Brace yourself: The water in Austin's iconic swimming hole is a constant 68 degrees, and that's eye-poppingly cold, especially when you're jumping in on a 100-degree day.
For the meat eaters amongst us: this is the best bbq in the world. You will have to wait an hour for your food but don't fret, you will be satisfied. Pro tip: try the brisket
BEST BBQ this side of the Mississippi! Chow down on some ribs while over looking the beautiful hill country in Driftwood. But it’ll cost you: this little piece of heaven is 20 miles outside Austin.
A proprietress as friendly as her food is good serves up huge portions of burgers and Cajun chow from a succinct menu. The dining room is communal and friendly, and Lola Stephens is a blessing.
Lunch Time? Moonshine will set you right for the rest of the day. An Austin Chronicle favorite for best buffet, brunch and American food. Arrive early to beat the rush! Read more.
After grabbing a Mighty Cone, stop at Hey Cupcake! (a neighboring trailer) for a sweet dessert. They offer chocolate, vanilla, velvet, or carrot cake with many flavors of frosting. Read more.
No matter who's playing -- though Alejandro Escovedo's traditional Sunday night gig is preferable -- you gotta pay respects to this classic honky tonk heavy-drinkin'/rockin' establishment.
Items crafted by more than 200 young talents—many of whom live in the Austin area—are on offer, from cheeky T-shirts to offbeat jewelry. Read more.
The kitschy decor and bountiful serving sizes make this spot in the southwestern section of town one of Austin's best for tacos. Especially breakfast tacos.
43 years of draught beer excellence, & brewing their own in a tiny brewhouse since about 1994. Best beer bar in Austin, with new brews daily. Great Beer Garden out back, dog friendly too.
Best food truck in Austin. Bahn Mi Taco is heaven, ditto the sweet potato fries.
Polvos is the only place to take out-of-towners who need to be figuratively punched in the face with Austin's diverse and youthful culinary spirit. [Eater 38 Member]
It's almost a cliche to recommend Torchy's in Austin, but the local chain has earned that recognition with creative combinations that stand out in a city full of tacos. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Contigo's beer garden, craft cocktails and locally sourced, inventive food from Chef Andrew Wiseheart embody everything that's key to a great Austin restaurant right this second. [Eater 38 Member]
Live music on the weekends, water jets to cool off and a huge, shaded playground surrounded by restaurants with patios.
Check out the largest of Austin's downtown parks. This is a community gathering space like no other in the city and besides, what's not good about a park?
Homemade flour tortillas with the best bean and egg tacos! Catch everyone from Coach Darryl Royal to Congressman Lloyd Doggett at this Austin institution.
breakfast tacos for $2.50 a piece can't be beat. nor can the smiley service.
The taco al pastor was very good, but the barbacoa taco was amazing! Glad I only ordered the two to go, or I would have eaten myself into a food coma.
If you get there before 11 a.m., Connie's wrapping breakfast burritos with her pressed-that-morning tortillas: steamy, chewy, and freckled with tiny brown bubbles.
Delicious pork belly with fried parsley, Pharr east with taki, slathered in the spicy Chile cream salsa. This place has really grown up the menu and flavors!
Easy Tiger has the winning Austin formula: in-house bread and pastries, craft beer, ping pong, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, in the most improbable of places: Dirty Sixth. [Eater 38 Member]
South congress. A street filled with shops, bars, music, and the best view of downtown!
