Welcome to Austin!
Here are some of our favorite things to do around the city! I think I like to eat a little? :)
This is the best BBQ in Autin, TX. If you are placing a big order you can do so a month before your trip on their website so you don't have to wait in line. Otherwise, plan on waiting about 2 hours in line before you eat. It's a fun environment and BYOB friendly while you wait!
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StThis is the best BBQ in Autin, TX. If you are placing a big order you can do so a month before your trip on their website so you don't have to wait in line. Otherwise, plan on waiting about 2 hours in line before you eat. It's a fun environment and BYOB friendly while you wait!
This is a nice Italian restaurant. We go here for Happy Hour which runs from 5-7pm in the bar area (high top tables included). I highly recommend the burrata and the steak trimmings bruschetta
93 locals recommend
Red Ash
303 Colorado StThis is a nice Italian restaurant. We go here for Happy Hour which runs from 5-7pm in the bar area (high top tables included). I highly recommend the burrata and the steak trimmings bruschetta
We go here for Happy Hour. At the bar from 5-7PM you can get some amazing food (including an entire Hangar steak) for half price!
154 locals recommend
Lamberts
401 W 2nd StWe go here for Happy Hour. At the bar from 5-7PM you can get some amazing food (including an entire Hangar steak) for half price!
Enjoy some family style Chinese food here, a must try are their soup dumplings served everyday after 5PM.
75 locals recommend
Wu Chow
500 W 5th StEnjoy some family style Chinese food here, a must try are their soup dumplings served everyday after 5PM.
Too busy to wait in line for Franklin's BBQ? Stop by his new Asian smokehouse. Its a laid back casual vibe, dog friendly and delicious! Happy hour is weekdays from 2-5PM, they start serving the Franklin's brisket at 5PM.
276 locals recommend
Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdToo busy to wait in line for Franklin's BBQ? Stop by his new Asian smokehouse. Its a laid back casual vibe, dog friendly and delicious! Happy hour is weekdays from 2-5PM, they start serving the Franklin's brisket at 5PM.
You'll find Torchy's Tacos all over Austin, TX and for a good reason - they have everything from breakfast tacos to dinner but a MUST is their queso!
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StYou'll find Torchy's Tacos all over Austin, TX and for a good reason - they have everything from breakfast tacos to dinner but a MUST is their queso!
Want some authentic Mexican food and bomb margaritas? Head down to Licha's! This place fills up quickly. Happy Hour is 5PM discounted food and margaritas. Everything is good here but I have a special place in my heart for the El Pastor Tacos.
198 locals recommend
Licha's Cantina
1306 E 6th StWant some authentic Mexican food and bomb margaritas? Head down to Licha's! This place fills up quickly. Happy Hour is 5PM discounted food and margaritas. Everything is good here but I have a special place in my heart for the El Pastor Tacos.
Here is another awesome authentic Mexican venue that is right in the heart of downtown. They make their own chips and tortillas and the drinks are spectacular.
46 locals recommend
Gabrielas Downtown
900 E 7th StHere is another awesome authentic Mexican venue that is right in the heart of downtown. They make their own chips and tortillas and the drinks are spectacular.
You can't come to Austin without grabbing a slice of this New York style pie while strolling the South Congress shops.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveYou can't come to Austin without grabbing a slice of this New York style pie while strolling the South Congress shops.
YETI is an Austin based company. Start your day on South Congress here at their flagship store. Thirsty? Don't worry you can grab a drink at the bar they have attached while you shop, or play some corn hole and sit on Yeti coolers on the patio.
16 locals recommend
YETI Flagship
220 S Congress AveYETI is an Austin based company. Start your day on South Congress here at their flagship store. Thirsty? Don't worry you can grab a drink at the bar they have attached while you shop, or play some corn hole and sit on Yeti coolers on the patio.
This place is a must, not just for the Coffee but for your 'I love you so much' photo op! If you go on the weekday you never know who you might spot sipping here.
495 locals recommend
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveThis place is a must, not just for the Coffee but for your 'I love you so much' photo op! If you go on the weekday you never know who you might spot sipping here.
Right across from the YETI flagship store you will see the South Congress bridge, from late March thru October watch millions of Mexican free tail bats fly out at dusk. It's a sight to see!
