Austin Neighborhoods Starter Pack: Part 1
Navigate the city like a local and find Austin's best-kept secrets.
Austin is not a big city (we’ll likely hit 1 million residents later this year) but it has its own mix of unique neighborhoods everyone should visit. Some of these spots are world-renowned, while others are considered more locals-only hangouts. Whatever the case, these should all be on your must-do list for anyone trying to get an Austin experience past the typical beer & BBQ crawl.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Subscribe to the newsletter so you don’t miss a beat!
1. North Loop
Known for great record stores and top-notch vintage clothing and furniture stops, this neighborhood just north of the UT campus is a must-do. I consider North Loop as a way to still experience what Austin was like 15 years ago - no big brands, no clean corners, terrible parking. Come for the shopping & people watching, stay for the punk-adjacent vibes and grungy surroundings.
Photo credit: Austin Monthly Magazine
Start at Epoch Coffee and grab a latte, then browse the stacks at Breakaway Records. If you’re lucky, you can also take in a live show in the back room. Don’t sleep on Breakaway’s vintage record player collection - it’s a great find and some employees can share tidbits about each piece.
2. The Drag
Also known as “Guadalupe” (hear how to pronounce it like a local here) this main stretch of Guadalupe Street on the western edge of UT campus is most heavily trafficked by college students and family visitors. Most locals skip the Drag unless they’re in-between classes, but there are still some fun things to do even if you’re not busy studying for finals.
Pro tip: Avoid big crowds and visit The Drag when school isn’t in session.
Photo Credit: Shop Across Texas
Snag some great Thai food for lunch at Madam Mam’s and take a Thai tea to go. Head south on Guadalupe and browse vintage concert tees at Lo-Fi Vintage, then grab a drink and a live show at The Cactus Cafe, a historic music venue on campus.
3. South Lamar
When people think of Austin, some version of South Lamar typically pops into their heads. Located just south of Lady Bird Lake, this area of town has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 3 decades. Happily, much of its local, “Keep Austin Weird” vibe is still going strong. Even the Broken Spoke is still here, holding its dusty, gravelly ground in-between two huge condo buildings.
Photo Credit: Ruud Leeuw
Start your day with breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe, an Austin diner staple since 1984. This location isn’t the original but every Kerbey location in the city is great. Check out Tribe Comics & Games for some new reading material, and browse Pavement to scratch your vintage itch. Grab lunch at Loro, a love child between the creators of Franklin BBQ & Uchi that deftly blends barbecue with farmhouse Japanese fare.
End your evening with dinner & a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, the only place to see a movie in the city. If you still have the energy, snag a late night table at Tiki Tatsuya, a speakeasy tiki bar that’s to be seen to be believed.
Have you ever visited these neighborhoods? What key spots did I miss? Let me know in the comments, and stay tuned for Part 2 next week!