where you can enjoy super-fresh seafood and oysters, or just sit out on the patio and sip a cocktail from their list of signature concoctions.
This Austin-based burger chain serves up hormone- and antibiotic-free beef ground in-house daily, hand-cut fries, and scratch-made buns. The varied burger options range from a classic lettuce, onion, tomato version to amped up ones, like the habanero-topped El Diablo. As for beverages, there are plenty of craft beers, unique cocktails, and solid milkshakes.
780 locals recommend
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress Ave This Austin-based burger chain serves up hormone- and antibiotic-free beef ground in-house daily, hand-cut fries, and scratch-made buns. The varied burger options range from a classic lettuce, onion, tomato version to amped up ones, like the habanero-topped El Diablo. As for beverages, there are plenty of craft beers, unique cocktails, and solid milkshakes.
The Home Slice employee pilgrimages to New York's most iconic pizza shrines are the stuff of legend. The slices are large, homemade, and hand-tossed. All the classics are delicious, like the Margherita or pepperoni pizza with the perfect amount of grease, and the white pies are heaped with balloons of ricotta.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave The Home Slice employee pilgrimages to New York's most iconic pizza shrines are the stuff of legend. The slices are large, homemade, and hand-tossed. All the classics are delicious, like the Margherita or pepperoni pizza with the perfect amount of grease, and the white pies are heaped with balloons of ricotta.
From Paul Qui (Qui, East Side King) and Yoshi Okai (East Side King) comes this intimate, 12-seat chef's counter within the mod South Congress Hotel. Ticketed reservations are available months in advance for the 22-course, omakase-style dinners, which incorporate influences from Kyoto's kaiseki and Tokyo’s sushi traditions.
23 locals recommend
Otoko
1603 S Congress Ave From Paul Qui (Qui, East Side King) and Yoshi Okai (East Side King) comes this intimate, 12-seat chef's counter within the mod South Congress Hotel. Ticketed reservations are available months in advance for the 22-course, omakase-style dinners, which incorporate influences from Kyoto's kaiseki and Tokyo’s sushi traditions.
Botticelli's features a restaurant and an outdoor beer garden. Live music and happy hours take place most days of the week. Favorite dishes include: Mussels alla Trota, where they steam the mussels with brown butter, capers, lemon, and top it all off with bread crumbs. Other delights include their homemade Botticelli Bread, and homemade ravioli. The dish, Ravioli di Zucca Gialla, is made with locally grown organic butternut squash. The service at Botticelli's gets great reviews from just about everyone and the outdoor patio is great during warmer weather. It's a great restaurant either for a quiet romantic evening or fun evening with friends.
65 locals recommend
Botticelli's
1321 S Congress AveBotticelli's features a restaurant and an outdoor beer garden. Live music and happy hours take place most days of the week. Favorite dishes include: Mussels alla Trota, where they steam the mussels with brown butter, capers, lemon, and top it all off with bread crumbs. Other delights include their homemade Botticelli Bread, and homemade ravioli. The dish, Ravioli di Zucca Gialla, is made with locally grown organic butternut squash. The service at Botticelli's gets great reviews from just about everyone and the outdoor patio is great during warmer weather. It's a great restaurant either for a quiet romantic evening or fun evening with friends.
The name says it all, but Jo's also has a killer Iced Turbo coffee (careful, this stuff isn't fooling around) and breakfast tacos to fuel you for a shopping trip on Congress, or pretty much anything else you want to do today, too.
495 locals recommend
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveThe name says it all, but Jo's also has a killer Iced Turbo coffee (careful, this stuff isn't fooling around) and breakfast tacos to fuel you for a shopping trip on Congress, or pretty much anything else you want to do today, too.
Though some say the “brick-and-mortar location loses the outdoor magic” of its former trailer digs, most agree this Indian fave is “still delicious as ever” in its “adorable” house on Rainey Street that sports a vast and “lovely” tented patio space and is open “late-night”; its “happening” atmosphere is bolstered by its beer and wine menu and live-music events on Sundays.
121 locals recommend
G'Raj Mahal
73 Rainey StThough some say the “brick-and-mortar location loses the outdoor magic” of its former trailer digs, most agree this Indian fave is “still delicious as ever” in its “adorable” house on Rainey Street that sports a vast and “lovely” tented patio space and is open “late-night”; its “happening” atmosphere is bolstered by its beer and wine menu and live-music events on Sundays.
