Guidebook for Long Night's Sleep
Essentials
Great grocery store within walking distance. Good wine and beer selection. It's easy to get small amounts of any fresh foods or large amounts of anything. Outdoor patio, free live music.
centralmarket.com
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdGreat grocery store within walking distance. Good wine and beer selection. It's easy to get small amounts of any fresh foods or large amounts of anything. Outdoor patio, free live music.
centralmarket.com
Visiting your new grandbaby? Have a medical emergency? Both our kids were born here!
seton.net/locations/smc/
24 locals recommend
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
1201 W 38th StVisiting your new grandbaby? Have a medical emergency? Both our kids were born here!
seton.net/locations/smc/
It's the flagship store - best in all the land! They have everything here and it's worth a look! A great place to grab something to eat before heading out on the town. Whole Foods' first store was at 9th and Lamar - just a couple of blocks down from where this store is now. wholefoodsmarket.com
1332 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdIt's the flagship store - best in all the land! They have everything here and it's worth a look! A great place to grab something to eat before heading out on the town. Whole Foods' first store was at 9th and Lamar - just a couple of blocks down from where this store is now. wholefoodsmarket.com
Did you forget your meds or leave your nail polish at home? This is the closest pharmacy to our home. They're open 24 hours, but the pharmacy only stays open until evenings.
www.cvs.com/store-locator/details-directions/6892
37 locals recommend
CVS
1701 Briarcliff BlvdDid you forget your meds or leave your nail polish at home? This is the closest pharmacy to our home. They're open 24 hours, but the pharmacy only stays open until evenings.
www.cvs.com/store-locator/details-directions/6892
A cool and groovy food co-op that has natural and good for you everything. Anyone can shop here. Lots of good deli foods too. It's a 5 minute walk, at the end of the street. Yum.
wheatsville.coop
337 locals recommend
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe StA cool and groovy food co-op that has natural and good for you everything. Anyone can shop here. Lots of good deli foods too. It's a 5 minute walk, at the end of the street. Yum.
wheatsville.coop
Drinks & Nightlife
One of Austin's legendary hotspots, Spider House offers a laid back environment for its patrons to meet friends over delicious food & drinks. Fantastic outdoor patio & indoor cafe. Grab a great cuppa Joe or your favorite beer or coctail.
spiderhouseaustin.com
176 locals recommend
Spider House Ballroom
2906 Fruth StOne of Austin's legendary hotspots, Spider House offers a laid back environment for its patrons to meet friends over delicious food & drinks. Fantastic outdoor patio & indoor cafe. Grab a great cuppa Joe or your favorite beer or coctail.
spiderhouseaustin.com
So many wines to choose from, and the waitstaff knows so much about them! Extensive selection of wines & craft cocktails in a casual hangout with DJs & paella Sunday.
vinovinoaustin.com
86 locals recommend
Vino Vino
4119 Guadalupe StSo many wines to choose from, and the waitstaff knows so much about them! Extensive selection of wines & craft cocktails in a casual hangout with DJs & paella Sunday.
vinovinoaustin.com
Everyone who's been to UT has had a beer at Scholz's! It's a German restaurant/bar that's served most of the UT population, the state legislature, and many a visitor to Austin. Join the crowd there after a game!
www.scholzgarten.com
21 locals recommend
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto BlvdEveryone who's been to UT has had a beer at Scholz's! It's a German restaurant/bar that's served most of the UT population, the state legislature, and many a visitor to Austin. Join the crowd there after a game!
www.scholzgarten.com
One of our favorite places to grab a beer. Most people prefer to sit outside, but they have plenty of seating inside as well. Loads of beers on tap, some of them made on site. Grab a cold one, discuss how to solve the world's problems, and watch the locals unwind. A great place. draughthouse.com
131 locals recommend
Draught House Pub & Brewery
4112 Medical PkwyOne of our favorite places to grab a beer. Most people prefer to sit outside, but they have plenty of seating inside as well. Loads of beers on tap, some of them made on site. Grab a cold one, discuss how to solve the world's problems, and watch the locals unwind. A great place. draughthouse.com
An iconic music venue in Austin. You can always find a great band playing here, and then you'll be smack dab in the middle of one of our favorite parts of town - SoCo. Lots to do there. Check out the Continental's website to see who's playing.
