Weekend Getaway: All Things Austin, Tx

Weekend Getaway: All Things Austin, Tx

Austin, Texas. Somewhere I never thought to visit that I now would volunteer to move there tomorrow. This state capital has it all, tacos, live-music, food trucks, parks, tacos, lakes, tacos, bars, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and did I say tacos yet?

Notorious for sights like the State Capital Building, Lady Bird Lake, and Zilker Park, Texas natives and visitors alike flock during the summer months. While maybe lesser known, the winter months bring gorgeous rivers, weather, and less-packed bars to watch the playoffs. Not like I have any idea what’s going on, I was there for the sole purpose of drinking and cheering when everyone else does.

I fell in love with the crisp air, clean city, friendly people, AND THE AMAZING BAR AND FOOD SCENE. Below is a summary of the best recs for Austin discovered by yours truly (and some shared with me from fellow travelers).

Fun Fact: We quickly discovered all margaritas in Austin don’t use Margarita Mix. Instead, they use fresh lime juice and triple sec, and sweet, delicious tequila. Win win for your hangover and ability to drink more! Warning – this has a lot of alcohol references it was MLK weekend.

Lazarus Brewing Co, 6th Street
Kendra Scott Mural Flagship Store, SoCo
Cathedral of Junk, outside SoCo

Where to stay

6th street: We stayed about a block from the strip on 6th street in an Airbnb complete with a patio, gym, and pool (click here for the exact one). 6th street is technically still downtown but a bit away from the center. We found a beautiful walking path along the railroad that only took 25 minutes to get you to the heart of the city. 6th street itself is filled with famous bars, fun venues, food truck centers, and markets.

Downtown: As the name suggest, being downtown is closest to everything and has an abundance of hotels to stay it. You will also find many rooftops and fine dining. Walking distance to the strips of bars on 6th and Rainey Street.

South of Congress: Just across the river is SoCo. This is where the congress building is located, the eclectic shops that “Keep Austin Weird”, and of course, food trucks, bars, and tasty eateries. Many of the murals are located in this area so make sure to bring your camera and whatever man you have roped into playing “photographer”.

Allen Boots, SoCo
Cathedral of Junk, Outside SoCo
Lazarus Brewing Co, 6th Street
Handle Bar, Downtown

What to do

Cathedral of Junk: This was hands down the COOLEST thing my little blogger self has ever found. 30+ years in the making, the city actually made the designer get a permit. It is $5 entry fee and he asks you make reservations. We missed that tid bit but were still able to get inside. It’s a little bit of a drive but we took a lyft form SoCo and got there in no time.

Whole Foods Flagship Store: The first ever Whole Foods started in Austin. Why am I telling you to go to a grocery store? BECAUSE IT’S WHOLE FOODS! It has about 4 eateries inside it, rooftop activities like ice skating in the winter or yoga in the summer, amazing fresh food, and is bigger than a few mansions combined.

Explore SoCo: Infamous stores like “Allen Boots”, famous murals (“i love you so much” at Jo’s Coffee), interesting shops with hilarious items (for example: jesus candles with the golden girl faces) and the Congress Building. A great photo opp and chance to explore the grounds.

Mount Bonell: A sunrise watching destination spot. While some people claim this is a hike, it is more of a little walk. While we chose to spend our late nights in bars, this is top of the list when I come back.

Zilker Park: If you’re going during the summer, make sure to go here and check out Lady Bird Lake. There are boats you can rent to go out in the water, a train that takes you around the park, and amazing eateries and picnic locations

Yellow Jacket on 6th Street
Whole Foods Flagship Store, Downtown
Torchy’s Tacos Ft. The Independent Taco, Downtown

Where to Eat

Tacos

  • Torchy’s Tacos: THIS PLACE IS EVERYTHING. Don’t be fooled by this restaurant being a chain. There is good reason for needing multiple locations for taco conessiours to get their fix. I had the “Independent” with no cheese which is a delicious concoction of fried portabella mushroom – an Austin favorite. We visited the one downtown and sat at the bar for full service (delicious margaritas too!).
  • Rollin Smoke: A food truck with a firm belief “BBQ sauce can and will be on everything”. This was my first time trying BBQ sauce (on portbellas) and I quickly became a believer
  • Las Trancas Taco Stand: $2 tacos can’t be beat, especially when they are this good. Some claim they beat out Torchy’s.
  • Granny’s Tacos: Famous for their breakfast tacos and delicious, spicy salsas.
Rolling Smoke Food Truck on 6th Street
Cathedral of Junk, Outside SoCo
Torchy’s Tacos Downtown

Restaurants

  • Tamale House East: Option for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Delicious and inexpensive mexican food and large margaritas. Tex-mex style.
  • Old Thousand: Highly rated chinese food with a great happy hour. Walkable distance from 6th street.
  • Moonshine Patio: Great place for drinks or lunch. Southern style food complete with a cocktail bar.
  • Roosewood: If you’re wanting something a bit higher end, roosewood sits inside an old house. They have a grass area with games like cornhole and it’s walkable from 6th street.
  • Cenote: Brunch accompanied by in-house freshly baked bread. This is on the walk from 6th to downtown. If you want to start your day right, start here then bar hop downtown. Also have Happy Hour 4-7pm.
  • Litcha’s Cantina: Authentic Mexican food with gluten free and vegan options? What more could you want. For their Happy Hour, they have most items (food and drinks) for $5!
  • Ramen Tatsu-Ya: The ambiance of this establishment is amazing. The lanterns at night create such a fun environment. If you’re hungry, on the left is Ramen Tatsu-Ya a Japenese curry/ramen spot. If you feel more like drinking, to the right is Domo Alley Gato. They have a curry food stand in the back along with the bar and seating.
  • Lazarus Brewing Co: Cool decor, dogs everywhere, a fun outdoor area, and great tacos.
Congress Building, Downtown
Cathedral of Junk, Outside SoCo

Where to Drink

  • Yellow Jacket: Inside is a bit dive bar-y but the outdoor patio is a great spot to sip on a few lonestars while you try to guess the riddles.
  • Parlor and Yard: Tons of games to play like cornhole and foosball.
  • Handle Bar: Downtown rooftop where we caught the game.
  • Speak Easy: Downtown rooftop with live music
  • Midnight Cowboy: Another speak easy downtown (make sure to make reservations)
  • Whisler’s: On east 6th street. Trendy spot with good cocktails.
  • Azul Rooftop: For the more boujee type
  • Half Step: Authentic craft cocktails
  • Bacchus and Brown: they have skeeball!
  • Container Bar: Frat-central but still fun if you have had quite a few drinks
  • The Roosevelt Room: roaring 20’s theme

All it took was that first bite of Torchy’s Tacos to know I was in love with you, Austin. The excitement of this city and how much it has to offer year-round is truly something unique.

P.S. My card got stuck in the check-in machine when I was trying to get to Austin from SFO. They had to call airport IT Security which resulted in me missing my flight. The IT Security had to come WITH PLYERS to get my card out of the machine. I then SPRINTED to the airline (gripping my trendy hat as seen in photos) to find that they had no more available flights for the whole weekend. My only option was to buy a one-way on a different airline…. regardless, this trip (and the stupid, stupid money I spent on that ticket) were worth it.