Locally sourced products, heirloom grains milled in-house and whole-animal butchery are the focus at this Rainey Street American, which also boasts a garden and nightly dim sum specials. The airy space features lofted ceilings and centerpiece shelving with design elements like wheat, cookbooks and vintage glass.
69 locals recommend
Emmer & Rye
51 Rainey St Locally sourced products, heirloom grains milled in-house and whole-animal butchery are the focus at this Rainey Street American, which also boasts a garden and nightly dim sum specials. The airy space features lofted ceilings and centerpiece shelving with design elements like wheat, cookbooks and vintage glass.
This brick-and-mortar trailer boasts Detroit-style pizza (arguably the lovechild of Chicago's deep-dish/casserole pizza and the Big Apple's traditional slice), made fresh by two brothers who visit Motown annually for new ideas.
54 locals recommend
Via 313 Pizza - Rainey Street
96 Rainey StThis brick-and-mortar trailer boasts Detroit-style pizza (arguably the lovechild of Chicago's deep-dish/casserole pizza and the Big Apple's traditional slice), made fresh by two brothers who visit Motown annually for new ideas.
The chicken lollipops at the Tommy Boy-inspired trailer at Lustre Pearl arrive in orders of five, alongside sauces like spicy pineapple and Holy Schnikes. There’s a second location on South Congress too.
12 locals recommend
Tommy Want Wingy
2312 Rainey St The chicken lollipops at the Tommy Boy-inspired trailer at Lustre Pearl arrive in orders of five, alongside sauces like spicy pineapple and Holy Schnikes. There’s a second location on South Congress too.
Name aside, the Rainey Street food truck serves up fanciful hot dogs in the busy entertainment district.
Glory Hole Hot Dogs
80 Rainey StName aside, the Rainey Street food truck serves up fanciful hot dogs in the busy entertainment district.
Drinks & Nightlife
2 blocks from the condo, local brewery - we know we are bias - but this place has phenomenal beer and the street tacos are not too shabby. You cannot go wrong with the IPA (even if you are not an IPA-lover)
227 locals recommend
Lazarus Brewing Co.
1902 E 6th St2 blocks from the condo, local brewery - we know we are bias - but this place has phenomenal beer and the street tacos are not too shabby. You cannot go wrong with the IPA (even if you are not an IPA-lover)
From two notable Hole in the Wall vets looking to bring country to the East side, The White Horse (formerly Club La Trampa) is an old-school, Tejano-jukebox'd ballroom that will host live bluegrass/R&B/folk & country artists every night of the week and emphasize cheap drinking, from koozied canned domestics to the T.W. Samuels-fueled "S**tty Lemonade", after which you won't be able to stand no matter how many nickels people give you.
672 locals recommend
The White Horse
500 Comal StFrom two notable Hole in the Wall vets looking to bring country to the East side, The White Horse (formerly Club La Trampa) is an old-school, Tejano-jukebox'd ballroom that will host live bluegrass/R&B/folk & country artists every night of the week and emphasize cheap drinking, from koozied canned domestics to the T.W. Samuels-fueled "S**tty Lemonade", after which you won't be able to stand no matter how many nickels people give you.
2blocks from the condo, local brewery, great beer and good vibes
159 locals recommend
Zilker Brewing Company
1701 E 6th St2blocks from the condo, local brewery, great beer and good vibes
Whisler’s is the the go-to patio on the East Side for great classic cocktails, spicy eats from Thai-Kun, live music shows, and ample seating. And, while the outside of Whisler’s may seem pretty ordinary, the bar’s unique brand of elegance is evident inside, where the juxtaposition of different elements makes for a truly lovely place in which to do your drinking. Chandeliers and candles cast a glow on stone walls, while a few tiny tables exist for quiet conversation. Drinks are muddled behind a gleaming wooden bar, and other unexpected touches -- intentionally cloudy mirrors, the occasional piece of art -- combine to create a one-of-a-kind feel.
561 locals recommend
Whisler's
1816 E 6th StWhisler’s is the the go-to patio on the East Side for great classic cocktails, spicy eats from Thai-Kun, live music shows, and ample seating. And, while the outside of Whisler’s may seem pretty ordinary, the bar’s unique brand of elegance is evident inside, where the juxtaposition of different elements makes for a truly lovely place in which to do your drinking. Chandeliers and candles cast a glow on stone walls, while a few tiny tables exist for quiet conversation. Drinks are muddled behind a gleaming wooden bar, and other unexpected touches -- intentionally cloudy mirrors, the occasional piece of art -- combine to create a one-of-a-kind feel.
