I'm travelling to Austin, TX from October 21st-26th for work. I know there's quite a few HAMBer's that live down there, and was looking for some recommendations on things to do- museums, antiques shops, car shows/cruise nights, where to eat, grab a beer, or anything really worth checking out. I'll be staying in NW Austin, in the Jollyville/Cedar Park area, if that helps any. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
Have drinks and see the sunset at The Oasis on the East side of Lake Travis. It is just on the West side of Austin. You won't be sorry you went. Downtown on 6th street is where the action is at night. Watch the people cruise 6th street from roof top bars. Warning...you will probably want to move there!
Manson, There are a lot of things to do, but here are a few quick recommendations for you. Most of them revolve around food and drinks, but they'll get you into the right areas where you'll find plenty to do! -The Continental Club (Live music and drinks, some would say it's the center of the universe. on South Congress tons of great restaurants and shopping near by) -The Hula Hut (sit outside this time of year) -Shady Grove -Chuy's (preferably on Barton Springs, but there is one up North close to you that will do) -Matt's El Rancho on South Lamar Blvd. (Mexican Food since 1952) -Billy's on Burner Rd. isn't bad for a place to grab a beer and a relaxed bite to eat. -La Mancha Tex Mex Tavern has a great Sunday Brunch -Top Notch is one of the local cruise in spots that often hosts drive-ins. They're known for their burgers, but I love their fried chicken! -Hut's Hamburgers on 6th street (since 1939) -Hoffbrau Steaks on 6th street (since 1934) -Avenue B Grocery & Market for a lunch sandwich (since 1909) -Bob Bullock State History Museum is pretty good, and there's an iMax theater in there. -Blanton Museum of Art sometime has interesting exhibits -LBJ Library on UT campus sometimes has really cool exhibits, check out the website and see if that interests you. Of course, feel free to stop by the Austin Speed Shop and say hello if you're in the neighborhood. Have fun, John
What Joyo said, plus one addition - take a few minutes while in town to check out the view from Mount Bonnell, In my opinion, it's the best way to understand how uniquely cool Austin is, so I always bring visitors there. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Eat, drink, music, scenery, traffic, gorgeous women, lots a rods, all more than you can imagine! Have a ball.
Blackrat40- I'd planned making my way over to 6th Street at some point during the week, but may have to check out the Oasis as well. It seems like everyone I've known who's visited Austin has said the same thing about wanting to move there, so maybe I'll have to squeeze in some house hunting. John Joyo- A visit to Austin Speed Shop is definitely on my to do list, so long as I have time before my flight out Saturday afternoon. The Continental Club completely slipped my mind, I've heard great things about that place and will have to stop in at least one night during my stay. Sounds like there's no shortage of great spots to eat as well. Thanks for the info!
6th street is fine if you like drunken frat guys and tourists. There are lots of other bar scene options. Like: The Continental Club, The Broken Spoke, Antone's, The White Horse, ...just to name a few.
The food options are INSANE in Austin. We have been to LSR the last 5 yrs, and have developed favorites that we don't miss while there. The bad thing is, with only being in town 5 days for the show, we are limited on how many we hit!
Leebo.. That's my dilemma- I'm flying in Sunday evening, and leaving Saturday in the early afternoon. I'll be working from 8-5 during the week, which limits what I can do during the week since quite a few places I wanted to visit close by 5pm. Being there for work on my company's dime, I'm not looking to do anything crazy (so the good people of Austin are safe!). I just want to have a good time while avoiding all the usual touristy BS or "drunken frat guys" as Bigchuck put it. Again, thanks for all the input.
Wouldn't waste time at the oasis, joint has turned in to Disney land. Not much lake underneath it right now anyway... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Must eat at The Salt Lick in driftwood. Don't waste your time with the one in Round Rock....go to Driftwood - its worth the drive. Great drive as well - about 30 or so minutes southwest of downtown Austin. There will be a wait....its worth it, and it goes fast. We make at least 2 trips a year to Austin from Dallas just to go there.
2nd on Salt Lick drift wood. GO DURING WK in evening is best, wkend is over an hour just to order....best hurt you'll ever have from eatin too much BBQ! Also, Kerbey Lane Cafe, central location (off Kerbey ...open 24/7, outstanding home made non-traditional pancakes/ breakfast....built in a cool old house... I'm coming down next month and gittin me some of both! -QQ
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