The Best Places to Go in Austin, Texas for a Culinary and Retail Adventure

Discover the Best Eats, Drinks, and Shops in the Heart of Texas

 Gabriella Brackbill

Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes

We frequently find ourselves in Austin, Texas, whether it’s for conferences, speaking engagements, or simply to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the city. With each visit, we uncover new culinary delights, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping experiences that showcase the essence of this dynamic Texan metropolis. As we prepare for our next trip, we’re excited to share some of our favorite spots in Austin with you, offering a taste of what this city has to offer beyond the conference halls and meeting rooms.

Restaurants

With all the incredible food options around, we leave town in a food coma every single time. Here’s some options we recommend checking out!

Easy Tiger

Established in 2011, Easy Tiger has always been a bake shop crossed with a beer garden, with all three current locations offering some mix of beer on tap, live music, arcade games, designated kid zones, and fresh baked pastries. This is a great spot to enjoy a relaxed evening with friends and to soak up the local sights and city energy, as well as to get a taste for the celebrated Austin music artists and food.

Black's BBQ

It’s hard to pick our favorite Austin barbecue when there are so many great ones out there. Though Franklin and La Barbecue are cult favorites, we’ll never stop going back to Black’s Barbecue. Located on Guadalupe St. in a neighborhood commonly referred to as The Drag, Black’s BBQ has been in Austin since 2014, but in Texas over 90 years –their first restaurant opened in Lockhart, TX in 1932. Still a family run business, we love the classic Texas feel and, of course, the legendary barbecue.

Arbor Food Park

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of Austin’s many food truck parks. Perfect for when you can’t decide what you want until you’ve seen or smelled the food, or are with a group that can’t all agree on a single restaurant, food truck parks offer the convenience of having many different food options while also offering a central eating area for your party to regroup at. One of our favorites is Arbor Food Park, which offers plenty of shaded picnic tables and some of Austin’s best food options like street tacos from Cuantos Tacos and homemade pizza from Sammataro.

Shopping

Austin has plenty of spots for shopping, like 2nd Street District, South Congress Avenue, and The Arboretum. Here are a few of our favorite shops to stop in when we’re in town.

Yeti Flagship

While it’s been around for a few years, Yeti’s Flagship store continues to offer customers a way to engage with the brand in a fully immersive retail environment that includes design features like a shark suspended from the ceiling and a music stage supported by Yeti coolers. The store screams outdoor adventure while holding onto some classic Austin cultural elements. In addition to shopping for your favorite Yeti products, you can also enjoy different community events hosted by the flagship store like film screenings and music concerts.

Charm School Vintage

There are countless vintage and antique stores in the city, one of our favorites being Charm School Vintage. Specializing in pieces from the Victorian Era, 30’s, and 70’s, Victorian era, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece here unlike anything else in your wardrobe. Check out this collection and others while in Austin! If you want to learn a bit more about the resale market before your trip, be sure to read our white paper too!

Outdoor Voices

Popular active lifestyle brand Outdoor Voices (OV) got its start in Austin, Texas, so it only makes sense to visit their flagship store while you’re here to check out the latest women’s and men’s activewear. Located along Austin’s iconic South Congress Avenue, the store aims to bring in classic Texan elements like native flora and fauna, and design references to Texas’s hilly landscape and endless blue skies. While you’re here, you may even pick up a piece or two for those group runs and walks being hosted by Restaurant Spaces.

S. Congress Ave

Beyond Outdoor Voices, there are plenty of hot spots along S. Congress Ave. Here’s a short list of some of our personal favorites, and you can check out the rest of our recommendations here.

Maufrais – A chic boutique offering curated fashion collections and accessories for the discerning shopper.

ByGeorge – A renowned fashion destination known for its carefully curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, and home goods.

Tiny Grocer – A cozy neighborhood grocery store, specializing in locally sourced and artisanal products, offering a unique shopping experience.

Everlane – A popular clothing brand well known for its sustainable and ethically made apparel and accessories, offering modern and timeless pieces for conscious consumers.

Drinks with Activities

In addition to eating and shopping, we like stopping by Upstairs Circus and The Driskill Hotel for a quick drink mixed with a fun activity. At Upstairs Circus, you can work on your own DIY project like jewelry making and leather working while enjoying a specialty cocktail or local brew. The Driskill Bar is another favorite of ours for the pure joy of absorbing the architecture and design of the space. Founded in the late 1800s by a wealthy cattle baron, The Driskill Hotel offers an iconic and historic look into Austin’s luxury and hospitality filled past. Self-proclaimed as “as Texas as it gets,” you won’t want to miss out on a drink at The Driskill Bar during your stay in Austin.

To name all our go-to spots in Austin would be a hefty task, but we hope this small list is a helpful start in planning your next trip! Whether you’re indulging in mouthwatering barbecue, browsing eclectic boutiques, or sipping cocktails infused with local charm, Austin offers a variety of experiences waiting to be explored. You can find these spots along with a few others on a map we’ve created here.