Your Austin Texas itinerary
As SXSW kicks off, it's the perfect opportunity for me to share my beloved Austin, Texas faves! From charming hotels to delicious food, Austin truly embodies the essence of fun and exploration. It holds a special spot in my heart, not just within the Lone Star State, but across the nation. So, if you find yourself with the chance to visit, let me be your guide to uncovering the best of Austin. Read along as I reveal my favorite activities and places in this beautiful city!
Food
From tacos to barbecue to delicious Vietnamese cuisine, Austin is renowned for its vibrant food scene. Every visit to Austin is such a culinary adventure for me, as I relish trying something new each time! I've had the privilege of savoring some of the finest dishes in Texas right here in Austin. Despite beef being the hallmark of Texas cuisine, Austin surprises with its delectable pork ribs, the taco joints never disappoint, and the Mediterranean offerings are exceptional. Below, I've listed some of my absolute favorites when I visit!
P6
Situated within The Line Hotel, p6 offers a delectable seasonal menu featuring small plates that showcase a fusion of Mediterranean, Mexican, and Spanish tapas flavors, among others. Their cocktails are exceptional, with seasonal rotations ensuring a delightful surprise with each visit. Whether it's a charming late lunch, an early dinner, or pre-dinner cocktails, p6 is the perfect spot. However, what truly sets this place apart is its ambiance. Overlooking Lady Bird Lake, it provides an idyllic setting for gatherings with friends, a romantic date, or a regular haunt for you and your partner, with its ever-changing menu keeping things fresh. Prices for small plates range from $9 to approximately $35, while their largest charcuterie board is priced around $90, perfect for impressing a group. I highly recommend indulging in their hummus or Baba Ganush with freshly baked bread, along with a charcuterie board and any of their tempting veggie dishes or risottos!
Comedor
Comedor has undoubtedly secured its place as one of Austin, Texas's culinary gems in recent years. Helmed by Chef Philip Speer and crafted by architect Tom Kundig, Comedor stands as a beacon of modern Mexican cuisine in downtown Austin. From the meticulously crafted cocktails to the tantalizing array of dishes, and the meticulously curated ambiance and design, Comedor offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Whether you're savoring a cocktail, exploring the mezcal list, or indulging in the exquisite food, every aspect is perfectly balanced.
The restaurant's design and ambiance rival the delectable fare, creating the ideal setting for any occasion. I've visited with a small group of friends and a large party of 12 and Comedor has effortlessly catered to our needs. The menu ranges in price from $12 to $100+, and while every dish is a delight, my standouts include the bone marrow tacos and any of the crudo offerings, though truly, everything is a culinary masterpiece.
Do yourself a favor and experience Comedor firsthand—you'll find yourself enchanted just as I have.
I do not own this image - Image take from Yelp via Shu E.
Rolling smoke bbq
Now since you're in Austin, I of course have to put BBQ on the list, and my favorite place would have to be Rollin Smoke BBQ; a food truck that I came upon during a stroll down the street, and boy, am I glad I ate here! Growing up in Ohio, where charcoal grills reign supreme, I felt right at home with Rollin Smoke's authentic flavors. Unlike some Texas BBQ sauces, which can be overly vinegary, theirs strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the food superbly.
Some menu standouts include, the pork ribs (served on select days), the smoked mac and cheese, yes I said smoked mac and cheese, the banana pudding, and the burnt ends. I've yet to try their tacos, but I'm sure they're just as good! The menu ranges in price from $6-$32 and I recommend going mid day before it gets too busy.
I do not own this Image - Image taken from Pueblo Viejo Instagram
Pueblo Viej0
Last but not least, while Comedor serves fantastic tacos with a perfect ambiance fitting for a date night, you can’t forget about the classic street tacos at Pueblo Viejo. It's my go-to spot every time I visit Austin, and for good reason—it's simply unbeatable! Packed with delicious, traditional flavors, their street tacos hit the spot whether it's breakfast or lunch. With prices starting at $3.75 per taco, be sure to pair your meal with one of their refreshing margaritas for the full experience!
Stay
Austin has an array of exceptional hotel groups, although I usually opt to stay with a friend who's a fantastic host, making our city explorations an absolute blast. However, for those seeking accommodation options, here’s a few standout hotels below that I’ve either had the pleasure of dining at or staying in. Situated in prime locations with easy access to downtown attractions and nestled along 6th Street for those who enjoy bar hopping, these hotels promise an unforgettable stay.
