City Guide: Austin

Austin is one of those places that just sticks with you. I went to undergrad at University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em!), and pretty quickly fell in love with how fun, weird, and easy the city feels. It’s not hard to see why Austin has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—between the live music, incredible food scene, nightlife, and endless outdoor options, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad time here.

I’ve actually been coming to Austin my whole life. My parents both went to Texas, and eventually so did my siblings and I, so it’s always been a place that feels personal. And I think that’s true for a lot of Texans—Austin just has a different energy than the rest of the state. There’s always been this undercurrent of counterculture, from the hippie scene in the ’60s to today’s creative crowd, long before the city ever leaned into the “Keep Austin Weird” identity.

Austin is the state capital, but more importantly, it’s known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and that really tracks once you’re here. Walk down South Congress Avenue or spend a night out and you’ll hear everything from dive bar sets to polished performances spilling out onto the street. The food scene is just as dynamic—arguably one of the best in the country for a city this size. You’ve got world-class BBQ, some of the best tacos anywhere, and a constant stream of new restaurants that keep things interesting.

And then there’s the outdoors. Because Austin sits right in the Texas Hill Country, you’ve got access to things you don’t really get in cities like Dallas or Houston—morning walks or runs along Lady Bird Lake, afternoons paddle boarding or kayaking, quick dips in natural pools, and hiking trails that feel like a real escape without ever leaving the city. It’s one of those rare places where you can balance eating really well with actually moving your body.

Austin’s history and culture play a huge role in what it feels like today. Originally settled in the 1830s along the Colorado River, the city grew steadily as a political and educational hub, anchored by the university. But it was the rise of its music scene—especially in the ’70s and ’80s—that really gave Austin its identity, with venues hosting everyone from local legends to global acts. Events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Music Festival helped cement its reputation internationally, drawing creatives, tech founders, and artists from all over. That mix—government town, college city, music capital, and now tech hub—is what makes Austin feel layered and constantly evolving.

It’s funny looking back, but when I was at UT, we never even thought about going to SXSW. It always fell during spring break, and at the time we were way more focused on leaving town than staying for a film or tech festival. Now it’s one of the biggest events in the city and a huge part of what put Austin on the map. Over the past decade especially, the growth here has been wild—there was always a running joke that Austin’s city bird was a crane, because the skyline was constantly filled with construction.

The food truck scene was also blowing up while I was in school, right around the time Twitter was taking off. You could literally follow your favorite truck and track where it would be that day. What’s crazy is how many of those trucks have since turned into full brick-and-mortar restaurants. And nowhere has changed more than East Austin—what used to be pretty underdeveloped is now one of the most exciting parts of the city, filled with great restaurants, bars, and a completely new energy.

If it’s your first time in Austin, I’d stay downtown as you’ll be central to everywhere. Try the Proper Hotel, LINE hotel or the South Congress Hotel – those would be my first picks!  You’ll want to grab coffee at Jo’s and grab some breakfast tacos at either Torchy’s Taco or Taco Deli! Go walk town lake (“Lady Bird Lake”) and get your bearings of the city and grab a smoothie at Juiceland after! Shop along South Congress (SoCo) and check out the new Music Lane development – where Equinox and Soho house is! Grab some drinks on the patio at Perla’s or head to Able’s on the Lake for some sundowners.

TexMex is a must while in the city! A classic Austin staple like Maudie’s, El Arroyo, or Matt’s El Rancho will hit the spot or you could try a more contemporary spot like Suerte, Comedor, La Condesa, or ATX Cocina. Can’t go wrong with any of them! If true Texas BBQ is what you’re after, Franklin’s BBQ is bar none the best, but you might be spending some time in line. Ironworks or Terry Black’s are classic, no-frills. But if you have a car and are willing to trek for BBQ, The Salt Lick is about 30-min outside of town and my personal favorite (also quite the experience!). For drinks you’ll need to hit up Rainey Street, a little neighborhood that was converted into house-bars, it’s more fun during the day! You’ll need to hit up 6th Street downtown, where all the bars are. “Dirty 6th” refers to anything East of Congress St. and is cheaper and usually a younger, rowdier crowd. “West 6th” is everything west of Congress street and has more cocktail bars and classier establishments. Now, since I’ve been in college, there’s an “East 6th,” which is everything east of I-35!

