Austin has a lot to offer in terms of food and entertainment. Here we list quite a few options by geography. We also recommend going to www.austintexas.org for a more comprehensive list of restaurants, tour information, and Austin maps. Scroll to the bottom of the page for some fun outdoor activities.
Download a PDF of the information below
Download a map of the restaurants near the AT&T Conference Center
Getting Around Austin
Getting from the Airport to the AT&T Center:
- Super Shuttle: 512-258-3826 or 800-BLUE VAN
(http://www.supershuttle.com/locations/austinaus) - Taxi:
- Yellow Cab: 512-452-9999 or download their free HAIL A CAB app
- Austin Cab: 512-478-2222
- Lone Star Cab: 512-836-4900
There are lots of options on how to get around the Austin – here are a few:
- Rent a car
- Use public transportation: http://www.capmetro.org/planner/
- Rent a bicycle: https://austin.bcycle.com/
- Taxi:
- Yellow Cab: 512-452-9999 or download their free HAIL A CAB app
- Austin Cab: 512-478-2222
- Lone Star Cab: 512-836-4900
Music
Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World”, so make sure to check out the most up-to-date local events at www.do512.com
Central Austin, on or near the UT Campus
Attractions
Bass Concert Hall – The flagship theater for The University of Texas, featuring symphonies, musicals, plays, dance performances, and concerts from major music acts. Check online for tickets. 2350 Robert Dedman Dr http://texasperformingarts.org/venues/bass_concert_hall
Blanton Museum – The Blanton is located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, directly north of the State Capitol complex. 200 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. www.blantonmuseum.org
Frank Erwin Center – http://texasboxoffice.com/
Texas Co-Op – Two locations for all University of Texas souvenirs: 2246 Guadalupe or 2902 Medical Arts
LBJ Presidential Library – http://www.lbjlibrary.org/ 2313 Red River St., Austin 78705
Food
In the AT&T Center:
The Carillon $$$ – For upscale dining in the heart of the UT Campus, this New American restaurant in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center turns out a sophisticated menu of imaginative, tasty and visually pleasing dishes. 1900 University Avenue – 512.404.3655
Gabriel’s — Our friendly café, bar and sports lounge is a great place to hang out, with a great view of the UT Tower.
One Twenty 5 Café — Our convenient café is a quick and easy stop for handcrafted coffee, breakfast bites or a tasty snack.
Within a 5-minute walk of the AT&T Center:
Blanton Café – MLK at Congress. The Blanton Café offers visitors a relaxing spot in which to enjoy a variety of sandwiches, gourmet flat bread pizzas, salads, signature desserts, and of course, coffee drink. http://blantonmuseum.org/welcome/caf/
Lavaca Teppan – Japanese food. 712 Lavaca St. lavacateppan.com
The Story of Texas Café – 1800 North Congress Ave. 2nd. Floor. (512) 320-0403.
Clay Pit Indian Contemporary Cuisine – 1601 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701. claypit.com
Hog Wild Barbecue – 201-299 W 21st St. Austin, TX 78712. (512) 354-7879
Within a 10-15 minute walk from the AT&T Center:
Crown and Anchor $ – Great neighborhood spot to hang out inside or on the patio. They have great burgers, beer, dartboards, and a pool table so sit back and relax. 2911 San Jacinto Blvd – 512.322.9168
Freedmen’s $$ – Outstanding barbecue and amazing cocktails in this historic building with a rustic-chic interior and an incredible patio. 2402 San Gabriel – 512.220.0953
Hopfields $$ – This gastropub strikes a balance between a beer bar and a French farmhouse bistro thanks to its impressive selection of craft beers and menu items. 3110 Guadalupe St – 512.537.0467
Kerbey Lane Café $$ – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served 24 hours a day using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Known for their extensive breakfast menu, it’s definitely worth having breakfast for dinner if you’re not in the mood for their enchiladas or sandwiches. 2606 Guadalupe – 512.477.5717
Madam Mam’s $ – Delicious Thai food right on the Drag. 2514 Guadalupe St – 512.472.8306
Sao Paolo $$ – An interesting menu offering unique Brazilian, traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex food with cool local art decorating the wall. 2809 San Jacinto Blvd – 512.473.9988
