Things To Do
Terry Black's Barbecue
Looking for authentic Texas BBQ? We recommend our favorite local spot, Terry Black's! Located south across the river from downtown and near Zilker park and various hike & bike trails, this is the Texas BBQ experience. Try to go early as sometimes they run out of certain cuts of meat throughout the day. Parking can be very rough so try and carpool, or if none are available try waiting in the parking lot until someone leaves because they have constant coming & going. You have to get the moist brisket. If you came to Texas to get BBQ and are not getting the moist brisket then you're doing it wrong.
Darwin's Piano Bar
If you're looking to check out the infamous 6th St (locally known as "Dirty Sixth"), make sure to stop by this piano bar with our favorite musician. We've frequented this place on many nights out to 6th, and sometimes have stayed for 3 or 4 hours whilst tipping the pianist/singer to play Bohemian Rhapsody & Knights of Cydonia. Go after they shut the street down for pedestrians only (after 9p). Take a rideshare if possible, otherwise there are parking garages downtown and be prepared to deal with traffic. There is no cover!
The Range at Austin
Located right next to our apartment complex in South Austin! Looking to check out firearms in Texas? This spot will have what you're looking for and has a sweet variety of rental options for shooting. Might need to book a lane & gun rental in advance during busy times. Indoor range. So it won't have the BIG stuff, but for us "casuals" it will be plenty exciting. Sabine took Galen here for his birthday a couple years ago & rented a 4-gun package (Sabine might have had more fun than Galen!)
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Slaughter Lane
Alamo Drafthouse was founded in Austin, TX and has since grown to over two dozen locations in multiple states. This is our favorite movie theater in Austin! There are several Alamo Drafthouse's in Austin, but this is the one near our place that we like the most. This movie theater is unique for having table service during the showing of the film (up to the last 30 or 40 minutes, they will come around & do a last call). What's better than not having to leave your seat to order another beer? Make sure to buy your tix & reserve your seat ahead of time, the app works great! Try to show up ahead of time to get your orders started before they dim the lights.
Torchy's Tacos
Looking for Tex-Mex tacos with that "Keep Austin Weird" mentality? Look no further than Torchy's Taco's! This is an Austin homegrown taco joint that can now be found in multiple states (and one that Galen personally thinks would thrive in California). If you're looking for a fast-casual vibe with some awesome margaritas, this is the spot! Pro tip: You must order the green chile queso, and make sure to check out the secret menu!
Dai Due
Ever had food that made you rethink your life? Check out Dai Due. Reservations needed. Get the pastrami sandwich, or the Italian sub.
Taco Bronco
Want that Austin food truck experience in a Texas-backyard style setting? This place will have the taco of your dreams.
Pinthouse Pizza
They have 3 locations around Austin (Round Rock location is our favorite!) and a 4th location that is their brewery. The best local pizza spot in Austin (our favorite pizza is the Honey Pear). Highly recommend the Electric Jellyfish IPA. It is their signature beer and is served in many restaurants around Austin.
Tacodeli
Tired of seeing taco's on this list? Neither are we. You'd be a fool to not try this spot before you leave. There are multiple locations throughout Austin. Worst case scenario they have a restaurant in the Austin international airport with a limited menu. We always grab a couple there whenever we travel!
Odd Duck
One of our personal favorites. Great date night option. You'll need reservations & valet is on-site.
The Oasis On Lake Travis
This is a cool place to come check out the view of Lake Travis, especially during sunset. We'll be honest, the food is okay, come for the drinks and the views! They don't stay open very late.
The Domain
Upscale retail shopping center with over 100 stores & restaurants. Parking is in the numerous garages located around and is free. Our recommendations for food & things to do: Entertainment: -iPic Theaters -Cap City Comedy Club -Museum of Ice Cream -Punch Bowl Social -The Dirdie Birdie -Sandbox VR Restaurants: -Blue Sushi -True Food Kitchen
Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine Austin
Delicious pizza's served "Brazilian Steakhouse" style where servers are constantly coming around with fresh new pizza's and will serve you a slice, all for one price. Great date night location. Our favorite is the banana flambe!