131 locals recommend
Statesman Bat Observation Center
305 S Congress AveRight across from the YETI flagship store you will see the South Congress bridge, from late March thru October watch millions of Mexican free tail bats fly out at dusk. It's a sight to see!
This is a DIVE bar on 'dirty 6th' with some of the best burgers you will find around. Even better... they serve late!
74 locals recommend
Casino El Camino
517 E 6th StThis is a DIVE bar on 'dirty 6th' with some of the best burgers you will find around. Even better... they serve late!
Their burgers explain themselves. Check this place out while strolling south congress. They often have a line so get there early or late for lunch.
780 locals recommend
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveTheir burgers explain themselves. Check this place out while strolling south congress. They often have a line so get there early or late for lunch.
South Congress Cafe
1600 S Congress AveA great brunch option on South Congress
Check out Austin's only urban winery around. They are happy to give you a tour as well!
19 locals recommend
The Infinite Monkey Theorem
702 Shady LnCheck out Austin's only urban winery around. They are happy to give you a tour as well!
Looking for FANCY ($$$)? This place has been rated 3 Michelin stars many years in a row. It is delicious. Be ready to spend some money here, but I'd recommend the chef's tasting.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdLooking for FANCY ($$$)? This place has been rated 3 Michelin stars many years in a row. It is delicious. Be ready to spend some money here, but I'd recommend the chef's tasting.
Some of the best Ramen in the USA! Miso Hot is my favorite with the added fire bomb.
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdSome of the best Ramen in the USA! Miso Hot is my favorite with the added fire bomb.
BBQ and Japanese fusions along with some really crazy food options. I'd recommend this place with a bigger group so you all can share and try a bit of everything. If you are still looking for Ramen they have a BBQ Ramen here - YUM!
151 locals recommend
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
2713 E 2nd StBBQ and Japanese fusions along with some really crazy food options. I'd recommend this place with a bigger group so you all can share and try a bit of everything. If you are still looking for Ramen they have a BBQ Ramen here - YUM!
Austin doesn't have a lot of amazing Seafood restaurants but this one is at the top. Expect to spend some money here but you can't go wrong with anything you order. You can also do some serious people watching on the patio here! You never know who you might see walking by. If you don't want to drop a lot of dough, go sit on the patio at Happy Hour for the Oysters - they speak for themselves!
398 locals recommend
Perla's
1400 S Congress AveAustin doesn't have a lot of amazing Seafood restaurants but this one is at the top. Expect to spend some money here but you can't go wrong with anything you order. You can also do some serious people watching on the patio here! You never know who you might see walking by. If you don't want to drop a lot of dough, go sit on the patio at Happy Hour for the Oysters - they speak for themselves!
Amy's is a local Austin Ice Cream company you will find them all over town. Do yourself a favor on a hot day!
397 locals recommend
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveAmy's is a local Austin Ice Cream company you will find them all over town. Do yourself a favor on a hot day!
Hike and Bike Trails leading in and around the city and to Zilker park. Also kayak, boat, swan and paddle board rentals close by along with an off-leash dog park, oh! and amazing views of the city!
246 locals recommend
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
900 W Riverside DrHike and Bike Trails leading in and around the city and to Zilker park. Also kayak, boat, swan and paddle board rentals close by along with an off-leash dog park, oh! and amazing views of the city!
LBJ Presidential Library
2313 Red River StGet a little bit of history during your stay!
Even if you aren't in town for a game at UT, the campus and stadium are worth taking a walk around. You will know you are on campus when the street signs turn burnt orange! Hook Em'
97 locals recommend
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
2139 San Jacinto BlvdEven if you aren't in town for a game at UT, the campus and stadium are worth taking a walk around. You will know you are on campus when the street signs turn burnt orange! Hook Em'
Check their calendar for upcoming shows, this is a funky outdoor venue downtown. They usually have some fun cover bands!
32 locals recommend
Cedar Street Courtyard
208 W 4th StCheck their calendar for upcoming shows, this is a funky outdoor venue downtown. They usually have some fun cover bands!
This is a beautiful old hotel in the heart of the entertainment district. Go have a drink at the bar upstairs, you can even sip your drink sitting at the piano while someone plays!
104 locals recommend
The Driskill In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt
604 Brazos StThis is a beautiful old hotel in the heart of the entertainment district. Go have a drink at the bar upstairs, you can even sip your drink sitting at the piano while someone plays!
