EAT
Start your day off with a stroll down the street for a latte and potato + egg taco at Jo’s. Sit outside and people watch or wander down SoCo to window shop.
June’s is an intimate neighborhood cafe and wine bar inspired by the bistros of Paris and tapas bars of Spain. Walk from HOTELette for pastries + coffee by morning, an aperitif by afternoon, or a late night snack.
Two Hands is a community-focused restaurant based in Australian cafe culture. Expect a welcoming space centered around fresh, delicious food, incredible coffee, and an excellent bar. The best part? Breakfast is served all day! We recommend making a reservation ahead of time if possible.
There’s something about this place that makes every night feel special – part New York, Paris, and Texas all at once. You’ll find yourself here for hours sipping French wine and chatting under sparkling lights amid a quintessentially Austin crowd.
Inspired by the casual sophistication that defines a lake house weekend, Summer House is sure to provide some old school hospitality with a decidedly unpretentious, Austin sensibility.
Located on Austin’s South Congress Avenue, Neighborhood Sushi serves sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes in a casual and beautiful setting, made perfect for date night, happy hour, or a quick bite.
Perla's eschews a nautical vibe without a hint of kitsch and offers the best seafood in town (tied only with their sister restaurant, Clark's Oyster Bar). Treat yourself to dinner and champagne while you people watch on Austin's most beloved avenue.
This place is an Austin institution, AND it has avocado margaritas. Need we say more? Try Alli May’s plate! It’s named after our founder, Allison, and is the most popular dish on the menu. They also roast their own coffee and make homemade red corn tortillas.
DRINK
This is Austin’s classiest jazz and blues club. There’s never a cover for the upstairs jazz room, but it does get crowded early. Downstairs, mingle with cowboys and some of Austin’s best musical talent. Order a Lone Star (a.k.a. “The National Beer of Texas”) to feel like a true local.
Any trip to Austin wouldn’t be complete without a little two-stepping, and this is the spot to try it out. They offer free lessons on Saturday evenings. This bar is the perfect mix of an old-time country dive bar and a hip young scene. Dance with a stranger and grab a huge plate of nachos from the food trailer on the patio after you work up an appetite dancing. Everyone will feel at home here, and we’re all about inclusive spaces in ATX.
Whisler’s is full of dark corners and delicious concoctions. Order any of the cocktails, because they are all tasty and seasonally inspired. If you get hungry while sipping, order the “Cabbage Three Ways” from the Thai-Kung, a food trailer in their beer garden.
Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, originates from Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District and incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter style of cooking with influences from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. Be sure to soak in the magic of this Mediterranean oasis.
Since 1951, Deep Eddy’s has been a quintessential ATX haunt that oozes old Texas charm. Deep Eddy’s is by no means a stunner, but it was everything you could ever want, especially with the addition of Pool Burger, a burger trick and tiki bar you’ll find downstairs.
Walk into a different era at Donn’s. Nestled next to an old-timey train car, Donn’s is another Austin dive bar turned institution. Great for a more laid back night, with live music and lots of great beer options.
You can throw a rock and hit a bar on Rainy Street, but we’ll narrow down your day-drinking options to our favorite, Icenhauer’s. Prepare yourself for lots of dogs, drinks, and live tunes. Our favorite drink is the “Katie”, though their entire cocktail menu is on point.
SHOP
L.A. beach meets Austin heat in this tiny, well curated boutique on South Congress. They’ll outfit you in the most enviable accessories and clothes. You’re sure to find something you’ll treasure forever.
Garment has the perfect mix of bold vintage and current, unique pieces. They also give great (and honest!) feedback if you’re needing a second opinion. This is the ideal spot if you’re in the mood for nearly-new designer clothes.
SWEETS
Comedor, a downtown spot that opened in spring of 2019, was dreamed up by James Beard Nominated Pastry Chef, Philip Speer. The Olson Kundig designed restaurant offer a beautiful dinner menu, but we’d be remiss not to point you towards Speer’s tres leches!
Look for the big purple snow cone on hot Austin days for a refreshing treat that’s as yummy as it is historical. Open March through September, 12-7 p.m., Sno Beach attracts a long line of it's sweet flavors, which are worth the wait.
P.S. Bring cash!
Not from Texas? You can’t visit Austin without a scoop from our very own Amy’s Ice Cream! Austinites and visitors both agree. Pick from their rotating menu for something boozy, or opt for a tried and true favorite, Mexican vanilla. They also have several vegan and non-dairy rotations each day.
ACTIVITIES
WALK, BIKE, OR PADDLE TOWN LAKE
Some call it Lady Bird Lake, some call it a wide part of Guadalupe River (which it is), but to long-time locals, it’s Town Lake. Stretch your legs with a mid-morning stroll around one of ATX’s greatest outdoor offerings. Ten miles of flat trails loop around both sides of the lake. There are several boat access points and many places to rent paddle boards, canoes, or kayaks. Don’t forget to bring drinking water and a hat!
CATCH LIVE MUSIC
They don’t call Austin the live music capital of the world for nothing. Whether you’re seeking it out or not, you will run into live music during your time in Austin. While there’s no shortage of good venues for good tunes, Emos Stubbs, and Austin City Limits are some of our favorite spots. During the summer, we love Blues on the Green, a monthly concert series at Zilker Park.
WANDER SOUTH CONGRESS
You literally can’t miss South Congress when you’re staying at HOTELette, but it’s littered with hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems. From storied watering holes to delicious restaurants and vintage stores, South Congress warrants a wander or two during your time in Austin.
EXPLORE BREWERIES AND WINERIES
Of course, Austin is home to the world-famous Tito’s Vodka. The Capital of Texas also hosts a slew of breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Some of our favorites include Dripping Springs Vodka, Austin Winery, and Still Austin Whiskey Co. If you want to get out of town, try out Jester King Brewery (with amazing wood-fired pizzas) or Texas Keeper Cidery. There is no shortage of places to explore (and drink, responsibly).
COOL OFF AT BARTON SPRINGS
Cool off on a hot day at Barton Springs Pool, a historic three acre swimming hole fed from underground springs. Bring a picnic blanket and layout on the grassy areas surrounding to people watch. P.S. In true Austin fashion, Austin legislators have allowed for topless sunbathing!