A curated guide to our favorite corner of the world
Where to
Eat
Franklin Barbecue
East 11th · Texas BBQ
The brisket that put Austin on the BBQ map. Worth every minute in line.
$$Suerte
East Austin · Mexican
Interior Mexican cuisine elevated with Texas ingredients. The suadero tacos are transcendent.
$$$Kemuri Tatsuya
East Austin · Japanese BBQ
Japanese smokehouse and izakaya. Yakiniku, creative small plates, and a great patio.
$$$Taqueria 10 de 10
East Side · Mexican
Counter-service tacos and Mexican breakfast. Consistently great and no-frills.
$$Terry Black's BBQ
Barton Springs Rd · Texas BBQ
Old-school pits, cold beer, and some of the best ribs in town.
$$Nixta Taqueria
East Cesar Chavez · Mexican-Southern
Handmade corn tortillas and wildly creative fillings. Tiny and mighty.
$$
Where to
Drink
Mama Dearest
East Austin · Cocktails
One of our favorite Austin bars—bizarre, unforgettable, and filled with doll heads, taxidermy, and trailer-park charm.
$$Meanwhile Brewing
Southeast · Craft Beer
Sprawling outdoor grounds, great lagers, and a neighborhood-gathering energy.
$$Drink.Well
North Loop · Cocktails
Serious cocktails in a relaxed neighborhood setting. The seasonal menu always delivers.
$$$Radio Coffee & Beer
South Lamar · Coffee & Beer
Great coffee by day, craft beer by night. Live music on the patio most weekends.
$Small Victory
South Congress · Wine & Cocktails
Natural wines and inventive cocktails in a jewel-box of a bar.
$$$Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
South Austin · Coffee & Beer
Lush garden vibes, permaculture ethos, and tacos from the trailer out front.
$
What to
Explore
Barton Springs Pool
Zilker · Swimming
A spring-fed pool that stays 68°F year-round. The soul of Austin since the beginning.
South Congress Avenue
SoCo · Shopping & Strolling
Vintage shops, murals, and people-watching. Stop for a Lammes praline.
Mount Bonnell
West Austin · Views
A short climb for a panoramic sunset over Lake Austin. Bring something to toast with.
The Continental Club
South Congress · Live music
Historic venue since 1955. Intimate room for blues, rock, and roots. A true Austin institution.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
Downtown · Walk / Run / Paddle
10 miles of trails hugging the water. Rent a kayak or SUP from the boardwalk.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
Barton Springs · Classic fun
Two 18-hole courses since 1948. Quirky obstacles, cheap beer, and Austin vibes. Cash only.
Butler Pitch and Putt
Zilker · Golf
9-hole par-3 by the lake since 1950. Quick round, cheap, and one of the best views in town.
