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City Cast Austin

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Kelsey Bradshaw

Austin’s Garrison Park neighborhood in South Austin runs from South First Street to just west of West Gate Boulevard, between Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive.

While small, the neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best eats and a really great park:

Don’t just take my word for it — LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue has a Michelin star. The barbecue joint, 5621 Emerald Forest Drive, is a must-visit on your Austin barbecue journey. Get the jalape

o cheese chorizo, beef fat potato chips, and the kale caesar slaw with your 

. The restaurant is also known for its burgers, which are perfectly salted if you ask me!

Remembering DK Sushi & Seoul Korean Restaurant exists when I’m craving sushi is a treat every time. The small restaurant, 6400 S. 1st St., has been around since 1993 and for good reason. The sushi is reliable — it’s delicious 

. Bonus: The restaurant has a section where you can sit on the floor!

Plush with rows and rows of trees, Garrison Park at 6001 Manchaca Road feels like a small oasis. It’s tucked away off the side of the road in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot. Beyond a pretty sizable playground is room for picnicking, courts for basketball, and a small trail. The park’s city-run pool 

The South Austin neighborhood is home to great restaurants.

Your Guide to Austin’s Garrison Park Neighborhood

Everything to know about Austin neighborhoods: What to do, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Austin Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

, Austin’s Black Cultural District, is one of the best places to spend a day if you're looking for good food, good art, and a lesson in our city’s history.

 in Austin’s 1928 master plan, is made up of 

 extending from Interstate 35 to Airport Road and Seventh Street to Manor Road.

Here are some of our favorite spots to visit in the district:

Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, 1106 E. 11th St., is one of those places that’ll make you feel lucky to live in Austin. It’s a music venue, gathering space, and is full of art. Stop by on a Monday for the venue’s 

Victory East, 1104 E. 11th St., is a southern restaurant located in what was formerly known as Victory Grill. 

The grill was a music venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit

 when Austin was still legally segregated. Artists like B. B. King and Bobby Bland performed at the venue, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Downs Mabson Field, 2816 E. 12th St., is where the Austin Black Senators baseball team, which was part of the Negro Leagues, 

. In the 1940s and 1950s, football players at the city’s only high school for Black students, L.C. Anderson High School, played at the field.

Huston-Tillotson University baseball team

George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center

The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina St., is well worth a visit. Spend an afternoon getting to know Austin’s and Texas’ Black history. The museum is free to attend. 

Make sure you keep up with the museum’s calendar

We’d never write you a neighborhood guide without recommending somewhere to eat! 

, 2002 Manor Road, serves delicious southern, Texas food like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, skillet corn bread, biscuits, and more.

, there’s still a 99% chance you’ve at least seen the restaurant’s mural that says: “You don’t need no teeth to eat my beef.” The barbecue joint, 2000 E. 12th St., has been around since 1957 and serves tender brisket, your classic sides like potato salad and mac and cheese, and pretty great ribs!

The district is full of Austin landmarks. 

Find History, Art, and Good Food in Austin’s Black Cultural District

Austin’s South Lamar neighborhood, which runs along South Lamar Boulevard from Oltorf Street to Ben White Boulevard, is home to iconic restaurants, fun shopping, and more. Here’s where you should go when visiting the area:

A piece of Austin history, Matt’s El Rancho has been serving up 

 and its current location on South Lamar Boulevard opened in 1986. Stop in for the iconic Bob Armstrong queso and a Matt’s Knockout Martini. Prepare yourself for a wait — the restaurant is often packed to the brim!

Visiting the neighborhood without snagging some tacos from Veracruz All Natural would be sacrilegious. There’s a reason why the taco shop is constantly lauded as one of the greatest in the city — they’re really delicious. The shop is off Menchaca Road outside 

 (which you should also visit). Grab me a migas taco, please!

Looking for arts and crafts supplies? USE2 Neighborhood Reuse Center is full of secondhand fabric, puzzles, games, costumes, books, and so, so much more.

The 04 Center is located inside a former United Methodist church and one of the coolest night spots in Austin. You can see a live music show 

! The venue also has church services on Sunday mornings and hosts AA meetings during the week.

The Broken Spoke is the place to go for a night of two-stepping or to impress your out-of-town visitors. The dance hall, which has been open since 1964, has a great live music scene, too!

If you’re just passing through the area and need a quick lunch, drive through Dan’s Hamburgers. The prices are cheap ($4.15 for 

) and you’ll be supporting another historic Austin restaurant.

