Jen’s guidebook to ATX
Dive bars
<10 min walk from my home and some of the best sandwiches in town. Gourmands is a neighborhood pub with a LOT of quirkiness. I used to play in a skeeball league here pre-COVID, and they've since replaced the skeeball machines with a ping pong table. They also do great things for the neighborhood and gave away a ton of free food during COVID to those who had been laid off or were homeless.
No reservations needed.
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Gourmands
2316 Webberville Rd<10 min walk from my home and some of the best sandwiches in town. Gourmands is a neighborhood pub with a LOT of quirkiness. I used to play in a skeeball league here pre-COVID, and they've since replaced the skeeball machines with a ping pong table. They also do great things for the neighborhood and gave away a ton of free food during COVID to those who had been laid off or were homeless.
No reservations needed.
Total dive bar with some super awesome and quirky events. I've been to events like Mortified (where people read embarrassing diary entries from their youth on stage), Shit-Faced Shakespeare (like it sounds, one of the cast members gets totally shit-faced while the rest of the cast continues on with the show), and really awesome local concerts.
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Spider House Ballroom
2906 Fruth StTotal dive bar with some super awesome and quirky events. I've been to events like Mortified (where people read embarrassing diary entries from their youth on stage), Shit-Faced Shakespeare (like it sounds, one of the cast members gets totally shit-faced while the rest of the cast continues on with the show), and really awesome local concerts.
Food scene
My absolute favorite breakfast tacos AND it's a short <10 min walk from my house! I can't express to you how excited I was when they opened up the food truck about a year ago. On weekend nights, you'll find live music and pop up shops.
No reservations needed.
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Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadMy absolute favorite breakfast tacos AND it's a short <10 min walk from my house! I can't express to you how excited I was when they opened up the food truck about a year ago. On weekend nights, you'll find live music and pop up shops.
No reservations needed.
One of my favorite brunch spots in town and <20 min walk from my home (it is a hilly walk so be ready for a workout if you go that route!). The BEC sandwich is what made Paperboy stand out and grow from a food truck to this modern and adorable brick and mortar location.
Reservation recommended, especially for weekend brunch.
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Paperboy
1203 E 11th StOne of my favorite brunch spots in town and <20 min walk from my home (it is a hilly walk so be ready for a workout if you go that route!). The BEC sandwich is what made Paperboy stand out and grow from a food truck to this modern and adorable brick and mortar location.
Reservation recommended, especially for weekend brunch.
Easily the best bagels in town, and I'm not just saying that because it's walkable! The only contender to it would be Nervous Charlies, but I truly think Rockstar eeks out the win. My favorite is the Rockstar on rosemary sea salt, peach basil cream cheese, provolone, and sub avocado for bacon.
Take out only.
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Rockstar Bagels
1900 Rosewood AveEasily the best bagels in town, and I'm not just saying that because it's walkable! The only contender to it would be Nervous Charlies, but I truly think Rockstar eeks out the win. My favorite is the Rockstar on rosemary sea salt, peach basil cream cheese, provolone, and sub avocado for bacon.
Take out only.
I eat here at least once a month, if not more (and yes, even in the summertime heat). Their ramen has won national awards and helped make Austin known for being a food scene worthy of more than just BBQ.
Reservations highly recommended. They will turn you away on the weekends for dinner if you don't have one.
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Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdI eat here at least once a month, if not more (and yes, even in the summertime heat). Their ramen has won national awards and helped make Austin known for being a food scene worthy of more than just BBQ.
Reservations highly recommended. They will turn you away on the weekends for dinner if you don't have one.
One of my favorite, casual restaurants in town. Loved by friends, families, and dog-owners, this mostly-outdoor seating restaurant has a rotating menu based on locally sourced food. Their co-owned by the group that does Odd Duck, their fancier counterpart, and the father owns Jack Allen's Kitchen, another local favorite with a location off of Anderson Lane in North Central Austin.
Reservation not typically needed.
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Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdOne of my favorite, casual restaurants in town. Loved by friends, families, and dog-owners, this mostly-outdoor seating restaurant has a rotating menu based on locally sourced food. Their co-owned by the group that does Odd Duck, their fancier counterpart, and the father owns Jack Allen's Kitchen, another local favorite with a location off of Anderson Lane in North Central Austin.
