By now, you’ve found your place to hang your hat at night and you’re a pro at getting around downtown Austin. If you ask any local, chances are they’re a transplant from somewhere else. Just ask Willie Nelson. There’s a reason he abandoned the rhinestone cowboy-filled town of Nashville for Austin in his Nike’s and bandana. This town has a cosmic pull that attracts the creatives and free thinkers. We’re the place that birthed the Cosmic Cowboy revolution of Willie and Jerry Jeff Walker and the inspiration (and adopted home of Houstonian) Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused. The tech community transformation that has been unfolding here for years can be traced decades before you heard “Dude, you’re getting a Dell!” Our nicknames range from the Live Music Capital of the World, to Silicon Hills to the Violet Crown because of the purple glow you can spot over the hills of West Austin at sunset.

So whether you’re from Austin, a newbie, or just a weekend visitor, we’re glad you’re here. The first rule to being a Texan is bragging about it. So consider this guide our bragging rights to why we love this place so much. Here’s some tips to making the most out of Austin while you’re experiencing our pop-up creative village downtown or heading to the South Congress area. This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything that makes this place unique, but we’ll be periodically updating it to reflect all the gems, new and old. 

Revolución

This Austin outpost of the San Antonio born juice and coffee bar is the perfect place to grab a green juice and a latte and sit down to relax away from the hustle of downtown Austin.

Desnudo

Coffee cult fanatics cue up for their notable drinks like the brown sugar miso lattes (plus it’s right next to the Fareground Food Hall). After hitting the trailer, grab a seat under a hundred-year live oak. 

Bill’s Oyster

The perfect balance between casual and the place to grab a seafood tower before the next talk. Whether you’re focused on a happy hour vibe of dry martinis, ceviche, and mozzarella sticks and caviar or have more time for a seafood tower, do not sleep on their burger, which is easily one of the best in town.

The Victorian (inside the Driskill Hotel)

The rumors are true, and we couldn’t be more excited: legendary British chef April Bloomfield (known for her groundbreaking New York restaurants The Spotted Pig and the Breslin) has created a Western inspired pub inside the historic Driskill Hotel where you can order deviled eggs alongside savory Texas jalapeno twinkies and burger topped with crispy onions and cheddar.

Uchiba

You have probably heard of Uchi, one of Austin’s longstanding non-traditional Japanese inspired restaurant from Tyson Cole, but if you don’t have time (or can’t score a res at Uchi or Uchiko), Uchiba is an izakaya-inspired downtown restaurant in the constellation of the Uchi family that delivers on the greatest hits of Uchi classic, between sushi, yakitori, and more.

Olamaie

Even though Olamaie is technically just outside of downtown Austin (in Judge’s Hill), it’s just north as the crow flies downtown. This Michelin-starred Southern restaurant is known for where fine dining meets Southern hospitality (and if you’ve already heard about the biscuits, you should know that you can’t leave without trying them).

Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue

It’s rare that most BBQ joints are open after sunset, but if you’re feeling the urge to experience fancy barbecue in a historic building, you’ve found the right place.

Royal Blue Grocery

Your grab-and-go spot for breakfast or lunch or snacks and beverages to fill your hotel mini bar.

Veracruz All Natural

If you ask anyone for their favorite breakfast taco in town, they’ll likely name drop Veracruz, which has mastered the migas taco hands down. What began as one food truck has bloomed into multiple locations all over the city to provide some of the tastiest breakfast and lunch taco options on freshly made tortillas. 

Casino El Camino

You’re standing in the middle of what we lovingly refer to as Dirty Sixth when hunger strikes. Look no further than dive bar Casino El Camino to order a Chicago burger (no clue why it’s named for that) but a classic cheeseburger to satisfy any level of appetite or the chicken wings and head to the little oasis patio in the back for a quiet moment away from it all.

Taco Deli

If you took away most of the cliches about Austin, you could never remove our love for breakfast tacos, or tacos in general. Taco Deli has locations all over the city, but their downtown location is the perfect spot to grab a quick potato egg and cheese with their spicy dona (jalapeno) salsa or a lunch or dinner taco spread.