I’m somehow always craving Bird Bird Biscuit. The restaurant puts your favorite breakfast combos on a biscuit and it’s the breakfast you need after a night out. We highly recommend getting the 

dill mayo or the bacon-infused chipotle mayo

Loro is the brainchild of chefs Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s perfect for a first date, a 100th date, a birthday party, a work happy hour, and whatever other events you have going on. You can order everything from ramen to a plate of smoked beef brisket.

The neighborhood is one of Austin's best!

What To Do and Where To Eat in Austin’s South Lamar Neighborhood

Old Enfield, a small neighborhood just east of MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1), is home to one of Austin’s best gems: Pease Park.

The park, located at 1100 Kingsbury St., is host to iconic Austin events, fun attractions, and a long history. Let’s get into it.

🌳 Pease Park Has Been Around for 150 Years

Pease Park became Austin’s first public park in 1875, when former Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife Lucadia 

. The swath of land the couple donated was part of their 365-acre homestead, and their mansion can still be seen in Old Enfield today.

Although Gov. Pease supported the Union during the Civil War, he still had 37 enslaved people working for him, some of whom worked on the land that is now Pease Park. Black people likely used Shoal Creek, which runs through Pease Park, to play and fish after the Civil War ended and 

 were established. But Black people were not allowed into the park after the city implemented its “

📅 Some of Austin’s Most Iconic Events Happen at Pease Park

Pease Park, despite its idyllic lawns and trees, is home to some of the events that have helped Austin keep its status as a weird city. Yes, we’re talking about 

The event, which just celebrated its 60th anniversary in April, celebrates the city’s free spirit with drum circles, face painting, costumes, vendors, and more.

War In Pease: 3-on-3 basketball tournament

📍 Other Attractions Make Pease Park Worth a Visit

If its history or cool events don't get you to Pease Park, maybe its other attractions will.

, an 18-foot-tall troll made of mostly recycled, found, or repurposed items. The giant sculpture was created by artist Thomas Dambo and 

Once you’re done visiting Malin, make sure to stop by the 

. The spherical treehouse is two stories high, has a hammock-like bottom, and makes you feel like you’re part of the trees.

The springfed Shoal Creek is a delightful place to dip your feet after a walk through the park, too.

Finally, keep an eye out for the park’s 

The park is located in Austin's Old Enfield neighborhood.

A Guide to Austin’s Pease Park

 here at City Cast Austin. But Austin’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood is so stacked with great things to do, we’re going to have to do this guide in parts. First up is our favorite places to eat:

Some of the best Thai food in Austin is in Bouldin Creek at Thai Fresh, 909 W. Mary St. The no-frills restaurant serves up the best tom kha soup and every curry is a must-try. You won’t need a reservation and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

Sandy’s Hamburgers, 603 Barton Springs Rd., is worth fighting the traffic on Barton Springs Road. The burger joint opened in 1946 and has all the classics on its menu: cheeseburgers, hot dogs, BLTs, french fries, shakes, and malts. Stopping by after a swim at Barton Springs Pool and getting a chocolate ice cream cone is one of the joys of living in Austin!

Austin has exploded with new pizza restaurants to try in recent years but Dovetail Pizza will be long-lasting. Pies range from pepperoni or cheese to innovative bites like the chicken artichoke or prime rib pizzas.

Here’s an itinerary for a perfect evening in Austin: After dinner at Thai Fresh or Dovetail, head to Dolce Neve Gelato, 1713 S. 1st St., to finish off the night with a cup of creamy gelato. Dolce Neve always has pistachio, chocolate, and salted caramel gelatos available in addition to rotating flavors like tiramisu, chocolate with candied orange peels, and almond custard. Yum!

We know, we know. Fresa’s, 1703 S. 1st St., isn’t anything new. But the restaurant has stood the test of time and for good reason — you can always count on Fresa’s for a great meal! We recommend any of the tacos but especially the La Mari which is made with shrimp. Make sure you order a side of street corn!

The latest iteration of Swedish Hill is in Bouldin Creek, located at 1804 S. 1st St. The coffee shop has ample seating and all your Swedish Hill favorites like chocolate croissants, cortados, and nutella morning buns.

The neighborhood is full of great spots! 

Where To Eat in Austin’s Bouldin Creek Neighborhood

Austin’s Zilker neighborhood, which reaches south from Lady Bird Lake, all the way down to Menchaca Road, is one of the best entertainment districts in the city even if it’s not recognized as such. The area has great venues, things to see, and queso to try.

The neighborhood is named after Andrew Jackson Zilker, who gave the city 

35 acres surrounding Barton Springs in 1918

. Homes started to sprout up in the area shortly after.

