Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Walking distance from the duplex. Opens early and stays open late. Good coffee, nice food, good beer selection and often has live music. Free yoga on weekday mornings.
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Cherrywood Coffeehouse
1400 E 38th 1/2 StWalking distance from the duplex. Opens early and stays open late. Good coffee, nice food, good beer selection and often has live music. Free yoga on weekday mornings.
Love this place. Great coffee and a good vibe. Also a great beer selection. Just a mile from the duplex, so walk there through French place for a latte and a cinnamon roll or a beer and a bagel dog!
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Thunderbird Coffee
2200 Manor RdLove this place. Great coffee and a good vibe. Also a great beer selection. Just a mile from the duplex, so walk there through French place for a latte and a cinnamon roll or a beer and a bagel dog!
One of the best restaurants in Austin, just a mile south of the duplex. Can be hard to get a seat at night, but they have an awesome brunch/lunch menu as well. All locally sourced provenance.
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Dai Due
2406 Manor RdOne of the best restaurants in Austin, just a mile south of the duplex. Can be hard to get a seat at night, but they have an awesome brunch/lunch menu as well. All locally sourced provenance.
Cafe at the newest H-E-B grocery store, with surprisingly good food, decent bar/beer and wine selection and regular outdoor music.
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Café Mueller by H-E-B
1801 E 51st StCafe at the newest H-E-B grocery store, with surprisingly good food, decent bar/beer and wine selection and regular outdoor music.
Hip burrito factory. Homegrown in Texas. Better than Chipotle. There are a few around town.
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Freebirds World Burrito
515 S Congress AveHip burrito factory. Homegrown in Texas. Better than Chipotle. There are a few around town.
Dolce Vita
Great little coffee shop, wine bar and gelateria.
Great little Italian food trailer outside the Butterfly Bar. All fresh made pasta. Good place to go at night when the weather is nice.
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Patrizi's
2307 Manor RdGreat little Italian food trailer outside the Butterfly Bar. All fresh made pasta. Good place to go at night when the weather is nice.
Salty Sow
1917 Manor RdGreat happy hour. Good food and great cocktails.
Chicken-fried steak, pork ribs, sandwiches & sides are the calling cards of this Southern kitchen.
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Hoover's Cooking
2002 Manor RdChicken-fried steak, pork ribs, sandwiches & sides are the calling cards of this Southern kitchen.
Mi Madre's Restaurant
2201 Manor RdGreat little family-owned Tex-Mex place.
Good breakfast tacos. Good burritos. Good aguas frescas. Outdoor seating only.
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El Chilito
2219 Manor RdGood breakfast tacos. Good burritos. Good aguas frescas. Outdoor seating only.
Popular local, hip taco joint. Green chile quest and chips. Lots of taps. Nice outdoor patio.
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Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StPopular local, hip taco joint. Green chile quest and chips. Lots of taps. Nice outdoor patio.
Fantastic coffee in old east Austin. The baristas here really know what they are doing.
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Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
1111 Chicon StFantastic coffee in old east Austin. The baristas here really know what they are doing.
Sputnik
1300 East 6th StreetBurgers that rival the great Casino el Camino.
Buenos Aires Café
1201 E 6th StAwesome little Argentinian restaurant.
French Vietnamese restaurant. Go there for breakfast and have some of the best French pastries in town.
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Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StFrench Vietnamese restaurant. Go there for breakfast and have some of the best French pastries in town.
Nice Japanese coffee shop at Canopy (local artist studio enclave with some cool shops in an old warehouse district). There's also a new outlet on Airport Blvd.
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Sa-Tén
916 Springdale RdNice Japanese coffee shop at Canopy (local artist studio enclave with some cool shops in an old warehouse district). There's also a new outlet on Airport Blvd.
Most restaurants in Austin will have some vegetarian and a few vegan options on the menu, but Counter Culture is one of the only well established vegan-only restaurants here. Works for vegetarians as well, of course, and while this is a meat-eater's town in a lot of ways, the more open minded omnivores among us have found plenty of good eats there. Check it out!
