A Curated Selection of Local Recommendations
Food scene
One of Austin’s oldest and grooviest coffee shops with a few rotating food trucks on site. Loads of great outdoor seating. Wine, beer and cocktails available. Check calendar for schedule of live music/events. 5 minute drive from The Casita.
435 locals recommend
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdOne of Austin’s oldest and grooviest coffee shops with a few rotating food trucks on site. Loads of great outdoor seating. Wine, beer and cocktails available. Check calendar for schedule of live music/events. 5 minute drive from The Casita.
Closest taco shop with great menu selections and breakfast tacos all day! Walkable from The Casita (~15min by foot , 2 minute drive)
302 locals recommend
El Chilito
2219 Manor RdClosest taco shop with great menu selections and breakfast tacos all day! Walkable from The Casita (~15min by foot , 2 minute drive)
Cosmic has something for everyone: loads of outdoor seating helmed by several rotating food trucks and a separate bar with craft cocktails, beer and coffee options. My personal favorite is the boozy coffee cocktail- like a Wendy’s frosty with a kick.
205 locals recommend
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdCosmic has something for everyone: loads of outdoor seating helmed by several rotating food trucks and a separate bar with craft cocktails, beer and coffee options. My personal favorite is the boozy coffee cocktail- like a Wendy’s frosty with a kick.
Hip corner cafe located within The South Congress Hotel for quality brunch, lunch or dinner.
120 locals recommend
Café No Sé
1603 S Congress AveHip corner cafe located within The South Congress Hotel for quality brunch, lunch or dinner.
A favorite Tex-Mex stop on Barton Springs Road with delicious frozen mango margaritas and breezy rooftop patio. This spot is very popular so call ahead to determine any wait time. A 2nd location in South Austin is opening Fall 2023.
170 locals recommend
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs RdA favorite Tex-Mex stop on Barton Springs Road with delicious frozen mango margaritas and breezy rooftop patio. This spot is very popular so call ahead to determine any wait time. A 2nd location in South Austin is opening Fall 2023.
Yep you got that right, the same historic Stubbs as the famous bbq sauce you see in your grocery. Beer, brisket and music Downtown with a renowned Sunday gospel brunch. Especially nice if you are seeing a show next door at Stubbs Amphitheater.
282 locals recommend
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
801 Red River StYep you got that right, the same historic Stubbs as the famous bbq sauce you see in your grocery. Beer, brisket and music Downtown with a renowned Sunday gospel brunch. Especially nice if you are seeing a show next door at Stubbs Amphitheater.
Launderette
2115 Holly StGreat East Austin establishment, reservations recommended.
Take a picnic break after a Barton Springs dip. Selection is ever changing and always delicious. 12 minute drive from The Casita.
68 locals recommend
The Picnic - Food Truck Park
1720 Barton Springs RdTake a picnic break after a Barton Springs dip. Selection is ever changing and always delicious. 12 minute drive from The Casita.
Ultimate Austin outdoor scene with family style roast chicken meals, a’la cart TexMex fare and delicious cocktails. Easy pick-up if you’d like to order ahead. 8 minutes from The Casita!
79 locals recommend
Fresa's South First Dine-In
1703 S 1st StUltimate Austin outdoor scene with family style roast chicken meals, a’la cart TexMex fare and delicious cocktails. Easy pick-up if you’d like to order ahead. 8 minutes from The Casita!
Full amenity high-end grocery plus yummy food court with the largest selection in town of local + organic produce, sundries, beer and wine. South location is a ~5 minute drive from The Casita!
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdFull amenity high-end grocery plus yummy food court with the largest selection in town of local + organic produce, sundries, beer and wine. South location is a ~5 minute drive from The Casita!
Nearby bakery and beer garden featuring brats, pastrami and burgers with some indoor and plenty of outdoor seating. Great spot with high quality goods. South Lamar location ~ 8 minute drive from The Casita.
358 locals recommend
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StNearby bakery and beer garden featuring brats, pastrami and burgers with some indoor and plenty of outdoor seating. Great spot with high quality goods. South Lamar location ~ 8 minute drive from The Casita.