I know I put entirely too many spots into this guide, but I wanted to give you options and there are way too many great spots here! I put an “*” by my must-gos!

To Eat:

Mexican:

• *Suerte – One of the best restaurants in Austin for contemporary Mexican—get the choripapa sopes, tuna tostada, sunchoke huarache, and suadero tacos.
• Matt’s El Rancho – A longtime Tex-Mex institution that’s been drawing crowds since 1952. Go for enchiladas, margaritas, and the famous Bob Armstrong dip.
• Maudie’s – A local staple for classic Tex-Mex and margaritas—lively, casual, and always a reliable choice.
• *Comedor -A more elevated, design-forward Mexican spot with incredible tostadas, bone marrow tacos, and mezcal margaritas.
• Cisco’s – A no-frills breakfast institution known for migas and classic plates. Bonus points for the squirt bottle of butter on the table.
• El Arroyo – An Austin icon known for its witty sign as much as the food—plus a great patio for Tex-Mex, drinks, and live music on weekends.
• *Fresa’s – Colorful, easy, and great for wood-grilled Mexican fare. Go for the La Fresa and El Santo tacos, plus guac, queso, and grilled sweet potatoes.
• Taco Spots:
  • *Torchy’s Taco – My ultimate taco stop—started as a food truck and blew up for a reason. Get the Baja shrimp, green chili pork, a Trailer Park “trashy,” plus queso and street corn.
  • Velvet Taco – A more eclectic taco spot with globally inspired flavors—different, fun, and definitely get the street corn.
  • Taco Deli – Some of my favorite breakfast tacos in the city—build your own or go for the migas or the Jess. Don’t skip the Doña hot sauce.
  • Nixta Taqueria – A more modern taco spot focused on heirloom corn and bold flavors—small but very worth it.
  • Taco Joint – A solid go-to for breakfast tacos—simple, fast, and exactly what you want in the morning.
• *La Condesa – An award-winning modern Mexican restaurant in the 2nd Street District. Great interior dishes and one of the best tequila and mezcal selections in the city.
• ATX Cocina – A sleek, modern Mexican spot with a strong cocktail program and elevated takes on classic dishes.
• Juan in a Million -An East Austin staple known for massive breakfast tacos and no-frills, classic plates. Casual, local, and always hits.
• Chuy’s – A classic Tex-Mex chain that started in Austin—fun, casual, and known for big plates and margaritas.
• Fonda San Miguel – A more refined, traditional Mexican restaurant in a beautiful hacienda-style space. Feels elevated, but still warm and classic.
• El Alma – Inventive Mexican dishes and cocktails in a chic space with a great rooftop deck—perfect for dinner or drinks.
• Licha’s Cantina – A standout in a city full of Mexican spots—authentic, thoughtful, and a bit more under-the-radar.
• De Nada Cantina – A cozy, patio-driven spot for classic Mexican fare like barbacoa and carnitas. Great margaritas make it an easy go-to.

BBQ:

• *Franklin’s – The BBQ spot you’ve definitely heard of—legendary brisket, long lines, and absolutely worth it.
• *The Salt Lick [30-minute drive outside of Austin] My favorite BBQ! It’s BYOB, cash-only, and set in a rustic, open-air space with live music—if you can’t make the trip, you can always grab it at the airport on your way out.
• Ironworks -A classic, no-frills BBQ spot set in a historic iron shop—great for ribs, brisket, and an easy, casual meal.
• Lambert’s – A more elevated take on BBQ in a refurbished general store. There’s also an upstairs bar with live music, which makes it great for a full night out.
• Terry Black’s – A go-to for pit-smoked meats from a fourth-generation BBQ family—spacious, casual, and consistently hits.
• La Barbeque – A local favorite that rivals the big names. The brisket is just as good (arguably better), with a slightly more low-key, outdoor setup.
• Loro – An Asian smokehouse meets Texas BBQ from the Franklin team—creative, a little different, and perfect for groups on the patio.