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Counter Culture
2908 E Cesar Chavez StMost restaurants in Austin will have some vegetarian and a few vegan options on the menu, but Counter Culture is one of the only well established vegan-only restaurants here. Works for vegetarians as well, of course, and while this is a meat-eater's town in a lot of ways, the more open minded omnivores among us have found plenty of good eats there. Check it out!
You want ice cream but can't take the cream? Vegan ice cream is here for you. Can't avoid the calories, but who wants too?
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Sweet Ritual
4631 Airport BlvdYou want ice cream but can't take the cream? Vegan ice cream is here for you. Can't avoid the calories, but who wants too?
One of Austin's oldest vegetarian/vegan restaurants. In historic Hyde Park.
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Mother's Cafe
One of Austin's oldest vegetarian/vegan restaurants. In historic Hyde Park.
Long time vegetarian/veganTex-Mex restaurant and bakery. Good tamales! They have another location on South Lamar.
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Mr. Natural
1901 E Cesar Chavez StLong time vegetarian/veganTex-Mex restaurant and bakery. Good tamales! They have another location on South Lamar.
All over town, your Austin homegrown one-stop-shop for fresh juices, energy shots, cleansers, etc. I like apple lemon ginger personally. Make up your own or choose from their endless menu of drink combinations. Some of their shops also have some healthy food options. The other one near us is on Duval, right next to the Sweet Ritual vegan ice creamery.
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JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs RdAll over town, your Austin homegrown one-stop-shop for fresh juices, energy shots, cleansers, etc. I like apple lemon ginger personally. Make up your own or choose from their endless menu of drink combinations. Some of their shops also have some healthy food options. The other one near us is on Duval, right next to the Sweet Ritual vegan ice creamery.
You will get one of the best chicken fried steaks in town, along with a number of other Texas favorites. Very classy, upscale place, which makes the humble Texas food shine the way it is supposed to shine. The Jacoby family runs a ranch a few hours north west of Austin. They have great food, great cocktails, a great wine list ... they know what they are doing. Can get busy on the weekends. Book a table for big groups.
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Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
3235 E Cesar Chavez StYou will get one of the best chicken fried steaks in town, along with a number of other Texas favorites. Very classy, upscale place, which makes the humble Texas food shine the way it is supposed to shine. The Jacoby family runs a ranch a few hours north west of Austin. They have great food, great cocktails, a great wine list ... they know what they are doing. Can get busy on the weekends. Book a table for big groups.
Great French-style bistro, 1920's style. Steak Frites, Beef Tartare, etc. Candles on the tables, dark but lively, a fun, energetic place. They don't take reservations, so go there, get a drink at the bar, and for the love of God order that steak medium rare!
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Justine's
4710 E 5th StGreat French-style bistro, 1920's style. Steak Frites, Beef Tartare, etc. Candles on the tables, dark but lively, a fun, energetic place. They don't take reservations, so go there, get a drink at the bar, and for the love of God order that steak medium rare!
You are in Texas, but you are a vegan. You really should eat a bacon cheeseburger. How about a house-made soy & gluten free patty, stacked with house-made seitan bac'n, melted cheeze, mayo, ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, onions, pickles, lettuce? Arlo's vegan food truck has the answer for you. Outside Cheer-up Charlies. oh, p.s. - sweet potato fries. That is all.
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Arlo's
2906 Fruth StYou are in Texas, but you are a vegan. You really should eat a bacon cheeseburger. How about a house-made soy & gluten free patty, stacked with house-made seitan bac'n, melted cheeze, mayo, ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, onions, pickles, lettuce? Arlo's vegan food truck has the answer for you. Outside Cheer-up Charlies. oh, p.s. - sweet potato fries. That is all.
Good ramen from the folks that brought you Kome. They specialize in whole chicken broth ramen made with eggless tapioca-based ramen noodles, and the stock and bases are freshly made every day from scratch. Their vegetable ramen is vegan, and they can "veganize" some of their other menu items as well.