Reservation not typically needed.
Lots of great restaurants and bars in the Seaholm District, and it's also close to the Town Lake (newcomers will call it Lady Bird Lake) trail.
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Seaholm District
Lots of great restaurants and bars in the Seaholm District, and it's also close to the Town Lake (newcomers will call it Lady Bird Lake) trail.
I love love love the BBQ and Asian fusion at Kemuri Tatsu-ya. They are a bit pricier than they used to be, so look at the menu and see if you're willing to spring for the omakase menu. My favorite is when they have their BBQ ramen... YUM. It's a long walk from my home, so I'd definitely recommend a rideshare.
Reservation required.
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Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
2713 E 2nd StI love love love the BBQ and Asian fusion at Kemuri Tatsu-ya. They are a bit pricier than they used to be, so look at the menu and see if you're willing to spring for the omakase menu. My favorite is when they have their BBQ ramen... YUM. It's a long walk from my home, so I'd definitely recommend a rideshare.
Reservation required.
Adorable house that has great margaritas and solid interior Mexican food.
Reservation required on weekend nights.
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Licha's Cantina
1306 E 6th StAdorable house that has great margaritas and solid interior Mexican food.
Reservation required on weekend nights.
Upscale Mexican food near other restaurants and bars on East 6th. Definitely check out the menu to be sure it's in your price range.
Reservation required.
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Fried and True Food Truck
1308 E 6th StUpscale Mexican food near other restaurants and bars on East 6th. Definitely check out the menu to be sure it's in your price range.
Reservation required.
An Austin staple and award-winning BBQ. Most people make a day out of eating at the restaurant by "tailgating" starting at 8am. My friends and I have done this before by bringing chairs, tacos, and mimosas. BBQ is served until sold out, usually by 3pm. They will go through the line and put a sign up once they estimate they will run out of BBQ (yes, the line gets that long).
What most tourists don't know is that you can order ahead, which I highly recommend if you don't like waiting in line because the food really is amazing. You do need to place your order 3-4 weeks in advance to have all options available.
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Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StAn Austin staple and award-winning BBQ. Most people make a day out of eating at the restaurant by "tailgating" starting at 8am. My friends and I have done this before by bringing chairs, tacos, and mimosas. BBQ is served until sold out, usually by 3pm. They will go through the line and put a sign up once they estimate they will run out of BBQ (yes, the line gets that long).
What most tourists don't know is that you can order ahead, which I highly recommend if you don't like waiting in line because the food really is amazing. You do need to place your order 3-4 weeks in advance to have all options available.
Coffee shops
Convenient, cute and tiny, this coffee shop is <10 min walk from my home. Perfect to pair this with Vera Cruz tacos!
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Fleet Coffee Co
2427 Webberville RdConvenient, cute and tiny, this coffee shop is <10 min walk from my home. Perfect to pair this with Vera Cruz tacos!
If I'm going to spend money on coffee, this is my top choice in the neighborhood. It's about a 15 min walk from my home. You can also buy the beans there too!
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Cuvee Coffee Bar
2000 E 6th StIf I'm going to spend money on coffee, this is my top choice in the neighborhood. It's about a 15 min walk from my home. You can also buy the beans there too!
Cocktail bars
My absolute FAVORITE bar in town. The cocktails are pricey (expect ~$15+ per drink) but worth it for the unique variety. My favorite cocktail is the cigar box. The Roosevelt Room also owns the event venue next door, The Eleanor, which hosts really cool events throughout the year. It's worth a quick google to see if there's anything going on there while you're in town. It's a short rideshare from my home to downtown and is a close walk to the gay bar district on 4th street, Wu Chow for dinner, and Garage Bar for a no-reservation-needed bar to continue the party.
Reservation recommended.
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The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th StMy absolute FAVORITE bar in town. The cocktails are pricey (expect ~$15+ per drink) but worth it for the unique variety. My favorite cocktail is the cigar box. The Roosevelt Room also owns the event venue next door, The Eleanor, which hosts really cool events throughout the year. It's worth a quick google to see if there's anything going on there while you're in town. It's a short rideshare from my home to downtown and is a close walk to the gay bar district on 4th street, Wu Chow for dinner, and Garage Bar for a no-reservation-needed bar to continue the party.
