Guidebook for Austin
Food Scene
Old-school diner ambience, locally-sourced and organic ingredients, and incredible flavors. I recommend getting here before 10 am on weekdays for the Early Bird Special.
211 locals recommend
Counter Cafe
1914 E 6th StOld-school diner ambience, locally-sourced and organic ingredients, and incredible flavors. I recommend getting here before 10 am on weekdays for the Early Bird Special.
It's the best late-night option within walking distance. Chicken and waffles are famous here, although they're not the only game in town.
238 locals recommend
24 Diner
600 N Lamar BlvdIt's the best late-night option within walking distance. Chicken and waffles are famous here, although they're not the only game in town.
24-hour Mexican bakery with my favorite Mexican restaurant inside. Embrace the dive look and feast on their delicious, budget-friendly tacos. Barbacoa and Al Pastor are simply amazing.
61 locals recommend
La Mexicana Bakery
1924 S 1st St24-hour Mexican bakery with my favorite Mexican restaurant inside. Embrace the dive look and feast on their delicious, budget-friendly tacos. Barbacoa and Al Pastor are simply amazing.
The hot girl at the Texas Barbecue party. It's always worthwhile, but the crazy wait times aren't worth it to me. I'd recommend going between 1:30-2pm on weekdays for the best shot at minimal wait time.
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StThe hot girl at the Texas Barbecue party. It's always worthwhile, but the crazy wait times aren't worth it to me. I'd recommend going between 1:30-2pm on weekdays for the best shot at minimal wait time.
Locals and tourists alike tout this as Austin's favorite coffee shop. Parking here can be competitive, but don't let that dissuade you from the coffee, baked treats, and excellent lake views waiting inside.
371 locals recommend
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin BlvdLocals and tourists alike tout this as Austin's favorite coffee shop. Parking here can be competitive, but don't let that dissuade you from the coffee, baked treats, and excellent lake views waiting inside.
Everything Else
What Barnes & Noble wishes it was. Three-story independent book store with one of my favorite coffee shops to work out of.
146 locals recommend
BookPeople
603 N Lamar BlvdWhat Barnes & Noble wishes it was. Three-story independent book store with one of my favorite coffee shops to work out of.
Drinks & Nightlife
Old-school arcade machines, most consistently-great music, outdoor games, and pickle juice shots.
93 locals recommend
Kung Fu Saloon
716 W 6th StOld-school arcade machines, most consistently-great music, outdoor games, and pickle juice shots.
Lines here can sometimes be long, but it's a popular place to be with a good indoor-outdoor mix and good dance music!
45 locals recommend
Green Light Social
720 W 6th StLines here can sometimes be long, but it's a popular place to be with a good indoor-outdoor mix and good dance music!
Love speakeasies? Make reservations online for this one. Former brothel-turned-speakeasy by the founder of Alamo Drafthouse cinemas.
107 locals recommend
Midnight Cowboy Modeling
313 E 6th StLove speakeasies? Make reservations online for this one. Former brothel-turned-speakeasy by the founder of Alamo Drafthouse cinemas.
Barbarella
611 Red River StAll things being held equal, this is where you go to dance in Austin!
Sightseeing
Open 24-7 for nighttime strolls, daytime building tours, and the frequent wedding shoot.
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveOpen 24-7 for nighttime strolls, daytime building tours, and the frequent wedding shoot.
Best walking district in Austin, with "I Love You So Much", Hopdoddy's Burger Bar, and dozens of iconic sights at every corner.
447 locals recommend
South Congress Avenue
South Congress AvenueBest walking district in Austin, with "I Love You So Much", Hopdoddy's Burger Bar, and dozens of iconic sights at every corner.