{"id":3339,"date":"2020-07-28T06:34:56","date_gmt":"2020-07-28T11:34:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/?p=3339"},"modified":"2025-01-02T16:27:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T22:27:20","slug":"austin-city-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/austin-city-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"AUSTIN CITY GUIDE"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AUSTIN<\/p>\n

Every time I visit Austin I remember how much I love the city. Honestly, I think if I had to move to another city in Texas I would have no trouble at all choosing Austin. I try to get down there at least twice a year if not more! Even though I’ve been so many times, I’m always finding new places to eat or areas I’ve never stumbled upon before. That’s why it was finally time to put together an “Austin City Guide<\/strong><\/em>” for you all filled with my favorite places to eat, stay, and things to do.<\/p>\n

Plus, if you have extra time to spend in the area you’ve also gotta check out Fredericksburg which is Texas wine country<\/a> just an hour outside of Austin! I’ll be heading back to Austin a few times this year so be sure to always check back here for updates!<\/p>\n

AUSTIN CITY GUIDE<\/h2>\n

\"AUSTIN<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN<\/p>\n

BREAKFAST\/BRUNCH<\/h3>\n

Josephine House<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

This quaint little house is absolutely picture perfect along with food you won’t want to eat because it looks so good! The avocado toast was absolutely delish!<\/p>\n

Jo’s Coffee<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

I know many of you are familiar with the “I Love You” sign in Austin. It’s on the side of the Jo’s Coffee building on South Congress, and I’ll just say this… I Love You Jo’s Coffee. As a coffee addict I’m dying for them to come to Dallas.<\/p>\n

Irene’s<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Adorable spot for cute photos by their neon sign out front! Best to make a reservation.<\/p>\n

Alfred Coffee<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Inside The Line Hotel where the “but first coffee” sign is picture above. Great spot for a meeting or grab n’ go and coffee is delish.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Street Cafe<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

My new favorite Austin restaurant hands down. I will admit I was a little skeptical when I saw it was a Vietnamese cafe and French bakery… OMG… Delicious. I felt like I was transported back to Paris when I walked up and saw these adorable pink and blue doors! I guess if I can’t go to Paris I’ll take Elizabeth Street Cafe any day.<\/p>\n

Launderette<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Went here for brunch over SXSW weekend and it’s actually an old laundromat which is super fun. Great healthier option if you are trying to be good, but of course I got donuts…<\/p>\n

Perla’s<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Always the best “go-to” for brunch or lunch in Austin. Even if you don’t like seafood this place is a must!<\/p>\n

South Congress Cafe<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

You typical cute little diner where I would feel right at home going with no makeup and in workout clothes. I went here with my mom and had some of the best pancakes ever!<\/p>\n

Moonshine<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

A great spot for a group brunch experience. They’ve got an amazing bloody mary bar which I wish I drank them, but I’d sit here with mimosas for a Sunday Funday!<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN \"AUSTIN<\/p>\n

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DINNER\/DRINKS<\/h3>\n

P6:<\/a><\/h4>\n

Definitely the best spot in town to catch the sunset on their amazing rooftop. You look right out over the South Congress Bridge where you’ll be able to watch the bats at night too. I didn’t dislike anything on the menu and believe me we tried almost the entire menu!<\/p>\n

Geraldine’s<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Love love love this spot for great live music while you eat or just get cocktails! They also have an incredible rooftop bar too. The menu is definitely made for sharing which is my favorite thing to do always… I’ve gotta try all the things!<\/p>\n

Eberly<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

The atmosphere is everything at this cozy spot. I had a not so fun experience here (not the food) where I saw my ex on a date so I don’t remember much of the food, but I know it was good enough to where I want to go back.<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN<\/h3>\n

\"Austin<\/h3>\n

Swift’s Attic<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

You walk upstairs (the attic) into this retro-chic hotspot, and it almost feels like you’re in New York or Chicago. It’s all shared plates which is great for a double date or birthday. They are known for their burger, but they had a special meatball dish the night we went so of course we had to try. Holy cow… Honestly, everything we ate was divine.<\/p>\n

Olamie<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Quaint little spot with amazing cocktails and atmosphere. Definitely would be a good date night spot.<\/p>\n

Sway<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

I’m not a huge fan of Asian food, but they had this steak dish with some sauce that blew my mind. And I’ll never say no to fried rice…<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

Fixe<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Biscuits. Get the biscuits. That’s all.<\/p>\n

Ah Sing Den<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Randomly walked into this bar while we were trying to find a spot to cap off the night. Everything about this place was so cool. Definitely at the top of my list for cocktails.<\/p>\n

Salt Lick<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

One of the best spots for BBQ! It’s actually outside of Austin, but the short drive will be so worth your time I promise!<\/p>\n

Rainey Street<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

There are so many fun spots on Rainey that you won’t be disappointed walking into any of them! Actually, I’d say spend an afternoon stopping into all of them…<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

