Austin is known for being a super hip city in Texas, and I’m happy to report, it’s true, it is super hip. My first visit met all expectations – great music, great food and great drinks. One thing I didn’t expect was for it to feel so big. It’s a big city with some really cool neighborhoods, and thanks to Fasten, I had no problem getting around.
Without further ado, here are my favorite spots from my first trip to Austin.
stay
There are so many unique hotels in Austin. Here are a couple of my faves.
There are so many unique hotels in Austin. Here are a couple of my faves.
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande St
Austin, TX 78705
hotelella.com
The Hotel Ella is a charming hotel housed in a former mansion close to the University of Texas. From art to decor to happy hour, no detail is overlooked. If you’re looking for a cozy hotel that’s great for brunch, a swim or a nightcap, the Hotel Ella is your place.
San Jose Hotel
1316 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
sanjosehotel.com
An amazing bungalow right on South Congress. This is the place for a weekend getaway with your girlfriends or significant other.
eat & drink
Austin is home to some pretty great restaurants and bars. This just touches the surface, but they were my faves when I visited.
Austin is home to some pretty great restaurants and bars. This just touches the surface, but they were my faves when I visited.
Emmer & Rye
51 Rainey St #110
Austin, TX 78701
emmerandrye.com
Emmer & Rye is one of my favorite meals of the year so far. From locally sourced ingredients to a creative take on dim sum, Emmer & Rye is a must when you’re in Austin. While the menu changes daily, I suggest getting recommendations from your server but really you won’t go wrong with anything. The wine list is excellent as well.
Josephine House
1601 Waterston Ave
Austin, TX 78703
josephineofaustin.com
Josephine House, where do I begin? For me, it has the perfect vibe. Housed in a small bungalow with a great back patio, you feel like you’re visiting a friend.
Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
perlasaustin.com
Perla’s is one of those perfect happy hour spots. Head here for cocktails and oysters or, if you’re feeling brave, split the Oyster Po Boy with a friend. It’s so damn good.
Guero’s Taco Bar
1412 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
gueros.com
Guero’s is an institution. Not as flashy as other popular taco spots, Guero’s serves reliably delicious Tex-Mex. I say get the fish tacos and a classic marg and call it day.
Torchy’s Tacos
1822 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
torchystacos.com
Torchy’s is a chain but serves legendary Tex-Mex. If anything, come to Torchy’s for their queso.
La Condesa
2nd Street District, 400 W 2nd St A
Austin, TX 78701
lacondesa.com
La Condesa is a beautiful spot that serves modern tacos and cocktails. Bright and airy with cool decor. Everything is fresh and spiced to perfection.
The Blackheart
86 Rainey St
Austin, TX 78701
blackheartbar.com
The Blackheart is a super cool bar with live music on Rainey Street. Rainey, in general, is the place to go for after dinner drinks. I fell in love with The Blackheart and actually went twice while I was in Austin. Please go here for some bourbon, a beer, and the band.
Laundrette
2115 Holly St
Austin, TX 78702
launderetteaustin.com
Located in a refurbished gas station, Laundrette is a fun spot to grab drinks or dinner. With a very retro vibe, you can’t help but feel super cool here.
shop
Austin has some pretty great shops. From luxury to vintage, there’s a little something for everyone.
Austin has some pretty great shops. From luxury to vintage, there’s a little something for everyone.
Feathers
1700 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
feathersboutiquevintage.com/
Feathers is one of the coolest vintage stores I’ve ever stepped foot in. Beautifully curated, this is a must for any fashionista. The only downside is seeing a pair of shoes you love, and they don’t have your size. Saddest thing ever.
Outdoor Voices
606 Blanco St
Austin, TX 78703
outdoorvoices.com
Outdoor Voices is my favorite athletic apparel company, and Austin is their flagship store. If you’re in the market for some new leggings or workout clothes, OV is a must.
By George
1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
bygeorgeaustin.com
By George is a chic upscale shop on South Congress. Even if it’s out of your price range, stop in and poke around. It’s so well curated.
Allen Boots
1522 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
allensboots.com
Allen’s Boots is an iconic cowboy boot shop. Even if you’re not in the market for a pair of boots, you need to visit.
There are so many places that I tried to hit while I was visiting Austin, but I just didn’t have time. (That’s usually the case.) I guess that gives me a reason to go back and try out some more hotels.
So I guess this is to be continued.
