Austin

From MaxTravelz

Austin is a city in the Hill Country of Texas. It's the capital of that state, but also the capital of alternative culture off the two American coasts. Austin's attitude is commonly emblazoned about town on T-Shirts and bumper stickers: "Keep Austin Weird." Austin is also marketed as the "Live Music Capital of the World".

Contents

Understand

Read

  • Pick up an Austin Chronicle newspaper, first thing. Without it, you will be lost. These are freely available all over town—including the information desk across from baggage claim at the airport. It will be your guide to everything that's going on in Austin from festivals (Spam Festival, Chili Festival, et al.) to music, theater and food, it's all in there.
  • Daily Texan - The student newspaper of the University of Texas at Austin
  • Austin Chronicle - All the news that's fit to print, reflects the true vibe of Austin.
  • Austin American-Statesman - News that everyone else prints.

Districts

  • Bouldin Addition
  • Bryker Woods
  • Downtown
  • East Austin
  • Enfield
  • Pemberton Heights
  • Swisher Addition
  • Tenth Ward
  • Travis Heights
  • UT & The Drag
  • Tarrytown

Get in

By plane

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is 6 miles (10km) southeast of the city center and there are a selection of buses, taxis, shuttles and car rentals to get you into town and back. Chauffeured sedans or limos are also available to pick you up or drop you off at the airport but normally require advance reservations.

By train

The Austin Amtrak station is served by the Texas Eagle, with service from Chicago to San Antonio.

By car

Austin is located on several major freeways. From San Antonio, head north on IH-35, about two hours. From Dallas, head south on IH-35, about two hours. From Houston, head north on US-290, about three hours.

By bus

The Greyhound Bus Line serves Austin daily. Schedules may change. 800-231-2222.

Get around

By train

The Austin Steam Train Association (http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/) runs several tours aboard the Hill Country Flyer steam train into and around Texas Hill Country. The train makes short half hour jaunts as well as a 30 mile (50km) circuit on weekends March through December. The Steam Train Association does actually own a live steam train, but it has been out of commission since about 2000. The train still runs though, just using a borrowed diesel engine. Still nice, but not as cool as it used to be.

By bus

Capital Metro (http://www.capmetro.org/) is the city's public bus network with a solid system of inexpensive neighborhood express and downtown routes. CapMetro also runs several free trolley-style buses around downtown, known as 'Dillos (short for Armadillo Express).

By car

Driving is not too difficult. Traffic is bad from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm Monday through Fridays. There are two major north-south expressways I-35 and Loop 1 (Also called Mo-Pac for the Missouri-Pacific railroad which runs along it). There is only one true major east-west freeway in Austin located south of the city center which is variably called Ben White or US 290 West/Texas highway 71. The freeway section of 290 West/Ben White currently runs from I-35 to just east of Oak Hill. Freeway extentions are currently being constructed east on 71 to the airport, and the beginning stages of construction are taking place west towards and past Oak Hill. Oak Hill is the point at which 71 and 290 split apart and go in separate directions, and in case this isn't confusing enough, I make the distinction between 290 West and 290 East because at I-35 290 East actually heads up the interstate, and then continues on to the east in North Austin. There is a second freeway that runs from the Northwest side of the city down to the Southeast side of the city past the airport. This freeway is called US 183, and in North Austin it may also be referred to as Research Blvd. Most of it is freeway now, however there are still several major intersections which are currently being constructed and turned into freeway.

Parts of the city are subject to flooding at times during the year, however it is not common as Austin does not get an excessive amount of rain.

Note: For those of you unfamiliar with proper treatment of flooded areas, NEVER drive through flooded low water crossings. You will lose your car and possibly your life. As little as one inch of running water can and does wash a car away and each year there are some deaths due to this. If you don't die, then you'll be on the news and everyone will mock you and make fun of you for being and idiot and driving into the flooded area.

Parking

While driving is not too bad, parking is difficult; look for municipal parking garages as officers will ticket you in the blink of an eye. (Check meters, though, because many are free in the evenings, on weekends, and on major holidays.) Worse yet, vehicles illegally parked in private parking areas are very quickly towed, so make sure that you don't park in spots marked no parking. see http://www.texasfreeway.com/Austin/austin.shtml/

Taxi

There are several cab companies on call if you'd prefer to avoid the driving hassle altogether, such as American Yellow Checker Cab (512-452-9999) and Roy's Taxi (512-482-0000).

