Holy moly, did we adore Austin!
We booked flights earlier this year when we found them for a steal. Jeff and I always wanted to visit this vibrant city, and we knew our parents would love the extra time with Max. That said, I did not anticipate it being so tough to leave our little sweetie!
Jeff invited our best friends Simi and Tim as a little birthday surprise. It was such a blast spending a long weekend with them! We stayed in a nice, roomy AirBnB in East Austin.
What I loved most was hands down the food. I know this is a bold statement, but I enjoyed Austin's food scene more than anywhere else we've travelled. Delish tacos on every corner, eclectic neighborhoods, an incredible food truck scene, and Mezcal galore...what more could you need?
Bursting with life, culture, art (the murals!) and food, Austin is a truly diverse city.
Fave Restaurants
This wonderful spot in the Holly neighborhood of East Austin was about a 20 minute walk from where we stayed. Launderette was my favorite meal in Austin!
The octopus with black lentils, the Bibb lettuces with miso pear butter (drooling just thinking about it), and the cauliflower were the highlights. I heard they have amazing brunch, too!
A delish food truck with all the tacos your heart could ever desire, plus tons of vegan options. We had our first meal at their Radio Coffee and Beer location, which is awesome because you can get your margaritas and your coffee all in one spot.
La reyna and the migas poblanos were my faves! Love their green juice, too. Plenty of locations to explore!
Brunch at its finest, this adorable restaurant is another East Austin gem with a walkup window if you want to start with coffee and a treat. The Lil Billy chilled cappuccino with goat's milk caramel will never leave my memory.
We adored the ricotta toast with strawberry jam, pickled rhubarb, and basil plus the Texas hash with pecan mole. Go hungry!
A super fun Tex-Mex vibe restaurant in the heart of South Congress Street, or "SoCo" district. Bustling with boutiques, live music, and great restaurants, this neighborhood is a must.
The mojo de arbol shrimp with migas fried rice was insane. We want to try the Mexican vanilla at Amy's Ice Cream down the street next time!
We frequented this East Austin coffee shop the most. They have fab rotating baked goods from local bakeries, plus vegan and gluten free chocolate donuts.
Another gem for amazing coffee.
My friend Simi who came on the trip has Celiac so this gluten free ice cream and bake shop was her dream! I got the coconut milk golden milk ice cream and it was to die for.
Not my typical flavor choice, but so glad I went rogue! We got a bunch of different treats but the oatmeal cream pie was the best baked good by far.
A restaurant, bakery and bar all rolled into one. We went after dinner to enjoy their massive outdoor space, which has plenty of picnic tables to enjoy beers. With several locations around Austin, they have really affordable breakfast options, too!
I heard rave reviews about this Israeli restaurant. After visiting Safta in Denver, the bar was set reeeeal high. We enjoyed our meal, but next time I'd go for dinner rather than brunch. The spicy garlic hummus was scrumptious but the brunch dishes honestly weren't anything to write home about.
Fave Activities
I booked this as a Father's Day present for Jeff and we had such a blast! It felt amazing buzzing around the city in the private Pedicab, and we got to explore areas we wouldn't have gone, like the crazy fun bars on Rainey Street. Craft Pride brewery had a raspberry sour aged in whiskey barrels that was divine!
Giant Stand Up Paddle Boarding
I'd never been on a giant paddle board for four, but this was the perfect group activity on a steamy summer day. We got to explore Barton Creek, swim in the refreshing spring water, and do great people watching. This popular area is always packed but that made it even more fun!
Restaurants for Next Time
We couldn't make it to the following spots, but we heard great things about Emmer and Rye, Uchi, White Horse, Licha's, Suerte, Bar Peached and Loro.
Now TELL me: Have you been to Austin? What're your favorite eats and activities?!
Zenaida DE LEON says
I'm a lifelong resident of Austin. On your next visit, try the Tex-Mex restaurant Casa Maria on S1st. Their breakfast and dinner menus are to die for! Their Margarita's are delish as well!
Alexis says
That sounds perfect, thank you!!
Heather says
LOVE Austin! I had so many tacos and great cups of coffee there! We enjoyed Guero's Tacos, Mozart Coffee, Boulder Creek Cafe, Flower Child, live music on Rainey Street...I can't remember it all! Cannot wait to go back!
Alexis says
OMG there are so many amazing places to go!