Bon Appétit named this Eastside spot one of our Top 10 Best Boutique Coffee Shops. With Owl Tree coffee and fresh biscuits, it’s the best hangout in town.
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 eclectic mix of old cowboy boots, Western-themed blouses, Votivo candles, and dramatic beaded jewelry that fills this shop has one unifying theme: Almost everything is black. Read more.
Couldn’t spring for a hotel downtown? The Hilton lobby can be your new de facto crash pad. But shhh, the prime real estate goes quick. Rumor has it they won't even try to kick you out!
Wait for the ink to dry before you do ANYTHING. This sounds silly, but Emo's stamps are the inkiest in town by far. – Vidhisha B.
The second, more streetcentric outpost of this venerable Austin retailer features labels such as Isabel Marant, Etoile, and Steven Alan. Read more.
If you're drinking, try the root beer-infused vodka. It’s a Red 7 specialty. It's also delicious. – Laura B.
You’ve got to get sushi at Kyoto upstairs before the jazz begins below. Their happy hour, one of the best deals in town, is from 6:00 – 6:45pm. – Robert F.
At this Sixth Street newbie, chef Shawn Cirkiel serves elevated bar food like crab fritters, ricotta ravioli, classic steak tartare, and loup de mer with fennel vinaigrette.
The 30+ booths at this ingeniously curated antiques spot range from a carnival-inspired stand dedicated to vintage gaming paraphernalia to a cabin-like nook laden with uncommon Western collectibles. Read more.
Fine jewelry from emerging names is the focus at this expertly edited spot. Everything is first organized by designer, then sorted according to price. Read more.
Walk a few doors east (towards the highway) for one of my favorite places to get post/pre show drinks – Shakespeares. Make sure to head to the roof. – Robert F.
To sneak up front, go to the east bar, look to the right, and you'll see a walkway that’s usually guarded by a worker. No big deal! Just walk by, go around the balcony, and you’ll be up front! – Artur
Every vintage piece here is a winner, whether it’s a batwing-sleeved dress, a Stevie Nicks–ish crystal pendant, or an appliquéd silk peasant blouse. Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. There's a staircase that leads to three rooftop decks with views of the stage. Go to the highest one, perched under a big oak tree. Read more.
Time for a music break? $10 and you’re in for a SXSW Film screening, usually with a Director’s Q&A. We wouldn’t expect you to take a bbq & booze break too, they deliver direct to your chair!
Austin: This ornate two-bedroom home is part Gaudi, part Dr. Seuss. It has a raised footbridge, fire poles, and an "Elvis in Las Vegas" room. Make reservations for a guided monthly tour. - IFC Viewer
For the best sound, head to the balcony. The acoustics everywhere else just don’t compare. – Vidhisha B.
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.
Stop by after catching a show at Auditorium Shores (this year: Cheap Trick, She & Him, and Ozomatli). Don't like meat? Well, heed their slogan: "Horrifying Vegetarians Since 1988."
Tacos aren’t the only street food in town, thanks to Nessa Higgins and Andrea Day Boykin, who flip and fold both savory and sweet crepes inside their Avion trailer.
Since 1979, this venerable retailer has staunchly supported emerging talent. The upscale designer department is flush with Lanvin bags and Marni dresses. Read more.
Austin: Highball Bowling is a kitsched-out 1950s bowling alley and karaoke palace. The Disco-themed karaoke room even comes with leg warmers, polyester shirts and chest hair. Fever! - IFC Staff
Owners Jam Sanitchat and Bruce Barnes source ingredients from the area and use their own crops to turn out favorites like free-range Berkshire ham with garlic and pepper sauce.
Order the burger. Avoid everything else. Savor the burger. Wipe hands thoroughly. Exit transformed.
Compensates for its stark dining room with some of Austin's best service. Order the heirloom tomato salad, Texas Hill Country quail (roasted to perfection) and the grass-fed rib eye (a local favorite)
Kick Pleat is our preferred destination for clothing by rising names like Apiece Apart and Richard Chai, plus the latest from established indies, including Humanoid, Rachel Comey, and Acne. Read more.
Try the smoked turkey & cranberry sandwich. GREAT organic coffee. This Austin original coffeehouse was the setting for a scene in Laura Griffin's thriller THREAD OF FEAR. Read more.
One of our Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America. Chef James Holmes gathers his culinary inspiration from (and in) his backyard vegetable garden. The lamb fries are a must-have.
Austin: This museum/home in East Austin features a baroque display of oddities and curiosities including Victorian lab equipment, two-bodied chickens, and Marilyn Monroe's last cigarette. -IFC Viewer Read more.
A hangout for students seeking coffee, study spots, and a place to nap (3rd floor). Laura Griffin wrote the opening to her thriller SNAPPED in the Starbucks here. Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Now, listen to some Johnny Cash while drinking a pitcher of Lone Star and munching on wasabi peanuts. Read more.
Arrive before 9pm on Fridays to avoid the cover for watching bands play that night. – Arturo L.
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.
Great late-night munchie & a favorite with Town Lake runners. Try the Popeye Omelet & the Love Migas. Austin author Laura Griffin set a scene here in her novel UNTRACEABLE. Read more.
This college town has its fill of pizza joints, but none quite like this eco-oasis. Pair a thin-crust sausage and mushroom pie with something from (512) Brewing Company, named for the city's area code
This is the kind of store you head to with giddy expectation, knowing you’ll score something amazing. Perusing the off-the-wall knickknacks from the ’50s through the ’80s is a thrilling adventure. Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Play Chicken Shit Bingo on Sundays. We'll let you figure out how they pick the numbers. Read more.
Austin: It's little dive bar that's both trapped in the 70's AND it's Christmas all year. Beware of elves dropping from the ceiling. You've been warned. -IFC Viewer
Entirely girly in looks and merchandise, this favorite stocks all the essentials a ladylike Austinite could desire: Nanette Lepore dresses, Rebecca Taylor chiffon tops, and Trina Turk frame purses. Read more.
As seen on Man v Food, this is the original Salt Lick, and the best BBQ around. If you're anywhere in Texas, make the trip to Driftwood for Salt Lick's mouthwatering BBQ.
Our first choice for visitors who want Mexican is this South Austin spot. We know avocado margaritas are the spotlight, but try the spicy mescal Oaxacan margaritas. [Eater 38 Member]
Chef Rene Ortiz's take on modern Mexican cuisine. Not to miss: the riffs on guacamole, the wild tacos, the cocktails, and pastry chef Laura Sawicki's ice creams. [Eater 38 Member]
Mexican home cooking with a great patio; try the mango habanero margarita. [Eater 38 Member]
