YAS' GUIDE TO AUSTIN
Austin has been on my list of places to visit for a very long time so I finally booked a trip for a week to see everything this incredible city has to offer. I loved everything about this city. It seemed like a mix between Chicago and DC with incredible energy. Filled with young professionals, bustling bars and incredibly diverse eateries. The city is growing at a rapid pace with great shopping districts and cool hotels to satisfy anyone’s taste and price point. I had so much fun here that I’m already planning my next trip back.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Line Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and right next to Lady Bird Lake. Not only is the hotel uber chic but it also has amazing views of the lake. Here are a few of my favorite conveniences this hotel has to offer - Alfred’s coffee in the lobby of the hotel, free bikes to borrow, and beautiful walking paths around Lady Bird Lake. It’s so serene that you won’t even feel like you are in the middle of downtown. You can easily rent kayaks and go kayaking on the lake. Perfect activity on a Spring afternoon. The infinity pool is a vibe overlooking the lake. And, don’t get me started on Veracruz tacos in the lobby of the hotel - amazing tacos - Tex Mex meets heaven.
The Wayback is a cozy boutique Hill County hotel that features 8 private cottages that are so quaint and quiet. Only 15-20 minutes from the hustle-bustle of downtown Austin. I stayed here for one night while visiting some wineries. Definitely try to stay here for more than a night because it is an experience you will not forget. Also, their cafe had the best brunch I’ve had in a very long time. Don’t forget to take a dip in their pool or just read a book with the sounds of nature all around you.
ARRIVE Hotel is another great place to stay while visiting Austin. It is located in East Austin in the original hipster district. It is home to musicians and artists. A great community with plenty of walkable eateries and bars. Super chic hotel with a lively lobby bar and convenient coffee shop for mornings when you don’t want to go far for a good cup of joe.
The Line Hotel Lobby
This view from our room at the Line Hotel was EVERYTHING!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN AUSTIN:
The Peacock is a trendy Meditteranean bar/restaurant in the lobby of the Proper Hotel in downtown Austin. You will find great-looking people who are all young professionals. If you go here, I would recommend the short rib hummus, roasted chicken tagine, beef tenderloin which was super tender and saffron rice with dill, pistachios and lemon zest. Drinks were also great, except for the pomegranate martini which tasted a bit like cough syrup.
Swedish Hill Bakery is a great local neighborhood bakery that I wish I could bring with me to LA. We ordered just about everything on the menu and then some because everything looked amazing. Let’s start with their pastries - you MUST get their strawberry hand pies, cinnamon rolls, croissants, and pizza on focaccia bread. Also, their avocado toast and side potatoes were on my list of must-haves.
Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is a MUST try - incredible world-renowned Texas-style bbq with a warm atmosphere. The service is great and so is the food. I guarantee you will not be disappointed by anything you order. My favorite was the beef ribs and smoked chicken. Also, the coleslaw did not have any mayo, just fresh cabbage, and kale with a slight tang that was so refreshing with the heavy meat, and don’t forget to get a big side of the potatoes salad - it was finger-licking good. They make their own bbq sauce which is great on just about ANYTHING. Bonus they have a cellar and great beers on the property so you can taste wine or grab a cold beer while you wait for your table. I recommend coming to the Salt Lick during the weekday to beat the crowd otherwise it will be about an hour wait.
Wayback Cafe is a great breakfast/brunch spot if you are staying at The Wayback hotel in Dripping Springs. There aren’t really any great restaurants in the area so I suggest the cafe on the property. Not only is it convenient, but also extremely quaint and cozy and it is also highly recommended because of its use of fresh local ingredients. I would suggest getting their Crossaint Breakfast sandwich and avocado toast. They put a secret sauce over the avocado toast that is ridiculously delicious.
Elizabeth St. Cafe is a Vietnamese restaurant in the Soco District known for its Bahn Mi and Noodles. This restaurant is unpretentious and super cool. Love the casual indoor-outdoor style with various styles of Bahn Mi’s, Pho’s, Buns and specialty dishes like the Singapore noodles with pork and shrimp, which is a must-try. I can’t say enough good things about this spot. Also, the cocktail list is a big hit.
Lefty’s Brick Bar is a trendy neighborhood patio bar in East Austin serving everything from frose to beers from all local Austin breweries. They also serve bar food perfect for a fun time with friends or just a snack on the good. We came here to grab a cold brew before our reservation at Suerte.
Suerte is a chic located in East Austin whose menu is rooted in traditional Mexican cooking techniques, using local Texas ingredients and fresh, house-made masa. They work with local farmers in the area who inspire their seasonal dishes. Their Margaritas and Palomas are a MUST during Happy Hour between 4-6pm. Also high recommend getting their fish tacos (melt in your mouth good) and Suadero Tacos with confit brisket is crazy delicious.
Terry Black’s BBQ is a family-run BBQ joint that is next-level good. Their brisket will melt in your mouth and their pork ribs are so tender and will fall off the bones before you can put them in your mouth. A MUST visit while in Austin. Try to get their right as they open so you are not waiting in a long line.
Milo All Day if you happen to be in Waco, Tx and Magnolia Table is likely fully booked, this spot is a great alternative. I would highly recommend their crispy brussel sprouts and sic em on a chicken which is fried chicken with pickles, chili glaze on a buttermilk biscuit - SO MUCH YES! Photo below.
Wayback Cafe brunch
WHAT TO DO:
Hill Country Vineyards -
Shopping at The Domaine is an outdoor
SOCO district -This vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a must-stroll for visitors and a popular hangout for locals. South Congress draws plenty of foot traffic to its stretch of hip boutique shops, trendy lodging options and Austin-original eateries & bars. Live music shows abound, including nightly sets at the legendary Continental Club. There’s also a picture-postcard vista of the Texas State Capitol. Don’t forget to take a photo by the iconic “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH” wall on 1300 S Congress. Amy’s Ice Cream should also be on your list of places to try.
Rent Kayaks and go kayaking around Lady Bird Lake. A great activity during the springtime in the city. Whether you are on a date or just visiting the city for the first time. It’s super fun and serene.
Walking paths along Lady Bird Lake is great for a morning stroll with a cup of coffee. Take in the greenery and sounds of nature as marvel at the Austin skyline.
Hang out in East Austin with plenty of eateries and trendy bars.
The Magnolia Market at the Silo’s in Waco is about an hour and half hours away from Austin. If you love Joanna Gains then you know about this spot. It’s a market filled with Magnolia branded home store, bakery and coffee shop along with food trucks, a playground for families and little boutique stores. You can spend half the day just wandering around this place.
Hope you enjoyed this travel guide and would love to hear from you if you took any of my recommendations!