Curator’s statement
Austin is a bustling city that gets a lot of attention for being a new hot spot for young professionals. In addition to its music and culture scenes, Austin has an incredible food and dining scene, making it a must-see destination for foodies. Whether you are looking for a place for a casual sip or the best taco in town, Austin has it all.
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Where to stay in Austin, Texas
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Places to eat & drink in Austin, Texas
Tacos in Austin
Taco Joint: Located right over the Congress Bridge. The tacos here are huge but delicious. You can always expect a line on a Saturday morning!
Veracruz: There are two locations - the original East Side location or downtown at the Line Hotel. The Migas and La Renja are my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any choice.
Asador: A taco food truck tucked away in downtown, Austin, Asador puts a unique spin on tacos making it a must for those wanting a burst of flavor.
Coffee in Austin
Jo’s Coffee, South Congress: An outdoor coffee stand located on SoCo, a prime spot for afternoon people watching.
Mañana: Located in the South Congress Hotel with a relaxing back patio that has round picnic tables, umbrellas, and ample amounts of plants.
Greater Goods: Specialty coffee roasting company located in East Austin and is a great place to work from.
Quick Bites in Austin
Lou’s: Owned by MML Hospitality, you can’t go wrong with visiting this outdoor lunch spot. The Rotisserie Pulled Chicken sandwich and Eastside Crunch salad are menu highlights.
Pool Burger: Located off of the Deep Eddy Pool, this burger bar is filled with tiki and tropical vibes. The Pool Burger, Crinkle Cut Fries, and a Mai Tai are musts.
Cenote: An East Austin neighborhood patio cafe great for a quick breakfast or lunch. Visit Paper Route Bakery next door for some sweet treats.
Happy Hour in Austin
Hotel San Jose: Located right off of SoCo and has a quaint outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a frose.
Half Step: Cocktail bar located on the famous Rainey Street - a street of renovated houses converted into bars.
Central Machine Works: Beer hall in East Austin great for a large group gathering.
Lolo Wine Bar: Natural wine bar in East Austin with large patio and picnic tables.
Broken Spoke: Great place to learn how to two-step!
Fine Dining in Austin
Aba: A newer restaurant tucked away on SoCo. Known for their Mediterranean share plates and the beautiful multi-level outdoor terrace.
ATX Cocina: A modern Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin, with a sunny indoor atmosphere and another great patio. In my opinion, they have one of the best margaritas in ATX.
Launderette: One of my favorite restaurants in East Austin. Get the birthday cake ice cream sandwich for dessert - you won’t regret it.
Perla’s: A classy Seafood restaurant in the heart of SoCo. They have a great patio - perfect for a spring day.
Suerte: An upscale traditional Mexican cuisine restaurant located in East Austin. The wagyu brisket tacos are 10/10.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austin, Texas.