AUSTIN

traveling to austin ? lately it feels like i've known a lot of people who are doing so, and i found myself writing them scatter-brained word-vomit emails of where to eat / drink / etc. this inspired me to take all of the places i love and put them together in hopes of making austin visitor's lives a little easier. i hope you enjoy! 

BREAKFAST + LUNCH

1. EPICERIE {north}
this french "grocery" is bright, healthy, and delicious. i recently discovered their little back porch which is perfect for mimosas and beignets 

2. CONTIGO {north}
modeled after a ranch in south texas, contigo has a mix of texan vibes paired with good drinks and fresh food. it is especially fun if you have a group to fill the picnic table

3. WALTON'S {downtown}
it is sunny and cheerful inside and you'll never be disappointed – i have a fantasy of sitting here for hours people watching with endless croissants and coffees

4. JOSEPHINE HOUSE {clarksville}
this is one of my favorites for grabbing a fancy cocktail and snack. the patio is quiet and cozy, and the menu makes for a festive {but opposite of cheap} brunch or happy hour 

4. HILLSIDE FARMACY {east}
california vibes and farm to table cuisine – reminds me of something i'd love in san francisco. getting a table can take a while, check out quickie pickie or olive while you wait

6. ELIZABETH ST. CAFE {south 1st}
french vietnamese – bright colors + tasty pastries (my favorite is the eclair!), and the most delicious pho. i could eat here for any meal...


images courtesy of: 2. contigo 4. josephine house 

DINNER

1. UCHI {south lamar}

best sushi in austin and maybe in america. seriously.  your best bet for a table is going with one other person and sitting at the bar. 

2. CLARKS {clarksville}

our neighborhood go-to, only if i can get a seat at the bar or on the patio. the seafood is some of the best in austin {the burger is awesome too!} 

3. BUFALINA {east}

awesome pizza, cool vibes, and great wine. that's all you really need to know. if you want to eat here i would show up early

4. LENOIR {south 1st}

le noir is very unique and frenchy which is why it holds a place in my heart. the intimate interior and delicious prix fix menu makes things feel special. plus, the wine garden in the back is a perfect place to hang if you show up sans reservation.

5. JUSTINES {east}

it's my #1 rec for dinner in austin. french, chic, delicious, festive, takes reservations, is open late, plays awesome music – just ... go here

6. BACKSPACE {downtown}

located downtown this little place behind parkside is a good spot to escape the crazieness that is 6th street for a perfect little dinner. 

DRINKS

1. CHEER UP CHARLIE'S {downtown}
outside, live music

2. GARAGE {downtown}
intimate/indoor {in a parking garage for that matter}, vinyl, craft cocktails – best french 75 & martini

3. RAINEY STREET {downtown – ish}
a entire street of fun {but sadly one of our favorite bars has been ripped down, RIP lustre pearl}; old homes converted into bars. some of my favorites are clive and half-step

4. EAST SIDE SHOWROOM {east}
intimate/indoor, live music, tasty food, craft cocktails

5. WEATHER UP {east}
cozy interior and an epic patio (it's huge!!). craft cocktails, but can get crowded. 

6. WHISLERS {east}
east side, intimate/indoor paired with a killer patio. food trucks parked out back. mezcaleria upstairs.

FOOD TRUCKS + BBQ

1. VIA 313 {east 6th}
detroit style pizza – whatever that means. imagine pizza and the flakiest yummiest dough you've ever seen.

2. LA BBQ {east 6th}
get in line by 10:30am, they only serve food until they run out and it unfortunately goes quicker than you think 

3. SNO BEACH {barton springs}
a bit of nostalgia here as i've been slamming these down since i was about 7 years old. on a hot summer day a coconut and cream is one of the few things that can cool me down

4. TORCHY'S {south 1st}
there are a squillion great spots for breakfast tacos in austin, for some reason torchy's has always been my favorite

5. MICKLETHWAIT CRAFT MEATS {east side}
did la bbq sell out before you could get your hands on some meat? micklethwait is a great back up... 

6. FREEDMENS  {campus}
this is the best non-food-truck-bbq in my opinion. they serve amazing cocktails and a plate of food that wont overwhelm you or knock your block off. the back patio is pretty perfect, too. 

SHOPPING

1. STAG {south congress}
men's clothing, accessories, and home goods 

2. SPARTAN SHOP {lamar}
home goods, accessories for men and women, clothing for women 

3. SAM HILL {east side}
vintage men's clothing {although i did buy something here for myself once!}

4. OLIVE {east side}
vintage clothing, shoes, home goods, and accessories for women

5. SUNROOM {south lamar}
home goods, accessories for men and women, swimwear, clothing for women 

6. FEATHERS {south congress}
vintage clothing, shoes, accessories for women