For airport transfers or those who just demand a bit more luxury you can rent a chauffeured sedan, limousine or minibus from Marriton Limousine (512-329-7007 or 1-800-940-7007)

Bike

The Yellow Bike Project provides and services yellow bikes to be used by anyone who needs, without charge. If you see a yellow bike, ride it to your destination and leave it for the next person. Yellow bikes are not to be locked up and you ride at your own risk. The Austin Yellow Bike Project has been operating for seven years and has released over 600 yellow bikes. For contact info: Call 512-457-9880

See

  • University of Texas at Austin is a beautiful stroll. While there you might want to visit the Blanton Art Museum, The Harry Ransom Center, or Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History. The famous tower has reopened and is worth a look for the breathtaking views and history lesson. It is a tour though so you need to make reservations. The theater and music departments are both well regarded and have performances throughout the school year. If you visit during football season, you can see the 2005 National Champion Texas Longhorn football team play at Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. http://www.utexas.edu/
  • LBJ Presidential Library always seems to have something interesting on display. They change their exhibits fairly frequently. Don't miss the Gutenberg bible that is encased in an incredibly elaborate display case/fallout shelter. http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/
  • The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is a very good survey of Texas History and Culture. As with most newer museums it suffers quite a bit in that it seems to have traded depth for lots of multimedia displays and an IMAX theater. What is there, however, is quite well done. http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
  • The Texas State Capitol is worth peeking into. It's free and open seven days a week.
  • Austin Bats. Yes, that's right, bats. Austin's Congress Avenue bridge is home to the largest Mexican free-tailed bat colony in North America (1.5 million). The bats are generally active at dusk every evening between March and November. http://www.batcon.org/discover/congress.html

Do

  • The Alamo Drafthouse downtown always has an eclectic array of cult and foreign films and a good beer and food menu. They also have a dizzying number of specialty shows and film festivals. Their other locations show first run movies with the same excellent food menu. http://www.drafthouse.com/
  • The State and Paramount Theaters feature a wide variety of acts, from Chinese acrobats to plays and unique dance companies. http://www.austintheatre.org
  • Go to Esther's Follies for an entertaining Saturday Live-like comedy skits on Thursday-Saturday. Located in the 6th street entertainment district it's a great way to start an evening. Reservations recommended. http://www.esthersfollies.com/


Tours

  • TexasWineTours.com offers half and full day tours of the nearby Texas Wine country. Rent a chauffeured sedan, limo or minibus, generally departing between 10AM and noon daily. Call 512-329-7007 or 1-800-940-7007 or visit TexasWineTours.com for more info.

Theater

Austin is a great city for theater, especially if you like new works.

Festivals

  • Frontera Fest is Austin's whirlwind festival. More theater than you can shake a stick at. Theater in theaters. Theater in people's houses. Theater everywhere. http://www.hydeparktheatre.org/site/fronterafest04.html
  • Held on the last Saturday of every April to ring in spring, there are few things that seem so "Austin" as Eeyore's Birthday Party. It is a unique event: a free-form hang-out of several thousand people... sitting, walking, playing music, beating drums, eating, drinking beer, playing games. Be yourself... there are families, dogs, tatoos, costumes, hotties, hippies, gay, straight, black, white, brown, red, tan.... and a statue of Eeyore dressed like the Statue of Liberty. The drum circle is massive and the beat vibrates throughout the central city. It ends when the sun goes down and everyone leaves peacefully. http://www.klru.org/austinnow/archives/eeyores/eeyores.asp

Companies

  • Rude Mechanicals or Rude Mechs. Original pieces are always engaging. Their production values are over the top (10 foot tesla coils on stage), and always make you interested to be watching theater. They did Lipstick Traces, which I loved. Also loved Get Your War On. They tour, so look for them.
  • Pro Arts Collective. They do everything: theatre, dance, hip-hop, musicals, festivals...
  • Teatro Vivo. Dedicated to producing quality bilingual theatre. Reflects the heart and soul of the Latino reality.
  • Salvage Vanguard. Original musical pieces in conjunction with the Golden Arm Trio's Graham Reynolds are not to be missed.
  • Different Stages. One of Austin's oldest rep. companies.
  • Refraction Arts. They dabble in multiple mediums. Always interesting.
  • the dirigo group. These critical darlings do original and established work.
  • Bedlam Faction. The typical Bedlam fare is nervy, physical productions of lesser known early-modern playwrights. They occasionally do new, local works.
  • Naughty Austin. Started out dedicated to gay-themed scripts, but they've been branching out lately.
  • Loaded Gun Theory. Original pieces.
  • Yellow Tape Construction Co. New work in theatre, dance, music, and many different combinations of the three.

