Michelle's Guidebook
Immediate necessities
Closest spot for gas, snacks, beverages and any immediate needs you may have. They also have a decent selection of beer & wine. There is an on site kitchen offering breakfast tacos and burgers.
6 locals recommend
J D's Market
11720 Farm to Market Rd 1826Closest spot for gas, snacks, beverages and any immediate needs you may have. They also have a decent selection of beer & wine. There is an on site kitchen offering breakfast tacos and burgers.
Ascension Seton Southwest
7900 Farm to Market Rd 1826Nearest hospital and ER
Just 5 miles away. Closest grocer with everything you need including a large bulk section.
183 locals recommend
H-E-B
5800 W Slaughter LnJust 5 miles away. Closest grocer with everything you need including a large bulk section.
Founded right here in Austin. This particular location is just 9 miles away and is always fairly quiet and quick to get in & out of.
Whole Foods Market
Founded right here in Austin. This particular location is just 9 miles away and is always fairly quiet and quick to get in & out of.
Food scene
Here I have listed favorites in this area. However let me know if you are interested in exploring another area of Austin or type of cuisine. I will undoubtedly have recommendations for you.
Just under 5 miles away. Great spot for dinner & drinks.
25 locals recommend
District Kitchen + Cocktails
5900 W Slaughter LnJust under 5 miles away. Great spot for dinner & drinks.
This is our go to spot for a date night. It’s not terribly fancy but nice enough to feel a bit special. The menu is seasonal and always delightful. They do accept reservations although walk ins can usually be accommodated.
35 locals recommend
Cafe Malta
3421 W William Cannon DrThis is our go to spot for a date night. It’s not terribly fancy but nice enough to feel a bit special. The menu is seasonal and always delightful. They do accept reservations although walk ins can usually be accommodated.
Tacodeli
Fast casual spot to grab tacos and drinks.
Nearby taco joint great for breakfast or lunch. Slaughter Ln. location is less than 5 miles away.
1076 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StNearby taco joint great for breakfast or lunch. Slaughter Ln. location is less than 5 miles away.
Some of the best BBQ Austin has to offer. There will likely be a line at this food truck but the brisket taco is worth the wait.
146 locals recommend
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdSome of the best BBQ Austin has to offer. There will likely be a line at this food truck but the brisket taco is worth the wait.
Airy, rustic-industrial stop for BBQ sandwiches & smoked meats plus ample sides, beers & queso dip.
13 locals recommend
The Switch BBQ
166 Hargraves DrAiry, rustic-industrial stop for BBQ sandwiches & smoked meats plus ample sides, beers & queso dip.
Great local spot for elevated food and delicious drinks. Friendly staff and charming interior. The bar area has several tv screens for all your sports needs ;)
29 locals recommend
The League Kitchen
166 Hargraves DrGreat local spot for elevated food and delicious drinks. Friendly staff and charming interior. The bar area has several tv screens for all your sports needs ;)
Local spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. American fare with a southern touch. This is a local favorite!
89 locals recommend
Jack Allen's Kitchen Oak Hill
7720 State Hwy 71Local spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. American fare with a southern touch. This is a local favorite!
Great local Mexican restaurant specializing in a variety of mole sauces.
13 locals recommend
Hecho En Mexico Restaurant
6001 W William Cannon DrGreat local Mexican restaurant specializing in a variety of mole sauces.
Detroit style pizza and fresh salad. They even have a pretty decent gluten free crust. The omnivore pizza and beet salad are my favorites.
372 locals recommend
Via 313 Pizza
10106 W 6th StDetroit style pizza and fresh salad. They even have a pretty decent gluten free crust. The omnivore pizza and beet salad are my favorites.
Scratch-made Neapolitan pizza, sandwiches & sweet pies in a handcrafted space with chalkboard walls. The pastrami plate is not to be underestimated here.
110 locals recommend
Pieous
166 Hargraves DrScratch-made Neapolitan pizza, sandwiches & sweet pies in a handcrafted space with chalkboard walls. The pastrami plate is not to be underestimated here.
Creative cuisine, stunning design and a unique experience. This is a fancier option perfect for a romantic date or an upscale brunch. This is located in Dripping Springs and is 20-30 minutes away. Highly recommend making a reservation.
57 locals recommend
Tillie's
3509 Creek RdCreative cuisine, stunning design and a unique experience. This is a fancier option perfect for a romantic date or an upscale brunch. This is located in Dripping Springs and is 20-30 minutes away. Highly recommend making a reservation.
Delicious breakfast & lunch only option in Dripping Springs.
127 locals recommend
Rolling In Thyme & Dough
333 E Hwy 290Delicious breakfast & lunch only option in Dripping Springs.
Local Dripping Springs favorite offering crepes & coffee for lunch and dinner only.
