Guidebook for Austin
Essentials
Pick up a 6 pack or a bottle of wine. Somewhat limited selection depending on your tastes. 1st Street Mart has better beer/wine.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
David's Food
912 W Mary StPick up a 6 pack or a bottle of wine. Somewhat limited selection depending on your tastes. 1st Street Mart has better beer/wine.
1st Food Mart
1410 S 1st StGood beer selection.
Black Swan Yoga
403 Orchard StLove this yoga spot.
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdClosest HEB for groceries.
Drinks & Nightlife
My favorite place in Austin. Their back patio is a great place to have a few drinks before dinner on South Congress.
209 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hotel San Jose Lounge
1316 S Congress AveMy favorite place in Austin. Their back patio is a great place to have a few drinks before dinner on South Congress.
Gibson Street Bar
1109 S Lamar BlvdCool South Austin bar.
Great place to hang out and drink some beer. Delicious brunch.
244 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Yellow Jacket Social Club
1704 E 5th StGreat place to hang out and drink some beer. Delicious brunch.
HOTEL VEGAS
1502 E 6th StGood place for live music.
Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S Lamar BlvdChill neighborhood sports bar.
Skip the food but check out the outdoor deck for happy hour drinks.
170 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs RdSkip the food but check out the outdoor deck for happy hour drinks.
Amazing patio with a good happy hour--call to confirm times because I can never figure it out. Beautiful oak trees and peacocks at a historic mansion. Skip the food but check it out for a drink or more.
54 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mattie's
901 W Live Oak StAmazing patio with a good happy hour--call to confirm times because I can never figure it out. Beautiful oak trees and peacocks at a historic mansion. Skip the food but check it out for a drink or more.
Scene-y cocktail bar. Swanky but laid back vibe with good drinks. Lots of beautiful people.
73 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Cafe at Native Hostels
807 E 4th StScene-y cocktail bar. Swanky but laid back vibe with good drinks. Lots of beautiful people.
Restaurant with an upscale bar. Fashionable, beautiful crowd. Good happy hour.
92 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eberly
615 S Lamar BlvdRestaurant with an upscale bar. Fashionable, beautiful crowd. Good happy hour.
Best beer in Austin! Especially if you love sours. Well worth the trip. Stanley's pizza is good too.
298 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdBest beer in Austin! Especially if you love sours. Well worth the trip. Stanley's pizza is good too.
The Volstead Lounge
1500 E 6th StGo-to for later nights. Good dancing.
Austin's most popular nightclub. Hook up scene :) Stays open til 4am I think, cover after 11ish?
153 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barbarella
611 Red River StAustin's most popular nightclub. Hook up scene :) Stays open til 4am I think, cover after 11ish?
Awesome music venue. Everything on Red River is great.
166 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mohawk Austin
912 Red River StAwesome music venue. Everything on Red River is great.
Amazing vibe, welcomes all types, try the kale ginger margarita and the other delicious cocktails. Fairly budget friendly. Lots of live music.
153 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cheer Up Charlies
900 Red River StAmazing vibe, welcomes all types, try the kale ginger margarita and the other delicious cocktails. Fairly budget friendly. Lots of live music.
Off-the-beaten path music venue with a variety of different types of live music and occasional African-food buffet.
132 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sahara Lounge
1413 Webberville RdOff-the-beaten path music venue with a variety of different types of live music and occasional African-food buffet.
2nd favorite brewery (well) behind Jester King. There are a lot of well-rated breweries in this area.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Adelbert's Brewery
2314 Rutland Dr2nd favorite brewery (well) behind Jester King. There are a lot of well-rated breweries in this area.
Totally unique, best cocktails in town, stunning space.
561 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Whisler's
1816 E 6th StTotally unique, best cocktails in town, stunning space.
Interesting bar with a little pool in the middle for dipping your toes.
153 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kitty Cohen's
2211 Webberville RdInteresting bar with a little pool in the middle for dipping your toes.
Totally beautiful space on the East Side. They have food too (French) but I go for a martini and a burger.
522 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Justine's
4710 E 5th StTotally beautiful space on the East Side. They have food too (French) but I go for a martini and a burger.
Unique, authentically Austin bar on Manor Road. Check out The Vortex for some unusual shows--I went to a seance!
145 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdUnique, authentically Austin bar on Manor Road. Check out The Vortex for some unusual shows--I went to a seance!
Iconic Austin spot in cool historic building. Known for beer and pretzels.
358 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StIconic Austin spot in cool historic building. Known for beer and pretzels.
Very much a scene, especially the first Thursday of every month. The lobby bar is cool.
68 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
South Congress Hotel
1603 S Congress AveVery much a scene, especially the first Thursday of every month. The lobby bar is cool.
Decent beer and food but well worth it for the ambiance and live music.
435 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StDecent beer and food but well worth it for the ambiance and live music.
Otoko has a secret whiskey/cocktail bar called Watertrade. Just walk upstairs to the restaurant and you'll be there. Cool, dark, sexy vibe. Lots of Japanese whiskey.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Otoko
1603 S Congress AveOtoko has a secret whiskey/cocktail bar called Watertrade. Just walk upstairs to the restaurant and you'll be there. Cool, dark, sexy vibe. Lots of Japanese whiskey.
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveAustin's most well-known jazz bar.
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveKnown for its live music. Older crowd.
Saxon Pub
1320 S Lamar BlvdOlder live music crowd.
High Noon
2000 E Cesar Chavez StLocal gem. Beautiful space. Low key.
Everything Else
The White Horse
500 Comal StHipster honky tonk.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
Lady Bird Lake TrailGood way to see the city and people watch.
Escape from the city and hike out to the creek for a picnic.
531 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayEscape from the city and hike out to the creek for a picnic.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdACL.