Theaters

  • The Off Center. Managed by Rude Mechs and home to some of Austin's best theatre, music and dance: Deborah Hay Dance Company, Physical Plant Theatre, Salvage Vanguard Theatre, The Golden Hornet Project.
  • The Hideout. Managed by Heroes of Comedy, I think. You can always find improv comedy there.
  • Zach Scott. Dave Steakley is artistic director. If you are looking for solid musical theatre, this is your venue. They also have a lock on Xmas plays.
  • The Blue Theater. Managed by Refraction Arts and featuring theatre, music, film and dance.
  • The Vortex. Bonnie Cullum is artistic director. Original musicals and operas and plays. Some of the most delightfully weird stuff I've seen.
  • Hyde Park Theater. Ken Webster is artistic director. If you like Mamet, he's your man's man. FronteraFest is here too.
  • Sam Bass Community Theater.
  • Arts on Real.
  • The Gas Light Theater.

Music

  • The Cactus Café. A great place to hear many local artists. Much of the music that is played there seems to be singer-songwriter. It's musically akin to Austin City Limits and unlike Austin City Limits you can probably actually get in to the Cactus Café. http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/ae/cactus/
  • Austin City Limits. The venerable PBS show is filmed in the basement of the University of Texas' Radio Television and Film department. http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/
  • Austin City Limits Festival. An annual outdoor music festival. It is a great way to sample all varieties of local music, but you will have to deal with the heat. http://www.aclfestival.com/
  • The South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. Austin's yearly flirtation with being a major player in the music, film and interactive media arenas. The wrist bands are loved by college students here, but be warned that you'll be turned away at the door at many of the venues even with one. You can still get into some of the larger venues without a wristband if you'd simply like to sample a band or two and check out the atmosphere. http://www.sxsw.com/
  • Stubb's BBQ. This BBQ restaurant has some of the best selection of live music in Austin, thanks to Charles Attal, one of the owners, who is recognized nationally for his music booking business. 801 Red River http://www.stubbsaustin.com/music.php
  • Antone's. An Austin original that has survived despite many hardships. Considered by USA Today to be one of the best Blues clubs in the nation, Antone's continues to be a launching pad for dozens of new artists each year. 213 West 5th http://www.antones.net
  • The Continental Club. This legendary South Austin venue was opened in 1957 and for nearly four decades has been serving up the best live music Austin has to offer. The venue is small so get there early if you want to get in. 1315 South Congress http://www.continentalclub.com/Austin.html
  • The Saxon Pub. An awesome live music venue. The Saxon hosts live music throughout the week and even has a "no cover" happy hour until 7pm. Look for the giant knight and neon guitar at 1320 South Lamar. http://www.thesaxonpub.com/
  • Reed's Jazz and Supper Club. Located in North Austin Reed's has live Jazz virtually every night. The happy hour crowd is usually a bit yuppie, but the music is worth it. 9901 Capitol of Texas Highway on the south corner of the building next to REI. http://www.sgrg.com/reeds/


Enjoying the Outdoors

  • Zilker Park. Undoubtedly Austin's favorite park. Amazing location on the banks of Town Lake with several miles of hiking and biking trails. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/
  • Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin's most unique (and refreshing!) attractions: a beautiful spring-fed pool over 3 times longer than a football field, nestled in the heart of the city at Zilker Park. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm
  • Town Lake Boat Rental Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy the natural world in the heart of the city. Austin Rowing Dock - 2418 Stratford Drive (512) 459-0999. From $10 to $25/hr. http://rowingdock.com/ Zilker Park boat rentals - (512) 478-3852. In the park. $10/hr, $40 per day. http://www.zilkerboats.com/
  • Tubing the San Marcos River in San Marcos, 25 miles south of town on I-35. There is no more quintessentially Central Texan thing than enjoying a summer afternoon lazily floating down the river. The Lion's club of San Marcos rents tubes at around $4/person or canoes at $10/each. They take you to the river and pick you up. 170 Bobcat Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666. (512) 396-5466
  • Town Lake Hike & Bike trail. A big loop around Town Lake, beautiful scenery while getting a good workout. Recent beautification has cleaned up parts, and is making it nicer for all. Runs alongside Zilker park. A good place for biking, running, walking, or taking the dog out for a nice run. Relatively easy hike.
  • Other parks in and around Austin. There are numerous parks all over the city and in the surrounding suburbs that are very popular with the residents of Austin. A significant number of these parks are pet friendly. AustinExplorer is a popular website to learn more about local parks and trails. http://www.austinexplorer.com
  • Mt. Bonnell is the highest point in Austin city limits at 785 feet. Several trails make for pleasant short hikes and points to experience incredible views of Town Lake and the city. The area has a history of romance and is sometimes called Antionette's Leap, after she leapt to her death to escape Indians who killed her lover. 3800 Mt. Bonnell Dr. (west of Mopac on 2222, left on Mt. Bonnell Rd.).