52 locals recommend
Crêpe Crazy
660 U.S. 290Local Dripping Springs favorite offering crepes & coffee for lunch and dinner only.
Outdoor Dining
This gorgeous new restaurant has a wonderful space to dine outdoors. At the north end of south Congress. Perfect spot for brunch or dinner.
The fusion of Franklin BBQ & Tyson Cole of Uchi makes this casual dining spot an absolute must. The crunchy sweet corn fritters are a delightful appetizer. The salmon rice bowl and the Malaysian curry chicken are our favorites mains. On a warm summer day, you can’t go wrong with the mango sake slushee and frozen gin & tonic. The weekly afternoon happy hour can’t be beat.
276 locals recommend
Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdThe fusion of Franklin BBQ & Tyson Cole of Uchi makes this casual dining spot an absolute must. The crunchy sweet corn fritters are a delightful appetizer. The salmon rice bowl and the Malaysian curry chicken are our favorites mains. On a warm summer day, you can’t go wrong with the mango sake slushee and frozen gin & tonic. The weekly afternoon happy hour can’t be beat.
My go to spot when I’m downtown trying to grab a bite, drink, or caffeinated beverage and don’t have a reservation. This casual local spot delivers on all fronts and is great solo style or when meeting up with a larger party. The majority of their seating is outdoors.
85 locals recommend
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
406 Walsh StMy go to spot when I’m downtown trying to grab a bite, drink, or caffeinated beverage and don’t have a reservation. This casual local spot delivers on all fronts and is great solo style or when meeting up with a larger party. The majority of their seating is outdoors.
Beautiful spot upstairs to dine al fresco. Modern American food, baked goods and creative cocktails. Ideal for brunch. Reservation in advance highly recommended.
132 locals recommend
Paperboy
1203 E 11th StBeautiful spot upstairs to dine al fresco. Modern American food, baked goods and creative cocktails. Ideal for brunch. Reservation in advance highly recommended.
Sweet tiki style spot with delicious burgers and cocktails. Great place to cap off a walk around Town Lake or a dip at Deep Eddy.
57 locals recommend
Pool Burger
2315 Lake Austin BlvdSweet tiki style spot with delicious burgers and cocktails. Great place to cap off a walk around Town Lake or a dip at Deep Eddy.
Great outdoor patio that was the primary draw pre COVID. They have a great happy hour and are located within walking distance to Town Lake. Perfect for lunch after a nice walk or for a more romantic dinner.
77 locals recommend
Juliet Italian Kitchen
1500 Barton Springs RdGreat outdoor patio that was the primary draw pre COVID. They have a great happy hour and are located within walking distance to Town Lake. Perfect for lunch after a nice walk or for a more romantic dinner.
Aba
1011 S Congress AveSolid local Tex Mex restaurant with a wonderful upstairs patio that provides a great view of downtown.
170 locals recommend
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs RdSolid local Tex Mex restaurant with a wonderful upstairs patio that provides a great view of downtown.
This Farmer’s market operates every Saturday 9am-1pm. Great place to grab a bite like a delicious tamale from Tamale Addiction or a local bottle of olive oil or balsamic from Texas Hill Country Olive Co to take home. This market is on the small side but it is the closest :)
12 locals recommend
Sunset Valley Farmers Market
3200 Jones RdThis Farmer’s market operates every Saturday 9am-1pm. Great place to grab a bite like a delicious tamale from Tamale Addiction or a local bottle of olive oil or balsamic from Texas Hill Country Olive Co to take home. This market is on the small side but it is the closest :)
This market is a bit of a hike, say 25 minutes away, but it is the largest farmer’s market in Austin. So many delicious baked goods and novelty treats. Our neighbor Bill sells his wonderful Wunder-Pilz kombucha here. There are several food truck options for a bite al fresco alongside the near by pond too.
167 locals recommend
Mueller Farmers' Market
2006 Philomena StThis market is a bit of a hike, say 25 minutes away, but it is the largest farmer’s market in Austin. So many delicious baked goods and novelty treats. Our neighbor Bill sells his wonderful Wunder-Pilz kombucha here. There are several food truck options for a bite al fresco alongside the near by pond too.
This old school Austin Tex-Mex restaurant and bar serves up an island-inspired experience, complete with seats on the water and tropical-inspired drinks.
270 locals recommend
Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BlvdThis old school Austin Tex-Mex restaurant and bar serves up an island-inspired experience, complete with seats on the water and tropical-inspired drinks.
The Justine’s terrace is every bit as romantic and intimate as their indoor dining room. Perfect for a special occasion date night, their French menu pairs seamlessly with their many wine options.
522 locals recommend
Justine's
4710 E 5th StThe Justine’s terrace is every bit as romantic and intimate as their indoor dining room. Perfect for a special occasion date night, their French menu pairs seamlessly with their many wine options.