The Grackle is known for zero pretension, copper beer tap with rad beer selection, and over 100 types of whiskey and bourbon. Ditch the crowds and pull up a seat at the bar, the patio, or the Ms. Pac-Man tabletop game.
70 locals recommend
Grackle
1700 E 6th StThe Grackle is known for zero pretension, copper beer tap with rad beer selection, and over 100 types of whiskey and bourbon. Ditch the crowds and pull up a seat at the bar, the patio, or the Ms. Pac-Man tabletop game.
Dive Bar This East Side cantina is holding its own amid the swell of gentrification. Come with cash and with an appetite for beer.
9 locals recommend
La Perla Bar
1512 E 6th StDive Bar This East Side cantina is holding its own amid the swell of gentrification. Come with cash and with an appetite for beer.
Always buzzing“ with ”hipsters“, this ”lively“ East Austin ”gem“ has a ”casual“ feel, ”cheap“ drinks and an ”incredible“ outdoor space boasting picnic tables, Christmas lights, the East Side King food truck and ”plenty of room for fun“; on weekends when it's ”packed“, you might ”wait forever" for a bathroom or your drink.
149 locals recommend
Shangri-La
1016 E 6th StAlways buzzing“ with ”hipsters“, this ”lively“ East Austin ”gem“ has a ”casual“ feel, ”cheap“ drinks and an ”incredible“ outdoor space boasting picnic tables, Christmas lights, the East Side King food truck and ”plenty of room for fun“; on weekends when it's ”packed“, you might ”wait forever" for a bathroom or your drink.
This “charming little place tucked away” in East Austin exudes a “cool local vibe” while serving up “strong drinks”, a surprising wine list and a “delicious” Eclectic menu (charcuterie, meze, sandwiches), plus a popular Sunday brunch; the dog-friendly, tree-shaded patio brings out “hipsters” and other characters, making for “incredible people-watching.”
244 locals recommend
Yellow Jacket Social Club
1704 E 5th StThis “charming little place tucked away” in East Austin exudes a “cool local vibe” while serving up “strong drinks”, a surprising wine list and a “delicious” Eclectic menu (charcuterie, meze, sandwiches), plus a popular Sunday brunch; the dog-friendly, tree-shaded patio brings out “hipsters” and other characters, making for “incredible people-watching.”
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The downtown whiskey bar and its next-door mezcal-obsessed sibling spot Las Perlas offer select $5 cocktail menus using spirits of choice, available from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.
9 locals recommend
Seven Grand
405 E 7th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The downtown whiskey bar and its next-door mezcal-obsessed sibling spot Las Perlas offer select $5 cocktail menus using spirits of choice, available from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.
GREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The absinthe bar's happy hour run from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and all evening on Sunday and Monday with $5 drinks and half-off dishes.
93 locals recommend
Péché
208 W 4th StGREAT HAPPY HOUR!
The absinthe bar's happy hour run from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and all evening on Sunday and Monday with $5 drinks and half-off dishes.
Roosevelt Room offers its downtown happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, as well as all night on Monday and Tuesday. The menu highlights seven drinks for $7 a piece, $1 off all beers and $2 off wine glasses and bigger bar dishes.
101 locals recommend
The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th StRoosevelt Room offers its downtown happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, as well as all night on Monday and Tuesday. The menu highlights seven drinks for $7 a piece, $1 off all beers and $2 off wine glasses and bigger bar dishes.
ROOFTOP!
This East Fifth Street bar with a breezy rooftop is a fun weekend stop, just a few blocks away from the chaos of Dirty Sixth. Pro tip: The mustachioed bartenders (it’s called HandleBar for a reason) make a solid Old Fashioned.
37 locals recommend
HandleBar
121 E 5th StROOFTOP!
This East Fifth Street bar with a breezy rooftop is a fun weekend stop, just a few blocks away from the chaos of Dirty Sixth. Pro tip: The mustachioed bartenders (it’s called HandleBar for a reason) make a solid Old Fashioned.
ROOFTOP!
The WET deck at the W features SOUNDWAVE SUNDAYS, goes down from noon to sundown (with a few exceptions) with beats by DJ Bird Peterson. Meanwhile, you can enjoy complimentary pool access from 5-9pm on Night Swim Thursdays!