Scholz Bier Garten $$ – The granddaddy of all Texas bars, with a huge outdoor patio featuring live bands most nights. This is the oldest operating business in Texas (since 1866). 1607 San Jacinto – 512.474.1958
Spider House Cafe $ – As far as ambience and personality, you’d have to travel far and wide to come up with something better. Great drinks, good food, and a great place to hang with friends or even by yourself. 2908 Fruth St – 512.480.9562
Torchy’s Tacos $ – Serves up addictive, inventive tacos alongside to-die-for queso. 2801 Guadalupe Street – 512.494.8226
Trudy’s $$ – An Austin original known for their Stuffed Avocados and Mexican Martinis. Check out their daily drink specials or their Tex-Mex appetizers and entrees. 409 West 30th Street – 512.477.2935
East Austin
Food
Juan in a Million $ – An old-school Austin staple with fantastic Tex-Mex that serves breakfast all day since 1980. 2300 E Cesar Chavez St – 512.472.3872
Franklin Barbecue $$ – Believe the hype that’s built up around what many claim is the best BBQ in town. Melt-in-your-mouth brisket, unbelievable ribs and pulled pork are doled out from 11am till the food runs out. You’ll need to show up several hours early, but it is well worth it. 900 East 11th Street – 512.653.1187
Haymaker $$ – This cool neighborhood spot features regionally inspired comfort sandwiches and a wide beer selection. Set in a converted auto parts shop, it’s also a good place to play shuffleboard, darts and pool. 2310 Manor Road – 512.243.6702
La Barbecue $$ – Also contested as the best BBQ in town with a slightly shorter wait than Franklin’s. Smokes fabulous pork ribs, monster beef ribs, brisket and house-made sausage. Sit at picnic tables under a tent while you enjoy your food and occasional live music or free beer. 902 E Cesar Chavez – 512.605.9696
Mettle $$ – Creative house cocktails and tasty French-American fare in a modern setting. 507 Calles Street – 512.236.1022
Salty Sow $$ – A delicious menu made with locally sourced meats and veggies. The space has a farm-romantic feel and serves craft brews and unique cocktails. Make sure to order the duck fat fries. 1917 Manor Rd – 512.391.2337
Downtown Austin
Attractions
Alamo Drafthouse – A cinema chain founded in Austin that distinguished itself by the excellent food and unique drink service offered during the movie and the focus on proper cinema-going etiquette. 320 E 6th Street – 512.861.7020
Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater – Home of the iconic television series on PBS that records and broadcasts original musical performances from exciting new talent and legendary artists of all genres. Tickets are limited. Check online for tickets. 310 Willie Nelson Blvd
Ester’s Follies – http://www.esthersfollies.com/
Paramount Theater – This historic movie theatre and live theatre venue has played host to a wide variety of acts ranging from The Marx Brothers to the premiere of Batman (1966). Check their calendar online to see what drama, comedy, music, dance, or movie is playing at this commanding downtown venue. 713 Congress Ave – 512.472.5470
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q – This is one of the best-loved music venues in Austin. It’s a barbecue restaurant inside, but best known for their small indoor music stage and a large outdoor stage. 801 Red River – 512.480.8341
Toy Joy – Adults might have more fun in this toy store than children. The iconic and weird local toy store has been around since 1987 and is definitely worth checking out. 403 W 2nd St – 512.320.0090
Food
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden $$ – This Rainey Street favorite boasts over 100 beers on tap and 30 unique types of house-made sausage. Sit inside the rustic-chic cottage or at long wooden tables outside next to the music stage. 79 & 81 Rainey St – 512.386.1656
Easy Tiger $$ – This bakery and beer garden nails the winning Austin formula: in-house bread and pastries, craft beer, sausages on pretzel buns, ping pong, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. 709 E 6th St – 512.614.4972
Eddie V’s $$$ – Excellent seafood and steak. Don’t leave without ordering at least one bananas foster for the table. 301 E 5th St – 512.472.1860
