Austin is a fantastic place to live within an incredible state. Here are some of the highlights of why this is such a great place, cool things to do, our favorite places to grab a drink or bite .. or just cool or weird stuff. Of course you will notice that Austinites prefer local businesses and to support our local communities!
Here’s the “top” 512 things we love about life in Austin .. or at least the start of that list. As I have time, this list will grow!
Eats and Drinks
- Marias Taco XpressThis place is an Austin institution. The food here is AMAZING. Easily the best Al Pastor tacos in town, but literally everything on the menu is fantastic. Watch out for the coconut margaritas .. bet you can’t just have one! The staff is super friendly and awesome and the place just has a great vibe in general. Friday night jam sessions are pretty good (sometimes there are some very new musicians, but most times the jam is good). One thing you should not miss is Hippie Church on Sundays!
- Torchys TacosSome of the best tacos in Austin. Just as Maria’s has the best Al Pastor tacos in town, Torchys Green Chili Pork tacos rock it out.
- Hopdoddy Burger BarAs a Yelper says: Blessed be these cows and the vision of the owners in Austin! Hopdoddy avoids antibiotics, overgrown animals and alien chemicals on their menu. They DO put the pounds on in flavor, customer service and good karma!Hopdoddy serves a tasty, fresh and succulent burger. The meat is all natural and locally grown and is Premium Gold Angus. HD does not over cook the burger and it comes bursting with flavor. The buns are airy, fluffy, light, and topped with a hint of butter. My favorite is easily the Shroom Burger.Be warned, this place usually has an extended line around the corner into the back alley, but the wait is overwhelmingly worth it!
- Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon
One of Austin’s famous dive bars, Chicken Sh*t Bingo on Sunday is an event that you have to experience for yourself. Happens every Sunday and embodies the spirit of Keep Austin Weird! BYO tailgate chair because this is an outdoor parking lot party .. also, bring a sweatshirt because it gets chilly outdoors October through April. There are free hotdogs with all the fixins every Sunday. - Black Sheep Lodge
BSL is everything Austinites love: it’s fast, friendly, cheap, good quality, and the drinks are strong. Communal seating sometimes leads to new friends. Great patio that is dog friendly and has lots of flat screens to have multiple games on at the same time. The little stinker sliders are good to share.
Reds Porch
Shady Grove
Hyde Park
Snack Bar
Eddy Vs
Magnolia Cafe
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Docs on Congress
South Congress Cafe
Matts El Rancho
Frank and Angies Pizza
DK Sushi Market
Pools
- Deep Eddy Pool
This is no ordinary swimming pool .. this is a special place, with an amazing story. Deep Eddy is on the National Register of Historic Places and for good reason. It is the oldest swimming pool in Texas (that’s right, not just Austin). You may have caught onto the history here when you noticed the beautiful stone entry and changing rooms, these were some of the original bathhouse buildings built as part of the Works Progress Administration during the depression area.
Hiking, Biking, SUP and Day Trips
Town Lake Trail
Zilker Botanical Garden
Texas Rowing Center
Mount Bonnell
Music Venues and Events
One World Theater
The Backyard
Gueros
Cedar Street
Stubbs BBQ