Guide for Austin & Hill Country
Iconic Restaurants
These are restaurants that have developed a cult following in Austin over the years.
Barbecue isn't just a food group. It's an experience. And the single best overall BBQ experience in Austin (which isn't actually in Austin) is The Salt Lick. It's located in Driftwood TX, just a short 30 minute drive from Austin. While you are out there, stop by some of the wineries as well.
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Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826Barbecue isn't just a food group. It's an experience. And the single best overall BBQ experience in Austin (which isn't actually in Austin) is The Salt Lick. It's located in Driftwood TX, just a short 30 minute drive from Austin. While you are out there, stop by some of the wineries as well.
Uchi - along with its sister restaurant Uchiko - has been named as the No. 1 sushi restaurant in the country in TimeOut magazine. The best I can describe this food is that it tastes like "a dance in your mouth."
688 personas locales recomiendan
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdUchi - along with its sister restaurant Uchiko - has been named as the No. 1 sushi restaurant in the country in TimeOut magazine. The best I can describe this food is that it tastes like "a dance in your mouth."
Hula Hut's been serving up traditional Tex Mex with a Hawaiian twist since 1993. This Austin landmark restaurant & bar is located waterfront on beautiful Lake Austin.
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Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BlvdHula Hut's been serving up traditional Tex Mex with a Hawaiian twist since 1993. This Austin landmark restaurant & bar is located waterfront on beautiful Lake Austin.
If you are seeking delicious scratch-mase queso and margaritas...Matt's El Rancho is for you. Still family-owned, Matt's is a family-friendly Tex-Mex spot that's been drawing crowds with enchiladas & margaritas since 1952. Try the Bob Armstrong dip.
304 personas locales recomiendan
Matt's El Rancho
2613 S Lamar BlvdIf you are seeking delicious scratch-mase queso and margaritas...Matt's El Rancho is for you. Still family-owned, Matt's is a family-friendly Tex-Mex spot that's been drawing crowds with enchiladas & margaritas since 1952. Try the Bob Armstrong dip.
If you are looking for fine dining, Jeffrey's is a posh fine-dining icon featuring upscale New American cuisine plus an active bar.
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Jeffrey's
1204 W Lynn StIf you are looking for fine dining, Jeffrey's is a posh fine-dining icon featuring upscale New American cuisine plus an active bar.
Zany South Austin eatery with a salsa bar serving Tex-Mex specialties & pitchers of margaritas.
Polvos
Zany South Austin eatery with a salsa bar serving Tex-Mex specialties & pitchers of margaritas.
Favorite Local Restaurants
Here are some restaurant recommendations that are close to the Casita in the South Austin area. All of these are no more than a 5 minute drive.
District Kitchen + Cocktails is a chef-owned restaurant in Austin, Texas that offers New American Cuisine in a stylish, warm and welcoming setting. They also have a great happy hour.
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District Kitchen + Cocktails
5900 W Slaughter LnDistrict Kitchen + Cocktails is a chef-owned restaurant in Austin, Texas that offers New American Cuisine in a stylish, warm and welcoming setting. They also have a great happy hour.
Austin-born taqueria chain serving meat, seafood & vegetarian options, plus a breakfast menu. Tacodeli handcrafts Mexican-inspired, creative tacos with local and organic ingredients topped with award-winning salsas. Try the Heather, Jess Special and any taco with potatoes.
Tacodeli
Austin-born taqueria chain serving meat, seafood & vegetarian options, plus a breakfast menu. Tacodeli handcrafts Mexican-inspired, creative tacos with local and organic ingredients topped with award-winning salsas. Try the Heather, Jess Special and any taco with potatoes.
Hip venue serving updated American menu in a mod '60s setting with a plush patio & live music. The lettuce wraps and the tuna tar-tar (I think now called the Napoleon Dynamite) are worth a stop here.
25 personas locales recomiendan
Satellite...Eat. Drink. Orbit.
5900 W Slaughter LnHip venue serving updated American menu in a mod '60s setting with a plush patio & live music. The lettuce wraps and the tuna tar-tar (I think now called the Napoleon Dynamite) are worth a stop here.