Check out a comedy show while you are in town. Must buy tickets in advance and make sure to show up early.
153 locals recommend
Esther's Follies
525 E 6th StCheck out a comedy show while you are in town. Must buy tickets in advance and make sure to show up early.
Check their schedule during your stay, some big names come through here quite often.
24 locals recommend
Capitol City Comedy Club
11506 Research BlvdCheck their schedule during your stay, some big names come through here quite often.
This is where the PBS ACL Live show is broadcast from. They always have events going on and big artists. Check out their schedule or try to win tickets to a taping. If you show up at will call the day of the taping they will gladly give away extra tickets for free if they have any.
326 locals recommend
ACL Live
310 W Willie Nelson BlvdThis is where the PBS ACL Live show is broadcast from. They always have events going on and big artists. Check out their schedule or try to win tickets to a taping. If you show up at will call the day of the taping they will gladly give away extra tickets for free if they have any.
Take a stroll down Rainey Street any day 4PM or later for live music, food and bar fun
793 locals recommend
Rainey Street
Rainey StreetTake a stroll down Rainey Street any day 4PM or later for live music, food and bar fun
This is a great park to pack a picnic and spend the day. Barton Springs Pool is close by.
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdThis is a great park to pack a picnic and spend the day. Barton Springs Pool is close by.
Its cool all year long and feels amazing in the hot summer months but come check this place out pretty much year round!
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrIts cool all year long and feels amazing in the hot summer months but come check this place out pretty much year round!
Go in the morning for a nice hike and beautiful scenic views of the Colorado River and amazing mansions along the water.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
Go in the morning for a nice hike and beautiful scenic views of the Colorado River and amazing mansions along the water.
An Austin institution. Being from Buffalo, NY I can appreciate a good chicken wing. They do theirs a little different than the typical buffalo wing here but they are a MUST!
171 locals recommend
Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs RdAn Austin institution. Being from Buffalo, NY I can appreciate a good chicken wing. They do theirs a little different than the typical buffalo wing here but they are a MUST!
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs RdA beautiful place for an afternoon stroll on a nice day.
There are many Alamo Drafthouse theaters around town, so check which one is more central for you. These theaters serve a full food and drink menu and often do special pop up events with props, games and sing-alongs.
228 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas
320 E 6th StThere are many Alamo Drafthouse theaters around town, so check which one is more central for you. These theaters serve a full food and drink menu and often do special pop up events with props, games and sing-alongs.
Go to Radio for Coffee and get your self one of the delicious breakfast tacos at this food truck on site
314 locals recommend
Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadGo to Radio for Coffee and get your self one of the delicious breakfast tacos at this food truck on site
Feel like a hill country drive? Head out a little before dusk to the Salt Lick another great BBQ place just a little outside of Austin. BYOB and enjoy the scenic outdoors while you eat your food! They have an All you can eat option and on Sunday's they do Prime Rib dinner.
480 locals recommend
Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826Feel like a hill country drive? Head out a little before dusk to the Salt Lick another great BBQ place just a little outside of Austin. BYOB and enjoy the scenic outdoors while you eat your food! They have an All you can eat option and on Sunday's they do Prime Rib dinner.
Want to swing the clubs? Top golf is a great option! Get your own bay, swing away or play one of their many strategy games. Their food and drinks are pretty decent too.
143 locals recommend
Topgolf
2700 Esperanza CrossingWant to swing the clubs? Top golf is a great option! Get your own bay, swing away or play one of their many strategy games. Their food and drinks are pretty decent too.
The Domain
11410 Century Oaks TerraceShop, Eat and Play here!
Check out a racing event or the concert schedule. If they don't have a big event going on you can go race the indy cars
346 locals recommend
Circuit of The Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas BlvdCheck out a racing event or the concert schedule. If they don't have a big event going on you can go race the indy cars
In the mood for speed? Head up here!
18 locals recommend
K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities
2500 Mc Hale CtIn the mood for speed? Head up here!
Check out their concert schedule and check out a show. This place is 5 minutes from my house.
22 locals recommend
Austin 360 Amphitheater
9201 Circuit of the Americas BlvdCheck out their concert schedule and check out a show. This place is 5 minutes from my house.
An Austin farm to market restaurant. Go for Sunday Brunch where its all you can eat for $16.99 or Happy Hour on the week days where the apps are discounted and hearty!