Reservation recommended.
Very popular and convenient cocktail bar on East 6th. Whisler's and the surrounding bars and restaurants are about a 20 min walk from my home.
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Whisler's
1816 E 6th StVery popular and convenient cocktail bar on East 6th. Whisler's and the surrounding bars and restaurants are about a 20 min walk from my home.
Outdoor beers
Locals love this spot. It's tucked away on the East side, has a ton of outdoor seating, and is dog-and family-friendly. I've done quite a few happy hours here with friends.
No reservations needed, but this place does get packed for afternoon drinks, especially on weekends.
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Central Machine Works
4824 E Cesar Chavez StLocals love this spot. It's tucked away on the East side, has a ton of outdoor seating, and is dog-and family-friendly. I've done quite a few happy hours here with friends.
No reservations needed, but this place does get packed for afternoon drinks, especially on weekends.
The bakery is LEGIT here. And the vibe is awesome. I was so happy when they relocated to this spot from downtown. Easy Tiger is welcoming for friends, families, and dogs.
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Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StThe bakery is LEGIT here. And the vibe is awesome. I was so happy when they relocated to this spot from downtown. Easy Tiger is welcoming for friends, families, and dogs.
My friends and I do trivia nights on Thursdays at 7:30pm at Friends and Allies, a mostly outdoor seating venue next to the Austin Bouldering Project. The name is an apt descriptor, as the bar is welcoming for all genders and sexual orientations (including those who would prefer not to identify).
No reservation needed.
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Friends & Allies Brewing
979 Springdale RdMy friends and I do trivia nights on Thursdays at 7:30pm at Friends and Allies, a mostly outdoor seating venue next to the Austin Bouldering Project. The name is an apt descriptor, as the bar is welcoming for all genders and sexual orientations (including those who would prefer not to identify).
No reservation needed.
Although I'm putting this in outdoor beers, they have some of the best tacos in town (I still prefer Vera Cruz, but many of my friends disagree with me in favor of Lazarus). It's a great vibe for an afternoon drink and hangout with friends.
No reservation needed, but this place does get busy. They do a great job of spacing out the tables. Covered outdoor seating.
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Lazarus Brewing Co.
1902 E 6th StAlthough I'm putting this in outdoor beers, they have some of the best tacos in town (I still prefer Vera Cruz, but many of my friends disagree with me in favor of Lazarus). It's a great vibe for an afternoon drink and hangout with friends.
No reservation needed, but this place does get busy. They do a great job of spacing out the tables. Covered outdoor seating.
Things to do
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAn Austin staple. 'nuff said.
Still call it “Town Lake”. Check out any one of the kayak or paddle board rentals here. Even as a local, I still get out here several times during the summer. I recommend going before 10am, as it can get quite crowded on the weekend.
Reservation typically required for rentals.
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Lago Lady Bird
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailStill call it “Town Lake”. Check out any one of the kayak or paddle board rentals here. Even as a local, I still get out here several times during the summer. I recommend going before 10am, as it can get quite crowded on the weekend.
Reservation typically required for rentals.
This isn't your typical children's museum. I've been to many a Thinkery21 event, where they close down the museum to individuals aged 21+ and have unique, science-themed pop ups. For example, I've been to one that was all about making music, the science of sex, and how to do magic. They've suspended programming due to COVID, so check online to see if they're back. Tickets sell out fast too.
Tickets required.
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Thinkery
1830 Simond AveThis isn't your typical children's museum. I've been to many a Thinkery21 event, where they close down the museum to individuals aged 21+ and have unique, science-themed pop ups. For example, I've been to one that was all about making music, the science of sex, and how to do magic. They've suspended programming due to COVID, so check online to see if they're back. Tickets sell out fast too.
Tickets required.
I don't mean to brag, but I think the Austin Central Library, which delivered in the last couple of years, is the most stunning new library I've ever seen. They have a 3D printer, quiet room, and a beautiful view overlooking the river. They even have a restaurant! If you're downtown in the daytime, it's worth checking out.
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Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StI don't mean to brag, but I think the Austin Central Library, which delivered in the last couple of years, is the most stunning new library I've ever seen. They have a 3D printer, quiet room, and a beautiful view overlooking the river. They even have a restaurant! If you're downtown in the daytime, it's worth checking out.