Local pizzeria known for its square, Detroit-style pizzas & inventive toppings. Baked in a heavy pan similar to the auto parts trays found in Detroit in the 1940's, the light, focaccia-like dough develops a golden crunch on the bottom.
Via 313 Pizza
Local pizzeria known for its square, Detroit-style pizzas & inventive toppings. Baked in a heavy pan similar to the auto parts trays found in Detroit in the 1940's, the light, focaccia-like dough develops a golden crunch on the bottom.
Watering Holes & Lake Activities
The best hikes, watering holes and boat activities.
Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.
No Reservation Required. Only open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8 am - 10 pm. No entry pass needed from 9 pm - 10 pm on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Swim at your own risk hours are daily from 5 AM - 8 AM and do not require entry pass. Entry passes are required for Barton Springs after 8 am on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They can be purchased at PARD.flowbirdhub.com, on the Apple App store and Google play with the Pard ATXswims app, or in person at kiosks at either entrance of the facility.
2454 personas locales recomiendan
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrWithin Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.
No Reservation Required. Only open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8 am - 10 pm. No entry pass needed from 9 pm - 10 pm on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Swim at your own risk hours are daily from 5 AM - 8 AM and do not require entry pass. Entry passes are required for Barton Springs after 8 am on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They can be purchased at PARD.flowbirdhub.com, on the Apple App store and Google play with the Pard ATXswims app, or in person at kiosks at either entrance of the facility.
CURRENTLY NOT ALLOWING SWIMMING.
Few can rival this majestic pool, which is fed by a natural spring and sits below a 50-foot waterfall. Lie down and watch the waters trickle over dramatic limestone outcrops or treat yourself to a dip in the turquoise expanse—that is, if you can bag a spot. Hamilton Pool has gotten so popular that a reservation system had to be introduced five years ago, and slots book up quickly in the summer.
Know before you go: Reservations are required, with slots opening one month at a time. There’s a morning time slot (9 am to 12:30 pm) and an afternoon time slot (2 pm to 5:30 pm). Cash-only reservations run $8 per adult, $3 per senior (children under 12 swim free), and $12 per vehicle. Pets, overnight camping, and glass containers are prohibited.
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Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool RdCURRENTLY NOT ALLOWING SWIMMING.
Few can rival this majestic pool, which is fed by a natural spring and sits below a 50-foot waterfall. Lie down and watch the waters trickle over dramatic limestone outcrops or treat yourself to a dip in the turquoise expanse—that is, if you can bag a spot. Hamilton Pool has gotten so popular that a reservation system had to be introduced five years ago, and slots book up quickly in the summer.
Know before you go: Reservations are required, with slots opening one month at a time. There’s a morning time slot (9 am to 12:30 pm) and an afternoon time slot (2 pm to 5:30 pm). Cash-only reservations run $8 per adult, $3 per senior (children under 12 swim free), and $12 per vehicle. Pets, overnight camping, and glass containers are prohibited.
NEED RESERVATIONS. There are two different Blue Holes in the Austin area, and this one in Wimberley is arguably the better known of the pair. This natural, spring-fed swimming hole is flanked on both sides by towering cypress trees, and you can find your way into the crystal-clear water via one of the many rope swings dangling from their branches. When you’re done swimming, sprawl out on the grass or post up at one of the limestone picnic tables, available to reserve ahead of time. It’s also not far from Jacob’s Well, so you could easily make a day of it by hitting both.
Know before you go: Reservations are required for the swimming area of the park—$12 for adults from 9 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm. The rest of the park is free, which includes a playscape and four miles of hiking trails.
Blue Hole is open for swimming starting weekends in May, every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and then closes the season with weekends in September. If you would like to stay all day, you must reserve both timeslots.