Hokkaisan Japanese Deli Sushi

When you need fresh sushi, a bento box or a chicken teriyaki bowl within walking distance of The Paramount Theatre, head over to Hokkaisan for Japanese grocery and deli essentials.

P. Terry’s Burger Stand

Our beloved Texan burger chain (besides Whataburger) known for delicious hamburgers, fries and milkshakes that is quick, easy and always affordable.

Austin Rotiserrie 

This French-inspired eaterie is conveniently located in The Fareground Food Hall and the place to order a roasted chicken (over salad, in a sandwich, or with their crispy potatoes) that would make any French grandmother proud.  

Rosen’s Bagels

Don’t have a ton of time but want a breakfast or lunch that can be devoured in the sunshine? Rosen’s has everything from classic breakfast bagel sandwiches to lunch B.L.T.s and more. 

Hopdoddy’s 

If you want a well seasoned burger on a brioche bun, you’ve come to the right place. And if you haven’t had enough queso since you got to Austin, you can always order the green chili queso fries to keep the good times rolling.

Spicy Boys Fried Chicken

You’ve probably heard about the “O.G. Fried Chicken” sandwich at Spicy Boys, which is known for Thai-style fried chicken. It’s dressed with papaya relish, Thai basil ranch, chili-honey sauce, crispy shallots, and scallions but don’t forget to order a side of papaya salad. Stroll to lively East Sixth, or better yet opt for delivery to your hotel after a long day of panels and networking. 

Via 313

Even though you might want to schedule a power nap right after you devour this Detroit-style pizza, it’s totally worth it (especially The Cadillac: a thick crusted pizza topped with gorgonzola, prosciutto, parmesan, fig preserves, and a balsamic glaze).

Food Trucks on Rainey Street

Food trucks started popping up around the city in the early 90’s but has transformed into a citywide movement. Follow your nose to the food trucks on Rainey Street for a wide selection of culinary options for a quick bite to refuel from all of the downtown walking you’re doing.

Luby’s

If you ask any Texan, they’re going to have a strong reaction to Luby’s that can really showcase a range of emotions, and we’re here for it. The nostalgic cafeteria style menu hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1947. This newly opened Downtown outpost includes the classic hits, like fried okra, mashed potatoes and collard greens, mac ‘ cheese, jello with whipped cream, and so much more. Pick up your cafeteria tray and transport yourself to a different era.

Texas Chili Parlor

The longstanding extended living room for SXSW, the Texas Chili Parlor is both a place for eating a proper bowl of chili, which by the way, should never include beans and also the perfect happy hour spot for a margarita and cheering on the Longhorns. 

The Cloak Room

The bar where lobbyists, staffers, and interns from both sides of the political aisle gather for a post-work drink just steps away from the state capital. Tucked away below a stairwell to the basement level of the 19th century building it inhabits, The Cloak Room is a fun neighborhood bar and gathering spot for a good hang after a meal at The Texas Chili Parlor down the street.

Little Brother

Come here at the crack of dawn for a coffee or return after the sun goes down for a tiki-inspired drink, a good beer or a tasty wine. A word to the wise: there are only 4 bar stools inside and a small outside patio, so it will feel as if you’ve stepped into a cozy and incredibly intimate neighborhood bar. 

Half Step

You’re on Rainey Street and need to have a chat inside of a dimly lit bar. Half Step creates a balance between fancy cocktails and classic drinks and if it’s too dark inside for you, head to their outside patio for a raucously lively scene. 

The Stay Put

This pet-friendly bar is brewing their own beers, which are lauded as some of the best on Rainey. And if hops aren’t your thing, order one of their cocktails on draft, grab a table outside and enjoy the people watching that will unfold.

Here Nor There

Do you like hidden bars that require a bit of stealth searching? You’ve come to the right place, just don’t forget to download their app to nab a reservation, which will give you the special code to enter. Once inside, expect hand cut ice cubes and nitrogen-cooled concoctions and cocktails that world-renowned bartenders appreciate.