My go-to first date spot (great way to see if you're a match by making sure you have the same taste in comedy!). I've been here several times with friends and is a great segue to spending the night out downtown. I HIGHLY recommend checking out the improv events on the weekend.
Advance tickets required.
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The Hideout Pub
12164 TX-1 LoopMy go-to first date spot (great way to see if you're a match by making sure you have the same taste in comedy!). I've been here several times with friends and is a great segue to spending the night out downtown. I HIGHLY recommend checking out the improv events on the weekend.
Advance tickets required.
If you love board games, this is definitely worth checking out. The food is solid and the games are endless.
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Vigilante Gastropub & Games
7010 Easy Wind DrIf you love board games, this is definitely worth checking out. The food is solid and the games are endless.
I highly recommend checking out the greenbelt if you like hiking. It's a local favorite. We tend to avoid Barton Springs because of all the tourists (it's still worth seeing, especially if you have limited time here) and instead swim in the creek along the greenbelt. My favorite entrance is the one near the business park off of 360. It's not too strenuous and has beautiful rock features. Go left after the switchbacks. My favorite strenuous entrance is the Hill of Life. Go right at the bottom of the hill to dead end at a popular swimming hole, or go left to continue on the main trail. You can also start the hike from Barton Springs and walk along the greenbelt until you hit the Tacodeli off of Barton Skyway. It's about a mile walk with rocky terrain, so wear appropriate shoes.
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Barton Creek Greenbelt Trailhead
Barton Creek Greenbelt TrailI highly recommend checking out the greenbelt if you like hiking. It's a local favorite. We tend to avoid Barton Springs because of all the tourists (it's still worth seeing, especially if you have limited time here) and instead swim in the creek along the greenbelt. My favorite entrance is the one near the business park off of 360. It's not too strenuous and has beautiful rock features. Go left after the switchbacks. My favorite strenuous entrance is the Hill of Life. Go right at the bottom of the hill to dead end at a popular swimming hole, or go left to continue on the main trail. You can also start the hike from Barton Springs and walk along the greenbelt until you hit the Tacodeli off of Barton Skyway. It's about a mile walk with rocky terrain, so wear appropriate shoes.
Where I go to yoga, and trust me, I've tried about every yoga spot in town. My friend, Lucy Wu, teaches Yostrong there (it's a combo yoga+weights class). For power yoga, I highly recommend checking out classes held by Diana (lots of handstands) or Josh (be ready to laugh).
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Wanderlust Yoga Downtown
206 E 4th StWhere I go to yoga, and trust me, I've tried about every yoga spot in town. My friend, Lucy Wu, teaches Yostrong there (it's a combo yoga+weights class). For power yoga, I highly recommend checking out classes held by Diana (lots of handstands) or Josh (be ready to laugh).
I heard that this place is one of the largest bouldering gyms in the U.S., which wouldn't surprise me given how huge of a hobby rock-climbing is in Austin. ABP also offers yoga classes, a full gym, and a lounge area. The daily fee is fairly reasonable too.
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Austin Bouldering Project
979 Springdale RdI heard that this place is one of the largest bouldering gyms in the U.S., which wouldn't surprise me given how huge of a hobby rock-climbing is in Austin. ABP also offers yoga classes, a full gym, and a lounge area. The daily fee is fairly reasonable too.
Music venue
Awesome dive bar and local favorite venue. One of my all-time favorite concerts was Folk Uke (Willie Nelson's daughters band) who regularly perform there.
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Saxon Pub
1320 S Lamar BlvdAwesome dive bar and local favorite venue. One of my all-time favorite concerts was Folk Uke (Willie Nelson's daughters band) who regularly perform there.
Amazing local venue with interesting and incredible bands performing from all over the world. My favorite performance there to date was Monsieur Periné (check them out!).
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Antone's
305 E 5th StAmazing local venue with interesting and incredible bands performing from all over the world. My favorite performance there to date was Monsieur Periné (check them out!).
Love this music venue. They showcase up-and-coming local bands here, like Sir Woman (previously known as Wild Child).
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Historic Scoot Inn
1308 E 4th StLove this music venue. They showcase up-and-coming local bands here, like Sir Woman (previously known as Wild Child).