American:

• Clark’s Oyster Bar – An upscale-casual seafood spot with a polished feel—go for the crudo, ceviche, beef tartare, crispy snapper, and always a side of fries.
• *Perla’s -Prime patio dining right on South Congress. Fresh seafood, oysters, and a laid-back vibe make it one of the best places to sit outside and stay awhile.
• *Ranch 616 – A buzzy Texana spot with a cozy interior and fun patio—order a Ranch Water or go all in with the “fire-in-the-hole” shot.
• Eberly – A sprawling, beautifully designed space that’s great for brunch or a longer hang. Between the study, rooftop, and Cedar Tavern, there’s always somewhere to land.
• Hopdoddy – A go-to for elevated burgers—my favorites are the Buffalo Bill, Goodnight/Good Cause, or El Diablo, plus the chili cheese fries.
• Shoal Creek Saloon – A casual Cajun spot with a great patio. Crawfish, jambalaya, and cold beer make it an easy, laid-back stop.
• Central Standard (at the South Congress Hotel) -A sleek New American spot inside South Congress Hotel—great for a drink or quick bite while shopping SoCo.
• *Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – An elegant steakhouse-meets-seafood spot with a polished feel. Live jazz and a strong cocktail lounge make it great for a dressed-up night.
• Tiny Boxwood’s – A bright, garden-style café with an airy feel—perfect for brunch and known for its chocolate chip cookies.
• Pecan Square Cafe – Seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking in a cozy Old West Austin setting. Simple, thoughtful dishes that always feel fresh.
• Sour Duck – Seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking in a cozy Old West Austin setting. Simple, thoughtful dishes that always feel fresh.
• Texas Honey Ham Co. – A cozy Westlake staple worth the short drive. Great sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and their signature ham make it a go-to.
• Odd Duck – A local favorite for seasonal, farm-to-table plates in a relaxed but refined setting.
• *Summer House (at Hotel Magdelena) -A beautiful, design-forward spot at Hotel Magdalena—perfect for brunch with a great indoor-outdoor feel.
• Arlo Grey (at the LINE) -A modern lakeside restaurant from Top Chef winner Kristen Kish. French and Italian influences meet a light, airy space with great views.
• Texas Chili Parlor – A quirky, old-school spot known for its chili—from mild to seriously spicy.
• *P. Terry’s – An Austin staple for all-natural burgers and fries. Simple, fast, and always hits.
• Jeffrey’s – A posh, longtime favorite for upscale New American dining—great for a special night out.
• *Walton’s Fancy & Staple – One of my favorite sandwich spots with a charming, rustic-chic feel. Part bakery, part deli, and part flower shop.
• Contigo – Farm-to-table Texas fare with a huge patio—great cocktails and an easy, outdoorsy vibe.
• *Café No Sé (at South Congress Hotel) – A bright, chic spot inside South Congress Hotel with seasonal menus. Perfect for brunch or a relaxed lunch.
• Fixe – An upscale take on Southern comfort food—biscuits, grits, and creative seafood and steak dishes.
• *Bird Bird Biscuit – A neighborhood favorite for biscuit sandwiches. Simple, indulgent, and perfect for breakfast or lunch.
• Foodheads – A laid-back café in a converted home—great for soups, sandwiches, and an easy, local feel.
• Pool Burger – A fun, poolside burger spot by Deep Eddy with tiki drinks and soft serve—very Austin energy.
• Barley Swine – A more experimental, tasting-menu-driven spot with seasonal small plates. One for a full, foodie-style dinner.
• Josephine House – A stylish but relaxed sister spot to Jeffrey’s—seasonal New American dishes in a charming, house-like setting.

Italian/Mediterranean/European:

• *The Peacock (at The Proper) -A fun brunch spot at The Proper with a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired menu—think Israeli and Turkish flavors, wood-fired meats, and mezze that’s perfect for sharing.
• *Aba – A posh Mediterranean destination with a beautiful rooftop patio. Sitting outside under the trees is a must—book early.
• Justine’s Brasserie – A moody French bungalow with a string-lit patio—great for steak frites, wine, and a slightly romantic dinner.
• Le Politique – A bright, modern French brasserie downtown with an easy, all-day feel. Great for classic café fare, pastries, and a casual meal.
• Devil May Care – A moody, underground lounge with Mediterranean-inspired bites and great cocktails—more of a full night-out spot.
• Red Ash – One of the best Italian meals in Austin with wood-fired dishes and housemade pastas. Slightly more elevated, but still warm and inviting.
• *Via 313  Pizzeria – A must for Detroit-style pizza—thick, crispy, and some of the best pies in the city.
• Il Brutto – One of the best patios in Austin and perfect for a spritz. Classic Italian dishes and a relaxed indoor-outdoor vibe make it easy to stay a while.
• Sammie’s Italian – A newer spot with old-school Italian charm—feels like a classic New York red-sauce joint with a more curated edge.
• North Italia – A buzzy, modern Italian option with a great patio. Solid for pizzas, pastas, and an easy group dinner.
• Taverna – A casual Italian spot with sidewalk seating—great for a boozy brunch or a laid-back dinner.
• Emmer & Rye – A more refined, ingredient-driven restaurant focused on heirloom grains and seasonal cooking. Creative, thoughtful, and worth planning ahead for.
• *Home Slice Pizza -Some of the best pizza in Austin—classic New York–style slices, especially great for a late-night stop.
• Gusto – A charming neighborhood trattoria with a fun, graffiti-covered interior. Simple, refined Italian cooking in a relaxed, local setting.