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdBurgers, fries, 🌮 and cocktails— pick up available. ~5 minute drive from The Casita
7 locals recommend
THE GIT OUT BAR AND KITCHEN
4930 S Congress AveBurgers, fries, 🌮 and cocktails— pick up available. ~5 minute drive from The Casita
Well curated prefix menu, great selection of wine (no liquor available) . Beautiful lantern lit outdoor garden. Reservations necessary. The perfect special occasion spot. ~8 minute drive from The Casita.
179 locals recommend
LENOIR
1807 S 1st StWell curated prefix menu, great selection of wine (no liquor available) . Beautiful lantern lit outdoor garden. Reservations necessary. The perfect special occasion spot. ~8 minute drive from The Casita.
One of the few interior Mexican restaurants in Austin and so delicious!
12 locals recommend
El Naranjo - South Lamar
2717 South Lamar BoulevardOne of the few interior Mexican restaurants in Austin and so delicious!
Very popular , award winning, East Austin Mexican restaurant. Menu changes seasonally. Reservations recommended.
149 locals recommend
Suerte
1800 E 6th StVery popular , award winning, East Austin Mexican restaurant. Menu changes seasonally. Reservations recommended.
Proud Mary Coffee
Export from Melbourne AU- Brunch only, arrive early to avoid a long wait.
Long time Austin favorite- reservations recommended. Uchi has two sister restaurants UchiKo on North Lamar (~20min away) and Uchibā (coming soon).
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdLong time Austin favorite- reservations recommended. Uchi has two sister restaurants UchiKo on North Lamar (~20min away) and Uchibā (coming soon).
Lots going on here besides their macrobiotic prix fix meals in a semi- cafeteria style setting (~$12/person for lunch or dinner). Check their website for hours and workshops, meditation, yoga, etc… A classic Austin haunt supporting the mind, body and spirit.
163 locals recommend
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdLots going on here besides their macrobiotic prix fix meals in a semi- cafeteria style setting (~$12/person for lunch or dinner). Check their website for hours and workshops, meditation, yoga, etc… A classic Austin haunt supporting the mind, body and spirit.
The closest spot to The Casita for high quality beer, wine, hard cider/kombucha/seltzers, great array of snacks, toiletries and a short menu of delicious Indian street food. Tell Waleed I sent you :) ~3 minute drive from Casita
Cork & Brew Market
The closest spot to The Casita for high quality beer, wine, hard cider/kombucha/seltzers, great array of snacks, toiletries and a short menu of delicious Indian street food. Tell Waleed I sent you :) ~3 minute drive from Casita
Local favorite for fresh and delicious juices, smoothies, green drinks, vegan snacks and more…. Several locations around Austin (Westgate and South First being the nearest to The Casita).
JuiceLand
Local favorite for fresh and delicious juices, smoothies, green drinks, vegan snacks and more…. Several locations around Austin (Westgate and South First being the nearest to The Casita).
Simple and delicious pizzas, salads and calzones. These guys used to be set up around the corner inside the Valero gas station but did so well they’ve taken on their own brick and mortar shop about 10 minutes away on South Lamar.
Pizzeria Grata
2700 Menchaca RdSimple and delicious pizzas, salads and calzones. These guys used to be set up around the corner inside the Valero gas station but did so well they’ve taken on their own brick and mortar shop about 10 minutes away on South Lamar.
Casual spot for delicious tacos, Mexican street corn. aguas frescas and margaritas. Centrally located on South Lamar less than 10min from Casita by car.
Masa y Más
Casual spot for delicious tacos, Mexican street corn. aguas frescas and margaritas. Centrally located on South Lamar less than 10min from Casita by car.
Combine two of Austin’s best chefs who independently make sushi and barbecue and there you have Loro which serves Asian inspired barbecue dishes in a casual setting.
276 locals recommend
Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdCombine two of Austin’s best chefs who independently make sushi and barbecue and there you have Loro which serves Asian inspired barbecue dishes in a casual setting.
Hip Vietnamese by the uber successful local restaurant group MML Hospitality.