Fixe $$$ – This progressive Southern restaurant features down-home classics and reimagined favorites. An upscale but homey vibe with an open kitchen where you can watch the chef arrange the finishing touches. 500 W 5th St – 512.888.9133
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse $$$ – Exceptional steaks and wine with a price tag to match. Dress up and have a real night out. 320 E 2nd St – 512.457.1500
Halcyon $$ – Coffeehouse by day, bar and lounge by night, all in a relaxed atmosphere. The S’mores are a must. 218 W 4th St – 512.472.9637
La Condesa $$ – Innovative takes on Mexican street food and an impressive cocktail menu at this trendy Second Street District destination with a patio that’s perfect for people-watching. 400 West 2nd Street – 512.499.0300
Lambert’s $$ – All‐natural barbecue, wood‐grilled steaks, fresh seafood, family‐style sides and homemade desserts. Two bars offer inventive cocktails, locally brewed beers on tap, premium tequilas, scotches, bourbons and live music upstairs six nights a week. 401 W 2nd St – 512.494.1500
Manuel’s $$ – Mexican food infused with unique, savory flavors. Award-winning mole and margaritas you shouldn’t miss! 310 Congress Ave – 512.472.7555
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill $$ – Beloved for its Southern-American fare in a rustic setting with some modern flair. The outstanding Sunday brunch can have a long wait, for a reason. 303 Red River Street – 512.236.9599
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille $$$ – Make sure to order the mouth-watering pork chop, but prepare to bring home leftovers or share because this chop measures seven fingers high. 114 W 7th St – 512.474.6300
Roaring Fork $$ – Great steaks and American food in an upscale environment. 701 Congress Ave – 512.583.0000
Truluck’s $$$ – A bit pricy, but delicious seafood in fancy digs. 400 Colorado St – 512.482.9000
Z Tejas $$ – Southwestern grill with fresh meats and a big variety. Tasty! 1110 W 6th St – 512.478.5355 *For a great view, try the patio at their north location 9400 Arboretum Blvd – 512.346.3506
South Austin
Attractions
Allen Boots – Not much has changed here over the years. This store on South Congress was cowboy before cowboy was cool. Go for a pair of new boots. 1522 South Congress Ave – 512.447.1413
Broken Spoke – Called “the last of the true Texas dance halls.” Start off with the chicken-fried steak, grab a quick dance lesson, and get on the floor with live country bands Tuesday through Saturday. 3201 South Lamar – 512.442.6189
The Continental Club –One of the city’s most famous music venues, boasting some of the finest Country and Swing bands in the city. Head upstairs to the Gallery for a cozier experience that feels more like your cool friend’s living room than a club. 1315 South Congress Ave – 512.441.2444
Lucy in Disguise – Jam-packed with every kind of costume and accessory you can imagine. Fun to get lost in even if you’re not buying anything and easy to find: just look for the zebra dressed as Carmen Miranda on the roof. 1506 S Congress Ave – 512.444.2002
ZACH Theater – http://www.zachtheatre.org/
Food
Amy’s Ice Cream $ – A local staple, where the pros behind the counter scoop, flip and juggle flavors from Mexican vanilla to dill pickle, then chop and mix in candy bars, fruit, nuts and more to order. 3100 South Congress – 512.851.2697
Big Top Candy Shop $ – A circus (pardon the pun) of sweets and fun. Old-fashioned soda shop meets mod candy. 1706 South Congress Ave – 512.462-2220
Guero’s Taco Bar $$ – Great tacos and Tex-Mex. Check out the outdoor patio featuring ancient Texas Live Oaks, free live music, free chips and hot sauce — gotta go here! 1412 South Congress Ave – 512.447.7688
Home Slice Pizza $$ – Independent neighborhood pizza joint serving pizza by the pie or by the slice. Classic, and unusual pizza in a casual setting. 1415 South Congress Ave – 512.444.PIES
Hopdoddy Burger Bar $$ – Designer burgers and spectacular fries, made from the freshest, all-natural ingredients. Order some craft beer from local, small batch, artisanal brewers while you wait to get in! 1400 South Congress Ave – 512.243.7505
Jo’s $$ – Yummy fair with a hip vibe – not just coffee, they have beer and sandwiches. Also lots of live music. 1300 South Congress Ave – 512.444.3800