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Blue Hole Regional Park
333 Blue Hole LnNEED RESERVATIONS. There are two different Blue Holes in the Austin area, and this one in Wimberley is arguably the better known of the pair. This natural, spring-fed swimming hole is flanked on both sides by towering cypress trees, and you can find your way into the crystal-clear water via one of the many rope swings dangling from their branches. When you’re done swimming, sprawl out on the grass or post up at one of the limestone picnic tables, available to reserve ahead of time. It’s also not far from Jacob’s Well, so you could easily make a day of it by hitting both.
Know before you go: Reservations are required for the swimming area of the park—$12 for adults from 9 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm. The rest of the park is free, which includes a playscape and four miles of hiking trails.
Blue Hole is open for swimming starting weekends in May, every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and then closes the season with weekends in September. If you would like to stay all day, you must reserve both timeslots.
Jacob’s well natural area is currently open to the public during open hours (8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily).
Reservations are required for water access at Jacob’s Well.
Jacob’s well is open for swimming from May 1 – September 30 by online reservation only: https://jwna.checkfront.com/reserve/
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Área Natural de Jacob's Well
1699 Mt Sharp RdJacob’s well natural area is currently open to the public during open hours (8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily).
Reservations are required for water access at Jacob’s Well.
Jacob’s well is open for swimming from May 1 – September 30 by online reservation only: https://jwna.checkfront.com/reserve/
McKinney Falls State Park is a little oasis a mere 16 miles from downtown Austin, offering nine miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, some very difficult bouldering walls, an ancient rock shelter, and two waterfalls where (weather permitting) you'll be doing your splashing. Upper Falls and Lower Falls both sport nice swimming holes, but Upper Falls has deeper water—a very important factor if you're planning to dive in. That said, Lower Falls still offers a great alternative when Upper Falls gets too crowded. You can also fish and swim in Onion Creek for a change of pace.
Know before you go: The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Reservations must be made online or by calling their phone number and run $6 per adult (children under 12 go free). Check the website before setting out to read up on any planned closures.
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Parque Estatal McKinney Falls
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyMcKinney Falls State Park is a little oasis a mere 16 miles from downtown Austin, offering nine miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, some very difficult bouldering walls, an ancient rock shelter, and two waterfalls where (weather permitting) you'll be doing your splashing. Upper Falls and Lower Falls both sport nice swimming holes, but Upper Falls has deeper water—a very important factor if you're planning to dive in. That said, Lower Falls still offers a great alternative when Upper Falls gets too crowded. You can also fish and swim in Onion Creek for a change of pace.
Know before you go: The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Reservations must be made online or by calling their phone number and run $6 per adult (children under 12 go free). Check the website before setting out to read up on any planned closures.
Entertainment Districts
The best areas for pub crawling, bar hopping and live music.
From South Congress or "SoCo," to a variety of music venues and restaurants off of South Lamar and South First Street, this district below the river gets its funky flair from its locally-oriented shopping, live music and cuisine, and boasts some of the most photographed and famous street art in the city.
Top Picks: Be sure to hit up Continental Club, an iconic Austin live music venue on South Congress, for local staples of the rock and blues scenes, as well as national touring artists. Other South Austin faves include The Golden Goose for craft cocktails or Loro for a unique Asian smokehouse-meets-Texas barbecue flair. Get a two-step lesson at Broken Spoke or listen to live tunes seven nights a week at Saxon Pub.
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South Congress
From South Congress or "SoCo," to a variety of music venues and restaurants off of South Lamar and South First Street, this district below the river gets its funky flair from its locally-oriented shopping, live music and cuisine, and boasts some of the most photographed and famous street art in the city.
Top Picks: Be sure to hit up Continental Club, an iconic Austin live music venue on South Congress, for local staples of the rock and blues scenes, as well as national touring artists. Other South Austin faves include The Golden Goose for craft cocktails or Loro for a unique Asian smokehouse-meets-Texas barbecue flair. Get a two-step lesson at Broken Spoke or listen to live tunes seven nights a week at Saxon Pub.
This unique entertainment district is lined with historic houses converted into bars with as much personality as the city itself. Here you'll find local brews, great food trucks and rousing games of backyard corn hole. Rainey Street is perfect for a laid-back night of socializing with co-workers, attendees or new friends over live music, and is located just east of the Convention Center, near Highway 35.
