Austin
Austin is a city fueled by creativity, live music, and an independent spirit that makes every neighborhood feel a little different.
Austin blends legendary live music, exceptional food, and an independent spirit into one of America's most creative cities. From swimming at Barton Springs and wandering South Congress to discovering neighborhood cafés, vintage shops, and unforgettable barbecue, the city's best experiences are found by exploring at your own pace. Every neighborhood has its own personality, making Austin a place that's just as rewarding to revisit as it is to discover for the first time.
I've been visiting Austin for more than two decades, watching it evolve while somehow holding onto the creative spirit that made me fall in love with it in the first place. Whether I'm in town for SXSW or simply coming back for a long weekend, I find myself returning to the same neighborhoods, discovering new restaurants, revisiting old favorites, and always leaving with a few more places to add to the list. While the city has grown tremendously over the years, it's never lost the independent spirit that makes it so appealing. Austin has become one of those cities that feels both familiar and full of surprises—and that's exactly why I keep coming back.
Eats
Austin's restaurant scene is one of the best in the country, and narrowing it down isn't easy. These are the places I return to again and again—the ones I recommend to friends and revisit on nearly every trip.
Perla’s
Fresh seafood, oysters, and one of the best patios on South Congress for lunch, dinner, or simply people-watching. I almost always find myself here at least once every trip.
Home Slice Pizza
An Austin institution serving excellent New York-style pizza in a fun, laid-back neighborhood setting. The original South Congress location also has More Home Slice, a walk-up window that's perfect for grabbing a slice, and there's another location on North Loop if you're exploring that part of town.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
A beautiful French-Vietnamese café serving pastries, pho, bánh mì, and some of my favorite breakfasts in Austin. Happy Hours is a must!
Joann's Fine Foods
Located beside the iconic Austin Motel, this stylish Tex-Mex spot is perfect for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or dinner.
Suerte
One of Austin's standout Mexican restaurants, celebrated for its house-made masa, creative dishes, and exceptional cocktails.
Fresa's
Fresh, casual Mexican food that's consistently delicious, whether you're stopping in for lunch or an easy dinner. This is an awesome patio spot and great for large groups. Get the avocado margarita!
Bouldin Creek Cafe
A longtime Austin favorite known for its creative vegetarian menu, relaxed atmosphere, and loyal local following. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a neighborhood secret.
Swedish Hill
A neighborhood bakery and café that's equally good for coffee, pastries, breakfast, or a leisurely lunch. I love the South First location.
The Meteor
Part café, part natural wine bar, part bike shop—one of those uniquely Austin spaces you'll want to linger awhile. Don't skip the burger—it's one of my favorites in the city.
Justine's Brasserie
A lively East Austin French brasserie with one of the city's most magical outdoor patios. If the weather's nice, ask to sit outside, but the bar is just as fun if you're looking for a great meal and a cocktail.
BBQ
Barbecue is woven into Austin's identity, and no one knows the local scene better than my friend Shane Kullberg (@phattyg133), a longtime manager at Home Slice Pizza. He generously shared the places locals recommend when they're looking for some of the best barbecue in town.
We sat down last time I was in Austin and he put this incredibly thoughtful list together for me. Enjoy!]
InterStellar BBQ
One of Austin's most celebrated barbecue spots, known for creative sides and expertly smoked meats. Shane says it's one of the hardest reservations to get—and absolutely worth planning ahead. Michelin One Star.
KG BBQ
An Austin original blending Texas barbecue with Egyptian flavors. Don't miss the lamb, which has become one of the restaurant's signature dishes. Michelin Bib Gourmand.
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
One of the pioneers of new-school Texas barbecue, known for whole-animal butchery, inventive sides, and an ever-changing menu built around what's in season. Michelin One Star.
Distant Relatives
Traditional barbecue with West African influences, creating one of the most unique barbecue experiences in Austin. Shane recommends going early before they sell out. Michelin Bib Gourmand.
la Barbecue
One of Austin's legendary barbecue destinations, serving beautifully smoked brisket, ribs, and house-made sausages that consistently live up to the hype. Michelin One Star.
Stiles Switch BBQ
A longtime local favorite with generous portions, excellent brisket, and a welcoming neighborhood feel that's perfect if you're looking for a classic Texas barbecue experience.
Franklin Barbecue
Probably the most famous barbecue restaurant in Texas—and for good reason. If it's your first trip to Austin and you don't mind the wait, it's an experience worth having. Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Terry Black's Barbecue
One of the easiest places to recommend for visitors, with outstanding barbecue, a spacious dining room, and a location that's convenient from South Congress.
