🌮 Austin, Texas
I have been to Austin twice now, and I would go again in a heartbeat. For real though, you haven’t lived until you’ve had the queso down there. Austin has something for everyone (hiking, drinking, eating, shopping, culture, water-sporting, you name it) and every single time I have been, it has been SUCH a blast. Who wants to go again?
Time to go:
I have been in April since & November and both times were not too cold and not too hot. I heard the summer gets pretty steamy, so if you’re not into heat, I would stay away during June/July/August.
Transportation:
We took Ubers everywhere, super affordable especially with a group of people. There are also a BILLION electric scooters and bikes for rent that make it really easy to get around Austin.
eat —
Joann’s Fine Food:
Really cute diner-style restaurant within the Austin Motel. Serves breakfast, lunch & dinner and great cocktails.
Hillside Farmacy:
What used to be a 1950’s drugstore, is now a delicious spot for brunch in east Austin. They have super unique concoctions like homemade tumeric-ginger fountain soda, and a bruléed grapefruit with honey 🍯 & berries.
Torchy’s:
Best. Queso. Of. Your. Life.
Taco Deli:
Some dang good tacos.
Chuy’s:
For any and all things tex-mex.
Juan in a Million:
A no-frills spot for Austin’s signature breakfast tacos that has been around since the 80’s.
Voodoo Donut
I mean…donuts. Some of which have cereal or candy on top of them, along with all the other classics.
Salty Sow:
Great gastro-pub for groups and sharing plates.
Home Slice:
For your late-night pizza craving.
Salt Lick BBQ:
Our friend took us to this spot that is about 45 minutes from downtown Austin. I would just take the trip, they have an outdoor area with fire-pits and heaters to hang out at after you stuff your face with ribs and corn bread.
Rudys BBQ:
Another BBQ joint if thats your thing. They also have a very cool contraption to wash the sauces off your hands.
Picnik:
Known for their “butter coffee”. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Clarks Oyster Bar:
We came here solely for the $5 happy hour martinis, and ended up ordering some food to share which really hit the spot.
Gordough’s:
An airstream that sells creative donut concoctions. My friend Mike says these were the best donuts he has ever had!
drink —
Container Bar:
I have come to this bar both times I have been in Austin and it is suchhhhh a good time. Live music and great DJ’s depending on the night.
Half Step:
Another outdoor/indoor bar on Rainey street where the bartenders can make you their own creative concoction upon request.
Ah Sing Den:
This cocktail bar was modeled & named after an East London opium den. Cocktails are on point and they have smaller asian bites as well.
Kinda Tropical:
Good times, great branding, and awesome food.
Easy Tiger:
Who knew you could blend a bakery & a beer hall together to get one awesome Austin staple. The scent of baked bread radiates from the entrance to this half-indoor half-outdoor beer garden. Great spot for craft beers, or if you’re in the mood for a soft-baked pretzel.
Justine's Brasserie:
A late night French bistro with an outdoor patio.
shop —
Yeti:
The OG yeti store. Has a patio bar with corn hole.
Outdoor Voices:
Where it all began. More like a bungalow than an actual store.
Stag:
A provisional shop for men, but has a lot of cool brands and knick-knacks.
Daughters:
The female version of Stag.
Allens Boots:
Again, you may as well, you’re in Texas.
CoStar:
Another really cute boutique with a focus on graphic tees.
Sunroom:
Unique boutique with swimsuits and bohemian clothing.
Big Top Candy:
Literally any candy you can dream of, they have it.
do —
Hike/Swim the Barton Creek Greenbelt:
You can enter this park from multiple locations, so check out the map to see how long of a hike you feel like doing. If you go in the summer, there are a ton of amazing spots to bring a cooler and wade in the clear creek water.
Mount Bonnell at Sunset:
This is a quick little hike and the views are worth it, especially at sunset.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding:
SUP ATX! While I didn’t do this when I was there, it looked like such a cool way to cruise through Ladybird Lake.
Rent Kayaks:
If you prefer this to standup paddle boarding.
Austin East Cider Brewery:
Great afternoon drinking spot, with an amazing selection of locally brewed ciders.
Greetings from Austin:
I mean, you may as well.
stay —
The Hyatt Place Austin: $$
I stayed here with some girlfriends and it was centrally located with free breakfast. Pretty basic, but it did the job.
Airbnb: $
Another affordable option for large groups. I have been deceived by photos before in Austin, so be sure to do your research!
Heywood Hotel: $$$
Very cool and impeccably designed hotel.