Top Picks: Yes, there is a tattoo on the Banger's menu. And yes, it's free. Walk the block to check out these other spots on Rainey: Half Step, Lustre Pearl and Idle Hands. Make it a Sunday Funday and begin the morning with mimosa specials at any of the Rainey Street bars, and a stop at Icenhauer’s to dance during Super Soul Sundays with a live band.
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Rainey Street
Rainey StreetThis unique entertainment district is lined with historic houses converted into bars with as much personality as the city itself. Here you'll find local brews, great food trucks and rousing games of backyard corn hole. Rainey Street is perfect for a laid-back night of socializing with co-workers, attendees or new friends over live music, and is located just east of the Convention Center, near Highway 35.
Top Picks: Yes, there is a tattoo on the Banger's menu. And yes, it's free. Walk the block to check out these other spots on Rainey: Half Step, Lustre Pearl and Idle Hands. Make it a Sunday Funday and begin the morning with mimosa specials at any of the Rainey Street bars, and a stop at Icenhauer’s to dance during Super Soul Sundays with a live band.
East Austin is a growing favorite for the young and hip who are looking for a more alternative vibe. Walk this area east of Highway 35 on Sixth Street to experience food trucks and a variety of casual and quirky bars, graffiti-style murals and alternatives for dancing, dining and coffee.
Top Picks: Celebrate an all-out fiesta at Suerte. Post up on the patio overlooking East Sixth Street and dig into elevated Mexican cuisine like the oak-grilled carne asada with peach pico and carrot-habañero salsa, sided with a rosé sangria. Other neighborhood favorites include Whisler's, The Liberty, and The White Horse (don't forget your dancing shoes!).
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East Austin
East Austin is a growing favorite for the young and hip who are looking for a more alternative vibe. Walk this area east of Highway 35 on Sixth Street to experience food trucks and a variety of casual and quirky bars, graffiti-style murals and alternatives for dancing, dining and coffee.
Top Picks: Celebrate an all-out fiesta at Suerte. Post up on the patio overlooking East Sixth Street and dig into elevated Mexican cuisine like the oak-grilled carne asada with peach pico and carrot-habañero salsa, sided with a rosé sangria. Other neighborhood favorites include Whisler's, The Liberty, and The White Horse (don't forget your dancing shoes!).
Often referred to as the "Market District," this district is Sixth Street fun with the more mature crowd. Twenty and 30-somethings can be found here with a variety of bars for dancing, dining and open-porch bars.
Top Picks: Popular stops on this street include Irene's and Ranch 616! Raise a beer to the man in black at Mean Eyed Cat, a Johnny Cash-themed bar, or two-step at Donn’s Depot, built in an old train car.
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West 6th Street
West 6th StreetOften referred to as the "Market District," this district is Sixth Street fun with the more mature crowd. Twenty and 30-somethings can be found here with a variety of bars for dancing, dining and open-porch bars.
Top Picks: Popular stops on this street include Irene's and Ranch 616! Raise a beer to the man in black at Mean Eyed Cat, a Johnny Cash-themed bar, or two-step at Donn’s Depot, built in an old train car.
Looking to go out with a younger crowd? Sixth Street is the place to be, and is arguably one of the most famous nightlife districts in town. Complete with inexpensive drinks, dancing, music and Greek life, this stretch of road rests between Congress Avenue and Highway 35 and kicks off around sunset through 2 a.m. This crowd definitely likes to celebrate, and street traffic is closed for pedestrians Thursday-Saturday nights.
Top Picks: Dance on the rooftop at Maggie Mae's and enjoy people-watching below as you listen to live bands. Other favorites include Firehouse Lounge for a fresh take on classic cocktails (hint: the bar is hidden behind a bookcase), Midnight Cowboy (an underground cocktail speakeasy; reservations required), or Blind Pig Pub and Flamingo Cantina for live music.
