Co-op Recommends: Best of Austin

Not sure what to do when you're in Austin? We polled the office and put together a list of our Austin-favorites!

Restaurants // West Campus // Tex-Mex // Breakfast Tacos // BBQ // Kid-Friendly // Photo-Ops // Must-See // Shopping

First thing's first: a color coded map of Austin. There are corresponding colored dots next to each location to help you maximize your time in each part of Austin.

Best Restaurants

• JOSEPHINE HOUSE // WEST AUSTIN

"This is the CUTEST little cottage to dine at. The vibe is great and the food is better!" –Kate, Marketing Manager

1601 Waterston, Austin 78703 | 512-477-5584 | josephineofaustin.com

Flower Child

(photo credit: @atxpartygirl)

• FLOWER CHILD // NORTH

"I've been twice in the last week... No shame. " –Kate

11721 Rock Rose, Austin, TX 78758 | 512-777-2493 | iamaflowerchild.com

• TRUE FOOD KITCHEN // DOWNTOWN

Healthy conscious food with gluten-free and vegan options.

222 West Ave HR100, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-777-2430 | truefoodkitchen.com

• SEARSUCKER // DOWNTOWN

"Don't be a sucker, go to Searsucker." –Patrick, Creative Director

415 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-394-8000 | searsucker.com

Cenote

(photo credit: @cenoteaustin)

• CENOTE // EAST AUSTIN

Coffee shop with farm-fresh eats and light bites.

1010 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 | 512-524-1311 | cenoteaustin.com

• JACOBY’S // EAST AUSTIN

Southern classics with a fresh twist.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 | 512-366-5808 | jacobysaustin.com

• ODD DUCK // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Think Americana tapas meets a stellar cocktail menu – can't go wrong! Great place to take a date!" –Nicole, Graphic Designer

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-433-6521 | oddduckaustin.com

Peached Tortilla

(photo credit: @peachedtortilla)

• THE PEACHED TORTILLA // NORTH CENTRAL

"The brunch is killer!" –Kate, Marketing Manager

5520 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX 78756 | 512-330-4439 | thepeachedtortilla.com

• CLARK’S OYSTER BAR // WEST AUSTIN

"Their Hamburger Happy Hour is a steal! Follow it up with an urban thike through the beautiful Clarksville neighborhood located just behind it" –Nicole

"Lobster macaroni and cheese..." –Kate

1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703 | 512-297-2525 | clarksoysterbar.com

• • • HOPDODDY // MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

"Their burgers are delish and their honey mustard is the shiz, and their beers on tap are supercold." –Patrick

"Black salt margaritas. Do ittt." –Kate

"A fresh craft burger paried with chili queso friends and a milkshake is the ultimate trifecta of deliciousness. The line always moves quicker than it looks!" –Joelle, Associate Buyer–Women and Children

South Austin: 1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-243-7505 | hopdoddy.com

Central Austin: 4615 N Lamar Blvd #307, Austin, TX 78751 | 512-335-2337 | hopdoddy.com

North Central: 2438 W Anderson Ln #100, Austin, TX 78757 | 512-467-2337 | hopdoddy.com

Gordough's

(photo credit: @heyheyitsphoebelay)

• • • GOURDOUGH’S // MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

"Everything you never knew you wanted on your donuts." –Kate

South Trailer: 1503 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 | gourdoughs.com

Downtown Pub: 209 W 5th St Suite B, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-645-0255 | gourdoughspub.com

North Central Trailer: 5000 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 | 512-297-2525 | gourdoughs.com

Where to Eat in West Campus

• FREEDMEN’S // WEST CAMPUS

"They've got a lunch special that's a BBQ sandwich, a side, and a beer for 11 bucks. What else do you need to know?" –Patrick

2402 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-220-0953 | freedmensbar.com

• FRICANO’S // WEST CAMPUS

"The best Reuben sandwich in town" –Patrick

2405 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-482-3322 | fricanosdeli.com

• KUNG FU TEA // WEST CAMPUS

"For when you've met your Frappuccino quota for the week and you need a little soemthing different. Endless flavor choices!" –Nicole

801 W 24th St D&E, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-531-9871

Texas French Bread

(photo credit: @texasfrenchbread)

• TEXAS FRENCH BREAD // WEST CAMPUS

"Okay, the lunch special is perfection: a half sandwich, side (soup, salad, or a cup of fruit), chips and salsa, a cookie, and a drink. THEN go back for dinner and experience culinary perfection!" –Kate

2900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-499-0544 | texasfrenchbread.com

• KERBEY LANE CAFE // WEST CAMPUS

"I go for the queso. No regrets." –Kate

2606 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-477-5717 | kerbeylanecafe.com

Best Tex-Mex

• HABANERO // SOUTH AUSTIN

"If you've had too many adult beverages the night before, the carnitas plate at Habanero is your new best friend." –Patrick

"This place is great! Make sure you bring cash! They don't take credit cards!" –Kate

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-416-0443 | habanerocafe.com

La Condesa

(photo credit: @alonshaya)

• LA CONDESA // DOWNTOWN

"I would eat the cauliflower steak every day of my life if I could." –Kate

400 W 2nd St A, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-499-0300 | lacondesa.com

• MATT’S FAMOUS EL RANCHO // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Matt's is classic Tex-Mex and they've got the best frozen margs in town." –Patrick

"QUEESSSOOOOO!" –Kate

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-462-9333 | mattselrancho.com