continentalclub.com
815 locals recommend
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveAn iconic music venue in Austin. You can always find a great band playing here, and then you'll be smack dab in the middle of one of our favorite parts of town - SoCo. Lots to do there. Check out the Continental's website to see who's playing.
continentalclub.com
For over 26 years the Elephant Room has remained one of the best Jazz Venues in Austin. Named top 10 Jazz Venue in the nation by Senate Bill Resolution and top 100 in the world by Down Beat Magazine. Come see Big Bands to local heroes in the unique basement space in the historical Swift Building. elephantroom.com
224 locals recommend
Elephant Room
315 Congress AveFor over 26 years the Elephant Room has remained one of the best Jazz Venues in Austin. Named top 10 Jazz Venue in the nation by Senate Bill Resolution and top 100 in the world by Down Beat Magazine. Come see Big Bands to local heroes in the unique basement space in the historical Swift Building. elephantroom.com
Sightseeing
Good museums - beautiful campus, loads of cool people to watch walking around. Check out the dorms for your kids going off to college, or attend a UT football game.
utexas.edu
238 locals recommend
The University of Texas at Austin
2515 SpeedwayGood museums - beautiful campus, loads of cool people to watch walking around. Check out the dorms for your kids going off to college, or attend a UT football game.
utexas.edu
This is not to miss - call first to see if it's open. Check out the website - it's beyond words. Where else are you going to get to see a Cathedral of Junk? 512-299-7413
roadsideamerica.com/story/7816
110 locals recommend
Cathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina DrThis is not to miss - call first to see if it's open. Check out the website - it's beyond words. Where else are you going to get to see a Cathedral of Junk? 512-299-7413
roadsideamerica.com/story/7816
The best place to see the sunset, the moonrise, or the lovely Austin night skyline is from Mt. Bonnell. Climb the 99 steps to the top to enjoy the view.
austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=287
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
The best place to see the sunset, the moonrise, or the lovely Austin night skyline is from Mt. Bonnell. Climb the 99 steps to the top to enjoy the view.
austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=287
The most beautiful state capitol in the land! And... it's taller than the US Capitol, 'cause we like things BIG here in Texas! There are free tours offered every 30-45 minutes. It's a www.tspb.state.tx.us/prop/tc/tc/capitol.html
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveThe most beautiful state capitol in the land! And... it's taller than the US Capitol, 'cause we like things BIG here in Texas! There are free tours offered every 30-45 minutes. It's a www.tspb.state.tx.us/prop/tc/tc/capitol.html
Food Scene
Great breakfast, lunch and dinner. An easy walk in our neighborhood - if you're heading toward campus, it's on your way. Good coffee, plenty of wifi.
texasfrenchbread.com
54 locals recommend
Texas French Bread
2900 Rio Grande StGreat breakfast, lunch and dinner. An easy walk in our neighborhood - if you're heading toward campus, it's on your way. Good coffee, plenty of wifi.
texasfrenchbread.com
Fabulous food and a great list of beers and vinos at this local brewpub. Sit out back under the stars or inside when it's hot. Their burger was just voted best in Austin. Yummm....
hopfieldsaustin.com
74 locals recommend
Hopfields
3110 Guadalupe StFabulous food and a great list of beers and vinos at this local brewpub. Sit out back under the stars or inside when it's hot. Their burger was just voted best in Austin. Yummm....
hopfieldsaustin.com
Wonderful fine dining just a short walk away. American cuisine with special fixed-price & happy-hour menus. Also has takeout available.
34thstreetcafe.com
17 locals recommend
34th Street Cafe
1005 W 34th StWonderful fine dining just a short walk away. American cuisine with special fixed-price & happy-hour menus. Also has takeout available.