Asian:

• Wu Chow – A go-to for Sichuan cuisine in a sleek, contemporary space—especially worth it for their weekend dim sum brunch.
• Madam Mam’s – My favorite Thai spot—and a bit nostalgic for me since we used to go every Sunday night in college. The chicken pad thai is still my favorite (ever), and the fried rice is a must.
• Sway – A more modern take on Thai with a beautiful space and a menu built for sharing—great curries, seafood, and creative desserts.
• *Uchi – One of the best meals in Austin—creative sushi and standout hot and cold dishes in a polished, upscale setting. It’s the kind of place you go for a special dinner that always delivers.
• Uchiko – The slightly more refined sister to Uchi—quieter, a bit more elevated, and perfect if you want that same level of quality in a calmer setting.
• *Elizabeth Street Cafe – A charming Vietnamese café with a French twist—perfect for anything from pastries and coffee to pho or bánh mì.
• Neighborhood Sushi -A more relaxed sister concept to Uchi—same quality sushi, just in a more laid-back, neighborhood setting.
• Lin – A refined take on Chinese fare with great dim sum—lighter, ingredient-focused, and consistently solid.
• *Qi – From the same family as Lin, but with a larger, more design-forward space and a great patio. Go for the taro egg rolls, soup dumplings, sesame chicken, and combination fried rice.
• Ah Singh Den – An intimate cocktail bar with Asian-inspired bites—great drinks, a cozy vibe, and perfect for a slower night.
• Oseyo – A bright, rustic-chic Korean spot with great energy. The fried chicken or beef are standouts, and the cocktails are just as good.
• The Sushi Bar ATX – One of the hardest reservations in Austin—an intimate omakase hidden behind an unmarked door with just a handful of seats at the counter.
• Kemuri Tatsu-Ya – A fun izakaya-style spot blending Japanese and Texas influences—great for shareable, meat-forward dishes in a lively setting.
• Lucky Robot – A hip South Congress spot for Tokyo-inspired street food—sushi, dumplings, and sake punches in a fun, social atmosphere.

Healthy:

• *Juiceland – My go-to after a walk or run along Town Lake—some of the best smoothies and juices in the city (I’m a sucker for the Strawberry Mylkshake protein shake).
• Vinaigrette – A bright, modern spot for build-your-own salads and lighter bites—fresh, easy, and perfect when you want something clean but still satisfying.
• Nektar Juice – A reliable juice stop for smoothies, cleanses, and quick, health-conscious snacks—easy and consistent.
• Flowerchild – A feel-good, health-forward café with great bowls and salads—my go-to is the Mother Earth Bowl.
• The Well -A more elevated wellness-focused restaurant—clean ingredients, beautifully plated dishes, and a slightly more refined take on healthy eating.
• *Picnik – A paleo-friendly café with a relaxed, outdoorsy feel—great for something quick but thoughtful (the chicken tenders, fish tacos, and quinoa bowls are all solid).
• Proud Mary – An Australian café that takes coffee very seriously—great if you want to nerd out over rare beans, but still just as good for a perfect flat white and brekkie.

