Whether you are in town for SXSW or just planning to visit, we have put together a collection of our favorite places in Austin for you to explore.

 

RESTAURANTS

JUSTINE'S BRASSERIE - Two glasses in, you'll swear you've traveled to an offbeat Parisian hood.

LAMBERT'S BBQ - Upscale BBQ, with a deep bar and drink menu to match the food.

TORCHY'S - Taco specialist, developing new taco classics(like the Democrat) for breakfast, lunch and dinner

UCHI & UCHIKO - Beard-winning Tyson Cole built out this first icon of the Austin food scene, and did it with sushi (not bbq).

ODD DUCK & BARLEY SWINE - New American farm-to-table, with small plates you'll want to order the entire menu at Odd Duck. They know what their doing at their additional seasonal American spot Barley Swine, and that's why we reco. their fixed menu. 

LA BBQ - As deadly (and tender) a smoke ring as Franklin's, minus the stupid long line.

HOMESLICE PIZZA - The NY-style pizza is the best in town, and their Italian Sub is legendary (get both).

ELIZABETH ST. CAFE - The bright Vietnamese bakery dishes out inspired bahn mi and pho. On-site bakery makes everything better.

SWAY - Curries, seafood & creative desserts draw folks to this Thai eatery with an open kitchen.

POLVOS - Interior Mexican (read authentic) with a famous salsa bar that gives one more reason for more margaritas.

LAUNDERETTE - Currently a finalist for the James Beard Best New Restaurant award. It was a laundromat, now it serves up many amazing new american & mediterranean foods.

CAFÉ NOSÉ - Our neighbors at the South Congress Hotel-they are brunch specialists, but dinner and drinks at the bar is a good starting point for an evening.

EAST SIDE KING - Chef Paul Qui's first trailer, behind Liberty Bar, snack on pork buns, beet fries, fried kimchi & Thai chicken karaage.

MUSIC CLUBS

HOTEL VEGAS - Good spot for small bands and good dj's- large patio outback is great for a breather on musical interludes

MOODY THEATER - Home to Austin City Limits- if you're lucky to come by a ticket, experience a taping for the iconic PBS program.

BROKEN SPOKE - Honky-tonk dance hall that has hosted artists like Wille Nelson, Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys- great place to 2-step or just drink beer.

CONTINENTAL CLUB - "Grandaddy" to local Austin music venues, and one of the best places to hear live music on South Congress.

THE WHITE HORSE - East side honky tonk, that picks all different folks in to enjoy some amazing live country every weekend.

ANTONE'S - Past playground for Stevie Ray Vaughn & other legends, it is considered Austin's home of the blues.

STUBB'S - In the "heart of downtown", this BBQ joint serves up food as well as an amazing line up of national touring artists

MOHAWK - Multi-level bar (indoor and outdoor) giving folks a chance to see amazing local and national music acts

SIDEWINDER - Another music spot on Red River, but its got a back porch feeling that gives live music a different feel.

BARRACUDA - Like a seventies-style concert hall, the perfect space to offer a big sound and true rock concert feel.

 

SHOPS

UNCOMMON OBJECTS - Across the street from us, you'll see a cool array of antiques, jewelry, taxidermy, gadgets and art

SPARTAN / JM DRY GOODS - Both shops share a space, and the same cool home décor and vibe that is carefully edited through textiles and practical objects.

MERCURY DESIGN - Great spot for new and vintage home goods, and one of the best places in Austin to buy a gift.

ROOM SERVICE - One of the best vintage spaces in town with a big supply of vintage furniture, decor, jewelry & more from the 50's-70's.

FAREWELL BOOKS - New & used bookstore featuring an art gallery with diverse, rotating shows

ESBY - American-made garments for women that are not only built to last, but season-less.

SUNROOM - A boutique in the South Congress Hotel, that has a tight selection of beautiful/minimalist jewelry and clothes.

 

BARS

WEATHER UP - Craft cocktails from the NYC original- it has evolved into one of the best drinking spots on the East Side of Austin.

WHISLER'S - Where to go and do some outdoor drinking in the early evening.

SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL - Best new addition to the street bearing its name- drinks in the hotel bar are the perfect place to launch a night.

DEEP EDDY CABARET - This legendary cash-only watering hole features an old-fashioned jukebox, pool table & an upexplainable draw for good times

HOTEL SAN JOSE - The re-vamped motor-lodge revitalized the area, and is still the best spot for an afternoon Michelada

STAY GOLD - On the East Side, with a good little stage for live music, and great atmosphere for drinks 

 

MISC 

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA - Movie theater built by people who really love movies, and it serves good beer and food during the shows.

BARTON SPRINGS POOL - Swimming hole right in Zilker Park- as legendary a spot as can be- consistently spring fed temps of 68 degrees, keep it cool

END OF AN EAR - Vintage audio equipment and an awesome vinyl selection with a wide variety of genres (new and vintage presses).