CITY GUIDES: Austin, Texas

Texas’ capital and the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is a medium-sized city still clinging to its “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, (yes, Austin coined this municipal slogan in 2000) amid a new wave of tech billionaires and their accompanying tech bros. It’s a vibrant Southern city whose creative, grassroots, laissez-faire foundation reveals itself in its food and beverage scene, recreational hotspots, and, of course, music venues.

Following an economic and infrastructural boom in the 1980s (notice plenty of brutalistic architecture around the city for proof), it’s experienced an even larger popularity boom over the past 10-15 years, tying only with Nashville as the Bachelorette Party Capital of the World (informal). You may spot the occasional pink-cowboy-hat brigade migrating through town. Still, there are pockets of “old Austin” energy ready to be discovered and enjoyed. Born and raised in this special town, I consider myself qualified to round up some notes for y’all – yes, “y’all” – on how to enjoy it.

Southcentral Austin / Zilker

You may be looking for a chic boutique hotel to lay your head, or maybe just a quick happy hour venue – regardless, put Carpenter Hotel on your list. (They are also a full-functioning coffee shop in the mornings, and a lovely dinner option, too, but for the purpose of this guide, my recommendations are the former).

An impeccably renovated mid-century-utilitarian carpenters' union hall, their staff are friendly and knowledgeable, proficient in making a good cocktail, and even if the NA options on the menu don’t speak to you, ask politely, and they’d be happy to put something together to satiate.

The iconic P. Terry’s is right next door – technically fast-food, but arguably the bottom layer of most Austinites’ food pyramid. If you’re in a pinch for time or want to save a buck on lunch, pick up a burger and fries. It’s good.

Too, these cross streets are a quick hop to Barton Springs. If you’re in town while temps surpass 80 (so, like, 75% of the year), the Springs are a must-visit. Many consider it the heartbeat of Austin. Do not forget sunscreen, OR… time your trip with a full moon and take a midnight dip. Don’t be alarmed when hundreds of Austinites start howling at the moon around you. It’s normal. Just go with it.

Hyde Park / North Loop

A bit further up north, you could make a whole afternoon of Hyde Park/North Loop exploring. Start your morning picking up coffee at Epoch – the last true vestige of aughts Austin (not really, but it can feel like it). Yes, they have breakfast tacos.

Vintage lovers, make a point to peruse Room Service Vintage a short walk away – a winding mall of well-curated, reasonably-priced vintage homewares and clothing, born in 1981.

Then, take a 5-minute drive over to First Light Books to find a new read (perfect to keep in hand as you dangle your feet into Deep Eddy Pool, another sacred swimming spot and – fun fact – oldest pool in the state of Texas!), and in visiting Tiny Grocer next door, you’ve found one of Austin’s best NA selections. Grab some snacks for a picnic, and fill your bar cart-to-go with a variety of NA wines, cocktails, and functional beverages.

If you’re hungry for lunch, All Day Pizza sits next door with enough NA sips to wet your whistle.

East Austin

Hit happy hour at LoLo (or a post-9 PM DJ set, common on weekends) for an NA negroni. Prepare to get out-cooled by its patrons. Kinda Tropical is another great nearby option – sparkling agua frescas, NA cocktails, and snacks included. Have dinner at Suerte, an award-winning, contemporary, masa-focused Mexican restaurant – which also offers NA beer and cocktails on their menu.

The Vortex is worth seeing, too. A sprawling outdoor space for pasta food truck Patrizi’s and sister bar Butterfly Bar, this spot is another charming Austin gift – sprawling greenery, sparkling chandeliers and lights in the trees, an open-air greenhouse, and even a stage for occasional rotating music/comedy/drag shows – it’s a treat. Butterfly Bar offers standard NA cocktails, but is staffed with folks creative enough to whip something special up for you upon inquiring.

Downtown

Another phenomenal dinner option would be Clark’s Oyster Bar. Every detail is thoughtful and curated – the shady patio out front is made for languid warm evenings, lounging with an NA spritz in hand. There are a couple of refreshing NA options on the menu.

If your palate craves more turf than surf, another downtown option could be Sammie’s – an upscale Italian eatery (by the same hospitality group behind Clark’s). It’s a dark, charming, New York-style dinner spot that feels like the perfect balance between old school and modern. There will be guys in bowties filling your glass. Enjoy a handful of NA sips on the menu, with a special shoutout to their Venetian Spritz.

Thirsty for a nightcap? One of the finest craft cocktail watering holes in town, and only a 10 minute walk from Sammie’s, Roosevelt Room offers everything you’d want from a dark, sexy cocktail bar with glittering bottles decorating the walls. NA cocktails? They have ‘em. And they’re delicious. These folks are true artists.

Live music

Skip the live music tropes (Stubb’s, Antone’s – no hate, but we can do better if you really want to see the city’s culture) and try the following for a taste of the Live Music Capital of the World:

HOTEL VEGAS
An East Austin gem – two stages, huge patio, young people listening to good music.

C-BOYS
A soul and R&B club – make sure to check out the upstairs space, The Jade Room.

BROKEN SPOKE
Okay, this one can both be a tourist trope AND a must-see. Try your hand at two-stepping, or watch everyone else doing it.

SAHARA LOUNGE
BONUS POINTS! This eclectic space with African roots offers live music, pool tables, and food trucks out back.

Candidly, I can’t promise endless NA options at these spots, but I feel the need to prioritize live music in this guide. Call me crazy, but an ‘ol soda water and bitters can still scratch the itch.

South Congress

Oops, I forgot to mention South Congress. If you’re craving a tourist magnet packed to the gills on the weekend with all of the great venture-funded fashion brands of the world… Reformation, Everlane, Tecovas, et al, by all means, go!

If my Locals’ Pessimism hasn’t gotten to you yet – I’ll fold and share that you may actually really enjoy seeing Allen’s Boots, Homeslice Pizza (quick, easy, classic Austin), and Feather’s Vintage. There’s a Tiny Grocer over there, too. Pick up a bottle of NA bubbles to cheers to a perfect weekend in Austin.