Micklethwait Barbecue
A beloved local favorite serving exceptional barbecue from a laid-back setting with some of the best house-made sausages in town. Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Rollin Smoke BBQ
Started as a food truck and now one of Austin's go-to barbecue spots, serving smoked meats with plenty of personality and consistently excellent reviews.
Live Music & SXSW
Live music is woven into Austin's identity, whether you're visiting during SXSW or any other time of year. While SXSW may get most of the attention, some of my favorite venues keep the music going well beyond the festival itself.
C-Boy's Heart & Soul
One of my favorite places in Austin for live music. If you're visiting around SXSW, check to see if the SoCo Stomp is happening—it typically runs for five days and has become one of my favorite traditions, with dozens of bands playing both indoor and outdoor stages.
The Continental Club
A South Congress institution that's been hosting live music for decades. Even if you don't recognize the band, it's worth stepping inside.
Hotel San José
A South Congress icon with a relaxed courtyard and thoughtful design. During SXSW, I always make a point to stop by the outdoor stage, but it's worth visiting year-round for a drink and to soak up the atmosphere.
Shopping
Austin's independent shops are just as much a part of the city's personality as its restaurants and music venues. These are the places I never miss, whether I'm hunting for a gift, updating my wardrobe, or simply browsing for inspiration.
Prima Dora
A South Congress favorite for colorful gifts, accessories, home décor, and distinctly Austin finds. It's the kind of place where you'll discover something you didn't know you needed—I still laugh about the tile that read, "Sounds Gay, I'm In."
Paper Work
A beautifully curated shop filled with art, jewelry, home goods, books, and gifts from independent makers. I've found some of my favorite jewelry here, while friends have left with everything from artwork to books and home goods.
Very Cherry Vintage
A colorful vintage shop with a fun mix of clothing, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds. It's an easy stop if you're already exploring South Congress.
Devil's Details
A thoughtfully curated vintage boutique with an elevated collection of timeless clothing and accessories. It's right next door to Very Cherry Vintage, making it easy to browse both.
STAG Provisions for Men
One of my favorite menswear shops anywhere, featuring beautifully curated clothing, boots, grooming products, and home goods with a distinctly modern Texas aesthetic.
Vintage Tip: If vintage shopping is high on your Austin list, pick up one of the free local vintage guides available at many of the shops. It highlights stores throughout the city, making it easy to venture beyond South Congress and discover even more great finds.
Worth Seeking Out
Some of my favorite Austin experiences don't involve a reservation. Whether you're cooling off in a spring-fed pool, walking along the lake, or wandering one of the city's most iconic streets, these are the places I always recommend making time for.
Barton Springs Pool
Fed by natural springs and a refreshing 68–70 degrees year-round, Barton Springs is one of Austin's most iconic gathering places. Bring a towel, find a spot on the hillside, and plan to spend a few hours soaking up the Austin vibe.
Deep Eddy Pool
Texas' oldest swimming pool offers a quieter, more laid-back experience than Barton Springs. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot Texas afternoon.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
One of the best ways to experience Austin is on foot. Walk, run, or rent a bike to explore miles of trails with skyline views, public art, and plenty of places to stop along the way.
South Congress
More than just a street, South Congress is the heart of Austin's creative culture. Spend an afternoon browsing local shops, grabbing coffee, listening to live music, and simply wandering without an agenda.
Zilker Park
Austin's backyard. Whether you're headed to Barton Springs, enjoying a picnic, or stretching out beneath the trees, it's one of the city's best places to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
Lake Travis
If you have extra time, head out to Lake Travis for an afternoon on the water or dinner overlooking the lake. It's a completely different side of Austin and well worth the short drive.
Hotels
Whether you're visiting for SXSW or planning a long weekend, these boutique hotels each offer a unique way to experience Austin.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
If I were booking a hotel in Austin, this would be my first choice. Tucked just off South Congress behind a discreet entrance, it's known for its beautiful design, peaceful atmosphere, and inviting pool that feels like a private oasis.
South Congress Hotel
A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of South Congress with excellent restaurants, bars, a rooftop pool, and one of the best locations in the city for exploring on foot.
Hotel San José
One of Austin's original boutique hotels, known for its relaxed courtyard, thoughtful design, and intimate pool. Even if you're not staying here, I always recommend stopping by for a drink—and during SXSW, I never miss the outdoor stage.