Although we're California based (for the most part!), the Annmarie Skin Care team sure loves Austin. The city is teeming with activities, sight seeing, live music, and food. So. Much. Food.
We thought we'd do you a favor and vet through a few of our favorites for your next trip to the Southwest!
Austin, Texas
Breakfast
Veracruz All Natural—Two words. Breakfast. Tacos. Their Migas Taco has been rated one of the top 5 tacos in America by Food Network. Veracruz All Natural is ran by two sisters who started out their business selling snow cones, smoothies, and natural drinks out of a tiny trailer. As it gained popularity, more people began asking for food, so they started making tacos and tortas. We're sure glad they did!
Citizen Eatery—With a completely meat-free menu, and vegan and gluten free options, Citizen Eatery is heaven on earth for those with dietary restrictions. They serve breakfast all day, which makes it the perfect spot for one of those late-morning brunches. Plus – cold brew and kombucha on tap!
Tacodeli—OK, more breakfast tacos. We can't resist. Tacodeli has a build-your-own breakfast taco option, which we love. Plus, their ingredients are all organic and sourced locally, and their meats are certified humane.
Cosmic Coffee—Coffee, beer, and permaculture? We put Cosmic Coffee on the breakfast list because we're always in need of our morning caffeine, but this is a great hangout for all hours. Featuring specialty coffee, locally brewed beer, craft cocktails, food trucks and live music in a permaculture-inspired garden setting. Their garden is filled with various species rotated throughout the season with focus on perennials, native, adaptive species, as well as those used in their cocktails and other offerings. What they don't use is fed to compost-creating chickens, also kept on site!
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Lunch
Kerbey Lane Cafe—Kerbey Lane Cafe is an Austin favorite, and it's located in a house! This is one of those places that seems to have something for everyone, featuring loads of southwest influence and options for those with dietary restrictions. Also, they serve vegan queso which is a particularly exciting option for our dairy-free friends who're always missing out on cheesy delights.
Dee Dee—Featuring authentic, Northern Thai street food, this is some of the best Thai food we've ever had. Pro tip — ask for the heat level to be taken down a notch since these are made with real Thai spice levels.
Salt Lick—It wouldn't be a proper Austin city guide without at least some BBQ. Salt Lick is an Austin staple, with a 50 year history and a menu that boasts “sandwiches as big as Texas.” Fair warning – with a meat-heavy menu, this is not the place to come with your vegetarian friends!
Dinner
Trudy's Tex-Mex—You simply can't visit Austin without trying some Tex-Mex. The menu superstar from Trudy's is a fried whole avocado stuffed with cheese and shredded chicken. Plus, $4 margaritas on Mondays.
Guero's Mexican Food—Guero's has been an Austin staple for 30 years, and is a favorite stomping ground of director Quentin Tarantino. Awesome decor, great atmosphere and a huge menu with plenty of vegan and gluten free options make this an ideal dinner spot.
Drinks and Nightlife
Las Perlas—For the mezcal! Las Perlas was actually the first Mezcal bar in the country. A must-visit if you're a fan of fancy drinks and smoky flavors.
Emo's Austin Music Venue—Great music venue for a whole variety of genres: rock, pop, indie, or electronic.
Rainey Street—You've probably heard of 6th Street, the crazy, bar lined street that's closed to cars on the weekend, but have you heard of Rainey Street? We like to think of it as the nicer version, full of great drinks, food, and lots of live music.
Self Care
Milk + Honey Spa—Milk + Honey offers everything from massages and body treatments, to facials, to waxing, and more. Plus, they use organic and natural ingredients as often as possible, which we love.
Practice Yoga—Our favorite yoga studio in Austin. If you've ever gotten into the world of Youtube yoga, you've probably heard of Yoga with Adriene. Well, this is where Adriene teaches when she's offline!
What to See
South by Southwest—A film, media and music festival that takes place in multiple venues all across the city during March every year. Go see a show or check out a gallery!
Swim at Barton Springs—Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs is a recreational swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs. Perfect for cooling off on a hot Austin day.
Mount Bonnell—It's a moderate trek to get to the top, with fantastic views of Austin, the Colorado river and some beautiful homes. Highly recommend checking this spot out at sunset!
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge— If you're looking for a unique experience in Austin, look no further. From Spring to Fall, around 1.5 million bats come out at dusk to feed on the insects in the city, best viewable from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. It's an amazing sight to see!
I live in Austin 🙂 Next time you guys are here, you need to try Picnik restaurant. It’s paleo and it’s delicious! Everybody loves it who visits. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you’re headed to Austin, check out the website, do512.com as there will be an up to date listing of events happening while you are in town. If you’re with children, go to do512family.com
Here’s a few additional thoughts to add to the AMG list:
Eating – Launderette, Cafe Josie, Clark’s Oyster bar, Vinaigrette, Vespaio, Piknik (food truck on s lamar as well as restaurant on North Burnet), the mothership of Whole Foods on the corner of Lamar and 5/6th street (multiple choices of food options from pre-made for picnics along town lake to dine in, in house brewery, pizza, sushi, coffee, gelato…) – across the street 24diner is also a great option using high quality ingredients and yes, open 24 hours/day, any Torchys Tacos, Farmacy, La Barbeque or Mickelthwait BBQ.
Doing – enjoy the great outdoors! Rent a kayak, canoe or SUP at multiple locations along Town Lake. Walk, run, rent a bike and enjoy not only the paths along both sides of the river but multiple other options including Shoal Creek trail and anywhere along the Barton Creek Greenbelt (multiple entry points so check out a map and their website). Austin farmers markets are fantastic!! Look up your options as there is one going on almost any day of the week. Boggy Creek Farm is on the east side and is open several mornings/week and is a good option if you are considering cooking.
If you’re going to Mount Bonnel, stop in at Mayfield Park – charming little park with peacocks strolling about and entrance to Barton Creek trail there too (35th street). This is also connected to the lovely trails that are part of the Contemporary art museum (parking lot at the end of 35th street).
Deep Eddy swimming pool – backs up to the lake and is actually fed by fresh spring and lake water. It’s a very large swimming pool that has a nice shallow area for kids plus lap lanes for those wanting that option. It has an interesting history, so check it out!
Beauty – there is a ten over ten non-toxic nail salon inside the South Congress Hotel (recommended as well)
Places to stay – Kimberly Modern, San Jose Hotel, Saint Cecilia
As an Austinite let me give you some other, less hip, places and eateries. First, the kite festival in Zilker Park, and the botanical garden there as well. Both are local faves. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a must to visit during bluebonnet season. For food, try Pieous Pizza and Pie-E-Tea in Dripping Springs. Mozart’s Cafe on the edge of Town Lake for coffee and Pastry. On second thought, just come for a visit. We are growing too fast!