Kels's Guidebook for North Austin
Kid-friendly
Great, walkable park with a public pool, tennis, some very competitive basketball, and a scenic creek. I have very fond memories of picnics here when I was young
38 locals recommend
Shipe Neighborhood Park
4400 Avenue GGreat, walkable park with a public pool, tennis, some very competitive basketball, and a scenic creek. I have very fond memories of picnics here when I was young
Patio overlooks a playground and park for kids to play! Awesome margaritas and solid Tex mex food. Parents, what else do you need?
12 locals recommend
Maudie's North Lamar
10205 N Lamar BlvdPatio overlooks a playground and park for kids to play! Awesome margaritas and solid Tex mex food. Parents, what else do you need?
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveSightseeing
Elisabet Ney Museum
304 E 44th StLocal museum within walking distance
Round Top
Amazing road trip for antiquing!
Top Notch Hamburgers
7525 Burnet RdFilm location for both Dazed and Confused and Varsity Blues
Food scene
This little convenience store is within walking distance and has the BEST selection of beer in town. Multiple suppliers and the owner says they ask them for a few of everything they can get their hands on. Pro tip, look for larger format, dated beers that are 3 years old for the best taste!
26 locals recommend
Hyde Park Market
4429 Duval StThis little convenience store is within walking distance and has the BEST selection of beer in town. Multiple suppliers and the owner says they ask them for a few of everything they can get their hands on. Pro tip, look for larger format, dated beers that are 3 years old for the best taste!
Most creative donuts I’ve ever had! My kiddos love it!
79 locals recommend
Voodoo Doughnut - 6th Street
212 E 6th StMost creative donuts I’ve ever had! My kiddos love it!
Best sushi Asian fusion in town, first restaurant owned and operated by Paul Qui. Get reservations on weekends!
309 locals recommend
Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdBest sushi Asian fusion in town, first restaurant owned and operated by Paul Qui. Get reservations on weekends!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveCreative burgers and shallot fries
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdGourmet grocery store with a great selection
ASTI Trattoria
408 E 43rd StNeighborhood Italian and wine, get reservations!
Fusion tacos, try one of their wide selection of fish tacos or the pork belly! Kid friendly too
141 locals recommend
Tyson's Tacos
4905 Airport BlvdFusion tacos, try one of their wide selection of fish tacos or the pork belly! Kid friendly too
Voted the best BBQ in the nation by Bon Apetite. No reservations so show up early and be prepared to wait. When they sell out, they close shop for the day
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StVoted the best BBQ in the nation by Bon Apetite. No reservations so show up early and be prepared to wait. When they sell out, they close shop for the day
Super unique neighborhood restaurant that's been open 40+ years. kid friendly, great selection of wine and local beers on tap.
141 locals recommend
Hyde Park Bar & Grill
4206 Duval StSuper unique neighborhood restaurant that's been open 40+ years. kid friendly, great selection of wine and local beers on tap.
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StExperience the tacos that make Austin famous
Nightlife
drink.well.
207 E 53rd StBest cocktails in Austin!
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
624 West 34th Streetjust go!
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto BlvdLocal beers, authentic German food, and a great patio
City advice
Don't miss
Central TX wine trail!
Many don’t realize, but the nearby (less than an hour away) city of Fredericksburg TX offers the nations second most visited wine trail! About 30 different kid friendly wineries along highway 290 that are very busy on weekends and most open on weekdays. If you don’t want to drive, there are several tour companies that will stop at several of the most popular. Very popular destination for bachelorette parties 🎉
Useful phrases
"How's it going?"
You'll hear this in Austin. It's a legitimate question and a choice. The choice is whether you want to engage on a deeper level. Either is fine. If you don't want to chat, say "Fine, how's it for you?". BUT please also consider providing an authentic reply to this question. Whether it's a barista, waiter, or random on the street, I bet they'll listen. They will likely also respond by opening up more about their own personal life. You may make a friend! I was born and raised here. The cityscape changes every year, but the question and culture it represents has always been