Stuff I Love About South Austin
Neighborhoods
This is a cute neighborhood close to our place, it's full of delicious restaurants and cute places to buy handmade stuff.
Highlights in terms of restaurants are Fresa's, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Raj Mahal, Polvos, El Primo, Dolce Neve, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, and Elizabeth Street Cafe.
There are two cute tattoo shops, Ancient Ink and Gully Cat, and a handmade soap place that's been there since the 70's and fills the air with the scent of essential oils. It's called Austin Natural Soap.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South 1st Street
South 1st StreetThis is a cute neighborhood close to our place, it's full of delicious restaurants and cute places to buy handmade stuff.
Highlights in terms of restaurants are Fresa's, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Raj Mahal, Polvos, El Primo, Dolce Neve, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, and Elizabeth Street Cafe.
There are two cute tattoo shops, Ancient Ink and Gully Cat, and a handmade soap place that's been there since the 70's and fills the air with the scent of essential oils. It's called Austin Natural Soap.
Ok, we are in South Austin, and there are way too many little local independent food places to list each one individually, but some of the ones you'll probably want to try include:
Coffee:
The Spokesman, and Wham Bam Bagels are both 5 mins drive from here.
Food Trucks:
Baton Creole, Tacos las Amazonas, St Elmo Food Trucks, Spicy Boys, and Dee Dee.
Vegan Food:
The Vegan Yacht, Lil Nonna's, Revolution Kitchen
Late Night:
Git Out Bar and Kitchen, Aviator Pizza, DK Sushi, The Little Darlin', Sabor Tapiato, Hideaway Kitchen, Las Lomas Tex Mex, and Creek Catfish if you're looking for Southern food.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South Austin
Ok, we are in South Austin, and there are way too many little local independent food places to list each one individually, but some of the ones you'll probably want to try include:
Coffee:
The Spokesman, and Wham Bam Bagels are both 5 mins drive from here.
Food Trucks:
Baton Creole, Tacos las Amazonas, St Elmo Food Trucks, Spicy Boys, and Dee Dee.
Vegan Food:
The Vegan Yacht, Lil Nonna's, Revolution Kitchen
Late Night:
Git Out Bar and Kitchen, Aviator Pizza, DK Sushi, The Little Darlin', Sabor Tapiato, Hideaway Kitchen, Las Lomas Tex Mex, and Creek Catfish if you're looking for Southern food.
Sightseeing
Cool stuff for you to experience locally
Keeping Austin Weird, one piece of junk at a time. Open by appointment, meaning the guy who built it, Vince, wants you to call him to say you're on your way. His number is 512-299-7413, you won't be disappointed - really, go!!
110 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina DrKeeping Austin Weird, one piece of junk at a time. Open by appointment, meaning the guy who built it, Vince, wants you to call him to say you're on your way. His number is 512-299-7413, you won't be disappointed - really, go!!
Austin's most beloved spot
2454 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrAustin's most beloved spot
Shopping
Amazing shop full of curated vintage curios, from home decor to jewelry. The focus is for sure on local Austin and Texas relics.
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View RdAmazing shop full of curated vintage curios, from home decor to jewelry. The focus is for sure on local Austin and Texas relics.
Best grocery store ever - and i'm including every grocery store i've been to in NYC, LA and San Francisco - for reals, Austin's best kept secret is just how good Central Market is - every one! But the South Austin one is close by and only slightly is the one in North Austin by the University which you have to go see if you're into food. Worth a trip the few miles further just to see once while you're in town.
765 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdBest grocery store ever - and i'm including every grocery store i've been to in NYC, LA and San Francisco - for reals, Austin's best kept secret is just how good Central Market is - every one! But the South Austin one is close by and only slightly is the one in North Austin by the University which you have to go see if you're into food. Worth a trip the few miles further just to see once while you're in town.
The Little Gay Shop
1902 Airport BlvdTiny little shop selling LGBTQ gifts, books, and nicknacks
Supermercado Poco Loco
611 W Ben White BlvdWalking distance specialist Mexican grocery store.
Austin's favorite local independent book store.
