Posted by The capital of the Lone Star State, Austin seems so very Texan whilst at the same time being much more liberal and progressive than many parts of the state. Its diverse, fast growing population is attracted by the endless sunshine, youthful outlook, relatively relaxed way of life, plus the culture and nightlife, which includes live music, spirited festivals, an abundance of bars and of course the famed southern BBQ restaurants.
The Colorado River flows gracefully alongside the Downtown, dividing it from the lively South Congress District. The city centre itself has patches of nightlife, like Dirty Sixth Street, but more vibrancy is found around Historic Rainey Street, on South Congress or on the Eastside where saloons like The White Horse still provide an authentic honky-tonk experience. Country music is the hero in Austin, but living up to the title of ‘live music capital of the world’ means there is so much more to enjoy, from bluegrass to folk and jazz.
One of the unofficial slogans used to promote the city is ‘Keep Austin Weird’… the locals are determined to keep their city small, local and just a bit off-centre, though with its increasing popularity, who knows how long it can stay that way?
Just Coffee..
Jo’s | 1300 S Congress Ave, South Congress
This corner coffee stand (with a shady patio) offers a large menu of coffee based beverages and snacks – they serve Portland’s Stumptown Coffee. It’s super popular, weekends will see people lining up for their caffeine fix. They also have a number of other outlets around Austin. Jo’s
Dining…
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q | 801 Red River St, Downtown
Beer and brisket is what it’s all about at this multi-level BBQ joint with stone walls and an honest rustic charm. The food is fabulous, if you are in town on a weekend head over for their renowned Sunday gospel brunch. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Joann’s Fine Foods | 1224 S Congress Ave, South Congress
This bright and breezy restaurant, bar and patio is part of the retro-chic Austin Motel. Dishing up an extensive menu of tasty Tex-Mex fare and easy-to-drink beverages, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal on the South Congress strip. Joann’s Fine Foods
Red Ash Italia | 303 Colorado St, Downtown
A cavernous space with a central bar and a mezzanine level, it’s a busy venue with the midweek corporate crowd, but Red Ash’s popularity is totally earned with delicious Italian fare which veers between homestyle and contemporary – the handmade pasta is divine. Red Ash Italia
Pesce | 208 W 4th St, Downtown
Rustic charm, French comfort fare and lovely cocktails (with Absinthe a highlight ingredient) are on offer at this downtown venue. With a long bar stretching the length of the room, exposed brick walls and leather banquettes, it gets noisy when the place is buzzing. Peche
Home Slice Pizza | 1415 S Congress Ave, South Congress
Simple but so very satisfying thin slice pizza, served in a rollicking diner and bar. For a quick snack, they also offer a take-out stand next door. Home Slice Pizza
South Congress Café | 1600 S Congress Ave, South Congress
A bright and buzzing café and courtyard, serving up a broad menu of contemporary American fare with Mexican influences. South Congress Cafe
Drinks…
Easy Tiger | 709 E 6th St, Downtown
A very likeable hangout with a bakery & café at street level and a bunker like bar with creek-side beer garden below. The bar has 30+ beers on tap, the beer garden is shady and cool, so it’s an easy place to while away an afternoon. There are two other Easy Tiger outposts in Austin. Easy Tiger
The Continental Club | 1315 S Congress Ave, South Congress
Rock, country, jazz & blues are all on the menu at this legendary South Congress music club. It’s a relatively intimate room with a dive bar vibe, they offer two shows per night, cover charges apply and lines do form out front for the more popular shows. The Continental Club
The White Horse | 500 Comal St, East Austin
Live country music is served up in spades in this upbeat, sprawling honky-tonk bar. Watching the locals on the dance floor is half the fun here. When you need a break from the tunes, head outside to the beer garden where a taco truck serves some damn fine Mexican sustenance. The White Horse
Clive Bar | 609 Davis St, Rainey Street Historic District
On Rainey Street where historic bungalows transformed into buzzy restaurants and bars reign supreme, this is a perfectly casual yet stylish watering hole pouring local beer & cocktails. Inside has a hunting lodge vibe, outside on the sizable deck is quite the relaxed spot to while away a summer night. Clive Bar
Guero’s Oak Garden | 1412 S Congress Ave, South Congress
On the South Congress Strip, this leafy, easy-going beer garden (attached to Guero’s Taco’s) is ideal for an alfresco afternoon beer and a dash of live music. Guero’s Oak Garden
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar | 421 E 6th St, Downtown
With a bunch of lively outposts around the state, this chain of bars features dueling-piano shows, a raucous crowd that gets right in on things and singing waitstaff. It’s loud and cheesy, but a good hit of honest fun.
Where to Stay…
For convenience, Downtown is an easy place to base yourself as there are more than enough hotels to suit every taste and budget, from the super-charged ones like the JW Marriott Austin to the historic queen of Austin, The Driskill. Or if you are in town with more of a party in mind, stay near the Rainey Street Historic District where you’ll unlimited access to the bars, with hotel options in this area including the Fairmont Austin or the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt.
If you are in need of a more authentic local vibe, venture out to South Congress where you can walk out your door and enjoy live music and eclectic bars and eateries, with a very laid-back Texan vibe. The understated but swish Hotel San Jose or the urban chic South Congress Hotel are right in the heart of the action.
Austin Motel | 1220 S Congress Ave, South Congress
A 1930’s motel complex given a hip makeover, it’s now quite the cool spot to stay with surprisingly spacious rooms (for an ex motel) and perfectly located in the heart of the South Congress strip. There can be quite a party scene happening around the pool. Austin Motel
Element Austin Downtown | 109 E 7th St, Downtown
Austin hotels don’t come much more central than the Element (or it’s sister property, the Aloft, which it shares a skyscraper with). Right in the heart of Downtown, this modern hotel offers spacious, light filled rooms with the added convenience of kitchenette facilities. A great location for either business or leisure. Element Austin Downtown
Travis’ Wish List…
Because there’s always more eating, dining and exploring than can be done in just one visit, Travis likes to keep a wish list so there’s an incentive to visit again!
Next time in Austin, we’ll be starting the day with tacos from Veracruz All Natural Food Truck, then after some time cruising on the river, refreshing with a few scoops from Amy’s Ice Creams. After heading eastside for some famed BBQ from Franklin Barbeque (and hoping the lines aren’t as long as they sometimes are), we’ll be ending the night with some live music at The Elephant Room.
Featured Photo: ‘Sunday Night Jam’ – The Continental Club, South Congress
Travis. 