Sweets & Treats:

• Sweedish Hill Bakery – A longtime Austin bakery with a cozy, slightly nostalgic feel—great for pastries, breads, and an easy coffee or lunch on the patio.
• Tiny’s Boxwood’s – A bright, garden-style café with a relaxed, upscale feel—perfect for brunch, coffee, or a slower morning outdoors. Their chocolate chip cookies are ledgendary!
• Amy’s Ice Cream – An Austin staple—creative, rotating flavors with fun mix-ins and a playful energy that makes it more than just an ice cream stop.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – A go-to for more elevated, inventive flavors—rich, well-balanced scoops that feel a little more refined.
• Yummy Joy – A colorful, candy-filled shop with a playful, almost cartoon-like vibe—great for craft sodas, nostalgic sweets, and vegan treats.
• Sno-Beach – A classic snow cone Airstream with fun, creative flavor combos—perfect for cooling off on a hot Austin day.
• Big Top -A circus-themed sweets shop packed with old-school candy and a soda fountain—fun, nostalgic, and a little over the top in the best way.

Coffee:

• Houndstooth – One of the best coffee spots in Austin—clean, minimal, and consistently great if you’re serious about your coffee.
• Jo’s coffee – My favorite coffee in the city—easy, classic, and the South Congress location is home to the iconic “I Love You So Much” wall. You’ve gotta get a turbo!
• El Tigre Coffee – A rad East Austin spot with great coffee and a slightly more creative, neighborhood feel.
• Flat Track – Set in a spacious, industrial-style space—great craft coffee, pastries, and an easy place to hang for a bit.
• Two Hands – An Aussie café import from NYC—some of my favorite coffee in Austin, plus a great brekkie menu.
• Little Brother’s Coffee & Kolaches – A tiny coffee kiosk inside Marfa Store—perfect for a quick pick-me-up while shopping South Congress.
• Alfred’s (located in the LINE Hotel) – The LA coffee favorite—clean, aesthetic, and an easy stop if you’re near the hotel.
• Littlefield’s – A casual outdoor spot serving Veracruz tacos and Fleet coffee—big patio, laid-back vibe, and great for a slower morning.
• Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors – A go-to for coffee people—small, thoughtful menu, great espresso, and a slightly more low-key East Austin feel.

Drinks:

• *Here Nor There – A hidden, reservation-only speakeasy with a super precise cocktail program—everything feels intentional, from the ice to the presentation, and sitting at the bar is half the experience.
• *Donn’s Depot – An iconic, old-school piano bar set inside a converted train depot—live music, dancing, and a mix of locals that makes it feel like pure Austin.
• Parlor & Yard – A lively downtown bar with games, TVs, and a more social feel—great for groups and an easy night out.
• P6 (at the LINE hotel) – A rooftop with some of the best lake views in the city—perfect for sunset drinks and a more elevated start to the night.
• Zanzibar – A tropical rooftop bar with fun, island-style cocktails and a laid-back, vacation-like vibe.
• LoLo Wine Bar – A cozy, low-key wine bar with a great natural wine list—perfect for a slower, more relaxed evening.
• Easy Tiger – A beer garden-style spot with a casual, communal feel—great for daytime drinks or a more laid-back night.
• Speakeasy – A multi-level downtown bar with live music and different rooms—easy to bounce around and spend a full night.
• Kinda Tropical – A bright, casual East Austin spot with tropical drinks and a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
• The Courtyard Lounge (at Hotel San Jose) – A hidden-feeling outdoor bar at Hotel San José—lush, quiet, and perfect for a low-key drink on South Congress.
• The Rustic Tap – A fun, open-air bar with live music and a big patio—great for a more casual, high-energy night.
• Midnight Cowboy – A true speakeasy with reservations, private booths, and a refined cocktail program—one of the best drinking experiences in Austin.
• Better Half Coffee & Cocktails – A hybrid coffee shop and bar that works any time of day—great drinks, easy food, and always a good crowd.
• Cain & Able’s – A UT-area staple—casual, college-heavy, and known for strong drinks and a fun, slightly chaotic energy.
• Able’s on the Lake – A laid-back lakefront spot—easy drinks, good views, and perfect for a more relaxed afternoon.
• Green Light Social – A higher-energy downtown bar with DJs and a party vibe—more nightlife-focused.
• The Roosevelt Room – One of the best cocktail bars in Austin—huge menu covering every era of cocktails, all executed really well.
• Howard’s Bar & Club – A newer, design-forward bar with a slightly upscale feel—great cocktails and a more curated atmosphere.
• Rosie’s Wine Bar – A chic, neighborhood wine bar with a great patio—easy for a glass (or a few) and small bites.
• Rainey Street:
  • Lucille 
  • Reina
  • Little Brother – coffee & cocktails
  • Bangers – Beer Garden
  • Lustre Pearl – Also has a location on the Eastside
• The White Horse – A true Texas honky-tonk—live country music, two-stepping, and a fun, no-frills atmosphere that feels like classic Austin.
• Continental Club – An Austin institution for live music—intimate, historic, and one of the best places in the city to catch a great set any night of the week.
• Lazarus Brewing Co. – A laid-back East Austin brewery with great beer, tacos, and a big patio—perfect for an easy afternoon that turns into evening.
• Whistler’s ATX – A cool East Austin bar with strong cocktails and a music-driven vibe—great DJs, live sets, and an easy, local feel.
• Central Machine Works – A massive brewery and beer hall set in a converted warehouse—great for groups, live music, and a more casual, high-energy hang.