Texas Trees at the State Capitol Grounds

If you ask any Texan, one of the most beloved residents we have is our trees, especially the pecans and oaks that make Austin feel so special. Take a nature break from downtown and walk to the main grounds of the Texas State Capitol, where you can enjoy over 100 varieties of Texas trees that include Red Bud, Bald Cypress, and more.

Milk and Honey Spa

Head to the 2nd Street District location of this award-winning spa for a massage, facial, manicure and body treatments to help you unwind (they also have other locations around the city if you decide to venture outside of downtown).

Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts (Inside Antone’s)

If you’ve been to the SXSW Music Festival & Conference in the past, you might have stumbled upon Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts before watching a show inside the legendary music venue, Antone’s. It’s right inside the venue and specializes in carrying extremely rare vinyl pressings and Antone’s merch.

Peter Pan Golf

What other putt-putt golf place is BYOB, right across the street from P. Terry’s burger stand, and a spot where you can play golf through a winding course filled with bizarro sculptures that include tattooed fairies, a longhorn skull, a taco covered in ants, and a big blue skateboarding rabbit? Plus, it’s been in business here since 1948. 

Butler Pitch N’ Putt

Rumor has it that this was Jimmy Buffet’s go-to spot whenever he’d visit Austin, and when Willie Nelson isn’t at his beloved Muny golf course, you might find him here. The nine par-3 holes pitch n’ putt course also has putting greens, artisanal beers and wine for purchase inside the clubhouse, and killer smash burgers and fried okra from Gimme Burger right next to it.

A Walk Around Town Lake

If you need an excuse to walk off all of the chips and queso you’ve been hopefully enjoying too much of while you’re here, head to town Lake’s hike and bike trail (a.k.a. Lady Bird Lake) to take in the views at one of the most integral parts of the city. By the way—we call it town lake but it’s technically a reservoir that’s part of the Colorado River in case anyone asks.

Jo’s Coffee

It’s not just the iconic “I love you so much” graffiti spray painted on the side of the Jo’s Coffee stand wall where thousands of visitors take selfies. This coffee, taco, and sandwich stand has been the pinnacle of people watching hubs on South Congress since 1999. (There’s also a downtown location, too.)

Two Hands 

For flat white connoisseurs, this Australian-inspired cafe will deliver what you need. Order from their take-out window if you’re on a shopping spree, or head into the cafe for a delicious brunch or lunch filled with beach-inspired items like their avocado toast or salmon quinoa bowl with a jammy egg.

Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden

Further down South Congress from the shoppable areas, if you are in need of a lush desert meets garden oasis that looks so beautiful, you’re wondering if it’s a mirage, you might need to drink more water but also it just means you’ve located Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden. There’s outdoor mister fans to keep you cool, and some of the best food trucks in the city (make sure to order the breakfast or lunch tacos from Pueblo Viejo). 

Home Slice

One of the best pizza slices in town. And if you’re craving something beyond pizza, order the turkey sub, Italian sub, or veggie sub for a classic Italian sandwich moment.

Aba

When you need an outdoor Mediterranean lunch set of kebabs, hummus and homemade pita bread or falafel in a serene outdoor cafe that feels like you’ve rolled into Santa Monica. 

Joann’s Fine Foods

When it comes to Tex-Mex, if you ask anyone in Austin about the tortilla situation around town, the preference is usually flour over corn, but of course this is up for debate. At Joann’s, the flour tortillas are homemade at this part Tex-Mex, part American inspired cafe. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner for tasty enchiladas, fajitas, or diner plates like a classic turkey club. If you find yourself here on the weekend, brunch is king and includes special items like blue corn pancakes and breakfast chicken fried steak (with eggs).

Perla’s 

Blessed by Anthony Bourdain many years ago, Perlas continues to be the spot to pull up for a dozen oysters, crispy french fries and a cold glass of rosé on a sunny Austin day.

June’s All Day

The all day bistro and wine bar where you can order the artichoke with fries and a glass of chilled natural wine, sit outside under the sun, and forget that so much time has passed from the people watching that is so fun to do here.