Zach Theater, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., is home to some of the best performances of plays and musicals in the city. Casts often include Austinites and the season lineups are always great. We can’t wait to see “Zapata” and “Dear Evan Hansen” this spring!

Stop in to the UMLAUF, 605 Azie Morton Road, to be whisked away from all the Austin noise. The museum was the house of Charles and Angeline Umlauf from 1944 to 1985, when the pair gave the city their home, property, Charles’ art studio, and 168 sculptures. The grounds are beautiful and so are the works.

, the Alamo Drafthouse theater on South Lamar Boulevard feels like a piece of Austin history. The theater is truly the best in the city. It’s got South by Southwest screenings every year, movie parties, Weird Wednesdays, fun food, and more.

Want a new spot to see some live music and grab a beer? Try Saxon Pub at 1320 S. Lamar Blvd. The pub has been around since 1990, has live music every single day, and it’s got a great vibe!

Maudie’s, 1212 S. Lamar Blvd., is a perfect neighborhood spot, whether you live in the area or not. Pop in after a swim at Barton Springs Pool for cheap breakfast tacos, or for a dinner of yummy queso and enchiladas. Everything on the menu is delicious and easy on your wallet.

A Guide to Austin’s Zilker Neighborhood That Has Nothing To Do With Zilker Park

Whether you need a place to take your visiting parents or you’re just looking for something new to do, our guide to The University of Texas at Austin campus has something for everyone. Take a look:

Any good college campus guide has to include some bars! Our favorites include:

 like film showcases, Broadway rave nights, live music, album release parties, and more.

 is right across the street from the Moody College of Communication. 1972 Pub plays women’s sports games on its TVs, offers a robust food menu, and hosts watch parties.

Open for 51 years, The Hole in the Wall is an iconic Austin mainstay where you can watch live music, do karaoke, and partake in its great happy hour.

dive bar. Catch a UT football game here or stop in for a delicious burger before seeing a show at Bass Concert Hall.

Trivia, rare record nights, and bike nights are all part of the programming at Tweedy’s. The bar also offers coffee, beer, and cocktails.

Great restaurants are near UT and there’s something for every budget:

Hopfields has a French-inspired menu, a cool vibe, and really good fries.

Nori is a vegan restaurant serving plant-based sushi and other items, like gyoza made with Impossible meat.

This location is the first Amy’s Ice Cream store and was built in 1984! Visit for fun flavors and a bit of Austin history.

Foodheads has some of the best sandwiches in town and is positively adorable, with lots of patio space for dining in.

Lucky for students without a car – the UT campus is surrounded by some of the city’s best museums:

The Blanton Museum of Art is the perfect size – it’s not too big or too small. New exhibits are always rotating through and admission is free on Tuesdays.

Treasures abound at the Harry Ransom Center. The research center is home to Robert De Niro scripts, Frida Kahlo works, unpublished Albert Einstein notes, and one of 20 copies of the Gutenberg Bible.

The Landmarks program feels like one of the city’s best kept secrets. Roughly 50 works of art, including dazzling sculptures and a James Turrell light work, are dotted throughout the campus for the public to enjoy.

Go see a dinosaur! The Texas Science & Natural History Museum has dinosaur fossils, fashion, geology, and astronomy exhibits.

Despite graduating from Texas State University, former President Lyndon B. Johnson chose to put his presidential library on the UT Campus. Lucky for us! Visit Lady Bird Johnson’s office, see an Oval Office replica, and more!

A strip of thrift and vintage stores line Guadalupe Street just northwest of the main campus. You could spend a whole Saturday perusing clothes, furniture, old records, and more.

You can sell your old clothes and buy a new fit all in an afternoon at Buffalo Exchange. Hot tip: This is a great spot to look for Halloween costume supplies! (Also, park in the back!)

You could get lost shopping at Leopard Lounge. This store has a vast collection of carefully curated vintage, Americana and 1920s – 2000s clothing.

This thrift store is on the smaller side and has great deals. You’ll find lots of clothes, some furniture, housewares, and books here. Bonus: $0.96 of every dollar spent at Out of the Closet goes to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services.

The word "psychedelic" comes to mind at Vintage Hideout. The shop is run by sisters who have curated a vintage selection of clothes.

Pop in for new and used CDs, used records, cassettes, and other vinyl accessories. The shop puts an emphasis on blues music and Austin artists. You can also sell your old records here.

Great food, bars, and art surround the Forty Acres. 

What To Do on and Near The University of Texas at Austin

I know, I know – it’s 2025 and you buy everything online now. But as a lifelong mall lover, I’m here to help you reconsider Barton Creek Square mall.