Learn

Austin is one of the premier educational areas in the nation. The University of Texas is one of the best universities in the world, public or private. The flagship institution of the University of Texas System, it is also one of the largest universities in the world, both in terms of endowment, and in terms of student population. Generally either UT or Ohio State is the largest population university in the country. The red-tiled roofs of the "Forty Acres," as it is known, shelter many cultural and entertainment institutions. The campus is beautiful and vibrant, and visitors are welcome.

Austin is a college town as well as a government and high-tech center. It draws its population from all over, and many students decide to stay. This gives Austin a high level of general education and a diverse cultural scene.

Work

Buy

Austin is very proud of its local stores. Great places to shop are South Congress (SoCo), The Drag, (Guadalupe, from 17th to 38th, along the West side of the UT campus) and South First. North Loop also has a few fun and funky shops, but you'll probably have to ask a local (or several) how to get there.

There are three main malls in Austin: Barton Creek Mall south of town (http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=223), Lakeline Mall northwest of town (http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=227), and Highland Mall north of downtown. There is a plethora of large retail box stores to the north and south of town (Target, Best Buy, etc.), but of particular note are the Apple Store located in Barton Creek Mall and the Crate and Barrel at Gateway Center.

Groceries

Austin is home of the original and the world headquarters of Whole Foods. Their flagship store is located downtown at W. 6th St. and Lamar, in the same building as their brand-new corporate headquarters. They have several other stores around town as well. The flagship store is a destination in and of itself.

Austin is also home to the original Central Market, near Lamar and 45th St., and a second location at Lamar and Westgate, down South.

Both Whole Foods and Central Market have a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, wines, beer, cheese, free-range meats, and seafood. The Whole Foods flagship store downtown also has a varied selection of gelato. Biggest Whole Foods in its chain. Spirits live music at night, a ice rink on top, and much much more.

Austin also features a large variety of ethnic grocery stores, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and, of course, Mexican.

  • My Thanh 7601 N Lamar Blvd; Vietnamese and Chinese groceries
  • Hong Kong 8557 Research Blvd; Chinese groceries
  • Asahi Imports 6105 Burnet Road; Japanese grocery store
  • Fiesta Mart 3909 N. Interstate 35; Mexican groceries, strong selection of other international fare.

HEB, one of the largest private (not publicly traded) corporations in America, has many supermarkets around town. They have great selection. Most markets have specialty, organic, and ethnic foods. Many are open 24 hours. Their newest large-scale supermarkets include everything from furniture to electronics to books to eggs.

Music

  • Waterloo Records, Sixth & Lamar. Known around town for having local artists play in-store. Wide selection of music, everything from Blues to Electronica to Country. Has a wall dedicated to local musicians, great if you need a real country fix, not that sugary syrup they play on the radio. Waterloo Video is just around the corner. http://www.waterloorecords.com/
  • Cheapo Discs. http://www.cheapotexas.com/

Books

  • Bookpeople, Sixth & Lamar. Across the street from Waterloo Records, this locally owned bookstore has two stories of books with lots of quiet corners to sit down for a read. Great selection of books on Texas history and architecture. http://www.bookpeople.com/
  • Half-Price Books Five locations around town. This Texas-based chain's stores offer exceptional value for your dollar, and have an extremely diverse selection. A peek in these stores will show you what Austinites are really reading. http://www.halfpricebooks.com/

Toys

  • Terratoys, 2438 W. Anderson Lane (newly re-located). Wide variety of toys and excellent selection of children's books. http://www.terratoys.com/
  • Hogwild, 100-A East North Loop. Vintage toys.
  • Toy Joy, 2900 Guadalupe. A great time, especially for adults.

Antiques

  • Aqua 1415 S. Congress.

Clothing

  • Blue Velvet, 3203 Red River.
  • Buffalo Exchange, 2904 Guadalupe.
  • Flashback, 2047 South Lamar.
  • Storeyville Boutique, 5015 Duval St.
  • Blackmail. All black clothing and various accessories.

Eat

When you visit Austin, or if you decide to live here, you'll have no shortage of interesting and satisfying places to eat. Austin's restaurants are a feast for the mind and the palate. The listings below are only a sampling of the diverse and plentiful Austin restaurant scene.

