Guidebook for Austin
Parks & Nature
The Beautiful Barton Springs Pool is natural springs swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists in the channel of Barton Creek and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. Beloved spring-fed pool maintaining a 68ºF temperature year-round with lifeguards on duty. Large Trees make this spot perfect for lounging, reading, yoga and cat naps. Water is so refreshing in the summer heat. They also have a free night swim from 9pm- 10 pm (GO!) Closed on Thursdays.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton Dr The Beautiful Barton Springs Pool is natural springs swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists in the channel of Barton Creek and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. Beloved spring-fed pool maintaining a 68ºF temperature year-round with lifeguards on duty. Large Trees make this spot perfect for lounging, reading, yoga and cat naps. Water is so refreshing in the summer heat. They also have a free night swim from 9pm- 10 pm (GO!) Closed on Thursdays.
Lakefront park with picnic tables, BBQ pits, fishing, walking trails, waterfalls & a boat ramp.
34 locals recommend
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
614 N Commons Ford RdLakefront park with picnic tables, BBQ pits, fishing, walking trails, waterfalls & a boat ramp.
Austin's most loved park! check out http://zilkerpark.org/ for more details, trails and upcoming events!
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdAustin's most loved park! check out http://zilkerpark.org/ for more details, trails and upcoming events!
Essentials
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdTrader Joe's
211 Walter Seaholm DrFood Scene
Fast, fresh, walk up counter NY style pizza! The Margarita is on point~~ funky environment with iconic wall art/murals. Grab a lonestar while you wait curbside style. Live Music typically across the street.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveFast, fresh, walk up counter NY style pizza! The Margarita is on point~~ funky environment with iconic wall art/murals. Grab a lonestar while you wait curbside style. Live Music typically across the street.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveAmazing burgers & fries! Worth the wait :D
Walkable breakfast tacos (yay) get the Fried Avocado taco. Worlds best queso can be devoured here.
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StWalkable breakfast tacos (yay) get the Fried Avocado taco. Worlds best queso can be devoured here.
Classic Austin staple & open 24/7! (a scene from then film Boyhood was filmed here). I love their garden enchiladas.
478 locals recommend
Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress AveClassic Austin staple & open 24/7! (a scene from then film Boyhood was filmed here). I love their garden enchiladas.
Healthy, fresh and delicious juices and smoothies. The Morning Sunshine is addicting! Perfect spot to grab a refreshing drink while walking down South Congress.
519 locals recommend
JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs RdHealthy, fresh and delicious juices and smoothies. The Morning Sunshine is addicting! Perfect spot to grab a refreshing drink while walking down South Congress.
Vegetarian Heaven! The hibiscus iced tea creates an instant smile. Great outdoor patio- funky, vibrant and always delicious. The Summer Sandwich is my personal favorite. Great mimosas :)
565 locals recommend
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StVegetarian Heaven! The hibiscus iced tea creates an instant smile. Great outdoor patio- funky, vibrant and always delicious. The Summer Sandwich is my personal favorite. Great mimosas :)
Community style eatery with a menu that changes daily based on essential nutrition for optimal health. Vegan/vegetarian 3 course meal for $12-no tip necessary. Absolutely beautiful scenery with hammocks, wind chimes and lush gardens. Peaceful, delicious and affordable <3
163 locals recommend
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdCommunity style eatery with a menu that changes daily based on essential nutrition for optimal health. Vegan/vegetarian 3 course meal for $12-no tip necessary. Absolutely beautiful scenery with hammocks, wind chimes and lush gardens. Peaceful, delicious and affordable <3
~ hands down my favorite pizza in the city!! It can be an hour wait but totally worth it! Grab a whiskey ginger ale at Violet Crown while you wait ;) no delivery
372 locals recommend
Via 313 Pizza
10106 W 6th St~ hands down my favorite pizza in the city!! It can be an hour wait but totally worth it! Grab a whiskey ginger ale at Violet Crown while you wait ;) no delivery
Korean style BBQ. Yum, yum yum! Fresh, fast, affordable. The kimchi fries are killer. There are several locations throughout Austin- great for late night food on 6th st.
107 locals recommend
Chi'Lantro
1509 S Lamar BlvdKorean style BBQ. Yum, yum yum! Fresh, fast, affordable. The kimchi fries are killer. There are several locations throughout Austin- great for late night food on 6th st.
I eat a lot of tacos...this place is AMAZING always. The green salsa is drinkable. Migas taco is voted best in ATX! Check out the one at Radio City Coffee at 4204 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (5 min. drive). They have Live bluegrass on Monday nights..go!!