Shopping:

• STAG – One of my favorite menswear stores—well-curated with brands like Faherty, RRL, and Rogue Territory, plus books and accessories that make it feel like more than just a shop.
• St. Bernard’s – A polished, all-in-one shop for apparel, shoes, and gear—great mix of everyday pieces and slightly more elevated finds.
• ByGeorge – A high-end boutique with a beautiful, airy space—designer menswear and womenswear that leans modern, refined, and thoughtfully curated.
• Neighborhood Goods – A more modern take on a department store—constantly rotating brands and products, so it always feels fresh and worth popping into.
• Everlane – Clean, minimal essentials with a focus on quality and transparency—easy staples that fit into any wardrobe.
• TOMS – Known for its casual footwear and laid-back aesthetic—an easy stop for comfortable, everyday pieces.
• Buck Mason – One of my go-tos—simple, well-made basics (especially tees) that just always fit right.
• Service – A sleek, design-forward menswear shop with a curated mix of apparel, shoes, and accessories.
• Howler Bro’s – Casual, fun menswear with a subtle Western twist—easy pieces that still have a bit of personality.
• Tecovas – If you’re looking for boots in Austin, start here—beautifully made Western-style boots that feel classic but still modern.
• Maufrais – A custom hat shop with a refined, Western feel—beautifully made pieces shaped and styled in-store, making it one of the most unique (and very Austin) shopping experiences.

Things to do:

• Watch the river bats at sunset along Congress Ave. Bridge
• Hang out in Zilker Park
• Paddle Board or Kayak on Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake)
• Walk Town Lake Trail – This 10-mile loop around Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) is perfect for a walk or jog!
• Swim in Deep Eddy – Deep Eddy Pool is a historic, man-made swimming pool in Austin, Texas. Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas and features a bathhouse built during the Depression.
• Tour the Texas State Capital
• Explore  + hike the Greenbelt
• Rent a boat on Town Lake or Lake Travis 
• Float “the river“
• See a movie at Alamo Drafthouse
• Catch a live performance at ACL Live at the Moody Theater 
• Hike Mount Bonnel
• Take a dip in Barton Springs – Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs. It is located on the grounds of Zilker Park
• Take a hike + dip into Hamilton Pool 

Stay:

• Hotel San José – A low-key, design-forward boutique hotel right on South Congress—lush courtyards, a great pool, and that relaxed, effortlessly cool Austin feel.
• *The Proper –  One of the most stylish stays in the city—beautiful interiors, a great rooftop pool, and an overall polished, elevated vibe.
• *The LINE Austin – Set right on Lady Bird Lake, this one has some of the best views in Austin—easy, modern, and perfect for walking to downtown spots.
• Hotel Magdalena – A newer boutique stay that leans into Austin’s music and creative culture—laid-back, design-driven, and tucked just off South Congress.
• *South Congress Hotel – Right in the middle of everything on South Congress—great for walkability, with solid restaurants, a rooftop pool, and a lively but still polished feel.
• Commodore Perry Estate – A more secluded, estate-style stay that feels like a true escape—lush grounds, classic architecture, and one of the most refined hotel experiences in Austin.

Have you ever been to Austin? Maybe it was for South By Southwest or the ACL music festival, but I hope you got to explore the weird Texas town! Let me know your favorite taco joint or Austin Gem!

Stay Risky,

-John