78 locals recommend
W Austin
200 Lavaca StROOFTOP!
The WET deck at the W features SOUNDWAVE SUNDAYS, goes down from noon to sundown (with a few exceptions) with beats by DJ Bird Peterson. Meanwhile, you can enjoy complimentary pool access from 5-9pm on Night Swim Thursdays!
ROOFTOP!
With its retro airport theme, this hangout caters to a 30-something business crowd. Grab a drink and head to the rooftop deck for skyline views to go with your craft brews.
18 locals recommend
Hangar Lounge
318 Colorado StROOFTOP!
With its retro airport theme, this hangout caters to a 30-something business crowd. Grab a drink and head to the rooftop deck for skyline views to go with your craft brews.
ROOFTOP!
El Alma’s whitewashed rooftop patio is the stuff happy hour dreams are made of -- think seasonal margaritas and mojitos alongside queso fundido and tangy ceviche. Every day from 3-6pm, it offers discounts on favorites like the Chilanga, a frozen margarita with orange and an extra bite from Valentina hot sauce and an el chile rim.
170 locals recommend
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs RdROOFTOP!
El Alma’s whitewashed rooftop patio is the stuff happy hour dreams are made of -- think seasonal margaritas and mojitos alongside queso fundido and tangy ceviche. Every day from 3-6pm, it offers discounts on favorites like the Chilanga, a frozen margarita with orange and an extra bite from Valentina hot sauce and an el chile rim.
DIRTY 6th BAR!
Two-story dive with a rooftop perfect for watching street shenanigans -- expect a fratty/touristy crowd, and bad cover bands.
35 locals recommend
Blind Pig Pub
317 E 6th StDIRTY 6th BAR!
Two-story dive with a rooftop perfect for watching street shenanigans -- expect a fratty/touristy crowd, and bad cover bands.
Classic Sixth St appeal with a great rooftop view, but otherwise a total snorefest.
42 locals recommend
Maggie Mae's
323 E 6th StClassic Sixth St appeal with a great rooftop view, but otherwise a total snorefest.
Looking for a departure from the 6th Street bars? Austin is regularly ranked as one of the top cities in the nation for craft brewing. Take a tasting tour of the local microbreweries such as Jester King, Hops & Grain, and Austin Beerworks. Drink yummy craft beer, meet awesome people.
298 locals recommend
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdLooking for a departure from the 6th Street bars? Austin is regularly ranked as one of the top cities in the nation for craft brewing. Take a tasting tour of the local microbreweries such as Jester King, Hops & Grain, and Austin Beerworks. Drink yummy craft beer, meet awesome people.
Parks & Nature
Running trails, biking, kayaking, anything outdoors - this is your spot!
959 locals recommend
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailRunning trails, biking, kayaking, anything outdoors - this is your spot!
Urban park with ample green space - perfect for that run/stroll in the sun!
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdUrban park with ample green space - perfect for that run/stroll in the sun!
Natural spring fed pool - perfect place for cooling down after being out in the Austin sun!
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrNatural spring fed pool - perfect place for cooling down after being out in the Austin sun!
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
401 Deep Eddy AveNatural spring fed pool
This swimming hole sits in a natural grotto carved out of limestone and is complete with a small beach area and a 50-foot waterfall! They now require reservations during the busy summer months so be sure to make reservations before heading to the pool.
588 locals recommend
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool RdThis swimming hole sits in a natural grotto carved out of limestone and is complete with a small beach area and a 50-foot waterfall! They now require reservations during the busy summer months so be sure to make reservations before heading to the pool.
Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin at 775 feet. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin at 775 feet. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
Essentials
Tailored specifically for the neighborhood it serves, and the people who frequent it every day. Royal Blue offers a little bit of everything, from Stumptown coffee and freshly prepared grab-and-go offerings, to conventional grocery and convenience items, and always tons of locally sourced products from a long list of unique brands and producers.
Called a bodega by some, a corner store by others, Royal Blue is a modern urban grocery store that has just what you need - where you need it, when you need it.
141 locals recommend
Royal Blue Grocery
609 Congress AveTailored specifically for the neighborhood it serves, and the people who frequent it every day. Royal Blue offers a little bit of everything, from Stumptown coffee and freshly prepared grab-and-go offerings, to conventional grocery and convenience items, and always tons of locally sourced products from a long list of unique brands and producers.
Called a bodega by some, a corner store by others, Royal Blue is a modern urban grocery store that has just what you need - where you need it, when you need it.