314 locals recommend
Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadI eat a lot of tacos...this place is AMAZING always. The green salsa is drinkable. Migas taco is voted best in ATX! Check out the one at Radio City Coffee at 4204 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (5 min. drive). They have Live bluegrass on Monday nights..go!!
Sushi done right that's not overpriced (it's possible)! Cool, vibrant environment with great music, food and staff. I love to get the brussel sprouts and the Veggiepillar Roll! Sake cocktails are great for brunch.
112 locals recommend
Lucky Robot
1303 S Congress AveSushi done right that's not overpriced (it's possible)! Cool, vibrant environment with great music, food and staff. I love to get the brussel sprouts and the Veggiepillar Roll! Sake cocktails are great for brunch.
Homemade bread makes for some seriously dank sandwiches. I dunno how they do it...It's also probably the only place i'll pay $14 for a salad (haha wtf) but its damn good & made with local organic ingredients and hormone (etc) free chicken. They have a juice bar, great coffee and a abundance of pretty people sitting out on the adorable patio soaking in vitamin D. Take your mom here~ she'll love it.
379 locals recommend
Cenote
1010 E Cesar Chavez StHomemade bread makes for some seriously dank sandwiches. I dunno how they do it...It's also probably the only place i'll pay $14 for a salad (haha wtf) but its damn good & made with local organic ingredients and hormone (etc) free chicken. They have a juice bar, great coffee and a abundance of pretty people sitting out on the adorable patio soaking in vitamin D. Take your mom here~ she'll love it.
Take a lovely 5 minute walk to the always trendy and sexy, Sway. It's a bit pricey but the scenery is dreamy and the shared plates aren't your basic Thai dishes. I highly reccomend for a romantic night/adventurous eaters.
349 locals recommend
Sway
1417 S 1st StTake a lovely 5 minute walk to the always trendy and sexy, Sway. It's a bit pricey but the scenery is dreamy and the shared plates aren't your basic Thai dishes. I highly reccomend for a romantic night/adventurous eaters.
Walkable Gelato..great spot to get to know the neighborhood. They'll let you try ALL of the flavors which are made in house with natural, local ingredients. Love love love the goat cheese and thyme!
120 locals recommend
Dolce Neve Gelato
1713 S 1st StWalkable Gelato..great spot to get to know the neighborhood. They'll let you try ALL of the flavors which are made in house with natural, local ingredients. Love love love the goat cheese and thyme!
Lulu B's
3632 South Congress AvenueBahn Mi sandwiches! Cute and quirky atmosphere.
Probably the best bowl of ramen you'll ever eat. This place is bad ass & you'll know what i'm talking about when you walk in. Great music, high energy and up beat atmosphere with eclectic wall art throughout. Slurp up & put your stretchy pants on ~ you will not be disappointed. Get a spicy bomb on the side ;)
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdProbably the best bowl of ramen you'll ever eat. This place is bad ass & you'll know what i'm talking about when you walk in. Great music, high energy and up beat atmosphere with eclectic wall art throughout. Slurp up & put your stretchy pants on ~ you will not be disappointed. Get a spicy bomb on the side ;)
Curry I could swim in. You won't find a bad review about this place because the owner is legit and makes the best Indian dishes in town. It's a food truck with strange hours so double check before heading out! If your significant other or buddy isn't into indian food- there are 4 other food trucks next to it (all with communal seating);.
13 locals recommend
Bombay Dhaba
1207 S 1st StCurry I could swim in. You won't find a bad review about this place because the owner is legit and makes the best Indian dishes in town. It's a food truck with strange hours so double check before heading out! If your significant other or buddy isn't into indian food- there are 4 other food trucks next to it (all with communal seating);.
Farm-to-table fare from locally sourced ingredients served in a rustic space with a butcher shop. 10 minute drive. Burgers.
263 locals recommend
Dai Due
2406 Manor RdFarm-to-table fare from locally sourced ingredients served in a rustic space with a butcher shop. 10 minute drive. Burgers.
Italian food x 10 million. Holy shit i've never had a meat ball so delicious. This food truck outside the Vortex theater dishes up old-school Italian standards & housemade pasta.
182 locals recommend
Patrizi's
2307 Manor RdItalian food x 10 million. Holy shit i've never had a meat ball so delicious. This food truck outside the Vortex theater dishes up old-school Italian standards & housemade pasta.
Delicious Vegetarian food with tons of options. The cashew dressing on the house salad is ridiculously good. Relaxing atmosphere & friendly staff.