34thstreetcafe.com
You really haven't been to Austin if you haven't had a Torchy's Taco. They're not just for breakfast anymore... they're Damn Good!
torchystacos.com
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StYou really haven't been to Austin if you haven't had a Torchy's Taco. They're not just for breakfast anymore... they're Damn Good!
torchystacos.com
Legendary migas and plenty of other American and Tex Mex specialties. Try the gingerbread pancakes! Open 24 hours for those late nights. The original one, located on Kerbey Lane is our favorite, but the one on Guadalupe by campus has the same delicious menu.
kerbeylanecafe.com
144 locals recommend
Kerbey Lane Cafe - Central
3704 Kerbey LnLegendary migas and plenty of other American and Tex Mex specialties. Try the gingerbread pancakes! Open 24 hours for those late nights. The original one, located on Kerbey Lane is our favorite, but the one on Guadalupe by campus has the same delicious menu.
kerbeylanecafe.com
Delicious, nutritious! Great sub sandwiches within walking distance. Fresh ingredients, great buns, and excellent iced tea. Our daughter worked there in the summers :-) Yuummmmm.... thundercloud.com
124 locals recommend
ThunderCloud Subs
2308 Lake Austin BlvdDelicious, nutritious! Great sub sandwiches within walking distance. Fresh ingredients, great buns, and excellent iced tea. Our daughter worked there in the summers :-) Yuummmmm.... thundercloud.com
Great burgers, fries, shakes and lemonade. Homegrown here in Austin, two thumbs up! It's a stone's throw away, just one block north on Lamar. pterrys.com
302 locals recommend
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdGreat burgers, fries, shakes and lemonade. Homegrown here in Austin, two thumbs up! It's a stone's throw away, just one block north on Lamar. pterrys.com
Yuuummmm! You're ready for that meal when you smell it 30 feet away! Great ribs, brisket, sausage, and sides that bring the whole meal together. A great culinary delight - just a 5 minute walk away.
99 locals recommend
Black's Barbecue Austin
3110 Guadalupe StYuuummmm! You're ready for that meal when you smell it 30 feet away! Great ribs, brisket, sausage, and sides that bring the whole meal together. A great culinary delight - just a 5 minute walk away.
Delicious American Bistro with a wide variety of entrées, delicious desserts, a full bar and fantastic ambience. They have a wonderful brunch on the weekends. If you go for dinner, save room for dessert! www.chez-zee.com
32 locals recommend
Chez Zee American Bistro
5406 Balcones DrDelicious American Bistro with a wide variety of entrées, delicious desserts, a full bar and fantastic ambience. They have a wonderful brunch on the weekends. If you go for dinner, save room for dessert! www.chez-zee.com
Oh my goodness, this pizza is fantastic! You can walk to it - it's at the end of the street, towards Guadalupe. Delicious pizza - we love the Detroiter - one of a kind crusts, luscious sauce, slightly crispy pepperoni and the perfect amount of cheese. Yum! via313.com
372 locals recommend
Via 313 Pizza
10106 W 6th StOh my goodness, this pizza is fantastic! You can walk to it - it's at the end of the street, towards Guadalupe. Delicious pizza - we love the Detroiter - one of a kind crusts, luscious sauce, slightly crispy pepperoni and the perfect amount of cheese. Yum! via313.com
A meal that will be amazing for each of your senses! Beautiful plating, delicious flavors and smells, a menu like none other, attentive waitstaff. It can be pricey but so very worth it, so maybe try their happy hour if you've got lots of other plans for your travel budget. uchikoaustin.com
309 locals recommend
Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdA meal that will be amazing for each of your senses! Beautiful plating, delicious flavors and smells, a menu like none other, attentive waitstaff. It can be pricey but so very worth it, so maybe try their happy hour if you've got lots of other plans for your travel budget. uchikoaustin.com
Best homegrown Austin ice cream there is, right in the 'hood. I've never had a disappointing flavor - they're all creamy and flavorful! Definitely get a crush-in... delicious! amysicecreams.com
397 locals recommend
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveBest homegrown Austin ice cream there is, right in the 'hood. I've never had a disappointing flavor - they're all creamy and flavorful! Definitely get a crush-in... delicious! amysicecreams.com
They have the best coffee in town! A tad pricey for a cuppa Joe, but it's really, really good coffee. Friendly baristas and a small selection of pastries. There's TacoDeli next door if you want to grab some tacos to go while sipping your coffee!
