Austin is Cool and Also Totally Weird, includes a carefully curated mix of coolness, thanks to some of Austin’s finest and weirdest. These places, folks, and things are truly the heart and soul of Austin. Whether you're passing through, hanging your hat, or taking a virtual spin, we highly recommend giving them a visit!
01/
Texas State Capital
You can't come to Austin and not visit the capital, or at least frolic with the many squirrels that inhabit its outer lawns. It's vibrant with history, and has also been recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitals. Pinkies up!
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1100 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
tspb.texas.gov
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02/
Congress Ave Bats
Austin is home to the largest urban bat population. You can catch a peek at them as they ascend from the Congress Avenue bridge at sunset. This awesome and slightly weird spectacle takes place from late March to early fall. Get there early to claim your spot! More info at the link below.
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austintexas.org/things-to-do/outdoors/bat-watching
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03/
SOCO
Arguably the coolest neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake. Don't get me wrong, there's stiff competition, but this area has put Austin on the map. From the funky shops, to the live music, to the coolest hotels, to the finest food you'll eat out of a trailer, this hood has always been what's cool about Austin. There's no shortage of weirdness here and endless people watching (and appreciating) opportunities. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Santa riding horseback.
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04/
Austin Motel
So Close, Yet So Far Out
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The Austin Motel was erected in 1938 as a motor court, and has always been home to one of Austin's most iconic neon signs. This historic hotel has forty-one rooms—all with interiors inspired by the motel's iconic signage, a kidney-shaped pool, live music, and water aerobics. It's quirky, cool, soulful, and so Austin. Good times await!
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1220 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
austinmotel.com
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05/
STAG Provisions
Reforming Austin bois into dapper gentlemen since 2009. STAG's menswear collection is an eclectic mix of high and low end, crossed with vintage American classics. It's unexpected, modern, and totally nostalgic. Part Willie, part Dean.
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STAG commissioned an iconic "Willie For President" mural that sits at the right side of the buildings exterior. It's another one of the most photographed murals in town and a must see. It was created in collaboration by three amazing artists, Erick Montes (local Designer, OK Studio), Jacqui Oakley (Canadian Illustrator), and Joe Swec (locally—loved sign painter). Check them out below…
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Erick Montes: heyok.studio
Jacqui Oakley: jacquioakley.com
Joe Swec: instagram.com/jswec
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STAG Provisions SOCO
1423 S. Congress Ave
Austin, Texas 78704
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 7pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 8pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm
stagprovisions.com
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06/
Franklin Barbecue
One of the most regarded cue joints in Austin, Texas and this universe. Aaron Franklin, has put Austin BBQ on the map, and is one of the most influential pitmasters of all time. He's one of the most humbly decorated chefs, with acclaims like the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef (Southwest, 2015), Texas Monthly's coveted Best Barbecue Joint in Texas Award, and Bon Appetit's Best Barbecue Joint in America.
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His infamous brisket is smoked for twelve to eighteen hours to unrivaled perfection, and worth every bit of praise it has received. As you can imagine, it sells out fast, so their line is equally as famous. It's part of the experience, and the 'cue is worth every minute you spend waiting for it. Remember what your mama told you, all good things are worth waiting for. So get your rump in line early and get ready to get your meat sweats on!
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900 E. 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Mondays: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 11am – Sold Out
franklinbbq.com
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07/
Chuy's Tex - Mex
This awesomely weird Austin original first opened their doors in 1982 on Barton Springs Road. They make some of the finest Tex-Mex around, but the best thing about Chuys is that they don't take anything too seriously. Except their food. And Elvis, of course. From their hubcap decor, to their classic car chip bar, to their various Elvis shrines, they like to keep it weird. Put on your blue suede shoes and pay tribute to the Patron Saint of Chuys, and grab some queso while you're at it.
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One of the many things to love about Chuys is that they give back to the communities they serve. Every year in Austin, they put on the Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade. An opportunity for local kiddos to give toys to children in need, while enjoying a crazy cool parade. This is just one example of their supreme awesomness!
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1728 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, Texas 78704
Sunday—Thursday: 11am to 10pm
Friday—Saturday: 11am to 11pm
chuys.com
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08/
Amy's Ice Creams
A true Austin original, Amy's handcrafts artisan premium ice creams, dairy-free ices and frozen yogurt. They have 350 mind-blowing flavors in rotation, but they're famous for their simply tasty Mexican Vanilla ice cream. They'll masterfully mix-in just about anything your tastebuds desire, and they whip it all up right in front of you. With twelve locations around Austin, you can explore their flavors as you hop around town.
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SOCO Shop
1301 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
Sunday—Thursday: 11:30 – 11pm
Friday—Saturday: 11:30 – 12am
amysicecreams.com
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09/
Hotel San José
If you're looking to catch some legit Austin vibes, don't pass up a stay at the Hotel San José. It's an intimate 40 room bungalow style hotel in SOCO, and was a pioneer in the boutique hotel scene. From the ivy covered exterior walls, to the cactus clad corridor, to the private garden courtyard, lounge and pool, to the custom kimono robes, the typewriter on loan, the '72 Scout chillin' outside… they are the purveyors of cool, and genuine Austin hospitality.