146 locals recommend
Mother's Cafe
Delicious Vegetarian food with tons of options. The cashew dressing on the house salad is ridiculously good. Relaxing atmosphere & friendly staff.
Austin's version of In N out. Local beef and produce, open until 3 AM, quick and delicious. This 'fast food' joint even has a veggie burger & it's awesome.
302 locals recommend
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdAustin's version of In N out. Local beef and produce, open until 3 AM, quick and delicious. This 'fast food' joint even has a veggie burger & it's awesome.
Food Truck Oasis! Come here if your group is indecisive and or everyone is craving something different. A lot of picnic tables and communal seating ~ you can put a 'love lock' on the fence too :)
68 locals recommend
The Picnic - Food Truck Park
1720 Barton Springs RdFood Truck Oasis! Come here if your group is indecisive and or everyone is craving something different. A lot of picnic tables and communal seating ~ you can put a 'love lock' on the fence too :)
Charming outpost offering French breakfast bites & creative Vietnamese plates for lunch & dinner.
426 locals recommend
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StCharming outpost offering French breakfast bites & creative Vietnamese plates for lunch & dinner.
Trailer with outdoor picnic tables serves up BBQ meats, notably a daily smoked-sausage selection. AKA Hipster BBQ. ~ it's a bit further north but its amazing.
215 locals recommend
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood AveTrailer with outdoor picnic tables serves up BBQ meats, notably a daily smoked-sausage selection. AKA Hipster BBQ. ~ it's a bit further north but its amazing.
My go to BBQ spot...plus you don't have to wait 3 hours! Lively spot for pit-smoked meats, classic sides & a full bar in a historic building with a patio.
36 locals recommend
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Austin
217 Congress AveMy go to BBQ spot...plus you don't have to wait 3 hours! Lively spot for pit-smoked meats, classic sides & a full bar in a historic building with a patio.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cheap & strong drinks. Local bar with outdoor seating on the trendy east side scene.
347 locals recommend
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th StCheap & strong drinks. Local bar with outdoor seating on the trendy east side scene.
Young & hip crowd. Interesting bathroom art. The drinks are cheap and strong! Outdoor seating
19 locals recommend
the side bar
602 E 7th StYoung & hip crowd. Interesting bathroom art. The drinks are cheap and strong! Outdoor seating
Hip hangout with both a bakery/cafe & a creekside beer garden serving simple snacks & cheeses.
358 locals recommend
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StHip hangout with both a bakery/cafe & a creekside beer garden serving simple snacks & cheeses.
Part of the Vortex Theater, this inviting bar boasts a homey patio, snacks & occasional live music.
145 locals recommend
The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdPart of the Vortex Theater, this inviting bar boasts a homey patio, snacks & occasional live music.
This quirky bar/cafe serving cocktails & snacks is known for its poetry slams & live music. AWESOME Patio...poetry slam night is a must.
176 locals recommend
Spider House Ballroom
2906 Fruth StThis quirky bar/cafe serving cocktails & snacks is known for its poetry slams & live music. AWESOME Patio...poetry slam night is a must.
Underground jazz bar with nightly live music, plus more than 20 draft beers & wines by the glass.
224 locals recommend
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveUnderground jazz bar with nightly live music, plus more than 20 draft beers & wines by the glass.
Eclectic indie bands & a dance floor in a happening, compact dive with 2 bars & lots of beer.
99 locals recommend
Historic Scoot Inn
1308 E 4th StEclectic indie bands & a dance floor in a happening, compact dive with 2 bars & lots of beer.
Cozy watering hole known for its global nibbles, dog-friendly patio & recycled wood & stone decor. Loud music, great food, hipster central.
244 locals recommend
Yellow Jacket Social Club
1704 E 5th StCozy watering hole known for its global nibbles, dog-friendly patio & recycled wood & stone decor. Loud music, great food, hipster central.
The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress AveEntertainment & Activities
Sup Atx Paddle Board Rentals
Paddle Board rentals on Lady Bird Lake!
Locally owned cinema showing indie, documentary & foreign films, with reserved seating, bar & cafe.
347 locals recommend
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th StLocally owned cinema showing indie, documentary & foreign films, with reserved seating, bar & cafe.
Stylish theater chain for new & classic films features cocktails & creative bites served seat-side.
770 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdStylish theater chain for new & classic films features cocktails & creative bites served seat-side.
Arts & Culture
The 1888 granite & marble structure has a significant rotunda & dome plus House & Senate chambers.
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveThe 1888 granite & marble structure has a significant rotunda & dome plus House & Senate chambers.
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThe Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
700 Congress Ave