houndstoothcoffee.com
186 locals recommend
Houndstooth Coffee
4200 N Lamar BlvdThey have the best coffee in town! A tad pricey for a cuppa Joe, but it's really, really good coffee. Friendly baristas and a small selection of pastries. There's TacoDeli next door if you want to grab some tacos to go while sipping your coffee!
houndstoothcoffee.com
Delicious margaritas, fabulous Tex Mex. Great migas when they're open for b'fast. Delicious for any meal. trudys.com
72 locals recommend
Trudy's Texas Star
409 W 30th StDelicious margaritas, fabulous Tex Mex. Great migas when they're open for b'fast. Delicious for any meal. trudys.com
Shopping
The best locally owned bookstore you'll ever set foot in. And they do a whopping amount of outreach for Austin's reading community. Take the #338 bus to 6th Street and you're there.
bookpeople.com
146 locals recommend
BookPeople
603 N Lamar BlvdThe best locally owned bookstore you'll ever set foot in. And they do a whopping amount of outreach for Austin's reading community. Take the #338 bus to 6th Street and you're there.
bookpeople.com
An olfactory delight! Best store to buy coffee and tea (by the pound) you've ever been in! Great for gifts to take home - you can get the best cup of coffee you've ever had for $1 andersonscoffee.com
9 locals recommend
Anderson's Coffee
1601 W 38th StAn olfactory delight! Best store to buy coffee and tea (by the pound) you've ever been in! Great for gifts to take home - you can get the best cup of coffee you've ever had for $1 andersonscoffee.com
Shop unique apparel, handmade jewelry and accessories, locally made gifts, and high end apothecary products. A fun store! shopblueelephant.com
12 locals recommend
Blue Elephant Boutique
4001 N Lamar BlvdShop unique apparel, handmade jewelry and accessories, locally made gifts, and high end apothecary products. A fun store! shopblueelephant.com
The best import store you'll ever see! They have fabulous shirts, jewelry, decorations for your home, gifts, and folk art from all over the world. A must for the eclectic shopper!
tesoros.com
38 locals recommend
Tesoros Trading Company
1500 S Congress AveThe best import store you'll ever see! They have fabulous shirts, jewelry, decorations for your home, gifts, and folk art from all over the world. A must for the eclectic shopper!
tesoros.com
The Burnet Corridor is where I go when I want to shop for something I don't know I want. There are lots of thrift stores, traditional stores, coffee shops, restaurants - it's all there. Shop between 45th and W. Koenig Lane for my favorites.
burnetcorridor.com/
7 locals recommend
Burnet Road
Burnet RoadThe Burnet Corridor is where I go when I want to shop for something I don't know I want. There are lots of thrift stores, traditional stores, coffee shops, restaurants - it's all there. Shop between 45th and W. Koenig Lane for my favorites.
burnetcorridor.com/
SoCo is not only shopping, but also dining, people-watching and a true Austin cultural experience. The top two stores I like to check out are Tesoros, and Allen's Boots. Great food trailers, brick and mortar restaurants, and loads more to see - well worth a trip down south of the river!
www.doingthestreets.com/southcongress
650 locals recommend
South Congress
SoCo is not only shopping, but also dining, people-watching and a true Austin cultural experience. The top two stores I like to check out are Tesoros, and Allen's Boots. Great food trailers, brick and mortar restaurants, and loads more to see - well worth a trip down south of the river!