Austin has many high-end, destination restaurants, but it also has many high-quality, unique, and inexpensive restaurants where the locals eat, drink, and socialize every day (all day). It's a town built for living in, and the affordable, excellent restaurants show it. Just so you know you're in Texas, Austin has a large number of places serving Texas Barbeque and Tex-Mex; many of them are venerable, famous, and exceptionally good eating.


Breakfast

Be aware that Austinites love to eat out for breakfast on the weekends, and you will often encounter long wait times whether you go to Denny's, a Tex-mex joint, or a local eatery.

  • The Bakehouse. A South Austin tradition. They have one of the most inexpensive and hearty breakfasts around. Their fresh fruit and texas toast sitting next to your eggs make it worth waking up in the morning. http://www.austinbakehouse.com/
  • Cisco's. LBJ's favorite breakfast spot is still going strong. This historic eastside spot offers outstanding migas and fajitas, and don't miss the fresh biscuits.
  • Kerbey Lane. Several locations. Open 24 hours. Breakfast all day. Arguably the best pancakes in Austin. Also try Dave's enchiladas. http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/
  • Magnolia Cafe. Two locations, South Congress and Lake Austin Blvd. Great place to get a short stack for breakfast. The dinner specials are pretty tasty and fairly inexpensive. Open 24 hours. http://www.cafemagnolia.com/
  • Juan In A Million. On Cesar Chavez in East Austin. Mexican restaurant serving a great and inexpensive breakfast popular with the college crowd. The owner, Juan, is always there to shake your hand. Try his namesake, the Don Juan. http://www.juaninamillion.com/

Barbecue

  • The Salt Lick. Technically outside of Austin. You'll get to drive through some beautiful hill country before arriving at the sprawling restaurant. It is BYOB and cash only, but they have an all-you-can-eat menu option that will have you staggering back to your hotel. If you've got withdrawal symptoms, and need your maintenance dose, Salt Lick barbeque is available shipped worldwide! Official Site
  • Sam's BBQ. Killer BBQ! It's in a "bad" part of town, but well worth going. Open till 3am, which works well after leaving 6th St. Review and Description
  • BBQ World Headquarters. Some of the best bbq in all of Texas. On north Burnet past 51st, just look for the giant pig. Official Site
  • Artz Rib House. Excellent ribs, as the name implies. Often has live bluegrass music. Official Site
  • Stubb's BBQ. Quintessential BBQ joint located near downtown at 801 Red River. In addition to the great BBQ, the kitchen turns out some great side dishes, which are often overshadowed by the smoked meats. This unique venue has two concert venues, one indoor and one outdoor that can accommodate over a thousand people. Official Site
  • Iron Works. Decent BBQ at 100 Red River, very close to the Austin Convention Center downtown. BBQ plates, sandwiches, and side dishes. Official Site
  • Ben's Long Branch. Excellent BBQ. Magnificent mutton! Plates, meat by the pound. Just east of I35 on 11th. Official Site
  • Rudy's Country Store & BBQ. Butcher shop style BBQ. Two locations in Austin. Famous for their BBQ sauce and baby back ribs. Official Site