426 locals recommend
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st StHip Vietnamese by the uber successful local restaurant group MML Hospitality.
Had to Lucy‘s for some fantastic flavor and local color. In my opinion she’s got the best fried chicken in town. ~10 minute drive from The Casita
208 locals recommend
Lucy's Fried Chicken
2218 College AveHad to Lucy‘s for some fantastic flavor and local color. In my opinion she’s got the best fried chicken in town. ~10 minute drive from The Casita
Classic well established Italian eatery in the Clarksville neighborhood. The food here is excellent. ~20 min drive from The Casita
99 locals recommend
Cipollina
1213 W Lynn StClassic well established Italian eatery in the Clarksville neighborhood. The food here is excellent. ~20 min drive from The Casita
New to Austin- casual diner with 70’s vibe. Currently only open for breakfast and lunch. ~10 minute drive from The Casita
Toasty Badger
New to Austin- casual diner with 70’s vibe. Currently only open for breakfast and lunch. ~10 minute drive from The Casita
Recreation
A city treasure! How many places have a natural springfed pool right in the middle of their metropolis?
Use the ATX Swim app to pay for your day pass ahead of time and avoid long entry lines (highly recommend this in summer/on weekends).
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrA city treasure! How many places have a natural springfed pool right in the middle of their metropolis?
Use the ATX Swim app to pay for your day pass ahead of time and avoid long entry lines (highly recommend this in summer/on weekends).
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs RdOne of many spots to rent a SUP or kayak for an hourly rate to further explore and enjoy Town Lake. Highly recommended!
148 locals recommend
Rowing Dock
2418 Stratford DrOne of many spots to rent a SUP or kayak for an hourly rate to further explore and enjoy Town Lake. Highly recommended!
Donation based yoga with a hefty schedule of classes. Feel free to drop in, $10 suggested donation. 8min drive from The Casita.
93 locals recommend
Black Swan Yoga
403 Orchard StDonation based yoga with a hefty schedule of classes. Feel free to drop in, $10 suggested donation. 8min drive from The Casita.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse AveMagical swimming hole - your 3hour block must be reserved in advance. As of 2021 swimming is prohibited but hiking is encouraged. Check website for details and reservations. ~40minute drive from The Casita.
588 locals recommend
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool RdMagical swimming hole - your 3hour block must be reserved in advance. As of 2021 swimming is prohibited but hiking is encouraged. Check website for details and reservations. ~40minute drive from The Casita.
A mere 12 mile drive from The Casita. Nice spot for an escape into nature and opportunity to take a dip.
376 locals recommend
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyA mere 12 mile drive from The Casita. Nice spot for an escape into nature and opportunity to take a dip.
Music & Dancing
Austin is the live music capital of the world. Here are a slew of venues I’ve enjoyed visiting. Check out their calendars to see who’s playing.
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdC-Boys Heart and Soul
2008 S Congress AveThe Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveMohawk Austin
912 Red River StThe White Horse
500 Comal StHistoric Scoot Inn
1308 E 4th StLocated near New Braunfles ~45 minutes (depending on traffic) south of Austin. Music and dancing all day, Everyday! Their calendar of events is worth perusing.
367 locals recommend
Gruene Hall
1281 Gruene RdLocated near New Braunfles ~45 minutes (depending on traffic) south of Austin. Music and dancing all day, Everyday! Their calendar of events is worth perusing.
Now known as “FAR OUT LOUNGE” and annual PSYCH FEST event site (late April). Great South Austin venue for live music 7nts / week. Huge outdoor space with fire pits and picnic tables. Full bar with kitchen as well as several food trucks. See website for music schedule. ~10 minute drive South from The Casita.
18 locals recommend
Nicolaza's
8504 S Congress AveNow known as “FAR OUT LOUNGE” and annual PSYCH FEST event site (late April). Great South Austin venue for live music 7nts / week. Huge outdoor space with fire pits and picnic tables. Full bar with kitchen as well as several food trucks. See website for music schedule. ~10 minute drive South from The Casita.