www.doingthestreets.com/southcongress
Uncommon Objects has matured over the years into the one-of-a-kind emporium of transcendent junk. Twenty-four hardworking antique sellers have been assembled under one roof to bring you this very genuine and sometimes quirky slice of American culture and history. If you're looking for a unique store, this is it! You really can't leave Austin without a peek inside. uncommonobjects.com
194 locals recommend
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View RdUncommon Objects has matured over the years into the one-of-a-kind emporium of transcendent junk. Twenty-four hardworking antique sellers have been assembled under one roof to bring you this very genuine and sometimes quirky slice of American culture and history. If you're looking for a unique store, this is it! You really can't leave Austin without a peek inside. uncommonobjects.com
Arts & Culture
Great museum, and they have a wonderful IMax movie theater too. Why are Texans so darned proud of our state? Well, many of the answers are inside this beautiful building. It's also across the street from the Blanton Museum of Art. thestoryoftexas.com
593 locals recommend
Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress AveGreat museum, and they have a wonderful IMax movie theater too. Why are Texans so darned proud of our state? Well, many of the answers are inside this beautiful building. It's also across the street from the Blanton Museum of Art. thestoryoftexas.com
Just nip in for a quick look at the Gutenberg Bible, the first photograph, or their traveling exhibit. It's all free. hrc.utexas.edu
127 locals recommend
Harry Ransom Center
300 W 21st StJust nip in for a quick look at the Gutenberg Bible, the first photograph, or their traveling exhibit. It's all free. hrc.utexas.edu
This is so much more than just a gallery. The space downtown is primarily a gallery, but be sure to check out their other location at Laguna Gloria - just west on 38th St. It's one of my favorite places to go for a short hike, see some lovely outdoor sculpture, and catch a traveling exhibit inside the beautiful historic home. Plus, it's next door to Mayfield Park with it's beautiful peacocks. thecontemporaryaustin.org
173 locals recommend
The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
700 Congress AveThis is so much more than just a gallery. The space downtown is primarily a gallery, but be sure to check out their other location at Laguna Gloria - just west on 38th St. It's one of my favorite places to go for a short hike, see some lovely outdoor sculpture, and catch a traveling exhibit inside the beautiful historic home. Plus, it's next door to Mayfield Park with it's beautiful peacocks. thecontemporaryaustin.org
Wonderful exhibits and across the street from the Bob Bullock History Center. Features American and contemporary art, Latin art, European paintings, prints, and drawings. blantonmuseum.org
644 locals recommend
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardWonderful exhibits and across the street from the Bob Bullock History Center. Features American and contemporary art, Latin art, European paintings, prints, and drawings. blantonmuseum.org
Austin's newest library isn't just about books. There's also a cafe/bar, outdoor patios that give beautiful bird's eye views of the river and downtown, a store, plenty of charging stations, breathtaking architectural designs, and plenty of people watching to enjoy there. It's a great place to enjoy after you've walked around town or taken a nice hike around Lady Bird Lake. library.austintexas.gov/central-library
148 locals recommend
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W Cesar Chavez StAustin's newest library isn't just about books. There's also a cafe/bar, outdoor patios that give beautiful bird's eye views of the river and downtown, a store, plenty of charging stations, breathtaking architectural designs, and plenty of people watching to enjoy there. It's a great place to enjoy after you've walked around town or taken a nice hike around Lady Bird Lake. library.austintexas.gov/central-library
Entertainment & Activities
A great place to rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and sweep or sculling shells. A great way to experience Austin! 512-467-7799 texasrowingcenter.com
171 locals recommend
Texas Rowing Center
1541 W Cesar Chavez StA great place to rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and sweep or sculling shells. A great way to experience Austin! 512-467-7799 texasrowingcenter.com
Yes, really - it's a putt-putt golf course. In the middle of town. And we love it, 'cause that's how we roll in A-town. It's goofy, it's fun, and it's in the middle of everything, so try it out!
peterpanminigolf.com
201 locals recommend
Peter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs RdYes, really - it's a putt-putt golf course. In the middle of town. And we love it, 'cause that's how we roll in A-town. It's goofy, it's fun, and it's in the middle of everything, so try it out!
peterpanminigolf.com