Austin has a lot to offer, no matter what your interests are, there is always something to do, see, eat and experience in the Live Music Capital of the World. Maybe you’ve visited the weird city multiple times or maybe you’re planning your first trip for the upcoming fall (Texan Tip: the best weather is October-November), either way here’s a compilation of great restaurants and bars to make your experience as Austin-authentic as possible. (And they’re broken down by neighborhood locations!)
South Austin: Home to some of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, the trendy, tourist-sought drag, South Congress, and food-truck havens, South Austin is warm, weird, and wonderful.
1. Summermoon Coffee Summermoon is a family-run, cozy shop off of S. 1st (original location), that specializes in wood-fired coffee. Look for their new trailer, Mobile Moon, opening soon and located on Manchaca Road.
This photo of Summermoon is courtesy of the Austinot.
2. Soup Peddler The business began when David Ansel chose to deliver soup by bike as a way to make money. It took off and the Peddler now has multiple locations in Austin, serving smoothies, sandwiches, soups and more.
This photo of Soup Peddler’s Tomato Basil soup is courtesy of 365 Things Austin.
3. East Side King Originally a food truck, with locations in the backyards of many popular Austin bars, East Side King now has a permanent address on S. Lamar. Austinites enjoy peanut-butter curry boa buns, beet fries, and thai chicken karaage.
This photo of East Side King’s popular menu items is courtesy of Tasting Page.
4. Whip In Originally a gas station, this building was renovated into one of the first craft beer shops in the city during the ’80’s. They serve up Indian cuisine and offer rotating beers on tap. Enjoy live music on their warmly-lit patio or belly up to their indoor bar.
This photo of Whip In’s cozy interior is courtesy of the Austinot.
North Austin: A lot may not know that this Texas-city has its own Chinatown, which is located north of Downtown. This area is favored among locals for its delicious and affordable Asian fare.
5. Kim Phung This restaurant’s exterior may not look promising, but inside awaits both modern and home-style Chinese plates with a warm, friendly staff and atmosphere.
This photo of Kim Phung’s Tai Nam is courtesy of Laura Ward’s Craft Takeover blog.
6. Din Ho Chinese BBQ In Texas, BBQ is king. In North Austin, Din Ho is king.
This photo of Din Ho Chinese BBQ is courtesy of TripAdvisor.
West Campus: UT’s campus is huge, which is why locals have to compartmentalize it by directional location. West Campus features “The Drag”, a college kid’s paradise due to its many coffee shops, thrift stores, and quick, cheap, yummy eats.
7. Dirty Martin’s Just off The Drag, Dirty Martin’s sits and has been since the 1920’s. Explore UT campus and thrift shops then pop into Dirty’s for delicious fried foods and milkshakes.
This photo of Dirty Martin’s specailty is courtesy of the Austinot.
8. Spider House Cafe and Ballroom Spider House is a bar, coffee house, and restaurant inside a rustically charming house. Dine, or just drink some coffee and read, in their spacious, magical outdoor area. At night, stop inside their Ballroom next door for live music, comedy, or slam poetry.
This photo of Spider House Cafe and Ballroom is courtesy of TripAdvisor.
Sixth Street: High heels, cigarette buds, and smeared pizza grease litter the pavement of this prominent street, giving it its local nickname – Dirty Sixth.
9. Easy Tiger Looking for something a little more relaxed while exploring the jungles of Sixth Street? Easy Tiger offers an intimate interior where you can sit and people-watch or play a board game while munching on a house-baked soft pretzel. Or, check out their outdoor deck and patio with views of Waller Creek and ping pong tables.
This photo of Easy Tiger is courtesy of TripAdvisor.
10. The Jackalope Bar & Grill Upholding the unique personality Austin is known for, Jackalope is in the heart of Sixth Street and features a human-sized Jackalope, fantastic burgers, and lots of beer options.
This photo of The Jackalope is courtesy of TripAdvisor.
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