146 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BookPeople
603 N Lamar BlvdAustin's favorite local independent book store.
Austin's original vinyl records and tape store.
135 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waterloo Records
600 N Lamar BlvdAustin's original vinyl records and tape store.
The perfect teeny tiny indie bookstore. Also it's next door to an awesome coffee shop, and on the same block as a tattoo place. This is South Austin's alternative bookseller.
Reverie Books
The perfect teeny tiny indie bookstore. Also it's next door to an awesome coffee shop, and on the same block as a tattoo place. This is South Austin's alternative bookseller.
It's not fancy, but it's very close to my place and has basic groceries like eggs and milk.
Hula Hu Market #1
It's not fancy, but it's very close to my place and has basic groceries like eggs and milk.
Food scene
This place is going to blow your mind, it's so BIG and yet feels so neighborly and intimate. They have a waterfall and a beautiful pond, where frogs chirp in the evening under the starry sky. It's a coffee place and a bar, with an excellent selection of beers and wines, and great coffees and teas all evening. Food trucks abound for all your lunch and dinner needs. Really a gem of a spot.
205 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdThis place is going to blow your mind, it's so BIG and yet feels so neighborly and intimate. They have a waterfall and a beautiful pond, where frogs chirp in the evening under the starry sky. It's a coffee place and a bar, with an excellent selection of beers and wines, and great coffees and teas all evening. Food trucks abound for all your lunch and dinner needs. Really a gem of a spot.
This is the local hip place for coffee, and they have great tacos in the food truck on-site. Big big patio, and often has live music.
435 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdThis is the local hip place for coffee, and they have great tacos in the food truck on-site. Big big patio, and often has live music.
Local whiskey distillery. Very cool spot.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Still Austin Whiskey Co
440 E St Elmo RdLocal whiskey distillery. Very cool spot.
Open 24 hours for shakes and diner fare. Honestly a little bit touristy, but it's open late and a good location.
238 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
24 Diner
600 N Lamar BlvdOpen 24 hours for shakes and diner fare. Honestly a little bit touristy, but it's open late and a good location.
24 hours coffee place that's one of three cafes in this local chain. Really high-end coffee and snacks, including their bean burrito with goat's cheese that hits the spot.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bennu Coffee on Congress
515 S Congress Ave24 hours coffee place that's one of three cafes in this local chain. Really high-end coffee and snacks, including their bean burrito with goat's cheese that hits the spot.
5 minutes walk from us, and it serves the best breakfast tacos in Austin!! For reals - $2 each and it's grandma's handmade tortilla with a choice of regular stuff plus an array of more unusual stuff like nopales and mushrooms.
It's humble, family-run and a very local gem. Closes at 2pm so they also serve lunch!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Flor
4901 S 1st St5 minutes walk from us, and it serves the best breakfast tacos in Austin!! For reals - $2 each and it's grandma's handmade tortilla with a choice of regular stuff plus an array of more unusual stuff like nopales and mushrooms.
It's humble, family-run and a very local gem. Closes at 2pm so they also serve lunch!
South Austin's only Ethiopian place, and it's a fantastic spot. Great vegan and vegetarian options, it's all good here.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taste of Ethiopia II
3801 S Congress AveSouth Austin's only Ethiopian place, and it's a fantastic spot. Great vegan and vegetarian options, it's all good here.
5 minutes drive away, coffee and beer on the same lot as the new Tesla HQ showroom. Also vegan snacks, and a nice place to work on your laptop.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spokesman - St. Elmo
440 E St Elmo Rd5 minutes drive away, coffee and beer on the same lot as the new Tesla HQ showroom. Also vegan snacks, and a nice place to work on your laptop.
Every Texan has their favorite BBQ place, and they'll debate anyone who doesn't agree... and this is mine! Best BBQ in Texas, and their Sunday menu is even more special, so try it for Sunday lunch if you can!
