Austin Guidebook
Food Scene
I'm selecting for places close to the condo unless there is something really outstanding across town.
Walking distance to the condo. I like the steak fundido or any of the seafood tacos. Try it with the dona sauce if you like it spicy.
247 locals recommend
Tacodeli
4200 N Lamar BlvdWalking distance to the condo. I like the steak fundido or any of the seafood tacos. Try it with the dona sauce if you like it spicy.
Not your typical sushi restaurant. Interesting and complex combinations. Their sister restaurant, Uchi (the original), is also great but this location is closer.
309 locals recommend
Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdNot your typical sushi restaurant. Interesting and complex combinations. Their sister restaurant, Uchi (the original), is also great but this location is closer.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdThis place brought good ramen to the Austin food scene.
My favorite BBQ place in Austin. The brisket is a must and the sides are especially good as well. I like the garlicky green beans and Mac and cheese.
372 locals recommend
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdMy favorite BBQ place in Austin. The brisket is a must and the sides are especially good as well. I like the garlicky green beans and Mac and cheese.
Korea House Restaurant
2700 W Anderson LnKorean BBQ within walking distance to the condo.
Simple backyard burger done really well with solid fries and shakes. I like it better than chains like In-n-out or even local favorite P. Terry's. P. Terry's is in walking distance, though.
15 locals recommend
Mighty Fine Burgers
10515 N Mopac ExpySimple backyard burger done really well with solid fries and shakes. I like it better than chains like In-n-out or even local favorite P. Terry's. P. Terry's is in walking distance, though.
Barley Swine
6555 Burnet RdSmall unique and tasty dishes. Tasting menu only
Barrett's Coffee
713 W St Johns AveAwesome neighborhood coffee place
This bakery has really great light milk breads and cream cakes. My favorite is the blueberry cream bread.
18 locals recommend
Tous Les Jours
6808 N Lamar BlvdThis bakery has really great light milk breads and cream cakes. My favorite is the blueberry cream bread.
Huge patio and the perfect place to spend an afternoon having drinks with yummy bread, meat, and cheese. Happy hour all day on Monday
53 locals recommend
Easy Tiger Linc
6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage RdHuge patio and the perfect place to spend an afternoon having drinks with yummy bread, meat, and cheese. Happy hour all day on Monday
I haven't been but many of my friends like it and say they have the best migas. Multiple locations around town.
314 locals recommend
Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadI haven't been but many of my friends like it and say they have the best migas. Multiple locations around town.
Great brunch (or dinner) place about 1/2 mile from the condo. Combination of Southern and Tex-Mex. If you have never experienced the joy of a chicken fried steak/chicken/pork chop, here is your chance.
25 locals recommend
Jack Allen's Kitchen
3010 West Anderson LaneGreat brunch (or dinner) place about 1/2 mile from the condo. Combination of Southern and Tex-Mex. If you have never experienced the joy of a chicken fried steak/chicken/pork chop, here is your chance.
This is in the downtown area so a bit of a drive but it has the best empanadas and chimichurri. All their other items are good too.
143 locals recommend
Buenos Aires Café
1201 E 6th StThis is in the downtown area so a bit of a drive but it has the best empanadas and chimichurri. All their other items are good too.
Fantastic Neapolitan style pizza about a mile from the condo. Half off pies during happy hour.
70 locals recommend
Bufalina Due
6555 Burnet RdFantastic Neapolitan style pizza about a mile from the condo. Half off pies during happy hour.
Great place for pre or post bar hopping, especially if you are out and about in East Austin. Yummy kebabs that will hit the spot.
64 locals recommend
Kebabalicious
1311 E 7th StGreat place for pre or post bar hopping, especially if you are out and about in East Austin. Yummy kebabs that will hit the spot.
Great seafood stand inside Lavaca Street bar. Best fried shrimp poboy and blackened fish tacos in town. Hefty portions.
17 locals recommend
Turf N' Surf Po Boy
407 Lavaca StGreat seafood stand inside Lavaca Street bar. Best fried shrimp poboy and blackened fish tacos in town. Hefty portions.
Eldorado Cafe
3300 W Anderson LnTasty and local neighborhood Tex-Mex restaurant. Friendly staff
Fun, divy neighborhood bar within walking distance of the condo. Pizza place attached.