Tex-Mex

  • Matt's El Rancho. South Lamar. The quintessential Tex-Mex place in Austin. It's been around for over 50 years and for good reason. Watch out for the strong margaritas! Official Site
  • 'Maria's Taco Xpress. 2529 South Lamar Blvd. South Austin institution with funky decor, excellent food, and live music. It's more Mex than Tex, but their tacos are authentic and delicious. Official Site
  • AusTexMex. 26th & IH-35. Real authentic stick to your ribs Tex-Mex. When Texans think of Mexican food this is it, it's heavy on the chili con carne and cheese. Great beer drinking food. Review and Description
  • El Rey. If you don't think Tex-Mex should resemble the Taco Bell menu, check out El Rey. Good Mexican food right next to Trudy's SouthStar location, and they hardly ever have a wait.
  • Chuy's. 3 locations (two North and one South) Austin institution with great Tex-Mex food. The North Lamar location is somewhat out of the way, but also tends to have the shortest wait times. Call ahead because the wait can sometimes be extremely long, though there are free chips and salsa to help make up for it. Official Site
  • Trudy's. 3 locations in Austin (NorthStar, Central, and SouthStar). They're generally regarded as the favorite for Tex-Mex food in town, but this also means they are generally incredibly crowded and loud. Official Site
  • Maudie's Tex-Mex. Just what it says. Good, down-home Tex-Mex with something for everyone. Try the Strait Plate, if you need breakfast and lunch at the same time. Freshly made tortillas and tortilla chips. Multiple locations. 2608 W. 7th - Original; Maudie's Too!, 1212 S. Lamar - Near Saxon Pub. 3 more locations. Official Site
  • Little Mexico. This restaurant has some of the finest enchiladas of a Tex-Mex style. Nothing at all bad on the menu either. It's one of those places mostly only the locals go to so keep it quiet. Also a good place to spot hungover Austin luminary musicians easing that Sunday morning pain. Little green and red building on the West side of S 1st, just a bit north of Oltorf. Good margaritas, Negro Modelo and XX are available. Good homestyle interior Mexican dishes as well as Tex-Mex. If you want to be trendy go to Guero's, if you want to eat, check it out and you won't be disappointed. Live music on Thursday nights. Review and Description
  • El Gallo. Norteño-influenced Tex-Mex. They still have cabrito as well as all the normal fare. Yummy and relatively inexpensive. South Congress across the street from St. Edwards University. Official Site
  • Enchiladas y Mas. As the name implies this restaurant has enchiladas, and they are some of the best north of San Antonio. "y Mas", as it is called by locals, has a broad selection of Tex-Mex fare including flautas, soft and crispy tacos, migas, burritos, and fajitas. This is a must try on the Tex-Mex trail in Austin. They are closed on Mondays and the lunch crowd starts early, so be prepared for a short wait between 11:00a and 1:00p. y Mas has the best motto in town, "Never trust a skinny cook!". They are located in North Austin at 1911 West Anderson Lane just east of Burnet road. Official Site
  • Curra's Grill. An Austin original, this restaurant brings outstanding traditional interior Mexican food to two locations. Some of the best pork recipes around and you will not find better Mexican style seafood dishes anywhere in the city. The south eatery is at 614 East Oltorf and the north location is at 6801 Burnet Road. Official Site
  • Serranos. A homegrown Tex-Mex restaurant with six locations aroud town offering a great selection of tasty Tex-Mex dishes. The food and service are consistently good for a reasonable price. For something different try the enchiladas con huevos. Official Site
  • Guero's Taco Bar. High-class, sit-down Tex-Mex in the middle of the South Congress maelstrom. Always busy, always Austin. Lots of musicians frequent the place when they're in town. Many famous Austinites, and wanna-be Austinites have visited, including President Clinton, (then-)Governor Bush, and the rest of the Bush clan. Has live music. Official Site

Caribbean

  • Cafe Mangu, 15200 FM1825, look for the little yellow house. Open Tuesdays through Sundays. Caribbean fare featuring Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican flavors. Excellent food, large portions, friendly staff, authentic atmosphere. For appetizers don't miss the mariquitas (fried plantain with a garlic dipping sauce) or yuca frita (fried yucca). For the main dish try the Asado de Res (flame broiled flank steak), Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in a delicious sauce), Lechon Asado (roasted pork), or Pescado a la Criolla (fish in a creole style sauce). Side dishes include all the typical Caribbean favorites such as rice & beans, tostones, or congri. Maduros (also known as amarillos) are sweet ripe plantains, and although not on the menu are usually available if you ask. If you still have room for dessert, the Tres Leches cake is delicious, drenched in a creamy sauce. Review and Description
  • Cuba Libre (Downtown). Official Site
  • Gilligan's, 407 Colorado. Caribbean cuisine with some Pan-Asian overtones but also some Southwestern touches such as mesquite grilling and a bit of Mediterranean thrown in the mix. If you like seafood there is something you will like here. Nice fusion restaurant. Moderately expensive.
  • Habana (Just moved to East Sixth Street one block west of the I-35 bridge.). Cuban and Puerto Rican families eat there a lot. Lotsa fried stuff, lotsa pork. Spiciness. Plantains. Yummy. Everything from Cuban sandwiches to Bisteca Milanese, a steak wrapped in ham, breaded and fried. Also try the Lechon Asado, a great dish with slow cooked marinated pork loin, and the Ropa Vieja, delicious strings of mildly spiced beef in a Cuban tomato sauce.

Burgers

  • Burger Tex, 29th & Guadalupe. Just north of UT. Don't let the ragged building fool you, this place has the best burgers in town. Big and thick with a condiment bar that has the usual lettuce and tomato, but also pico de gallo for those that like it a little bit spicy. The menu also features bulgogi, a Korean dish of marinated beef that doesn't have a great sounding name but it delivers on the palate. Official Site
  • Hut's Hamburgers. A great, inexpensive 50s diner style hamburger joint on 6th St. near downtown. Every burger available with regular beef, bison (buffalo), chicken, vegetarian, or hawaiian. Usually packed after a football game. Once you have completed your sinning here, the Whole Foods flaship store is right down the street. Hut's Hamburgers
  • Dan's Hamburgers. Lamar & Koenig in North Austin, Manchaca and Ben White, in South Austin. Big, greasy burgers and tasty milkshakes. Choose your burger size: Small, Medium, Large. Choose single or double meat. There is also Fran's Hamburgers, and the story is that Dan & Fran divorced and each took part of the franchise. Review and Description
  • Dirty Martin's Kum-Back Place. 27th & Guadalupe, on the Drag. A staple for hungry football fans after UT home games, Dirty's has been in the same building since the 1920's. Still has a simple old-time feel, and you can watch the burgers grilled right in front of you at the bar. Official Site
  • Wally's Hamburgers. down on mesa, good fastfood burgers and shakes =D get wallybanged!

