It’s been a few years coming, but I’m finally sharing a highly requested post about what to do in Austin! We live in a hip and happening city that has become a popular destination for a long weekend. We frequently get asked what to do while visiting Austin and it’s hard to pick because there is SO much. Eric is the foodie in our relationship who has been all over the city with work, so I thought I’d give him the chance to take over the blog and share all his restaurant recommendations as well as where to stay and what do do! I added in a few notes as well. This is pretty straightforward and in a format that Eric prefers for his own travel research!
OK, it’s Eric here. I’ve never written a blog post before so here it goes. Simply put, I love food. Austin has several great options and below are a few of my favorites. I would suggest getting reservations in advance for most. Most of these recommendations I learned from the Eater Austin which is a great website for bars & restaurants.
I tend to pick restaurants not just for the food, but for the experience. So these recommendations, some of which are on the pricier side, are my favorites and most in the downtown area. There are many many good options and you can’t really go wrong.
RESTAURANTS:
Steakhouse: Red Ash, Lonesome Dove
Foodie: Lenoir, Olamaie, Barley Swine
Sushi: Uchi or Uchiko
Mexican: ATX Cocina/Suerte
Seafood: Perla’s, Clark’s Oyster Bar (also has a great burger)
BBQ: Micklethwait Craft Meats, Terry Black’s
Burgers: Hopdoddy (get there early- line will go around building)
Other: Ramen Tatsuya, Loro
(Meg again!) I recommend Matt’s El Rancho for Tex Mex/Margaritas. It’s a great spot for big groups too but they don’t take reservations.
June’s All Day is a great spot for wine. JUNE is a master sommelier!
Also, neither of us are brunch people so we don’t have great recommendations for that! However, Josephine House is dreamy and such a cute spot with delicious breakfast. We also love coffee at Better Half. And the food at Launderette is so yummy.
COCKTAILS:
Whisler’s
Garage Bar
Small Victory
Half Step
BEER:
Easy Tiger
Banger’s
Craft Pride
PLACES TO GO WITH BIG GROUPS:
Rainey Street
Dirty 6th
West 6th
PLACES TO STAY:
Carpenter’s Hall Hotel
East Austin Hotel
South Congress Hotel
Hotel San Jose
JW Marriott
Fairmont
Also, I recommend an Airbnb for a big group
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Rent a boat on Lake Austin or Lake Travis
Float the river in San Marcos
Walk the trail around Lady Bird Lake
Stand up paddle boarding on Town Lake
Visit Hamilton Pool
NON-ALCOHOLIC ACTIVITIES:
Walk the Capital
Walk South Congress (shops and restaurants)
LBJ Presidential Library
Ester Folley’s Comedy Show
Walk around the Domain
Zach Theater (Meg’s rec)
That’s it! We really wanted to highlight specific favorites so you can really narrow your list for your visit! Did we miss anything? Leave questions in the comments.
austin travel guide what to see and do in austin texas
