Our time in Texas' capitol was incredibly special. Austin has grown so much in the past few years, but the city has stayed true to its "Keep Austin Weird" roots. From speakeasies to stuffing your face with cheese enchiladas, there's so much to do and see. Below are our favorite Austin spots!
Here nor there is a speakeasy that serves cocktails that are inspired by “Global Exploration”, so each drink is influenced by the curator’s travels. The dimly lit, incredibly well-decorated bar is intimate but not uppity and has some incredibly creative and delicious drinks. Make a reservation on their app, definitely a must-do in Austin.
612 Brazos St
All run by the Bunkhouse Group, each one in this trio of sister hotels is special in its own right. Hotel San José is right on the main drag of South Congress, with cozy, low-slung bungalows and a rock ’n’ roll vibe. Austin Motel is the most economic, with an iconic sign and a marquee boasting very Austin messages (“Let Love Become The Legacy” and “So Close Yet So Far Out” are personal favorites). St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music, and that’s why we love the Hotel Saint Cecilia. It’s a beautiful spot where you can borrow vinyl from the lobby for your in-room turntable. But the true draw is the 300-year-old oak in the courtyard, the heart and soul of the property.
Hotel San Jose: 112 Academy Dr
Austin Motel: 1220 S Congress Ave
Hotel St. Cecilia: 1316 S Congress Ave
House-baked sourdough bread and an out-of-this-world raw bar? Count us in. Clark’s is a chic little spot in West Austin run by Larry McGuire, who is also responsible for standouts like Swedish Hill and Vietnamese boulangerie Elizabeth Street Cafe. The shrimp toast is everything you’re dreaming of, and the lobster roll is just as good- if not better- than anything we’ve had on the East Coast. It’s the kind of food you can eat and eat and still feel so healthy and refreshed that you go right back in for more.
1200 W 6th St
Barton Springs + Zilker Park
Barton Springs is a set of four natural water springs located at Barton Creek on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, resulting from water flowing through the Edwards Aquifer. Barton Springs Pool is the most popular and largest swimming hole in the city. With a consistent 70 degree temperature, it’s no wonder Austinites flock to the three-acre, 900-foot long pool in the summer… well, year-round actually- Texas is hot. Bring your swimsuit and a Topo Chico, and prepare for a refreshing dip and great people watching.
2131 William Barton Dr
We love Nixta because it blends traditional Mexican cooking with unconventional ingredients- like, they make their own corn tortillas but use duck confit instead of carnitas. It’s a little more California-inspired than Tex-Mex, and we love its funky atmosphere and their surprisingly extensive list of natural wines. 2512 E 12th St
Matt’s El Rancho is the classic Austin Tex-Mex place. It’s been around for ages and is never going away. The Bob Armstrong dip is actually legendary and the margaritas are some of the best in Austin. It’s a great place for big groups of friends and families.
2613 S Lamar Blvd
For when the Austin sun gets to be a little too much... rent a paddle board or a kayak and go explore Lady Bird Lake!
On Stephen F. Austin Drive, across from Austin High
Rainey Street
Filled with live music and the most fun bars, Rainey Street is West Sixth's cooler, older sibling. We love Container Bar, Parlor Room, and Unbarlievable.
Amazing Tex-Mex and Tequila drinks (the Ranch Water is a classic). Not far from 6th street so the perfect spot for a pre-going out dinner. Great for groups!
616 Nueces St
Tatsu Aikawa founded Ramen Tatsu-ya after missing the amazing ramen he'd had in Japan and LA. He wanted to educate Austinites on what authentic ramen is. There's always a line but it's always worth it.
1234 South Lamar
Named for the red ash released from the live wood fires powering the kitchen's wood burning oven, Red Ash is a great spot for a break from Tex-Mex. Amazing Italian!
303 Colorado St.