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Sixth Street Historic District
Looking to go out with a younger crowd? Sixth Street is the place to be, and is arguably one of the most famous nightlife districts in town. Complete with inexpensive drinks, dancing, music and Greek life, this stretch of road rests between Congress Avenue and Highway 35 and kicks off around sunset through 2 a.m. This crowd definitely likes to celebrate, and street traffic is closed for pedestrians Thursday-Saturday nights.
Top Picks: Dance on the rooftop at Maggie Mae's and enjoy people-watching below as you listen to live bands. Other favorites include Firehouse Lounge for a fresh take on classic cocktails (hint: the bar is hidden behind a bookcase), Midnight Cowboy (an underground cocktail speakeasy; reservations required), or Blind Pig Pub and Flamingo Cantina for live music.
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdProof & Cooper
18710 Hamilton Pool RdDesert Door Distillery
211 Darden Hill RdVista Brewing
13551 FM150 WTreaty Oak Distilling
16604 Fitzhugh RdShopping Districts & Iconic Austin Shops
If you only have time for one area, choose to walk South Congress, you won't regret it.
South Congress is Austin's biggest shopping, entertainment, and tourist street, and it has a rich history. It oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin's yesteryear in its bohemian boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues.
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South Congress
South Congress is Austin's biggest shopping, entertainment, and tourist street, and it has a rich history. It oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin's yesteryear in its bohemian boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues.
The Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
2nd Street District
211 Guadalupe StLong-running Western-wear store with an ample selection of classic boots, belts, hats & clothing. When in Austin, you have to get a pair of cowboy boots and the spot to go is Allens Boots. With over 4, 000 boots on display, you might be walking out in style.
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Allens Boots
1522 S Congress AveLong-running Western-wear store with an ample selection of classic boots, belts, hats & clothing. When in Austin, you have to get a pair of cowboy boots and the spot to go is Allens Boots. With over 4, 000 boots on display, you might be walking out in style.
Music Lane is a unique cultural destination located along Austin’s iconic South Congress Avenue. Featuring a curated collection of retailers and restaurants, Music Lane connects visitors to Austin’s roots with an elevated shopping and lifestyle experience.
Music Lane
1117 S Congress AveMusic Lane is a unique cultural destination located along Austin’s iconic South Congress Avenue. Featuring a curated collection of retailers and restaurants, Music Lane connects visitors to Austin’s roots with an elevated shopping and lifestyle experience.
SFC Farmers' Market Downtown
422 Guadalupe StChic hair salon & boutique offering trendy clothes, high-end beauty products & gifts.
Luxe Apothetique
201 W 2nd StChic hair salon & boutique offering trendy clothes, high-end beauty products & gifts.
Iconic independent music and video shop that’s been an integral part of Austin’s music scene since 1982. You can find new and used LPs, indie CDs, music, movies, books, t-shirts, and stickers.
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Waterloo Records
600 N Lamar BlvdIconic independent music and video shop that’s been an integral part of Austin’s music scene since 1982. You can find new and used LPs, indie CDs, music, movies, books, t-shirts, and stickers.
East Austin Succulents
801 Tillery StSightseeing
You can't miss the Bullock Museum, which tells the the story of Texas on three floors: Just look for the 35 foot tall bronze star out front. Also with IMAX movies.
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Museo de Historia del Estado de Texas Bullock
1800 Congress AveYou can't miss the Bullock Museum, which tells the the story of Texas on three floors: Just look for the 35 foot tall bronze star out front. Also with IMAX movies.
Mexic-Arte Museum is a fine arts museum in Austin, Texas. The Mission of the organization is to enrich and educate the community through the presentation and promotion of traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latino art and culture.
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Museo Mexic-Arte
419 Congress AvenueMexic-Arte Museum is a fine arts museum in Austin, Texas. The Mission of the organization is to enrich and educate the community through the presentation and promotion of traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latino art and culture.
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveCentro de Flores Silvestres Lady Bird Johnson
4801 La Crosse AveAustin Duck Adventures
602 E 4th StWillie Nelson Statue
310 W 2nd StI Love You So Much Mural
1300 S Congress Ave