The LINE HOTEL
One of the standout options I mentioned is The Line Hotel—an absolute gem in Austin. This boutique hotel exudes charm, once housing a jazz club back in the late 1960s. Steeped in history and deeply intertwined with the community, The Line Hotel boasts an incredible location overlooking Lady Bird Lake.
Renowned designer Sean Knibb and architect Michael Hsu have lent their talents to reimagine the hotel's beautiful design. Inspired by Austin's natural surroundings, the interiors feature works by local artists and textures reminiscent of the city's landscapes.
With two fantastic restaurants onsite—P6 and Arlo Grey, curated by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish—The Line Hotel offers an unparalleled stay experience.
Though the Line is the only hotel I’ve stayed at in Austin, some additional hotels I reccommend staying at would be:
Thompson Hotel
The Thompson brand holds a special place in my heart. Its commitment to contemporary modern design, paired with impeccable attention to detail, sets it apart as one of my favorites. From convenient amenities like digital check-in to luxurious onsite spas and restaurants, Thompson hotels never disappoint. The customer service matches the excellence of the design, making every stay truly memorable.
Austin's Thompson Hotel, which opened its doors in January 2022, couldn't have landed in a more perfect spot. Situated downtown, it's a haven for the artsy crowd, nestled amidst the vibrant music and entertainment district of Austin. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by its sleek, modern design that instantly draws you in.
While I didn't have the pleasure of staying overnight, I did indulge in a delightful dining experience at Arriba Abajo, located on the hotel's gorgeous fourth-floor patio. This Latin cuisine restaurant serves up mouthwatering tacos and refreshing drinks, making it the ultimate spot for an outdoor girls' night or fun lunch, or a laid-back poolside gathering with friends. And let's not forget the breathtaking view—truly the cherry on top of an already fantastic experience!
I do not own this Image - Image taken from Hotel ZaZa Austin Website
Hotel ZaZa Austin
Can you truly say you've experienced Texas if you haven't indulged in the luxurious charm of Zaza? I think not! While I didn't have the chance to stay at the Zaza in Austin, I was fortunate enough to immerse myself in the unforgettable experience at the Zaza in Houston Memorial. Let me tell you, it's an experience like no other!
Zaza Hotel Boutique stands out as a truly unique brand. From its intricately themed rooms to its perfect blend of opulence and sophistication, Zaza offers an unparalleled sensory journey. Each moment spent at Zaza is an adventure in itself, where every detail is carefully crafted to captivate your senses.
The Otis Hotel, Autograph Collection
Finally, let me share another hotel recommendation that I'm excited about—the Otis Hotel by the Autograph Collection! Although I haven't had the chance to stay there yet, I did have the pleasure of dining at Acre 41, a fantastic modern steakhouse restaurant with a delicious modern American menu and a stellar cocktail selection.
I've had the pleasure of experiencing a few Autograph Collection hotels over the years, and they never disappoint. I always appreciate their commitment to quality service, comfort, and attention to detail. One of the standout features of the Otis Hotel is the inclusion of vinyl record players in each room, accompanied by a curated vinyl collection available for guests to enjoy!! And as a vinyl lover myself, It's little touches like this that truly enhance the overall experience.
What truly sets the Otis apart, though, is its dedication to hosting unique events for guests. I'm all about engaging the community and creating memorable experiences, and the Otis does just that with its monthly Vinyl & Whiskey Reception. This one-of-a-kind event combines the sensory delights of sound and taste, featuring a specially curated playlist by their Vinyl Ambassador and tastings from their favorite whiskey vendors. I’m Obsessed!
Art
If you didn't already know, Austin is renowned for its vibrant art scene! From museums to galleries, and festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Personally, I can't get enough of the music festivals and the museums, with Blanton Museum of Art being a standout favorite.
When you're in town, if you have the chance, I highly recommend checking out the Blanton, the Contemporary Arts Museum, catching a concert, checking out the underground caverns, the Wonderspace immersive exhibits, or exploring any other exciting exhibits happening around the city. Austin truly has a wealth of artistic experiences waiting to be discovered!
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Planning a trip can be really daunting! Feel free to screenshot our itinerary below for when you’re ready to plan your own trip, and if you have any questions, comment below and I’ll be happy to help!
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Yes, I am a girly that needs to look at the menu, restaurant, and pictures before I book. If that is you as well, check out our yelp list!
Photo Diary
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