This past weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to Austin for the first time!
My parents came to visit, so my husband and I took full advantage of free babysitting to get away for a 3 day weekend. This October marks our 8th year of marriage and it couldn't have been better.
From our accommodations, to the food and the cocktail scene, everything in Austin was so pleasant.
One full day and two half days were not near enough time, but financially it was for the best we didn't stay an additional day hahah. Here are the spots we hit.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
111 E Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701
If you're wanting to be downtown, this location is perfect. It was walkable to locations in South Austin, as well. I loved how stylish and modern this hotel was - everything was beautiful inside!
The LINE is situated right along the Colorado River right off the South Congress Bridge
The lobby area at The LINE - so gorgeous
Our room overlooking the river and the thoughtful note and drink tokens they left for us
FOOD + DRINK:
LUCKY ROBOT: sushi
1303 S Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Lucky Robot is the first sustainable sushi restaurant in Texas.
My favorite items were the 'cool tastings' : toro tuna + fig, and the king cebiche salmon dish.
These flavor pairings were unlike anything I've ever had before.
The sake cocktails were also really refreshing - I had never had sake as a mixed drink before that dinner!
A really good foodie experience.
Salmon nigiri, flor + shi-so fresh sake cocktails; king cebiche cool tasting plate at Lucky Robot: Austin, TX
HIGH NOTE: brunch
300 S Lamar Blvd, Suite A
Austin, TX 78704
Fresh offerings of more traditional breakfast foods.
Tip: get the pitcher of mimosas! They also have a really lovely outdoor patio that is pet friendly!
The breakfast sandwich, breakfast skillet and mimosas from High Note: Austin, TX
ZANZIBAR: small plates + spirits
304 E Cesar Chavez Street, Unit 700
Austin, TX 78701
So when Zanzibar says they serve small plates, they are small...haha.
We bought 3 hand rolls, the tamari stained deviled eggs, the jerk chicken wings and still left hungry...
so I would not go here if you're looking for a full meal.
BUT that said, all of the food was delicious. The deviled eggs were my favorite, topped with a wasabi tobiko.
In addition, the view from the terrace is gorgeous.
They also offer pool passes where you can hang out during the day and enjoy their rooftop pool and cabanas.
The view and the food from Zanzibar, 7 stories up in Austin, TX
P6: small plates + spirits
At The LINE Hotel
Similar to Zanzibar, the city views from P6 make it extra special.
From the 6th floor, you overlook the South Austin skyline.
You can also watch for the infamous South Congress bats if you go at night.
The plates are appetizer size and Mediterranean inspired - we got the beef carpaccio and spanikopita.
Both were really flavorful, but I found the spanikopita to be overpowering with garlic.
It stuck with me throughout the night and even after a few times brushing my teeth...
Our spread at P6 - try the Sundown Cobbler cocktail!
SECRET BARS...
Apparently secret bars are a thing in Austin.
We tried Here Nor There and the Firehouse Lounge.
Both are located across the street from each other.
Here Nor There requires a reservation request using their App - once approved you are granted a key code to get in the gate. HIGHLY RECOMMEND going here.
They only serve cocktails - but they are the best cocktails you will ever have! I promise you that!
Photos are prohibited at Here Nor There, but the attendant was kind enough to take a photo after we came back out :)
MURALS:
There are SO many cool murals in Austin - we only conquered a few...
You're My Butter Half:
2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Austin, TX 78702
*If you're going without a 3rd wheel to take your photo ;), there's a handy phone stand that will do it for you! Someone was thinking ahead!
I Love (Voting) So Much:
1300 S. Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
I would say this mural is what I think of when I think of Austin.
Right now it says "I Love Voting So Much" in honour of the upcoming election...
This was a little disappointing, but we will just have to go back :)
Willie for President:
1423 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
This is right down the road from the I Love You So Much mural, so get them both at the same time!
This mural is exactly how I'm feeling right now...
Tau Ceti:
Brazos and 2nd St.
Austin, TX
This mural was created by artist Josef Kristofoletti.
Its title, "Tau Ceti", comes from a star in the constellation Cetus.
It's a really mesmerizing mural and spans 103 feet, making it the tallest mural in Austin!
FINAL TIPS:
- Make reservations for meals to avoid disappointment
- Park your car - it's easy to get around on Ubers and scooters throughout the city; we used the Lime app
- Be prepared to spend money haha
- Talk a walk! From the murals to the gorgeous river, there is so much to take in!