Chinese

  • Din Ho. 8557 Research Blvd, 512-832-8788. Lunch and dinner. Some of the most authentic Chinese fare in town, specializing in Cantonese and seafood dishes. Chinese BBQ pork and whole roast duck are available for take-out as well. Open till 1am most nights. Don't bring Caucasian friends who are squeamish about real Chinese food - take them to Chinatown instead (see below).
  • Chinatown. 3407 Greystone Drive, 512-343-9307. Authentic Chinese flavor with a modern twist. Not really fusion, not really traditional either, but very delicious. The restaurant is located upstairs in a two-story building; the bottom floor houses Musashino (see Japanese/Sushi below).
  • Wanfu. Just east if I35 on Oltorf. Fabulous food til 4AM. Smoked duck dishes to die for. Amazing lettuce wraps (tofu or chicken). Wanfu too on Barton Springs has a cut down version of the menu. The original is still the best place to be for a late night crab rangoon craving.
  • Marco Polo. At I-35 & Oltorf. Mediocre buffet during the week, but excellent dim sum on weekends.
  • T&S Seafood Off Lamar a few blocks south of Braker Lane. Traditional Cantonese fare - open late. Dim Sum on weekends.

Japanese

There are numerous Japanese restaurants in town. For a complete list, check out http://www.austinsushi.com. For japanese fast food try Wiki Wiki Teriyaki on Congress a 1/2 a block up Congress from 6th street; they also have a location in the Arboretum shopping center in Northwest Austin.

Korean

  • Korea House 2700 W. Anderson Ln. #501, 512-458-2477. Located in the Village Shopping Center and can be a little hard to find; the entrance faces towards the inner courtyard area of the shopping center. They have a decent sushi offering but the Korean dishes are delicious and authentic.
  • Koreana 12196 North MoPac Expwy., 512-835-8888. Review: http://www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com/review/koreana/

Vietnamese

  • Hai Ky. Consistent fresh, high quality Vietnamese food with great bowls of pho, delicious stir fries and noodle dishes, bubble tea and friendly service. At 1931 E. Oltorf about 3/4 mile east of I-35 in a strip shopping center on your right just past the Whataburger. Locals in the know and Asian students yearning for a genuine taste of home frequent this small restaurant. Great electronic music adds to the casual ambience. Best vietnamese food in austin. Very affordable and now serves imported beers. Great staff w/ mellow ambiance. Two thumbs up.
  • Lamar Blvd.. Several vietnamese places are scattered in strip malls both north and south of US-183 on Lamar Blvd. Notably Le Soliel, Saigon Pho, and Kim Phung.

Italian

  • Romeo's. Italian food. One of the few restaurants that is casual and romantic. Has a great outdoor patio.
  • Frank and Angies. Pizza and Italian food. Supposedly Quentin Tarantino's favorite restaurant in Austin. Right next to Hut's Hamburgers.

Coffee

Austin is coffee mad. The coffehouse culture is strong and growing here in Austin, and you can hear poetry and live music at quite a few of these places, as well as getting light eats. Coffehouses are where the liberal heart of Austin beats for all to see.

  • Spiderhouse
  • Mojos
  • Cafe Mundi
  • Green Muse
  • Metro
  • Texspresso
  • Little City
  • Ruta Maya
  • Teo's
  • Mozart's
  • Cafe Caffeine
  • Bouldin Creek
  • Jo's
  • Flipnotics
  • Lava Java
  • Anderson's Coffee Company
  • The Hideout
  • Trianon
  • Peets
  • Halcyon
  • Progress Coffee at the 501 complex

Vegetarian

Etc.