Maie Day

The chilled out version of a steakhouse, where you can walk in in jeans and no reservation and saddle up at the bar for a cocktail and order steakhouse classics like shrimp cocktail, prime rib, caesar salad with ease or have a sit down meal if you couldn’t get a reservation at their sit down Michelin-starred restaurant, Olamaie.

Café No Sé

You’ve been shopping your heart out on South Congress, so you deserve to treat yourself to a sit down brunch, lunch, or dinner at this all day cafe (don’t miss the buttery homemade croissant or golden milk latte). 

Toasty Badger

If you’re craving diner classics in a 1970s setting, Toasty Badger is the place to order biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, or fluffy and sweet griddle cakes. 

Otoko

If you’re ready to spend hundreds of dollars on sushi in less than an hour, this is where you should do it. The 12-seat omakase tasting counter (located upstairs at the South Congress hotel) is where hamachi, crispy tempura, mouth-watering uni or sushi will be served with Fugazi playing in the background for a Texas meets Japan experience.

Rivian Electric Roadhouse

Head to the Rivian Hub located just beyond the South Congress bridge for dynamic exhibits and exciting events. During the week, you can attend an official SXSW morning session in the courtyard and experience the Rivian R2 vehicle, all while getting inspired in a setting that captures the spirit of adventure, innovation and possibility.

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge

If you ask the almost 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Congress bridge about the future, they’d tell you that it looks female thanks to the maternal colony. We love them for keeping pest control down in their peak months, kicking things off during SXSW in March until they head south for winter in November. Catching them at sunset until dusk is peak amazement time, when you can hear their little sonar squeaking and witness their flight patterns against a beautiful Texas skyline. 

The Continental Club

One of the oldest continuously running music clubs in Austin, The legendary Continental Club started out as a supper club, then a burlesque venue, eventually becoming the music hub for Austin legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Paul Ray and the Cobras, Joe Ely, Bill Carter and the Blame and many more onstage. Not only is this one of SXSW’s favorite music venues, but a mainstay of Austin history that’s also shaping its music future. Grab a drink and enjoy the musical set in front of you.

The Jade Room at C Boys Heart & Soul

Step inside C Boys Heart & Soul nightclub, where on any given night, Jimmy Ray Vaughan (Stevie’s brother) or musical act ranging in blues, rock, and more is playing. Hang a left and head upstairs to the Jade Room, a Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge that’s dimly lit by neon signs and feels like it’s something straight out of a Kurosawa film to order a high ball or your cocktail of choice.

Allens Boots, Heritage Boot Co., and Tecovas

Are you really Texan without a pair of cowboy boots? All three stores have some of the most excellent cowboy boot selections in the city.

Maufrais 

Owned by the son of Allen Boot’s owner Steve Greenberg, Maufrais is the place to get your very own custom shaped cowboy hat at their hat bar. While they press and shape it, walk around to shop for one of a kind tableware, textiles, candles, apparel and more that’s evocative of our Southwestern state.

Feather’s Boutique Vintage

Whether you’ve been searching for 1940s shoes to channel Lauren Baccal or searching for that vintage Bob Dylan shirt that could only be found in legendary vintage stores in Tokyo, it’s likely here at one of the top vintage shops in Austin.

Stag

The modern day menswear shop that’s bridging the gap between affordable and fancy prices through its American-designed clothes and antiques. Named one of the top men’s clothing stores in America by GQ and Esquire, it’s the epitome of men’s fashion and style.

Ego’s

If you’re in the mood for people watching or throwing yourself into the gauntlet of karaoke, you’ve come to the right place. The entrance is easy to miss (it’s located in the parking garage), but Ego’s is a South Congress mainstay that’s where affordable cocktails and beer, shots, and all cross sections of locals come together to sing their hearts out and leave it on stage.

Equipment Room

Think High Fidelity meets a Japanese kissa vinyl bar tucked away located in the former equipment room of Hotel Magdalena. Between delicious cocktails and snacks, you’ll experience one of Austin’s most unique record collections played on custom vintage hi-fi equipment. Reservations required. 

We can’t wait to see you in Austin this March! In the meantime, plan your schedule and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky to learn about the latest announcements.