Coffee/Tea
My favorite local coffee shop offering a wide menu along with bags of beans for purchase. They even have a drive through.
Summer Moon Coffee - Circle C
5701 W Slaughter LnMy favorite local coffee shop offering a wide menu along with bags of beans for purchase. They even have a drive through.
Lovely patio to relax or work in. Great local coffee and beer. Delicious & spicy Thai food truck Dee Dee is onsite here.
435 locals recommend
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdLovely patio to relax or work in. Great local coffee and beer. Delicious & spicy Thai food truck Dee Dee is onsite here.
Great spot to work al fresco or enjoy a coffee or adult beverage. Food trucks are onsite here too.
205 locals recommend
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdGreat spot to work al fresco or enjoy a coffee or adult beverage. Food trucks are onsite here too.
The Escarpment Blvd location is just under 5 miles away with a drive through.
109 locals recommend
Starbucks
6816 West Gate BlvdThe Escarpment Blvd location is just under 5 miles away with a drive through.
Hiking/Biking
Just 2.5 miles away. Also known as the Maxwell Trail. The closest hike to your doorstep. 5-mile loop of natural-surface trail for mountain biking, hiking, jogging & horseback riding.
7 locals recommend
Slaughter Creek Trail
9901 Farm to Market Rd 1826Just 2.5 miles away. Also known as the Maxwell Trail. The closest hike to your doorstep. 5-mile loop of natural-surface trail for mountain biking, hiking, jogging & horseback riding.
In the heart of Austin is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail or Lady Bird Lake. A lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. With more than 4.4 million visits a year, the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. But the Trail is more than a great pathway—it is a place where Austin thrives. For many citizens and visitors, it represents the best Austin has to offer: outdoor recreation; a scenic, natural environment; and a diverse, vibrant mix of people.
The central spine of Austin, this river-like reservoir on the Colorado River provides walking access to rental spots like the Texas Rowing Center and Epic Sup.
As for parking, map it to Stratford Drive paid parking which is directly behind the Zilker Botanical Garden. The parking there is free despite the name ;) At least unless that has changed within the last few days but I highly doubt it. There is tons of parking in this hidden lot.
257 locals recommend
Ann And Roy Butler Hike And Bike Trail
In the heart of Austin is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail or Lady Bird Lake. A lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. With more than 4.4 million visits a year, the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. But the Trail is more than a great pathway—it is a place where Austin thrives. For many citizens and visitors, it represents the best Austin has to offer: outdoor recreation; a scenic, natural environment; and a diverse, vibrant mix of people.
The central spine of Austin, this river-like reservoir on the Colorado River provides walking access to rental spots like the Texas Rowing Center and Epic Sup.
As for parking, map it to Stratford Drive paid parking which is directly behind the Zilker Botanical Garden. The parking there is free despite the name ;) At least unless that has changed within the last few days but I highly doubt it. There is tons of parking in this hidden lot.
A 5,212-acre park that offers six miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking, and off road bicycling.
318 locals recommend
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Rd 6026
A 5,212-acre park that offers six miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking, and off road bicycling.
This is an awesome spot! Reservations are not needed or even accepted. Entry is $5 cash per person. This canyon & forest preserve along the Pedernales River offers rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. A great spontaneous destination to spend a morning or afternoon.
96 locals recommend
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
23610 Hamilton Pool RdThis is an awesome spot! Reservations are not needed or even accepted. Entry is $5 cash per person. This canyon & forest preserve along the Pedernales River offers rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. A great spontaneous destination to spend a morning or afternoon.
Majestic beauty in the TX Hill Country. Expert tour guides will reveal the depth of ecological diversity here.
51 locals recommend
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
24814 Hamilton Pool RdMajestic beauty in the TX Hill Country. Expert tour guides will reveal the depth of ecological diversity here.
Beautiful spot to swim and fish. Check their website before departing to ensure the park has not reached capacity for the day.
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend
98 locals recommend
Pace Bend Park
2805 Pace Bend Rd NBeautiful spot to swim and fish. Check their website before departing to ensure the park has not reached capacity for the day.
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend
It’s made of completely flat rock, and then there are these crater-like water holes that make you feel like you’re on the moon.
376 locals recommend
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyIt’s made of completely flat rock, and then there are these crater-like water holes that make you feel like you’re on the moon.
It’s not the only greenbelt in the Austin area, but when locals mention The Greenbelt, they’re referring to the 12.34 miles of interconnected trails that are accessible within minutes of downtown Austin. The entrance at Gus Fruh gives you the feeling of being far from the city without ever leaving.