  • Scholz Garten is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Texas, and also the oldest business in Texas. It was started just after the war, the Civil War. Good German and other hearty fare. As the name implies, Scholz Garten also has a biergarten, and serves many different types of beer. A traditional Democratic party hangout, it's where Ann Richards is supposed to have plotted her successful run for governor. In the middle of it all, the Capitol is a few blocks away, and the University of Texas is just north. 1607 San Jacinto. http://www.scholzgarten.net/
  • Texas Chili Parlor. Get your red on. Serves the national dish of Texas, chili, in all heat ranges, as well as other great Texan-American fare. This downtown neighborhood chili parlor is reportedly the local Republican hangout, when "The Lege" is in session. Near the Capitol, and South of UT at 1409 Lavaca Street. http://www.cactushill.com/TCP/home.htm
  • Threadgill's has two locations, one just south of downtown and one on North Lamar. The menu focuses on southern comfort food. The chicken fried steaks, salads, and peach cobbler are all especially good. Both locations are famous concert venues, starting the likes of Janis Joplin. Weekly gospel brunch at the south location on Sunday, for which you might want to call for reservations. http://www.threadgills.com/
  • Amy's Ice Cream has several locations around town. The atmosphere is lively and the stuff is entertaining. Add a fruit or candy "crush'n" to your ice cream for even more flavor. http://www.amysicecream.com/
  • Catfish Parlour, 4705 E. Ben White, +1-512-443-1698. 11AM-10PM every day. All-you-can-eat catfish with hushpuppies on the side is a true Southern experience. $15-20 ($12 all-you-can-eat special). http://catfishparlour.com/
  • Most supermarkets such as Randall's, HEB and Wal-Mart offer inexpensive prepared food.

Drink

Austin's main strip is on 6th Street downtown. But like most entertainment districts that get raves in the media it's a little overhyped. Check out the nearby Warehouse District and Fourth Street if you don't want quarter wells and million-dollar sorority girls.

  • Opal Divines Freehouse, 700 West 6th Street, 512-477-3308. 11AM-2AM every day. This place serves great pub food and has an excellent beer menu. They have an enormous wrap around patio that affords an excellent view of drunk Austin staggering past. http://www.opaldivines.com/
  • Maudie's, 2608 West 7th Street , 512-474-7271. Austin as Austin can get. A staple Tex-Mex favorite with five locations around town. Great salsa and better margarita's. If you crave cheese enchiladas get the "Hernandez Enchiladas." http://www.maudies.com/
  • Trudy's, 409 W 30th St, 512-477-5720. Known for its 'Mexican Martini'. Great place for decent Tex-Mex and great frozen margaritas. Close to campus, so watch out for the frat crowd on weekends. Relaxing patio overlooks a city park.

Gay and Lesbian

Most gay and lesbian bars and night clubs are located downtown with the highest concentration in the the Warehouse district.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

  • Hyatt Regency Austin 208 Barton Springs. (512) 477-1234. A beautiful hotel on the south shore of Austin's Town Lake close to downtown.
  • Hilton Austin 500 E 4th St. (512) 482-8000. Austin's convention center hotel. The city owns this beautiful, enormous new hotel in the heart of downtown, just off I-35 and 6th st. This hotel has Austin at its doorstep. It's eminently possible to stay here and enjoy yourself and never have to travel beyond walking distance. 6th St, the Capitol, and the university are all within 1-1.5 miles. Official Site
  • Hilton Austin North 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. (512) 451-5757. This hotel is near the north shopping district, anchored by Highland Mall.
  • Hilton Austin Airport 9515 New Airport Dr. (512) 385-6767. The Airport hotel. This cylinder-shaped hotel is on the grounds of Austin-Bergstrom International airport.
  • Omni Austin Hotel Downtown & Suites 700 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 476-3700. Luxury downtown hotel with shops and offices on the ground floor. Close to the Capitol and 6th St. Official Site
  • Omni Austin Hotel Southpark 4140 Governors Row. (512) 448-2222. At I-35 and Ben White is South Austin. Official Site

Contact

Stay safe

Austin is a generally safe city. As with most American cities, credit cards are accepted nearly universally, especially for nightlife. Therefore, for convenience and safety, it's inadvisable to carry large amounts of cash.

The number for police, fire, and medical services is 911.

There is generally a large, visible police presence (mounted, foot, and cruiser) at night in the 6th St. area. They are quite willing to let belligerent drunks dry out overnight in the city jail. They do however, provide a safe and secure area to enjoy yourself and Austin's famous live music.

Because surrounding hills concentrate the water, some streets in Austin and the surrounding area are prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain. These areas are typically marked as 'low water crossings' but in any event **Do not drive or walk across moving water** Each year several people are killed as they are swept away by flooding. You will also see many flood control structures built into the landscape. Small, dry low places with bounding berms during the dry season, these are dangerous places to be in, but keep Austin safer when the rains come.

Get out


This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!