Lucy’s Fried Chicken $$ – Upscale fried chicken, unusual sides, and luscious pies in a homey, relaxed atmosphere. 2218 College Ave – 512.297.2423
Perla’s $$$ – Laidback spot with a Cape Cod-style menu including tasty oysters and lobster rolls with a spacious deck overlooking South Congress that’s great for people-watching. 1400 South Congress – 512.291.7300
South Congress Café $$ – Good solid food in a trendy, upscale environment. 1600 South Congress Ave – 512.447.3905
Elizabeth Street Café $$ – Amazing French pastries and coffee in the morning followed by creatively fresh Vietnamese specialties for lunch and dinner. 1501 South 1st St – 512.291.2881
Gourdough’s $$ – Doles out the most delectable and crazy donut concoctions your mind and tastebuds will allow. The Flying Pig will blow your mind. 1503 South 1st St – Also on 209 W. 5th Street
Barley Swine $$$ – Provides a fixed daily menu of creative farm-to-table American fare alongside an impressive list of beer and wine. Features communal dining tables and seats at the bar, so make reservations or expect a wait. 2024 South Lamar Blvd – 512.394.8150
Chi’lantro $ – Korean fusion food truck with Korean barbecue-inspired tacos and burgers. Don’t forget to try the kimchi fries! 1509 South Lamar Blvd – 512.800.9098
Uchi $$$$ – Excellent sushi in a sophisticated setting with impeccable service. It’s a splurge, but well worth it. 801 South Lamar Boulevard – 512.916.4808
Chuy’s $$ – This longtime high-energy chain serves substantial portions of hearty eats and unlimited chips and salsa in a funky setting with Elvis-themed décor. 1728 Barton Springs Road – 512.474.4452
Hey, Cupcake! $ – Yummy cupcakes in “The Picnic” food trailer park. Be sure to “Whipper-Snapper” whatever you get. 1720 Barton Springs Road
Mighty Cone $ – Fabulous cone eats in “The Picnic” food trailer park. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Then go try it. Fresh and creative. 1720 Barton Springs Road
Shady Grove $$ – Nestled under the shade of a tall pecan grove, this place has been serving up Austin-inspired home-cooking and cocktails along with live music since 1992. 1624 Barton Springs Rd – 512.474.9991
West Austin, on the lake
Food
Mozart’s $$ – Fantastic coffee, pastries and desserts overlooking the hills on Lake Austin. Go in the morning or for a late night snack and enjoy the popular outdoor patio on the lake. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd – 512.477.2900
Hula Hut $$ – A delicious, unique mix of Mexican and Polynesian cuisine. The food is spectacular, the location is awesome, the drinks are fantastic and the atmosphere is fun. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd – 512.476.4852
Outdoor Fun
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats – The Congress Avenue Bridge shelters the world’s largest urban bat colony. Hundreds of people gather to watch about 1.5 million bats fly out from under the bridge around dusk. Bats can be viewed from March through October, with the best flights occurring in late August and early September. Congress Avenue Bridge
Deep Eddy Pool – The oldest swimming pool in Texas with a bathhouse built during the Depression era by the Works Progress Administration. Fun fun fun! 401 Deep Eddy Ave – 512.472.8546
Lady Bird Lake (formerly called Town Lake) – A major recreation area in downtown Austin. Its banks are bounded by the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, the most used trail in Austin. Try riding on a motor tour or kayaking with a buddy – there are local businesses right along the shores to help you out. Walk, run or people‐watch: a great place to hang!
Zilker Park – Considered “Austin’s most loved park,” this 351‐acre expanse is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for the individual or the whole family: Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Canoe Rental, Hike and Bike Trails, Barton Springs Pool. Take in some sun, or join in on a pick‐up game of football, soccer, or volleyball. 2100 Barton Springs Road
Barton Springs Pool – Framed by century‐old pecan trees and three acres in size, this pool is fed from underground springs and is on average 68 degrees year‐round. Plunge down under the diving board to look at the main spring, which pumps an average of 27 million gallons of water a day. 2101 Barton Springs Rd (in Zilker Park)