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\"Hotel<\/p>\n

STAY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Line Hotel<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

My new favorite hotel for sure! It’s right off Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin so convenient to get really anywhere in the city. I stayed recently and one of the AC units went out one night so they were SO nice and put us up in the presidential suite! The staff was incredibly nice, and they had masks plus hand sanitizer everywhere in the hotel for the current COVID safety measures.<\/p>\n

I really like the pool because their lounge chairs are so dang comfortable! Plus, they have an incredible taco stand attached to the pool with pretty darn good drinks. The best thing… They are pet friendly!!<\/p>\n

The Wayback<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

If you’re looking for a weekend of rest and relaxation then look no further… You absolutely MUST stay here. It’s just outside of Austin in Texas Hill Country. There are only 8 adorable cottages on the property so if you’re thinking about booking I’d do it ASAP.<\/p>\n

You can walk a few steps outside of your cottage to their quaint caf\u00e9 and bar for any meal OR get room service and enjoy on your own outdoor patio area. The pool area is smaller, but so peaceful like you’re in your own backyard (but better…duh.). Everything about this place is seriously the cutest. I’d actually consider having my rehearsal dinner party here when I get married!<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\"things \"things<\/p>\n

Hotel Saint Cecilia<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Famous for the “SOUL” sign by their pool! I’ve never stayed here, but been to several events here and it’s just the most charming place.<\/p>\n

Hotel Van Zandt<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Another spot I’d never been to, and right by Rainey Street which is prime location. Great rooftop for drinks!<\/p>\n

South Congress Hotel<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Can’t go wrong here… Away from the hustle, but right on Congress street where you can walk to tons of amazing spots. Definitely more of a chill vibe.<\/p>\n

W Hotel<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Right next door to ACL Live! Great place to stay for a girls weekend or bachelorette party.<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\"things\"Hotel<\/p>\n

WHAT TO DO<\/h3>\n

South Congress Bridge Bats<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Did you all know there are thousands of bats that live under this bridge? People come out every night to watch them fly out from under the bridge and it’s kinda crazy!!<\/p>\n

Lady Bird Lake<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

I’ve wanted to rent a paddle board SO bad to go out on the lake. There are a lot of spots where you can find kayaks or paddle boards to rent.<\/p>\n

Lake Travis<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

One of the most popular lakes in Texas for a reason! I’ve never been out on the lake, but it’s at the top of my list to rent a boat one weekend.<\/p>\n

Swimming Holes\/Pools<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

There are several little swimming spots to check out around Austin like Barton Springs, but if you don’t want to be out in nature a lot of hotel pools have day passes!<\/p>\n

Hike\/Walk<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

So many great spots to go for a hike or walk! I love going for a morning walk around Lady Bird Lake when I’m staying at The Line!<\/p>\n

South Congress Street<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

An Austin “must do” area where you’ll find the “I love you” sign along with several cute boutiques and shops.<\/p>\n

Austin Murals<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

Greetings from Austin, I Love You wall, Willie Nelson and more spots you’ve gotta go see!<\/p>\n

ACL Live<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

The coolest concert experience ever! I was lucky enough to see Sam Smith perform here a couple of years ago, and I love it because you really get to see what the artist is really like. In Pennsylvania, the\u00a0Benedum Center<\/a>\u00a0is another fantastic venue known for hosting a variety of memorable concerts and performances.<\/p>\n

Circuit of the Americas<\/a>:<\/h4>\n

My dad has season tickets to the new race track just outside of Austin where the popular Formula 1 Race is hosted. I went a couple of years ago not thinking I would really enjoy it, but I have to admit it’s pretty fun!<\/p>\n

Did you like my Austin City Guide? So here’s my Chicago City Guide<\/a>, Denver City Guide<\/a>, and Dallas Restaurant Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Every time I visit Austin I remember how much I love the city. Honestly, I think if I had to move to another city in Texas I would have no trouble at all choosing Austin. I try to get down there at least twice a year if not more! Even though I’ve been so many…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":19938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,889,846],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","category-travel-featured","category-travel-guides"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":15,"label":"Travel"},{"value":889,"label":"Travel"},{"value":846,"label":"Travel Guides"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/line-hotel-austin-5-e1595946291987-1200x846.jpg",1200,846,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"brooke","author_link":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/author\/brooke\/"},"comment_info":5,"category_info":[{"term_id":15,"name":"Travel","slug":"travel","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":15,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":57,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":15,"category_count":57,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"travel","category_parent":0},{"term_id":889,"name":"Travel","slug":"travel-featured","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":889,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":4,"count":4,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":889,"category_count":4,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"travel-featured","category_parent":4},{"term_id":846,"name":"Travel Guides","slug":"travel-guides","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":846,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":15,"count":26,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":846,"category_count":26,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Travel Guides","category_nicename":"travel-guides","category_parent":15}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3339","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3339"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3339\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3339"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onesmallblonde.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}