Shopping
Men, I will warn you. Your girlfriend, wife, or significant other can spend hours (and hundreds of dollars!) in this hip, women's boutique called Maya Star!
To be honest, I also like going in there. Their merchandise is incredible, and includes everything from home decor and accessories to jewelry and fine clothing and shoes. Women simply love this store, and for good reason.
The good news is that not everything in the store is hard on the pocketbook, as they always have a sale and also sell many items that fall in the middle-of-the-road as far as prices go.
34 locals recommend
Maya Star Austin
1508 S Congress AveMen, I will warn you. Your girlfriend, wife, or significant other can spend hours (and hundreds of dollars!) in this hip, women's boutique called Maya Star!
To be honest, I also like going in there. Their merchandise is incredible, and includes everything from home decor and accessories to jewelry and fine clothing and shoes. Women simply love this store, and for good reason.
The good news is that not everything in the store is hard on the pocketbook, as they always have a sale and also sell many items that fall in the middle-of-the-road as far as prices go.
When you're hitting the food truck or restaurant scene on South Congress, be sure to head in to Allens (look for the big red boot) to be wowed by the craftsmanship and the selection.
The minute you open the entrance door, the smell of leather hits and you won't believe your eyes. There are over 4,000 boots on display, while representing 12 boot manufacturers. Trust me, you'll find your dream pair in there somewhere.
Once you've got those new boots on, head next door for an award winning cocktail at the South Congress Cafe before heading on over for some line dancing at the Broken Spoke.
136 locals recommend
Allens Boots
1522 S Congress AveWhen you're hitting the food truck or restaurant scene on South Congress, be sure to head in to Allens (look for the big red boot) to be wowed by the craftsmanship and the selection.
The minute you open the entrance door, the smell of leather hits and you won't believe your eyes. There are over 4,000 boots on display, while representing 12 boot manufacturers. Trust me, you'll find your dream pair in there somewhere.
Once you've got those new boots on, head next door for an award winning cocktail at the South Congress Cafe before heading on over for some line dancing at the Broken Spoke.
Tesoros Trading Company
1500 S Congress AveSightseeing
Lyndon B. Johnson Library
2313 Red River StPresidential library
The Texas State Capitol is the oldest surviving state office structure, and a great place to learn about Texas history.
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveThe Texas State Capitol is the oldest surviving state office structure, and a great place to learn about Texas history.
Entertainment & Activities
This thrilling adventure over Lake Travis will get your blood pumping. The views over the lake while ziplining are absolutely incredible, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Be prepared to reach speeds of 60 mph.
160 locals recommend
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
14529 Pocohontas TrailThis thrilling adventure over Lake Travis will get your blood pumping. The views over the lake while ziplining are absolutely incredible, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Be prepared to reach speeds of 60 mph.
Wurstfest was voted the number two Oktoberfest in the country by USA Today! This “10-Day Salute To Sausage” in New Braunfels is one of our favorite festivals of the year. With sausage, beer, polka and potato pancakes as far as the eye can see, it’s a Bavarian wonderland that’s not to be missed.
45 locals recommend
Wurstfest
178 Landa Park DrWurstfest was voted the number two Oktoberfest in the country by USA Today! This “10-Day Salute To Sausage” in New Braunfels is one of our favorite festivals of the year. With sausage, beer, polka and potato pancakes as far as the eye can see, it’s a Bavarian wonderland that’s not to be missed.
Watch the Congress Avenue bats at sunset - The Congress Bridge plays home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. About 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats call the Congress Bridge home from Spring to early Fall as they migrate north.
Each night around dusk the bats start their evening flight. It normally starts with a single bat leaving the bridge and quickly turns into a steady flow of countless bats in search of food. It’s one of those things that is truly unexplainable until you see it first hand.
Many people choose to watch from the Congress Bridge but the real treat is seeing it from the water. Capital Cruises offers great bat watching tours.
286 locals recommend
Congress Avenue Bridge
Congress AvenueWatch the Congress Avenue bats at sunset - The Congress Bridge plays home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. About 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats call the Congress Bridge home from Spring to early Fall as they migrate north.
Each night around dusk the bats start their evening flight. It normally starts with a single bat leaving the bridge and quickly turns into a steady flow of countless bats in search of food. It’s one of those things that is truly unexplainable until you see it first hand.
Many people choose to watch from the Congress Bridge but the real treat is seeing it from the water. Capital Cruises offers great bat watching tours.