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Daruma Ramen
5301 Airport BoulevardGood ramen from the folks that brought you Kome. They specialize in whole chicken broth ramen made with eggless tapioca-based ramen noodles, and the stock and bases are freshly made every day from scratch. Their vegetable ramen is vegan, and they can "veganize" some of their other menu items as well.
Sushi, sashimi and other Japanese specialties done right. These folks used to work for Uchi, so you get Uchi standards for Kome prices. They have great lunch specials. Check them out!
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Komé
5301 Airport Blvd Sushi, sashimi and other Japanese specialties done right. These folks used to work for Uchi, so you get Uchi standards for Kome prices. They have great lunch specials. Check them out!
Great vegetarian and vegan breakfast/brunch place, with lots of menu options.
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Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StGreat vegetarian and vegan breakfast/brunch place, with lots of menu options.
Best "upscale" burgers in town. Texas company, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. They have chicken, turkey, tuna and veggie options for those not seeking red meat. Fantastic burgers, a top notch bar with great cocktails and good local beer. Don't be afraid of the line. You can order your drinks in line while you wait to order. They have another location in north Austin on Andersen Lane.
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Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveBest "upscale" burgers in town. Texas company, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. They have chicken, turkey, tuna and veggie options for those not seeking red meat. Fantastic burgers, a top notch bar with great cocktails and good local beer. Don't be afraid of the line. You can order your drinks in line while you wait to order. They have another location in north Austin on Andersen Lane.
Seriously, it's the best. Anthony Bourdain says so. President Obama says so. Texas Monthly says so. And I say so. Is it worth the wait? Only if you love BBQ and recognize love requires sacrifice. Get there before 9am ... 8:30 if you want to wait in the shade before the doors open at 11:00. Bring some folding chairs and some cards, or a newspaper, and some coffee. Treat it like a chill tailgate and talk to your neighbors. You will have a blast. It's worth it. If you just cannot stand to wait the full four hours, try La Barbecue, John Mueller Meat Company or Mickelthwaits. It's all good!
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Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StSeriously, it's the best. Anthony Bourdain says so. President Obama says so. Texas Monthly says so. And I say so. Is it worth the wait? Only if you love BBQ and recognize love requires sacrifice. Get there before 9am ... 8:30 if you want to wait in the shade before the doors open at 11:00. Bring some folding chairs and some cards, or a newspaper, and some coffee. Treat it like a chill tailgate and talk to your neighbors. You will have a blast. It's worth it. If you just cannot stand to wait the full four hours, try La Barbecue, John Mueller Meat Company or Mickelthwaits. It's all good!
Best ice cream in town. They usually have a couple of vegan options as well. Good coffee as well.
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Dolce Neve Gelato
1713 S 1st StBest ice cream in town. They usually have a couple of vegan options as well. Good coffee as well.
Essentials
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdCentral Texas grocery store. All the essentials.
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdCentral Texas grocery. All the essentials.
Fantastic local cheesemonger. You should go just to take a look at what they have put together. Love these guys.
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Antonelli's Cheese Shop
4220 Duval StFantastic local cheesemonger. You should go just to take a look at what they have put together. Love these guys.
One of the oldest grocery stores in Austin, first opened back in 1927. Emphasis on local businesses and products created within Austin and its neighboring communities, in addition to the big brands.
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Fresh Plus Grocery
1221 W Lynn StOne of the oldest grocery stores in Austin, first opened back in 1927. Emphasis on local businesses and products created within Austin and its neighboring communities, in addition to the big brands.
Don’t miss Texas’ only food co-op! Focus is on organic and healthy options, including lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. The kinder, gentler Whole Foods. Nicest staff to boot.
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Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe StDon’t miss Texas’ only food co-op! Focus is on organic and healthy options, including lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. The kinder, gentler Whole Foods. Nicest staff to boot.
Want the Whole Foods feel without the Whole Foods hype. H.E.B. (another Central Texas grocery chain) has their upmarket outlet that easily competes with Whole Foods on organic, fresh, high grade fruits, veggies, meats, etc. The stores are laid our IKEA-like, so you just have to see everything. There is another one on South Lamar.