The mall, located at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway, 

 and absolutely feels like stepping into a time machine as you enter through Dillard’s or Macy’s. It doesn’t appear high-tech or flashy. It’s just an old mall and that’s what still works about it.

Despite feeling and looking a bit forgotten, the mall remains full of popular stores like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Gap, lululemon, 

 or if you want to try something on in real life. And, again, as a mall lover, I think you should become a mall walker, too. Grab a coffee and walk around one morning!

Perhaps you are craving a classic movie-going experience. The mall has a 

 in it and it has nice, comfy chairs, nachos with that fake cheese we love, and sodas as large as your head!

 after a day of shopping – the restaurant is located on the mall grounds. Grab a pitcher of margaritas for just $40 and the 

Your first thought might not be that one of this city’s great farmers markets is at the mall, but you’d be wrong. 

 happens rain or shine every Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Visit for fresh produce, cheese, art, and more.

What To Do in and Around Austin’s Barton Creek Square Mall

South Congress Avenue, other than being the most famous road in town, means different things to everyone. If you want to know what someone’s ideal Austin looks like, ask them how they feel about South Congress Avenue.

The strip, which was once considered the seedy part of town with an 

, has gone through many transformations. It’s now a place you likely avoid, due to throngs of tourists or the influx of luxury stores you have no use for, like Hermès, Equinox, and SoHo House.

But some spots are still worth your time. Here’s a good starter pack:

 feels like a hidden gem despite being very popular! Grab a reservation and then whip around to the back of the restaurant to find its front door. The restaurant is elegant and on the small side. Try whatever you want – sushi rolls, edamame, hand rolls, and cocktails – it’s all delicious. If you can sneak away between 

, tempura is half off and drinks are $2 off.

👙 South Congress Hotel’s Rooftop Pool

Tired of getting dirt on your towel at one of Austin’s many watering holes? 

Try the rooftop pool at South Congress Hotel

 and includes towels, Wi-Fi, parking, and lounge chairs.

Looking for that old Austin magic? It’s still here, at 

 at the bar and we highly recommend checking out the upstairs lounge if you’re looking for a place to sit. Go find your next favorite band!

. The candy shop is old school with candy you purchase by the weight. Walk over after dinner at 

, and get yourself some yummy chocolate, taffy, or licorice.

Whether you’re from here or just blew in from California, you’re going to need some cowboy boots at some point. 

, which has been open for just shy of 50 years, has rows and rows of super cool boots to add to your closet. You’ll be able to find a classic pair, if that’s your vibe, or something with lightning bolts or bright colors here. The store is also currently 

South Congress Avenue has plenty of fun for a local.

Why Austin’s South Congress Avenue Is Worth Dodging Tourists

Rainey Street has a complicated reputation. Depending on who you talk to, Rainey Street Historic District is lame, or fun, or sad.

The district is located downtown, just south of Cesar Chavez Street, near Interstate 35. It was created back in 1884 by Jesse Driskill and Frank Rainey, who split 16 acres between Cesar Chavez Street and Lady Bird Lake. The neighborhood was made up of mostly the white, middle-class before those families 

headed north at the start of the 20th century

, and it became a working class Chicano neighborhood.

Families started to be pushed out in the early 2000s, after the city rezoned the neighborhood so it could be developed into what it is now: A nightlife and entertainment district where bars are housed in old bungalows.

In recent years, skyscrapers have gone up on the street, making the bungalows that remain and the entire street noticeably shadier. Change is part of the street’s identity, so we suggest you check out what it has to offer before its next alteration:

Home to Austin’s best cacio e pepe, Emmer & Rye is one of the city’s most delicious spots for dinner. The restaurant, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2024, 

offers up a trio of butters with its sourdough bread

, a very large drink selection, and melt-in-your-mouth entrees like Berkshire pork. Snag a reservation when you can, there’s a reason the restaurant is so popular!

Is Half Step the Only Cool Spot Left on Rainey Street?

Banger’s on Rainey Street still rules. Head over for a fun atmosphere complete with live music and a huge outdoor space, more than a dozen kinds of sausages (I prefer a classic bratwurst myself), and tons of beer options. Order a 

 – it comes with a whole bottle of champagne.

Lucille is a nice bar located in an old house that includes a big patio to enjoy. 

 that the house sat vacant for years after its owner, a flapper named Lucille, went missing during one of her famous parties. The bar is dedicated to Lucille and offers up creative cocktails and ample seating.

Half Step manages to be one of those cool, laidback Austin bars in one of the most debated areas of town. Visit for 

, frozen piña coladas, and a great atmosphere!

Rainey Street has plenty of fun things to do. 