Austin, the capital city of Texas, is famous for its unique blend of southern charm and hipster vibes, as well as its Tex-Mex cuisine that combines Texan and Mexican flavors with a twist. With over 250 live music venues and a vibrant food scene, Austin is a must-visit destination for music lovers and foodies alike.
If you’re a fan of live music, Austin is the place to be. The city is known as the Live Music Capital of the World for a reason – it’s home to iconic venues like the Continental Club, Antone’s, and the Broken Spoke, as well as smaller bars that offer an intimate live music experience, such as Hole in the Wall and C-Boys Heart & Soul.
But it’s not just live music that Austin is famous for – the city also has a thriving food scene with a wide range of culinary options. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, Tex-Mex, or international cuisine, Austin has it all. Home to famous breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural, savory BBQ at Franklin Barbecue, and flavors from the Mediterranean at Cafe No Se, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.
Don’t forget to explore the hipster neighborhoods like South Congress and East Austin, where you can shop at quirky boutiques, relax with a craft beer at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. For a unique drinking experience, check out Austin’s quirky bars like The Roosevelt Room, The Mohawk, and The Midnight Cowboy.
No trip to Austin would be complete without trying the food trucks, which can be found in food truck parks like The Picnic and The South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery. Indulge in the disco fries at Puli-Ra, the chicken and waffles at Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food, or the famous donut burgers at Gourdough’s Public House.
Live Music Venues
Live Music Capital of the World. Whether you’re into country, rock, blues, or anything in between, Austin has plenty of options for live music lovers. Iconic venues like the Continental Club and Antone’s are must-visits, but don’t miss out on the smaller bars like Hole in the Wall and Cheer Up Charlies for a more intimate experience. With so many venues to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite band or musician in this vibrant city. And don’t forget about the festivals, like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, that bring even more live music to Austin’s already bustling scene.
Live Music Capital of the World.
Austin, Texas is renowned as the Live Music Capital of the World. With over 250 live music venues scattered throughout the city, it’s no wonder why. From legendary venues such as the Continental Club and Antone’s to smaller bars like Hole in the Wall and Cheer Up Charlies, the city has something for every music enthusiast. You can catch live performances with a mix of genres, including blues, country, rock, jazz, and hip hop.
Many people visit Austin to attend one of the many music festivals the city hosts every year, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) or Austin City Limits. But live music can be enjoyed every night of the week in Austin. You can find local artists performing in charming cafes or dive bars, while bigger names play at larger venues all throughout the city.
From iconic venues like the Continental Club and Antone’s, to smaller bars like Hole in the Wall and Cheer Up Charlies, there’s something for every type of music lover.
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and with over 250 live music venues in the city, it’s no surprise why. Iconic venues like the Continental Club and Antone’s are a must-visit for any music lover, but there are also plenty of smaller bars like Hole in the Wall and Cheer Up Charlies that offer a more intimate setting. No matter what your music preferences are, Austin has something for everyone.
In addition to traditional venues, Austin also hosts several music festivals throughout the year, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits. These festivals bring in world-renowned musicians and up-and-coming artists alike, making Austin a hub for music enthusiasts from around the globe.
On any given night, you can find live music playing at multiple venues across the city, ranging from honky-tonk and blues to indie and rock. And with new venues popping up all the time, there’s always something new to discover in Austin’s eclectic music scene.
Foodie Hotspots
Austin’s food scene is a foodie’s dream come true. With its mix of traditional southern dishes and innovative culinary creations, the city offers a variety of options to satisfy any craving.
- Veracruz All Natural is a must-visit for breakfast tacos, which come stuffed with everything from eggs and bacon to chorizo and avocado.
- For BBQ lovers, Franklin Barbecue is a must-try. The melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs, and sausage are so popular that people line up early in the morning to make sure they don’t sell out.
- Tamale House East is the perfect spot to indulge in Tex-Mex cuisine. From classic enchiladas to breakfast dishes like chilaquiles, everything is made fresh and served with a smile.
Other notable foodie hotspots include the iconic Uchi restaurant, which serves up some of the best sushi in town, and the South Congress Cafe, which offers a mix of southern comfort food and innovative dishes like their famous carrot cake French toast.
| Venue | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Veracruz All Natural | Breakfast tacos |
| Franklin Barbecue | BBQ |
| Tamale House East | Tex-Mex cuisine |
| Uchi | Sushi |
| South Congress Cafe | Southern comfort food and innovative dishes |
No matter which foodie hotspot you choose, you’re sure to leave satisfied and already planning your next visit.