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Austin
217 Congress AveEvery Texan has their favorite BBQ place, and they'll debate anyone who doesn't agree... and this is mine! Best BBQ in Texas, and their Sunday menu is even more special, so try it for Sunday lunch if you can!
Upscale Texan cuisine with a Lebanese hint, inside a hotel that's modern, boutique and styling. Metropolitan and the best kind of romantic.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carpenters Hall
400 Josephine StUpscale Texan cuisine with a Lebanese hint, inside a hotel that's modern, boutique and styling. Metropolitan and the best kind of romantic.
There are a few Easy Tiger locations in Austin, all of them are hip spots with an in-store bakery for fresh bread. Their bread is sold aroumd town, as one of the best bakeries, but they also serve good lunches and dinners, and have a bar to hang in an elegant, cool spot.
358 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StThere are a few Easy Tiger locations in Austin, all of them are hip spots with an in-store bakery for fresh bread. Their bread is sold aroumd town, as one of the best bakeries, but they also serve good lunches and dinners, and have a bar to hang in an elegant, cool spot.
Late night dinner home style, i love this neighborhood place.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taquerias Arandinas
700 W William Cannon DrLate night dinner home style, i love this neighborhood place.
Classic Austin Americana, a comfort food spot that's a local favorite for brunch, and a late night place with friendly warm staff, and old style fare. There's a reason they've been going forward so long!
478 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress AveClassic Austin Americana, a comfort food spot that's a local favorite for brunch, and a late night place with friendly warm staff, and old style fare. There's a reason they've been going forward so long!
Falafel, halal shawarma and more... also open late-ish
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South First Food Court
601 W Live Oak StFalafel, halal shawarma and more... also open late-ish
Wham Bam Bagels & Coffee Truck
415 East Saint Elmo Road20 mins walk, morning coffee and bagels, open 7am until 2pm every day
Very local, a short drive, and it has great food - best veggie burger!! - and good coffee.
565 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StVery local, a short drive, and it has great food - best veggie burger!! - and good coffee.
Open from 7am until midnight, 7 days a week! Insanely enormous and sumptuous pies and tortes, plus live music, and a nice area to work if you want some company around you. It's in a little open lot called Crockett's Corner alongside a community of other oddball businesses and alternative boutiques.
Captain Quackenbush's Coffeehouse
5326 Menchaca RdOpen from 7am until midnight, 7 days a week! Insanely enormous and sumptuous pies and tortes, plus live music, and a nice area to work if you want some company around you. It's in a little open lot called Crockett's Corner alongside a community of other oddball businesses and alternative boutiques.
Closest market to us, and it's a fantastic Mexican food store with specialist items from throughout Central and South America, plus a fresh Taqueria, Jugeria, and Bakery
Supermercado Poco Loco
611 W Ben White BlvdClosest market to us, and it's a fantastic Mexican food store with specialist items from throughout Central and South America, plus a fresh Taqueria, Jugeria, and Bakery
Walking distance Ecuadorean pupusa place thats a solid local option. Fried plantain as well as other vegan options, plus fish and meat.
El corazon catracho
4107 South 1st StreetWalking distance Ecuadorean pupusa place thats a solid local option. Fried plantain as well as other vegan options, plus fish and meat.
Lebanese food, warm people. Family place, delicious!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tarbouch Lebanese Grill
534 E Oltorf StLebanese food, warm people. Family place, delicious!
Pretty close, and open til midnight every night Plus Anthony Bourdain loves it!
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.
1503 S 1st StPretty close, and open til midnight every night Plus Anthony Bourdain loves it!
California-style super healthy, luxurious restaurant. Vegan, gluten-free, and very salad-oriented.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Well
440 West 2nd StreetCalifornia-style super healthy, luxurious restaurant. Vegan, gluten-free, and very salad-oriented.
It's in the parking lot of Hula Hu Market and sits right alongside La Flor, which is a breakfast tacos place, but Ole Taco is open late and serves tortas (Mexican sandwiches) as well as home style tacos. Good honest food, reasonable prices, open late, and 2 minutes walk from my place!!