Pro Tip! A University of Texas student created “Greenbelt Now,” which pulls data from the USGS Water Services to show you which areas are most swimmable
531 locals recommend
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayIt’s not the only greenbelt in the Austin area, but when locals mention The Greenbelt, they’re referring to the 12.34 miles of interconnected trails that are accessible within minutes of downtown Austin. The entrance at Gus Fruh gives you the feeling of being far from the city without ever leaving.
Pro Tip! A University of Texas student created “Greenbelt Now,” which pulls data from the USGS Water Services to show you which areas are most swimmable
Sightseeing
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin is the state botanical garden and arboretum of Texas. The center features more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings and is home to a breadth of educational programs and events. The center is 284 acres and straddles both Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies ecosystems.
252 locals recommend
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse AveThe Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin is the state botanical garden and arboretum of Texas. The center features more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings and is home to a breadth of educational programs and events. The center is 284 acres and straddles both Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies ecosystems.
Beautiful grounds to peruse at your leisure along the Colorado River with all kinds of outdoor sculptures. There is a small Italian villa with rotating art exhibits to check out. Thursdays admission is free. Save your parking spot and check out The Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve just north of here. There are gardens, walking trails and brilliant peacocks roaming the grounds.
98 locals recommend
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th StBeautiful grounds to peruse at your leisure along the Colorado River with all kinds of outdoor sculptures. There is a small Italian villa with rotating art exhibits to check out. Thursdays admission is free. Save your parking spot and check out The Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve just north of here. There are gardens, walking trails and brilliant peacocks roaming the grounds.
A lovely place to visit and experience some of the best olive oil & balsamic vinegar TX has to offer. I love gifting one of their sampler packs for a lil taste of the hill country. This is a great option to tag onto a visit to one of the countless breweries and distilleries you will pass on Fitzhugh Rd along the way. They offer guided tours you can reserve in advance for $25/ person. Or you can just visit and peruse the property on your own.
81 locals recommend
Texas Hill Country Olive Company
2530 W Fitzhugh RdA lovely place to visit and experience some of the best olive oil & balsamic vinegar TX has to offer. I love gifting one of their sampler packs for a lil taste of the hill country. This is a great option to tag onto a visit to one of the countless breweries and distilleries you will pass on Fitzhugh Rd along the way. They offer guided tours you can reserve in advance for $25/ person. Or you can just visit and peruse the property on your own.
This drive through zoo is perfectly pandemic friendly. So many animals to view and feed if you buy a bag of food from the zoo. The camels, zebras and shaggy cows were our favorites. Reserve your tickets in advance online. The zoo is just under an hour away and the drive is beautiful.
50 locals recommend
The Exotic Resort Zoo
235 Zoo TrailThis drive through zoo is perfectly pandemic friendly. So many animals to view and feed if you buy a bag of food from the zoo. The camels, zebras and shaggy cows were our favorites. Reserve your tickets in advance online. The zoo is just under an hour away and the drive is beautiful.
Breweries/ Distilleries
Favorite brewery with delicious beer and food. Peaceful grounds with lots of room to roam and play area for kiddos. Live music offered on occasion.
64 locals recommend
Vista Brewing
13551 FM150 WFavorite brewery with delicious beer and food. Peaceful grounds with lots of room to roam and play area for kiddos. Live music offered on occasion.
A unique distillery with creative and inventive cocktails. Set in a tastefully decorated venue with seating indoor and out. Food is also available via Eden West farm to table food truck. You can also take a tour of the distillery to learn more about the history of Sotol.
65 locals recommend
Desert Door Distillery
211 Darden Hill RdA unique distillery with creative and inventive cocktails. Set in a tastefully decorated venue with seating indoor and out. Food is also available via Eden West farm to table food truck. You can also take a tour of the distillery to learn more about the history of Sotol.
One of the very first breweries to open on Fitzhugh Rd. Spacious grounds with a killer sunset view. Delicious pizza restaurant on location. Great for large groups and kids.
298 locals recommend
Jester King
13187 Fitzhugh RdOne of the very first breweries to open on Fitzhugh Rd. Spacious grounds with a killer sunset view. Delicious pizza restaurant on location. Great for large groups and kids.
Treaty Oak Distilling
16604 Fitzhugh RdWe frequent this place often even though it’s not the closest brewery. Great beer great food and lively atmosphere. If you love lager or dark beer they make some real tasty offerings.
138 locals recommend
Central Machine Works
4824 E Cesar Chavez StWe frequent this place often even though it’s not the closest brewery. Great beer great food and lively atmosphere. If you love lager or dark beer they make some real tasty offerings.
Great outdoor area, several food trucks and much more than just beer on offer. This one is particularly family friendly with a playground and the like.
53 locals recommend
Meanwhile Brewing Company
3901 Promontory Point DrGreat outdoor area, several food trucks and much more than just beer on offer. This one is particularly family friendly with a playground and the like.