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdWant the Whole Foods feel without the Whole Foods hype. H.E.B. (another Central Texas grocery chain) has their upmarket outlet that easily competes with Whole Foods on organic, fresh, high grade fruits, veggies, meats, etc. The stores are laid our IKEA-like, so you just have to see everything. There is another one on South Lamar.
Everything Else
Twin Liquors
1801 E 51st StHuge wine, beer and liquor selection. Closed on Sundays.
Twin Liquors
1801 E 51st StHuge beer, wine and liquor selection. Closed on Sundays.
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
1905 S 1st StCupcakes. Need we say more?
Parks & Nature
Awesome natural spring pool in the heart of Austin. Take a breath before you jump in ... that water's cold! Good hang for people watching on the lawns that run along the pool. Check to web to make sure they are open.
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAwesome natural spring pool in the heart of Austin. Take a breath before you jump in ... that water's cold! Good hang for people watching on the lawns that run along the pool. Check to web to make sure they are open.
Go when the water is running. The Greenbelt actually starts in Zilker and runs west for 8 miles out past Sculpture Falls. Mostly easy hike, with a few ups and downs and rough patches. Easy to moderate, good for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. You can jump on the trail off Mopac (Loop 1) at the "Twin Falls" access point and get to Sculpture Falls faster. One of the best free natural swimming holes in Austin.
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Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayGo when the water is running. The Greenbelt actually starts in Zilker and runs west for 8 miles out past Sculpture Falls. Mostly easy hike, with a few ups and downs and rough patches. Easy to moderate, good for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. You can jump on the trail off Mopac (Loop 1) at the "Twin Falls" access point and get to Sculpture Falls faster. One of the best free natural swimming holes in Austin.
If you don't want to climb the uneven trail at the Loop 360 "Pennybacker" Bridge, but you still want to see the sunset, head to Mt. Bonnell and climb the 80 or so stairs for a good view of the lake, West Austin and downtown. For those of you who like movies, this is where Richard Linklater ended his odyssey through early 90s Austin in Slacker.
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Mount Bonnell
If you don't want to climb the uneven trail at the Loop 360 "Pennybacker" Bridge, but you still want to see the sunset, head to Mt. Bonnell and climb the 80 or so stairs for a good view of the lake, West Austin and downtown. For those of you who like movies, this is where Richard Linklater ended his odyssey through early 90s Austin in Slacker.
Austin has a great running/biking track that runs the length of Ladybird Lake downtown. From the Roy Crenshaw Bridge (spanning the river at Mopac (Loop 1) all the way down and across Longhorn Dam on the east end. It now includes the new Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail boardwalk on the south side of the river around I35, allowing a full 10 mile loop if you run the whole thing. To see the new boardwalk, park on Lakeshore Drive and take the trail west toward I35.
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Ann And Roy Butler Hike And Bike Trail
Austin has a great running/biking track that runs the length of Ladybird Lake downtown. From the Roy Crenshaw Bridge (spanning the river at Mopac (Loop 1) all the way down and across Longhorn Dam on the east end. It now includes the new Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail boardwalk on the south side of the river around I35, allowing a full 10 mile loop if you run the whole thing. To see the new boardwalk, park on Lakeshore Drive and take the trail west toward I35.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great little bar tucked away on Manor Road. Attached to the Vortex Theatre. Just a mile from the duplex.
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The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdGreat little bar tucked away on Manor Road. Attached to the Vortex Theatre. Just a mile from the duplex.
A hidden gem on the eastside. "Dive" bar hiding some of the best blues and country acts in town. Spend a night there watching the East Side Kings and Miss Lavelle White, and you will believe.
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Skylark Lounge
2039 Airport BlvdA hidden gem on the eastside. "Dive" bar hiding some of the best blues and country acts in town. Spend a night there watching the East Side Kings and Miss Lavelle White, and you will believe.
