OUR AUSTIN ESSENTIALS
For a weekend getaway we think Austin's got great food, a rich music scene and enough art and culture to make it one of the coolest cities around (though, summer is hot and humid so take heed).
EATS & DRINKS
Cool nighttime vibes at Ah Sing Den, a bar/restaurant/outdoor DJ dance party on East 6th with fresh cocktails and tasty morsels. Located in a space designed after a London opium den where Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle frequented, we especially appreciated the peacock decor with surprising accents.
We love us some Mezcal and were excited to learn about this East 6th drinking post. whislersatx.com
We had one of our best Japanese dinners ever at Uchico (James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole's Japanese farmhouse fusion restaurant); there's also his first concept, Uchi (predominately sushi), but we didn't have a chance to try it. Don't miss desert! And if you're more in the mood for Asian smokehouse offerings, try Tyson's latest in collab with Aaron Franklin, Loro delivered one of the best salmons we've had in a long time!
Head to South Congress Cafe for great atmosphere, delicious brunch every day and a salsa sampler so yummy you might eat here more than once in a weekend! If you're in SOCO in the evening, don't forget to stay for the night flight of bats, a spectacular natural aerial show.
Guero's is an institution for tacos and live music but we'll be honest, a bit disappointed as our CaliMex options rival what we ate. But give it a try for the low key yet lively vibe.
Amy's Ice Creams, another institution in Austin since forever, cools you off on a hot day with a menu of adventurous flavors, but trust us on their Mexican Vanilla.
If you want to try some great migas, a TexMex dish that is an egg scramble with bits of tortilla mixed in that give it it's distinct corn flavor and perfect texture, try Kerbey Lane Cafe. The Central location is the original.
We haven't tried this taco truck's migas tacos but we would be remiss not to suggest it as we've heard you'll want at least three. veracruztacos.com
Battered fries may not be highest on your list of culinary adventures but a dose of these at Hyde Park Bar & Grill does not disappoint!
We like the casual cool outdoor vibe at Shady Grove. This is a good spot to chill under the pecan tree grove.
LISTEN
There's something like 250+ music venues in Austin. You've probably heard of the [televised] Austin City Limits and the Continental Club a go-to music venue. We also appreciated the casual DJ vibes at the bar in the South Congress Hotel. But there's live music just about anywhere – bars, cafes, coffee houses, grocery stores, outdoor stages, taquerias, auditoriums, concert venues, and SXSW. Seek and find.
SHOP
A few of our faves:
- By George
- Moss and Garment curated consignment and vintage
- Nannie Inez home decor
- Stag Provisions for Men
- Service Menswear
- Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (a costume institution)
SEE
- Graffiti wall
- Street Art (a handy guide on Pinterest)
SWIM
- Barton Springs
- Hamilton Pool
- Hippie Hollow - clothing optional
WALK/RUN/BIKE/FLOAT
- Lady Bird Lake Trail
STAY
Hotel San Jose delivers in spades with its bungalow/jungalow vibes, great hang out spots to have a Michelada, coffee (at Jo's) or listen to live music. Or try their sister Hotel Saint Celia.
Good Times,
Bonnie & Jeffrey
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