Things to Do in Austin, TX
I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could, as they say. In reality, we've lived in Austin for nearly 20 years. I love fine dining, cocktails on a patio, self-care, music, and shopping. Here are my favorites!
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Best Patios in Austin
There are some days where drinks on a patio seem like a moral imperative. Here are my favorites!
The patio at Flo's is fabulous! Check their Instagram for half off bottles and get yourself there for some delicious pizza, tasty wine, and gorgeous patio seating.
If you're a beer drinker, you'll love Draught House. It's been there forever and has so much charm. As a bonus, their outside space is like it's own party. I have to be in the right mood, but when I am I love it here!
Olive & June's patio is like being in a tree house! The shade keeps in cooler in the heat of summer, plus there are plenty of fans and misters. You can't beat their happy specials - half prices glasses of wine and appetizers? SOLD. Note: parking ...
Mozart's has been around forever and has the most beautiful view of Lake Austin from its patio. While you can't sip on a glass of wine, they do have bottomless coffee and tasty pastries. Parking isn't so bad before lunch, but expect it to take some t...
Better Half is a great spot for brunch or happy hour! The restaurant itself is bright and airy and the patio is fabulous.
I feel like Jacoby's is a hidden gem because it's a little outside of the city, but it is work the drive! Whether you settle at the bar or the gorgeous patio, be sure you don't leave without a piece of their strawberry cake!
When someone asks me about patios in Austin, Radio is the first place that comes to mind. This place is always hopping! There are a couple of food trucks (Veracruz All Natural 😍) and tons of space to spread out.
Every Easy Tiger location has an amazing patio! Brunch/Happy Hour/Dinner - they're all fantastic. I'm a huge fan of their pretzel with beer cheese, waffle fries, and charcuterie boards. This is a favorite spot in my group of friends.
Loro is another fabulous patio with equally as fabulous food and drinks. I highly recommend the chicken kaarage and frosé.
The best happy hour spots in town!
We just went to this place for the first time with some friends and were blown away! The patio is stunning, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lovely. Highly recommend!
Splurge Restaurants
If fine dining is your thing, check out these restaurants. Treat yourself splurges.
You won't find a list of best restaurants in Austin without Uchiko or its sister restaurant Uchi on it for good reason! I love to sit at the sushi bar and take suggestions from the guys/gals behind the counter. Their happy hour starts at 4 PM and can...
Josephine House is a charming little restaurant next to Austin staple, Jeffrey's. They have a great wine list and delicious food! Protip: Try to make a reservation for Monday's steak night. There's a limited menu (of mostly steak, obvs) and you get u...
I feel like Juniper doesn't get the love it should! The food and the service is consistently great. The price fixed option can't be missed.
The chef's tasting menu is the way to go here! The food is decadent and fun!
In addition to being GORGEOUS, Lutie's has fabulous food. Warning: it is extremely difficult to get a reservation so make sure to plan way, way ahead.
Dim sum! Dim sum! Dim Sum! You will not regret it!
Mattie's is one of the most romantic restaurants in Austin. The grounds are just lovely - there's a reason so many people have their weddings here. The service and the food are top notch!
Fonda San Miguel is an Austin classic for a reason. Your experience here will feel very special, even if you don't take the food into account. Highly recommend!
If you are looking for the bougiest, most decadent meal, Pasta Bar is where you'll find it. Despite what the name leads you to believe, this is not an Italian pasta buffet. This is a 10 course tasting menu of the most beautiful, delicious food. The p...
Salon/Spa/Self Care
These are my favorites spots for hair, spas, and other self care spots.
I've been going to MMBC for haircuts and colors for 15 years. Katie is a wizard with hair color formulas and cuts, as well as being a kick ass business owner. Katie L gives a super relaxing facial as an added bonus. The salon uses Davines products fo...
If you find yourself in Austin, TX get yourself to the Milk + Honey spa on 2nd Ave. and make an appointment with Makayla. She tells it to you straight, doesn't try to upsell you on products, and makes your skin feel amazing!
LACQUER is a totally glam spot for mani/pedis. Both of the locations are Certified Safe Salons, part of which is only offering soak-free pedicures. I promise that you will not miss marinating your feet - the hot towel treatment more than makes up for...
Blast is tops on my list when I just need a wash/blow out. They do a great job with make up & false lash application too!
This might be an unconvential add to a self-care list, but there's something magical about Barton Springs and everyone should make at least one visit. This pool is exclusively fed by a spring, which makes it a constant temperature. It's a beautiful l...
Self care looks different for everyone. If you're overwhelmed with laundry, Hampr is there for you. They'll pick up your laundry bags (they provide) of dirty clothes/towels and return everything to you clean and folded. I like to use their service af...
Local Favorites
I cannot overstate how amazing the central branch of Austin Public Library is.
The Alamo Drafthouse is an Austin institution.
ADB is my favorite nonprofit organization in Austin and my fave place to volunteer!
Generation SERVE is a great nonprofit that connects families with volunteer opportunities that are family friendly.
Zilker Park is home to Austin City Limits Festival, Trail of Lights, and lots of other events.
In addition to being the home of the snarky sign, my first Texas queso was consumed here!
Antonelli's is well known for their cheese selection & their cheese & charcuterie boards. What a lot of people don't know is they have an events center (tiny house) across the street when they do all sorts of classes and cheese/wine pairings....
Jo's is home of the “I Love You So Much” mural AND delicious coffee and breakfast tacos. It's location on S. Congress is the perfect starting point to stroll and shop.
This truly is the most picturesque trail in the city! You'll walk along Lady Bird Lake, through downtown and cute neighborhood.
Scholz Garten is the oldest drinking establishment in Austin, established in 1866! It's a traditional spot to gather after UT football games but is a cool place to visit anytime.
Super random, but the Congress Ave bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony. The best time to see them is at dusk between April and December.
The Contempory Austin is a stunning place to see public art. Laguna Gloria is their event venue and it's truly lovely. A great day is to visit The Contemporary and grab a bit to eat at Spread & Co, the cafe on the property.