Awesome hike and bike trail around Town Lake.
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Ann And Roy Butler Hike And Bike Trail
Awesome hike and bike trail around Town Lake.
Local Austin movie theatre that serves good burgers, pizza and shakes.
770 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdLocal Austin movie theatre that serves good burgers, pizza and shakes.
Parks & Nature
A must do. Bring a cheap inflatable if it is really hot.
2454 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrA must do. Bring a cheap inflatable if it is really hot.
Less frequented spring fed pool. Not as cool as Barton Springs, but more laid back.
322 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
401 Deep Eddy AveLess frequented spring fed pool. Not as cool as Barton Springs, but more laid back.
Absolutely cannot miss this local swimming hole. Bring the floaties I left on the front porch.
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barton Springs Road
Barton Springs RoadAbsolutely cannot miss this local swimming hole. Bring the floaties I left on the front porch.
Nearby entrance to the greenbelt. It has been dry recently so check the water levels before you hike (or ask me!)
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gus Fruh Pool
Nearby entrance to the greenbelt. It has been dry recently so check the water levels before you hike (or ask me!)
Absolutely gorgeous. Need a reservation in advance. No walk ins.
588 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool RdAbsolutely gorgeous. Need a reservation in advance. No walk ins.
Beautiful hiking trail totally off the beaten path. Often enough water to swim. Almost never crowded. Don't tell anyone I told you about it.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
St. Edwards Park
7301 Spicewood Springs RdBeautiful hiking trail totally off the beaten path. Often enough water to swim. Almost never crowded. Don't tell anyone I told you about it.
Greenbelt entrance that involves a strenuous hike in and out (hence "hill of life"). I love this entrance, local spot with less tourists. It gets crowded though, especially in the afternoon, and it can tend to be rowdy with music and potentially other things :)
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hill Of Life
1710 Camp Craft RdGreenbelt entrance that involves a strenuous hike in and out (hence "hill of life"). I love this entrance, local spot with less tourists. It gets crowded though, especially in the afternoon, and it can tend to be rowdy with music and potentially other things :)
Most popular part of greenbelt. Check water levels for greenbelt before you go because often it is dry. Beautiful but very frequented.
82 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sculpture Falls
Barton Creek Greenbelt TrailMost popular part of greenbelt. Check water levels for greenbelt before you go because often it is dry. Beautiful but very frequented.
Where the locals that can't afford a boat go to swim in Lake Austin!! Super beautiful, cold water, always flowing. Bring a floatie.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
614 N Commons Ford RdWhere the locals that can't afford a boat go to swim in Lake Austin!! Super beautiful, cold water, always flowing. Bring a floatie.
Sightseeing
A group of lively bars popular with the young professional scene. Kind of pretentious version of Dirty 6th, still rowdy but not quite as dirty.
334 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
West 6th Street
West 6th StreetA group of lively bars popular with the young professional scene. Kind of pretentious version of Dirty 6th, still rowdy but not quite as dirty.
It used to be one of the best parts of Austin. It is still cool but has gotten wildly touristy and lots of the cool spots got torn down. I prefer the East Side. Known by locals for being full of bachelor and bachelorette parties. Used to be chill but it is not anymore, kind of like an extension of Dirty 6th.
793 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rainey Street
Rainey StreetIt used to be one of the best parts of Austin. It is still cool but has gotten wildly touristy and lots of the cool spots got torn down. I prefer the East Side. Known by locals for being full of bachelor and bachelorette parties. Used to be chill but it is not anymore, kind of like an extension of Dirty 6th.
East Side=Hipster, laid back bar scene with lots of live music. East of I35 on 6th street. My favorite area. Full of character, lots of fun, great bars, something for everyone. Gets rowdier later in the evening. Dirty 6th=West of I35. It is wild, tourist filled part of Austin that you've got to experience at least once but preferably after several drinks. The underpass between these two streets is sketchy.
395 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
East 6th Street
East 6th StreetEast Side=Hipster, laid back bar scene with lots of live music. East of I35 on 6th street. My favorite area. Full of character, lots of fun, great bars, something for everyone. Gets rowdier later in the evening. Dirty 6th=West of I35. It is wild, tourist filled part of Austin that you've got to experience at least once but preferably after several drinks. The underpass between these two streets is sketchy.
Great off-leash dog park with a beautiful view of downtown skyline.
246 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Auditorium Shores eTown Lake Metropolitan Park
900 W Riverside DrGreat off-leash dog park with a beautiful view of downtown skyline.
Ibridge ye-Congress Avenue
Congress AvenueCheck out the bats!
Rowing Dock
2418 Stratford DrYou can rent kayaks and check out the "lake."
People love to take their photo here but please be careful because the street is busy!
85 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Greetings from Austin Mural
1720 S 1st StPeople love to take their photo here but please be careful because the street is busy!
Newest bar district. Less compact but some great, laid back bars. My go-to beside the East Side. All locals.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
East Cesar Chavez Street
East Cesar Chavez StreetNewest bar district. Less compact but some great, laid back bars. My go-to beside the East Side. All locals.
Shopping
Designer consignment. Vintage sister store is also cool, it is next door.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Moss Designer Consignment
705 S Lamar BlvdDesigner consignment. Vintage sister store is also cool, it is next door.
Wildly overpriced store filled with antiques and oddities. Worth perusing.
194 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View RdWildly overpriced store filled with antiques and oddities. Worth perusing.
Arts & Culture
Local artists at good prices. Good place to get gifts.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Art For The People Gallery
2801 S 1st StLocal artists at good prices. Good place to get gifts.
I-Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardUmlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Azie Morton RdGoes without saying...it is really pretty and worth checking out.
1119 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveGoes without saying...it is really pretty and worth checking out.