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Trendy ramen joint with a cool vibe. It's really good.
Armadillo Den
Live music every night in an outdoor Texas-backyard style setting with craft beers and food trucks on site. During busy hours it can be almost impossible to find parking and we recommend taking a rideshare.
Rowing Dock
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down Lady Bird Lake to see the awesome Austin downtime skyline.
Mavericks Dance Hall
Coming to Texas and bringing your best pair of boots, flannel shirt, cowboy hat, and blue jeans or daisy dukes? This is your spot to yee-haw and two-step the night away!
Cidercade Austin
One entry free and unlimited arcade games with cider & craft beers available. They have decent pizza on-site also.
County Line
The Original County Line! Located in an historic old "Speak-easy", this County Line offers an incredible 20 mile view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Sunsets are spectacular!
McKinney Falls State Park
Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools. Follow trails winding through the Hill Country woods. Explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and a very old rock shelter. All of this lies within Austin’s city limits at McKinney Falls State Park - what are you waiting for? There is a $6 per adult fee. Kids under 12 are free.
Circuit of the Americas
Circuit of The Americas is more than a race track – it’s the only purpose-built facility in the United States designed to host the premier motorsports championships in the world, including Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR and more. With a blend of sweeping, fast sections and tight, technical corners, Circuit of The Americas has challenged the world’s greatest drivers and riders. They have events, festivals, concerts, & even karting around the track!
Fredericksburg
Quaint wine-country town about 90 minutes west of Austin. You could spend half to a full day out here wine tasting, eating, shopping, and walking down the main street. One of the few places where you can walk down the street with a drink in your hand.
Wimberley
Exquisitely adorable wine, art, dining, & boutique walkable town that is great to go for a stroll on a nice day. Lots of activities nearby such as: -Jacob's Well Natural Area -Horseback riding -Vineyards & wine tours -Breweries & distilleries -Ziplining -Live theatre -Art galleries -Creekhouse Kitchen -Spas
Texas State Tubes
The San Marcos River bubbles to life from hundreds of springs right in the City's center. Always a refreshing 72 degrees, the river is enjoyed year ‘round. Grab a tube and go for a float. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle and navigate its length. Bring your snorkel and discover its depth. Or just soak up some sun. Float the river while you bring coolers filled with beer and wine! (no glass or styrofoam)
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Seriously good Texas bourbon. You can reserve space on one of the distillery tours to see the cool process or just visit their grounds and hang out on the grass and drink some sweet brown nectar. This is Galen's favorite bourbon in Texas.
Trattoria Lisina
Chef/Owner Damian Mandola uses the finest ingredients to create a seasonal menu of Italian classics. Handmade pasta, house cured meats, sauces simmering for hours, fresh local produce arriving daily and seafood specialties- these are the labors of love that are found in the kitchen of Trattoria Lisina. Watch as hand stretched pizze are loaded into a wood burning oven, steaks are grilled over an open flame, and pasta is cooked to a perfect al dente.
Rainey Street Historic District
Renovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on Rainey, the increasingly popular tucked-away street. Day or night, you’ll find relaxed bar-goers strolling from bar to food trailer to bar again, often with their dogs in tow looking for a kicked back sip and a bite.
Grape Creek Vineyards
Sabine & Galen went here for their anniversary dinner one year, and also did the wine tasting. Very good quality Texas-wine. They liked it so much that they signed up for their wine subscription!
GameOn! ATX
Austin’s one and only game show experience. Have you ever wanted to feel the joy spinning the big wheel, or the thrill of a buzzer showdown? This is why GameOn!ATX exists! A live host leads you through games inspired by classic TV game shows. Compete against your family, friends, and coworkers to see who will win a prestigious spot on our Winners Wall!
Vigilante Gastropub & Games
Sabine & Galen love to go here to have some drinks and order some small plates while picking a board game to play!