"Driving across the Congress Avenue Bridge, you'd never know the world's largest urban bat colony (1.5 million at summer peak) lives under it ... unless you show up at sundown to see them."
I heard that this is the #1 spot for first dates in Austin -- so, yeah, there's a reason for that.
Hands down coolest music venue in Austin. Head outside to the main stage or up the stairs to the rooftop deck that looks over the stage. If you want a more intimate experience head to the back stage.
Banger’s laid-back biergarten aesthetic is a great break from the übercool ethos of Rainey St. Wash down the delish housemade sausages with 100+ taps of craft brew. Stellar vegetarian options, too. Read more.
Worth the hype in every way. Don’t skip the birthday cake ice cream sandwich, no matter how full you are!
Donuts. This place has them. I had fried chicken and cream corn with candied jalapeños on top of one and I still have dreams about it.
One of the oldest recorded tourist attractions in the Austin area and the highest point within Austin's city limits, Mount Bonnell offers fantastic sunset views of Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge.
Lady Bird Lake Trail is a 10-mile loop in the heart of the city. Mile 0 starts at Auditorium Shores, crosses over Interstate 35 into East Austin and loops back around toward the MoPac Bridge.
Austin-based chain of dinner-and-a-movie theaters shows first-run flicks, but it's their signature events - sing-alongs, Weird Wednesdays, Master Pancake and more - that make them a local favorite.
Since 2003, Uchi has received raves for avant-garde creations such as foie gras sushi with pomegranate. Bon Appétit named it one of our Top 10 Sushi Spots in the Country.
Widely considered one of the finest indie record stores in the world, Waterloo boasts an impressive selection of music, knowledgeable staff, fun in-store performances, and much more. Read more.
"Vietnamese with a French accent" is a good description of Elizabeth Street Café. Start with an order of pork buns before digging in to a bowl of pho. More places to eat like a local: tandl.me/12ufz7c
Some of the best tacos in Austin are served by two trucks with national acclaim. Their aguas frescas are not to be missed, and they serve up the best migas taco in Austin. [Eater 38 Member]
We love the cozy, 1869 aesthetic of this restored historic landmark. Pick your poison from the impressive Whiskey Wall and enjoy a plate of BBQ on the enchanting, dog-friendly patio. Read more.
They produce what has quickly become one of Austin's, if not Texas', most talked-about barbecue. It's so good they regularly run out of meat shortly after opening: get there early. [Eater 38 Member]
People get religious about the extra-hot Dona sauce, for good reason: It's just that delicious. Don't overlook the handmade mole, and the brisket Tacoloco may be the best four bucks you ever spent.
Delicious breakfast tacos. And the Mexican iced coffee... I usually order 2 like it's one each for my boyfriend and me, but really they are both for me. So good.
Drive your pickup on down to Driftwood for some seriously good bbq. BYOB. Sit outside. Enjoy the sweet downhome feel of the Texas Hill Country.
Time to carb up, y’all: The street-level bakeshop serves up top-of-the-line breads and pastries; mosey on to the downstairs beer garden and you’ll find mouth-watering cured meats and excellent brews. Read more.
Part of the Rainey St. collection of bars, Clive Bar has a distinct vibe with a nice wooden side porch, perfect for enjoying a drink and the warm Austin weather.
This casual Rainy Street suds spot's got a chandelier made out of wine glasses and a stone-accented patio. Score $2 domestics & $3 import/drafts during 5-7pm happy hour. Read more.
Cool bar on the hip stretch of Rainey Street, with a venue constructed from shipping containers. Get a drink, wander the spaces, enjoy some live music and hanging out in a giant playhouse of spaces
An Austin summertime favorite. This spring-fed natural pool has a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees F. Admission is $3 for adults. Feel free to bring your own gluten-free picnic!
Austin's most loved park, and the place to be for, well, whatever it is you like to do outside. If you can't find something to do here, something's wrong.
Before: An unfinished building. After: A three-story open air art gallery, featuring the best local muralists and street artists. Wear good climbing shoes and trek to the top for great city views.