Tex-Mex Cuisine
Austin’s Tex-Mex cuisine is a delicious blend of Texan and Mexican flavors with a unique local twist. One of the must-try Tex-Mex dishes is breakfast tacos, and Tacodeli is a great place to start. You can build your own taco with a range of fillings, from the classic bacon, egg, and cheese to the vegetarian-friendly El Popeye, which features spinach, mushrooms, and black beans.
If you’re looking for something heartier, Tamale House East is a great spot to try migas, a traditional Tex-Mex breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, crisp tortilla strips, cheese, and salsa. You can also try their famous tamales, which are made with masa, a dough made from corn, and filled with various savory or sweet fillings.
For a taste of the best queso in Austin, head to Torchy’s Tacos. Their famous queso dip is made with melted cheese, green chiles, and pico de gallo, and is perfect for dipping chips or topping tacos.
If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try some of Austin’s other Tex-Mex delicacies, such as chili con carne, chalupas, and fajitas. With its diverse range of Tex-Mex cuisine, Austin is sure to satisfy any craving.
BBQ Joints
If you’re in Austin and looking for the best BBQ joints in town, look no further than Franklin Barbecue and Black’s Barbecue. Franklin Barbecue is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, which is cooked to perfection over oak wood for hours on end. Expect to wait in a long line, but know that the wait will be worth it. The ribs at Black’s Barbecue are also a must-try, with their savory and smoky flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Both of these BBQ joints have been featured on numerous “best of” lists and are beloved by locals and visitors alike. However, don’t limit yourself to just these two spots – there are plenty of other delicious BBQ places in Austin to explore. From Terry Black’s Barbecue to la Barbecue, there’s no shortage of mouth-watering meat in this Texas city.
International Flavors
Austin’s diverse population and cultural influences have led to an abundance of international cuisine. Masala Dhaba offers authentic Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala and biryani, while Uchi serves up innovative Japanese cuisine like sashimi and sushi rolls. For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Cafe No Se and try the grilled lamb chops or the quinoa salad with harissa dressing.
Many of these international flavors can also be found at food truck parks like The Picnic and The South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery. Fresas Chicken al Carbon serves up mouthwatering Mexican dishes with a rotisserie chicken twist, while Kebabalicious offers Turkish-style kebabs and falafel wraps. With so many options to choose from, Austin’s food scene truly has something for everyone.
Southern Comfort Food
When it comes to Southern comfort food, Austin has some of the best spots to satisfy your cravings. Lucy’s Fried Chicken offers crispy fried chicken and delicious sides like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Olamaie is known for its elevated Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits and fried catfish. At Hoover’s Cooking, you can enjoy classic dishes like chicken fried steak and gumbo. Make sure to save room for dessert and try their homemade pies and cobblers.
With so many options for Southern comfort food in Austin, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to indulge in your favorite dishes. Whether you prefer classic favorites or innovative twists on Southern cuisine, the food scene in Austin will not disappoint.
The Hipster Scene
Austin’s hipster scene is all about exploring the offbeat and quirky side of the city. Head to neighborhoods like East Austin and South Congress for a dose of the city’s eclectic charm. Check out the funky shops and vintage boutiques that line the streets, filled with unique finds from local artists and designers.
When it’s time for a break, grab a craft beer at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, where you can pair your burger with a local brew. Or, catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, known for its mix of indie films and cult classics. Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous food trucks, scattered throughout the hipster neighborhoods.
For a truly unique experience, head to the East Austin Succulent Market, where you can browse through rows of unique plants and succulents. Alternatively, explore the street art scene by taking a mural tour through the city’s vibrant graffiti-covered walls. No matter where you turn, Austin’s hipster scene is sure to inspire and intrigue.
Quirky Bars
Austin’s bar scene is anything but ordinary, with quirky bars scattered throughout the city. The Roosevelt Room is known for its impressive cocktail menu, while The Mohawk offers patrons a chance to drink beer in a treehouse. For a truly unique experience, try to find the secret entrance to The Midnight Cowboy, a speakeasy-style bar. With its eclectic mix of bars and speakeasies, Austin’s nightlife scene is one of a kind.
Food Truck Parks
The food truck scene in Austin is a unique experience that should not be missed. The city is filled with a variety of food truck parks, including The Picnic and The South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery. These parks offer a wide selection of cuisines that cater to every craving.
Park-goers can indulge in the famous disco fries at Puli-Ra or the delicious chicken and waffles at Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food. For those who love unconventional dishes, Gourdough’s Public House is the perfect spot to try their signature donut burgers.
The food trucks in Austin are known for their innovative culinary creations and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can find everything from traditional BBQ to vegan fare, with many trucks offering gluten-free options as well. Take a gastronomic tour of the city and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that food trucks provide.