Ole Taco
It's in the parking lot of Hula Hu Market and sits right alongside La Flor, which is a breakfast tacos place, but Ole Taco is open late and serves tortas (Mexican sandwiches) as well as home style tacos. Good honest food, reasonable prices, open late, and 2 minutes walk from my place!!
Classic Tex Mex brunch and lunch / anytime American. It's a local chain, consistent and good, a solid local choice.
224 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kerbey Lane Cafe
3003 S Lamar BlvdClassic Tex Mex brunch and lunch / anytime American. It's a local chain, consistent and good, a solid local choice.
Dive bar with crazy infused vodkas selection and a huge back yard where people work on laptops and day drink
104 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Little Darlin'
6507 Circle S RdDive bar with crazy infused vodkas selection and a huge back yard where people work on laptops and day drink
used to be a truck, but now they've opened a beautiful place with a vegan store and ethical home goods also.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Vegan Yacht
2000 Southern Oaks Drused to be a truck, but now they've opened a beautiful place with a vegan store and ethical home goods also.
Studios and Galleries
200,000 of mixed retail and manufacturing studios. This is a little world of studios, cafes, art galleries, breweries, and real working design-oriented spaces. http://www.theyardaustin.com
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Yard
440 E St Elmo Rd200,000 of mixed retail and manufacturing studios. This is a little world of studios, cafes, art galleries, breweries, and real working design-oriented spaces. http://www.theyardaustin.com
SpaceATX
7915 Menchaca RoadRecording and rehearsal studio, real Austin pro-studio. http://www.spaceatx.com
South Austin Music
1402 S Lamar BlvdUsed music gear with an Austin vibe.
South Austin Music Rooms
4800 S 1st St24 hour rehearsal studio, the oldest rehearsal studio in Austin.
World class public museum art gallery with gorgeous art and powerful air conditioning. Ideal place for daytime tourist summer viewing, and equally in any season. Really a great art gallery, also an artwork in the back that's a cathedral, a tranquil place to sit and read a book while enjoying the light.
644 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo de Arte Blanton
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardWorld class public museum art gallery with gorgeous art and powerful air conditioning. Ideal place for daytime tourist summer viewing, and equally in any season. Really a great art gallery, also an artwork in the back that's a cathedral, a tranquil place to sit and read a book while enjoying the light.
Nature
Natural places and hike spots, parks and creeks
Beautiful deep nature spot that's only 15 minutes walk away from the house!
Williamson Creek Greenbelt
Beautiful deep nature spot that's only 15 minutes walk away from the house!
if you're into parks, you're in for a treat!
429 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rdif you're into parks, you're in for a treat!
Wellness
Massages, yoga, spirituality
Macrobiotic food served in a village of like-minded spiritual and wellness businesses, that include yoga, cacao bar, and a beautiful courtyard with lots of hammocks...
163 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa de Luz Village
1701 Toomey RdMacrobiotic food served in a village of like-minded spiritual and wellness businesses, that include yoga, cacao bar, and a beautiful courtyard with lots of hammocks...
Climbing place that's modern and fabulous, and as a bonus, it's next door Cosmic Coffee for post-workout beverages!
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crux Climbing Center
121 Pickle RdClimbing place that's modern and fabulous, and as a bonus, it's next door Cosmic Coffee for post-workout beverages!
South Austin Gym
5700 Menchaca RdCommunity acupuncture in a peaceful, comforting place.
Honest and skilled dentist, he has deep experience but also keeps up to date on dentistry as it evolves, so his practice is up to date, and also tried and tested. Also a good bedside manner, and communication.
South Austin Dental
6905 West Gate BlvdHonest and skilled dentist, he has deep experience but also keeps up to date on dentistry as it evolves, so his practice is up to date, and also tried and tested. Also a good bedside manner, and communication.