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The best ice cream on Congress Ave! Get the Mexican Vanilla, and be sure to sprinkle some cinnamon in there for a little added flavor. Amy's has a very friendly staff, and credit cards are accepted.
When a couple of Uchi alums wanted to put out some fun Asian food, East Side Kings was born. Located on the back patio of the Liberty Bar, you’ve got to be in the know about this food trailer; their s
With 8 miles of trail to run, hike or bike, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is not only scenic, but it also has some amazing views of the Hill Country landscape.
If you haven't been here, you haven't been to Austin. Gourdough's and Torchy's Tacos are nearby so no excuses.
The largest state capitol building in the United States, the Texas Capitol was constructed from 1882-1888. It is built of limestone and pink granite. The granite came from nearby Marble Falls.
The recent opening of the Boardwalk provides a continual connection of Austin’s beloved trail over the lake, not to mention spectacular views of the skyline. Read more.
For fans of New York-style pizza, Home Slice is as close as you can get in Austin, possibly thanks to yearly staff trips to the Big Apple. You know, for research. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Right before you hit the bridge, there's an area for off-road parking. Park, climb up the semi-hidden trail, and enjoy the magnificent view of the lake in the day, the sunset, or stars at night.
A great way to experience Lady Bird Lake, but be prepared to get wet if you choose a kayak over the canoe. Bring a ziplock bag to put your phone in if you want it to work after you reach the shore.
Liberty is perfect for dreary, rainy nights, when it evokes a basement, thanks to the enveloping darkness. Easy to get to, easy to park, easy to say “Hey, I just want a drink real quick-like.” Read more.
One of the best bars in Austin. All the wood was recycled from an old torn down church. Ask about the daily firesale!
With Paul Qui's recent Top Chef win and rise to celebrity stardom, we can no longer keep Uchiko's Japanese farmhouse fare to ourselves. [Eater 38 Member]
Friendly people, great drinks, festive decor, happy vibes. One of the best bars in Austin.
The best night to go is Tuesday for TuesGayz. The music is awesome. The dance floor is packed. But beware, you will be a hot sweaty mess by the end of the night.
The meat is on the same level as Franklin’s. The sides are better. Too close to call. The wait times, although shorter, aren’t as fun as Franklin’s.
This vintage 1960 Comet trailer serves all kinds of meat, from duck sausage to smoked brisket, and they’re all flat-out delicious. Micklethwait Craft Meats belongs up with the elite of Austin BBQ. Read more.
Great, creative BBQ. Beef rib was incredible and tri tip fried rice was uniquely amazing.
Story goes that when the owner of Jo's Coffee was having a bad day, her girlfriend stealth-tagged the storefront's south wall to put a smile on her face. Admit it: Now you're smiling, too.
The chicken-fried steak is tender and well-flavored, the breading is light and crisp, and the cream gravy is made from real pan drippings and not from a mix. Good country food for city folks. Read more.
Laid back alternative to 6th Street. Bright lights, small town feel and the parking is a lot easier than the rush of downtown traffic/spots!
With hubcaps, colored lights, and a velvet Elvis, this is Austin-style Tex-Mex at its tacky, funky best. It's almost always busy, but the creamy queso and chips is worth the wait.
A modern speciality pub and coffee shop, with colorful decor and quality products. Although a tad pricy, the coffee, beer and food is well worth the splurge. Great beer offerings!
Cool backyard with live music. Great intimate indoor space for a sweaty beer covered live music experience as well.
The retro bar with a breezy attitude serves up low-ABV drinks, punches, and frozen concoctions along Webberville Road with ample patio space and a shallow pool, where guests are encouraged to dip in. Read more.
Solid brewery. If you want something unique and delicious try the pineapple IPA or the Rare Candy sour 🍻
Great cocktail bar with a vacation vibe, dramatic lighting, and super talented bartenders. Try the Tugg Speedman, Last of Us, and Burnt Reynolds. The food is good, too. Great trashy burger.
One of the best shops in the world. Try a sample of their hottest sauce if you dare.
This food truck court offers shade, ceiling fans, restrooms, and plenty of tables crammed with eaters still in their bathing suits after going to Barton Springs.