93 locals recommend
Lala's Little Nugget
2207 Justin LnFun, divy neighborhood bar within walking distance of the condo. Pizza place attached.
Neighborhood NY style pizza and sandwiches. Great for lunch
133 locals recommend
Little Deli & Pizzeria
7101 Woodrow AveNeighborhood NY style pizza and sandwiches. Great for lunch
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Fancy burgers and fries.
The Tigress Pub
100 W N Loop BlvdSmall divey cocktail bar in the Northloop neighborhood
Fast casual Indian place near the condo. When you need some curry in a pinch.
17 locals recommend
Tarka Indian Kitchen
2525 W Anderson LnFast casual Indian place near the condo. When you need some curry in a pinch.
Tiny Boxwoods Austin
1503 W 35th StCute sunny airy place for brunch. Coastal vibe
Sightseeing
Close drive from the condo. There are some stairs but you are rewarded with some great views of the hill country.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
Close drive from the condo. There are some stairs but you are rewarded with some great views of the hill country.
Nice easy hike through the hill country. Small waterfalls. Clearly marked trail.
48 locals recommend
Wild Basin Preserve
805 N Capital of Texas HwyNice easy hike through the hill country. Small waterfalls. Clearly marked trail.
Trail around Lady Bird Lake that runs on the border of downtown and south Austin. Nice area for walking and biking. Go for a short trip or do the whole loop (about 10 miles)
257 locals recommend
Ann And Roy Butler Hike And Bike Trail
Trail around Lady Bird Lake that runs on the border of downtown and south Austin. Nice area for walking and biking. Go for a short trip or do the whole loop (about 10 miles)
Good for biking, walking, rollerblading, etc. There is a northern and southern trail. The northern trail is ~6.5 miles of unpaved dirt trails and some paved sections. The southern trail is ~8.5 miles of nicely paved trail.
Walnut Creek Trail
Walnut Creek TrailGood for biking, walking, rollerblading, etc. There is a northern and southern trail. The northern trail is ~6.5 miles of unpaved dirt trails and some paved sections. The southern trail is ~8.5 miles of nicely paved trail.
Located in Zilker Park, this is quintessential Austin. It's known for it's frigid spring water even at the height of summer. I haven't been in a long time because it got very crowded but I would be remiss not to mention it.
Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Located in Zilker Park, this is quintessential Austin. It's known for it's frigid spring water even at the height of summer. I haven't been in a long time because it got very crowded but I would be remiss not to mention it.
Shopping
Fancier version of HEB. Extensive selection of epicurean food items and all around great grocery store.
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdFancier version of HEB. Extensive selection of epicurean food items and all around great grocery store.
Small Japanese store about a 30 min walk from the condo for snacks and asian groceries.
Asahi Imports
6105 Burnet RdSmall Japanese store about a 30 min walk from the condo for snacks and asian groceries.
Walmart Supercenter
12900 N Interstate Hwy 35In a pinch, it's around the corner (5 minute walk)
Domain NORTHSIDE
11821 Rock Rose AveBig, fancy, newer area with higher end stores and restaurants.
Neighborhoods
Great shopping and strolling area. Generally between Nellie street and Mary. It is eclectic and trendy with restaurants and shops.
650 locals recommend
South Congress
Great shopping and strolling area. Generally between Nellie street and Mary. It is eclectic and trendy with restaurants and shops.
City advice
Don't miss
Bats at Sunset
Many people come to see the bats fly out at sunset from the Congress Avenue Bridge. This can get really crowded and unpleasant (Texas heat). I recommend renting a kayak and watching the bats from below (watch out for bat poop). Check online for when the bats are around as it is seasonal.
Don't miss
Mueller Famer's Market
Huge farmer's market on Sunday. Lots of farms and local food purveyors.
Don't miss
6th Street and nightlife
Also known as "Dirty 6th". This is the best known going out area and refers to the section of 6th street between Brazos and I-35. It has a college kid/touristy vibe. It might be interesting to walk through but I like the Rainey street area or bars on East 6th (between San Marcos and Chicon) better to hang out in and actually get decent cocktails. Alternatively, there are some neighborhood bars worth checking out: The Tigress, The Local Post, Lala's, The Common Interest, Barfly's, etc.
What to pack
Flipflops
It's hot. Everyone (at least the locals) wears them for all occasions.