Great indoor/outdoor venue for music and dancing. Just watching the pros two-step here is worth the visit. Full bar, several pool tables and a rotating food truck on site. ~5min drive from The Casita.
27 locals recommend
Sagebrush
5500 South Congress AvenueGreat indoor/outdoor venue for music and dancing. Just watching the pros two-step here is worth the visit. Full bar, several pool tables and a rotating food truck on site. ~5min drive from The Casita.
If you collect vinyl, don’t miss this stop (~5minute drive from Casita)
47 locals recommend
End Of An Ear
4304 Clawson RdIf you collect vinyl, don’t miss this stop (~5minute drive from Casita)
Independent record store, established in 1982. (~12 minute drive from Casita)
135 locals recommend
Waterloo Records
600 N Lamar BlvdIndependent record store, established in 1982. (~12 minute drive from Casita)
Sightseeing
LBJ Presidential Library
2313 Red River StThe Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardThe “Texas White House” tour in Johnson City ~ 45 minutes south of Austin. Definitely worth the drive.
30 locals recommend
LBJ Ranch Visitor Center (Texas White House Tours)
1472 State Park Rd 52The “Texas White House” tour in Johnson City ~ 45 minutes south of Austin. Definitely worth the drive.
Austin’s newest library was completed in 2018 and has been rated by Time magazine as one of the best in the nation. And yes, there’s a bar 🍹inside.
148 locals recommend
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StAustin’s newest library was completed in 2018 and has been rated by Time magazine as one of the best in the nation. And yes, there’s a bar 🍹inside.
Beautiful outdoor sculpture museum adjacent to The Colorado River with works by world renowned artists. ~ 15 minute drive from The Casita!
98 locals recommend
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th StBeautiful outdoor sculpture museum adjacent to The Colorado River with works by world renowned artists. ~ 15 minute drive from The Casita!
Shopping
Best selection of styles and brands from low to high-end. Plus their customer service is outstanding!
Diverse selection of men’s and women’s boots and hats featuring both Luchese and Stetson brands among many others. A definite spot to stop while walking South Congress Avenue. Ask if Blake is in- tell him LouAnne sent you.
136 locals recommend
Allens Boots
1522 S Congress AveDiverse selection of men’s and women’s boots and hats featuring both Luchese and Stetson brands among many others. A definite spot to stop while walking South Congress Avenue. Ask if Blake is in- tell him LouAnne sent you.
Small boutique featuring high end women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry. Located within the South Congress Hotel.
11 locals recommend
Sunroom
1603 S Congress AveSmall boutique featuring high end women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry. Located within the South Congress Hotel.
Moss Designer Consignment
705 S Lamar BlvdSome of the best looking Pearl-snaps currently being made. Sized for men but I keep asking when they will start a line for women.
Howler Brothers - South Congress Outpost
Some of the best looking Pearl-snaps currently being made. Sized for men but I keep asking when they will start a line for women.
Maufrais
1512 S Congress AveBeautiful hats and hat accessories, vintage furniture and other gifts
Hill Country Breweries and Wineries
Short drive into the countryside and fun for all ages. Large outdoor setting.
Short drive into the countryside, large outdoor setting and fun for all ages. Pizzeria on site.
298 locals recommend
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdShort drive into the countryside, large outdoor setting and fun for all ages. Pizzeria on site.
Vista Brewing
13551 FM150 WNeighborhoods
This is our Central Park! Free entry to trails/ the Greenbelt abound here as do grassy knolls, dogs at play, frisbee golf, beach volleyball, and kayaking/ SUP or bike rentals. Feel the heart and soul of Austin and jump into Barton Springs for a sweet cold spring swim! Weekends will be extra crowded and park access is limited to ticket holders during Austin City Limits festival.
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdThis is our Central Park! Free entry to trails/ the Greenbelt abound here as do grassy knolls, dogs at play, frisbee golf, beach volleyball, and kayaking/ SUP or bike rentals. Feel the heart and soul of Austin and jump into Barton Springs for a sweet cold spring swim! Weekends will be extra crowded and park access is limited to ticket holders during Austin City Limits festival.