89 locals recommend
Jack Allen's Kitchen Oak Hill
7720 State Hwy 71An Austin farm to market restaurant. Go for Sunday Brunch where its all you can eat for $16.99 or Happy Hour on the week days where the apps are discounted and hearty!
Emo's Austin
2015 E Riverside DrGood show venue - check their schedule
Ego's Bar
510 S Congress AveKARAOKE! All day and night!
Check out their SHOW schedule, I'm not a huge fan of the BBQ here.
282 locals recommend
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
801 Red River StCheck out their SHOW schedule, I'm not a huge fan of the BBQ here.
Historic Scoot Inn
1308 E 4th StCheck out their show schedule
Geraldine's
605 Davis StHit the pool deck on a hot day!
Comal River
Take a day trip and go float the river!
Churro Co.
1906 S 1st StGet some dessert churro's here - you're welcome!
Come here on a Sunday at Star Bar and get yourself a HAIL Mary ( a Bloody Mary with a hot Nashville chicken sandwich on top)
Tumble 22
Come here on a Sunday at Star Bar and get yourself a HAIL Mary ( a Bloody Mary with a hot Nashville chicken sandwich on top)
If you don't want to wait in line all day - this is your spot. You can pre-order 3 days ahead and beat the line or go early it's usually not too bad of a wait. The beef rib is a MUST!
421 locals recommend
La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StIf you don't want to wait in line all day - this is your spot. You can pre-order 3 days ahead and beat the line or go early it's usually not too bad of a wait. The beef rib is a MUST!
Bufalina Pizza
2215 E Cesar Chavez StWoodfire Pizza in a cute environment
The Backspace
507 San Jacinto BlvdMore Woodfire pizza close to dirty 6th. This place is a hidden gem.
Firehouse Lounge
605 Brazos StCheck out their 'hidden' bar
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood AveDelicious food truck BBQ
Nickel City
1133 E 11th StWhiskey cocktails
Stiles Switch BBQ
6610 N Lamar BlvdMore delicious BBQ without the wait
Irene’s
506 West AveCute brunch spot or snacks
Rooftop views with a pool at the Westin hotel. Anyone is allowed on weekdays and for happy hour.
12 locals recommend
Azul Rooftop Lounge
310 E 5th StRooftop views with a pool at the Westin hotel. Anyone is allowed on weekdays and for happy hour.
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveIconic music institution
Flower Child
11721 Rock Rose AveHealthy Eats with a downtown view. There is also one at the Domain
Sit in the backyard here underneath the large lit up oak tree and enjoy some healthy eats or go for brunch!
66 locals recommend
Vinaigrette
2201 College AveSit in the backyard here underneath the large lit up oak tree and enjoy some healthy eats or go for brunch!
Mattie's
901 W Live Oak StEnjoy dinner amount the albino peacocks that roam the premises
Salty Sow
1917 Manor RdMichelle Obama's favorite restaurant in Austin
Speakeasy and a hidden bar you have to make a reservation here
107 locals recommend
Midnight Cowboy Modeling
313 E 6th StSpeakeasy and a hidden bar you have to make a reservation here
Come enjoy one of the best craft cocktails this city has to offer
101 locals recommend
The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th StCome enjoy one of the best craft cocktails this city has to offer
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
210 Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailPhoto Op!
This is a new library in the heart of downtown. Grab a book or a coffee and enjoy rooftop garden city views!
148 locals recommend
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StThis is a new library in the heart of downtown. Grab a book or a coffee and enjoy rooftop garden city views!
True Food Kitchen
222 West AvenueHealthy eats
Holy Roller
509 Rio Grande StNot so healthy but awesomely delicious brunch!
Wood fire chicken and Mexican on a patio with great margaritas' what could be better?
79 locals recommend
Fresa's South First Dine-In
1703 S 1st StWood fire chicken and Mexican on a patio with great margaritas' what could be better?
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StFor the vegetarians!
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
1905 S 1st StAll the cupcakes!
This is a drive and its a fancy steakhouse but you cannot beat the view and the sunset here. Go on a Monday evening and they have half price burgers
106 locals recommend
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
5424 Steiner Ranch BlvdThis is a drive and its a fancy steakhouse but you cannot beat the view and the sunset here. Go on a Monday evening and they have half price burgers
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum
1203 W 6th StDim Sump and Dumplings - need I say more?
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveJazz Bar!