Fantastic cocktails. A bit on the pricey side, but you can have a good drink there to start the night and then hit East Sixth.
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Ah Sing Den
1100 E 6th StFantastic cocktails. A bit on the pricey side, but you can have a good drink there to start the night and then hit East Sixth.
The White Horse
500 Comal StGreat live shows, good hangout.
Hard rock bar with fantastic food. For many returning to Austin, their burger is a first stop.
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Casino El Camino
517 E 6th StHard rock bar with fantastic food. For many returning to Austin, their burger is a first stop.
Historic Scoot Inn
1308 E 4th StTwo bars and live music. What's not to love?
Rock, country, jazz & blues acts, national & local, are found at this legendary South Congress club. A must-do bucket list item for those who are in Austin for the music.
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The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveRock, country, jazz & blues acts, national & local, are found at this legendary South Congress club. A must-do bucket list item for those who are in Austin for the music.
Great jazz club hosting some of the best jazz acts around the world. It must be good, because I caught Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner sneaking in there for a listen and a drink back when they shot A Perfect World. Whatever you think about his politics, Clint knows jazz! : )
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Elephant Room
315 Congress AveGreat jazz club hosting some of the best jazz acts around the world. It must be good, because I caught Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner sneaking in there for a listen and a drink back when they shot A Perfect World. Whatever you think about his politics, Clint knows jazz! : )
Shopping
Antique store, junk shop, hipster heaven. Off all the similar stores in Austin, Uncommon Objects is the most Austin-y. You could go back every day for a year and find something "new" every time. Great stop in the summer to get out of the hear while you are strolling up the hip South Congress scene.
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Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View RdAntique store, junk shop, hipster heaven. Off all the similar stores in Austin, Uncommon Objects is the most Austin-y. You could go back every day for a year and find something "new" every time. Great stop in the summer to get out of the hear while you are strolling up the hip South Congress scene.
Sightseeing
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveFantastic place to see the sunset and a cliffside view of the Loop 360 "Pennybacker" Bridge. To get to the right vantage point, drive south on Loop 360 and park next to the limestone cliffs BEFORE you cross the bridge. Very short, slightly challenging climb to get to the top, overlooking the bridge and Lake Austin. If you don't want to climb the uneven trail, but you still want to see the sunset, head to Mt. Bonnell and climb the 80 or so stairs for a good view of the lake, West Austin and downtown.
209 Einheimische empfehlen
360 Bridge
4801 Plaza on the LakeFantastic place to see the sunset and a cliffside view of the Loop 360 "Pennybacker" Bridge. To get to the right vantage point, drive south on Loop 360 and park next to the limestone cliffs BEFORE you cross the bridge. Very short, slightly challenging climb to get to the top, overlooking the bridge and Lake Austin. If you don't want to climb the uneven trail, but you still want to see the sunset, head to Mt. Bonnell and climb the 80 or so stairs for a good view of the lake, West Austin and downtown.
Running from the river south towards Oltorf St, this stretch of Congress is now one of the hottest shopping, foodie, busy areas in town. Lots of shops, good food, and an awesome place to people watch. Make sure to look back north to see a great view of downtown and the Texas capitol building.
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South Congress
Running from the river south towards Oltorf St, this stretch of Congress is now one of the hottest shopping, foodie, busy areas in town. Lots of shops, good food, and an awesome place to people watch. Make sure to look back north to see a great view of downtown and the Texas capitol building.
Whole Foods started in Austin. We knew them before they took over the entire world. And we call this one on Lamar between 5th and 6th streets the "mothership". It is their flagship store, and it has to be seen to be believed, so much so that I put this Whole Foods in sightseeing rather than essentials. More than a grocery store. Go check it out.
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Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdWhole Foods started in Austin. We knew them before they took over the entire world. And we call this one on Lamar between 5th and 6th streets the "mothership". It is their flagship store, and it has to be seen to be believed, so much so that I put this Whole Foods in sightseeing rather than essentials. More than a grocery store. Go check it out.