Since I live here in Austin, I wanted to share some of my tips and places to enjoy while you are here. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to go to one of my favorite places with me.
Walking distance from the JW Marriott
Burger Bar – Located at the JW Marriott is an awesome burger bar with great fries.
Voodoo Donuts – If you have been to Portland, you have heard of Voodoo Donuts. The location here doesn’t have the line.
Flower Child – My go-to is a plate with chicken, gluten-free mac and cheese (it’s really good!), and red chili glazed sweet potato.
Whole Foods Market – the flagship location has something for everyone and its all really good. Pizza, great barbecue, tacos, a grill, sushi, and of course, a salad bar. Don’t miss the dessert section! I may be biased since I used to be the SEO Manager there. (I miss my discount) There is also a great installation outside for photos.
P.Terry’s is a great, fresh, fast burgers and fries.
1886 Café & Bakery – Located in the historic Driskill Hotel, this is a great place to enjoy any light meal, but also dessert. I love the sundae and chocolate cake.
Easy Tiger – Great happy hour, local beers and bakery. Get something on a pretzel bun or sourdough.
A short drive or scooter ride
Torchy’s – This is an amazing chain that started as a local food truck. It’s my go-to taco shop. I love the fried avocado. Don’t miss the chips and queso!
Terry Blacks BBQ – This is the closest barbeque place downtown with the shortest wait, but the highest quality and consistent brisket.
Hopdoddy is my favorite sit-down place for a burger. Try the truffle fries or chili fries.
Gourdoughs – Fried to order doughnuts with amazing toppings. (My mouth is currently watering)
Juliette’s – Best Italian food in Austin, great happy hour specials.
Odd Duck – A little more pricey, but one of my favorite restaurants. We like to go for the happy hour for the food specials.
Things to do near downtown
Kayak Downtown – Go rent a kayak for a few hours and get a great view of downtown from the water.
Go to Barton Springs Pool – This is a spring-fed pool and is my favorite spot to go swimming just south of downtown.
Go to the Capitol Building – Take a guided tour to enjoy the capitol building’s rich history.
Blanton Art Museum – open until 9pm on Sept 20
See the bats – Walk to the Congress bridge to see bats fly out every evening around sunset.
Run or rent bikes around town lake
Go to a movie or movie party at Alamo Drafthouse
Go shopping on South Congress, and take a picture with the famous I Love You So Much mural
Around Austin
Hula Hut – Fun Tex-Mex eatery on the water
Pious is my favorite pizza place in the world. It even rivals the pizza we ate in Italy. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it. We order the meat plate and the rocket.
Via 313 is also top-notch Detroit-style pizza. Top notch and not as far of a drive as Pious.