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Grab a cup of Jo's Coffee, which sits outside in the hotel parking lot. Its spray painted exterior says, "I love you so much" and is one of the most photographed spots in Austin. They're hosts to some of the coolest and funkiest events like free live music at SX San Jose, Sinners Brunch, Drag Queen Bingo, Make Something (second Wednesdays), and even an Ugly Dog Contest. There's seriously SO much to love about Jo's and Hotel San José.
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1316 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
sanjosehotel.com
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10/
Hey! Cupcake
Hey! Cupcake has a few locations around town but the SOCO airstream shop is classic. Do yourself a favor and order a Tuxedo cupcake—it's a chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting on top, and it's what dreams are made of!
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1511 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
Monday—Saturday: 11am —10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 9pm (or until they sell out)
heycupcake.com
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11/
Broken Spoke
Established in 1964 by James and Annetta White, this legendary spot is the last of the true Texas dancehalls. Its rustic interior has been relatively untouched since they opened, and are famous for "not changing nothing". Its floors have been graced by the likes of Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Bob Wills, George Strait and Garth Brooks to name a few. Scoot in for a dance lesson, live music, and a boot scootin' good time. Just be sure to obey the "no standing on the dance floor" rule.
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3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78704
brokenspokeaustintx.net
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Also, check out the Broken Spoke book: amazon.com/Broken-Spoke-Legendary-Honky-Tonk
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12/
Burro Cheese Kitchen
These guys are the big cheese in town. With their melty, drool-worthy, artisan concoctions of grilled bread and cheese, they're making grilled cheese dreams come true.
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They use local artisan breads, Texas small batch cheeses and custom dips, that pair perfectly with a Jarritos, Topo, or big boy beverage. You can find them in a sharp cheddar yellow shipping container, under a large live oak tree in SOCO.
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1221 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
Thursday – Saturday: 11:30am – 8:30pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 4:30pm
burrocheesekitchen.com
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13/
YETI
Built for the wild ones. Whatever your thing is—fishing, boating, floating, or chasing the unthinkable, there's a YETI for you—inspired by the wild. The flagship store is located in the heart of Austin and is more of an experience than a traditional retail store. You'll be greeted by a giant 8 foot bear, hear live music, belly–up to an indoor/outdoor bar, and have a chance to customize your YETI gear—to make it even cooler (if that's possible). Enjoy the experience!
220 S. Congress Ave
Austin, Texas 78704
(at the NW corner of S. Congress and Barton Springs)
Sunday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
yeti.com
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14/
Angelina Eberly Statue
You can find her at Sixth and Congress in downtown Austin. It's the spot where she became famous as an Austin heroine. In 1842 Texas Republic President Sam Houston was trying to move the state capital from Austin to Houston. Austin citizens were not all about it and resisted. Houston then sent the Texas Rangers to steal all Austin government archives. In the middle of the night, Angelina heard the Rangers loading up their wagons and bravely moved into action firing a six-pound cannon. Residents heard the commotion and chased down the Rangers, retrieving all the archives—keeping Austin as the capital of Texas. The statue was created in her honor and sculpted by Australian artist, Pat Oliphant.
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15/
JuiceLand
While moseying around town, be sure to pop in to one of the many JuiceLand locations and fuel up with some superfood goodness to keep you going. They'll even give you 10% off if you peddle in! With bright bold colors and a wiff of fresh fruits and veggies in the air, their shops exude vitality. They've got an array of fresh cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies (the Originator is a local fave), smoothie bowls, shots, cleanses, and vegan snacks. It's super refreshing and will surely leave you feelin' peachy. There's no brow raising here, EVERYONE is welcome—but you might just leave with a few extra super powers.
JuiceLand – Barton Springs
1625 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, Texas 78704
Monday–Saturday 7am - 9pm
Sunday: 8am - 9pm
juiceland.com
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16/
Stevie Ray Vaughn Memorial Statue
Make your way to Auditorium Shores, and you'll likely find yourself at an outdoor concert, festival, or playing frisbee with a free-range dog. Visit the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial statue which is along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake on the Hike–and–Bike Trail. Stevie has been long beloved in Austin, and the city commissioned this 8–foot tall bronze sculpture to honor him at the site of many of his concerts. The memorial sculpture was created by Boston–based Sculptor, Ralph Helmick, and was unveiled in November of 1993. Helmick's work is known to partake in the social fabric of a culture and place, and he has received over fifty award–winning public commissions across the U.S. and abroad. For more info, visit his link below.
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Ralph Helmick: helmicksculpture.com
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Auditorium Shores
900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin, Texas 78704