• POLVOS // SOUTH AUSTIN

"DON'T MISS THE SALSA BAR!!!!!!!!!" –Kate

They have the freshest tortillas along with a great frozen margarita selection. Grab a pitcher and sit outside for the perfect weekend night vibe." –Joelle

2004 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-441-5446 | polvosaustin.com

Best Breakfast Tacos

• JUAN IN A MILLION // EAST AUSTIN

"Make sure you shake Juan's hand when you walk in!" –Kate

2300 E Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas | 512-472-3872 | juaninamillion.com

Taco Joint

(photo credit: @simminandu)

• • TACO JOINT // MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

"Open-faced Migas tacos. They're HUGE! You're welcome." –Patrick

South Austin: 134 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-599-5144

Campus: 2807 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712 | 512-473-8223

• EL TACORRIDO // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Okay, the tacos are great, but order an Equinox drink with an extra shot of espresso. I dream about this drink." –Kate

2316 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-912-1939

• • • • TACODELI // MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Austin based taco chain.

South Austin: 1500 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746 | 512-732-0303 | tacodeli.com

Central: 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 | 512-419-1900 | tacodeli.com

North Central: 7301 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757 | 512-467-9999 | tacodeli.com

North: 12001 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758 | 512-339-1700 | tacodeli.com

• MI MADRE’S // EAST AUSTIN

"Classic taco options paired with game changing salsa, and they never skimp on the cheese." –Joelle

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 | 512-322-9721 | mimadresrestaurant.com

• TORCHY’S // MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

"Go to the original trailer location on South 1st. It's a complete Torchys + Austin experience. Oh! And get some nookies for dessert!" –Kate

Literally too many too list | torchystacos.com

Best BBQ

• TERRY BLACK’S // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Some of the best BBQ in town without the wait" –Patrick

"Parents in town? Just got done with swimming in Barton Springs? This is your stop!" –Nicole

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-394-5899 | terryblacksbbq.com

Franklin Barbecue

(photo credit: @franklinbbq)

• FRANKLIN’S // EAST AUSTIN

"Go early!!!! We got in line at 9am and ate at 12:30pm. People bring lawn chairs and games. Someone even had a TV! We made friends with the people in line next to us, and it was a blast. Oh, and wear sunscreen!" –Kate

"This is a MUST try if you haven't been, because face it – the brisket is life changing." –Joelle

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 | 512-653-1187 | franklinbarbecue.com

• RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BBQ // WEST AUSTIN

"I grew up on this BBQ. Rudy's BBQ sauce is probably in my DNA." –Kate

2451 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 | 512-329-5554 | rudysbbq.com

• STUBB’S BAR-B-Q // DOWNTOWN

"Stubb's is an experience. Go for a show and grab a bite to eat beforehand. I haven't been, but I've heard their gospel brunch is to die for!" –Kate

801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-480-8341 | stubbsaustin.com

Best Kid-Friendly Attractions

• ZILKER PARK // SOUTH AUSTIN

351 acres full of trails, playscapes, picnic areas, Zilker Zephyer and home to Barton Springs Pool.

2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746 | 512-974-6700 | austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park

Thinkery

(photo credit: @thinkeryatx)

• THINKERY // MUELLER

Interactive children’s museum.

1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723 | 512-469-6200 | thinkeryaustin.org

Best Austin Photo-Ops

• GIANT BEVO // WEST CAMPUS

"We may be biased because we work here, but the Giant Bevo is a really great photo opportunity!" –Kate

411 W 23rd St, Austin, TX 78705

I Love You So Much Mural

(photo credit: @becca_mc)

• I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MURAL AT JO’S COFFEE // SOUTH AUSTIN

"This is honestly the most Austin photo you will ever take. Get coffee at Jo's while you're there!!" –Kate

"Great patio for people watching, and their iced turbo is out of this world!" –Cindie, Visual Merchandising Manager

1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• HOPE OUTDOOR GALLERY // WEST AUSTIN

"Love the vibe of this place, and it has a great view of the city! Perfect photo op!" –Cindie

1008 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703

• STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN STATUE // SOUTH AUSTIN

Statue of guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan at Auditorium Shores

Auditorium Shores, Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin, TX 78704

I Love You So Much Mural

(photo credit: @irenesaustin/)

• IRENE’S WALL // DOWNTOWN

You can’t go to Irene’s without getting the classic photo in front of their neon sign.

506 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-298-0853 | irenesaustin.com

• MOUNT BONNELL // WEST AUSTIN

"Great view of the lake and the summit is totally picture perfect. It's not a difficult hike–you won't need hiking shoes–but definitely bring your nice camera. You'll get tons of great photos!" –Kate

3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731

• THE GREEN BELT // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Perfect place to be on a sunny day. Grab your pup and hiking shoes for a super fun adventure! Don't forget your swimsuit so you can shill out in the various waterholes around the trails." –Joelle

3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704

The UT Tower

(photo credit: @ahotelparty/)

• THE UT TOWER // CAMPUS

"It’s the UT tower. Enough said." –Kate

W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705

Don't Miss This!

• SOUTH CONGRESS AVE // SOUTH AUSTIN

"Okay, this is my favorite place to shop and hang out. There's great food, great drinks, great shopping, live music, and a fantastic view of downtown." –Kate

South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

• TEXAS CAPITOL // DOWNTOWN

"The capitol's exterior is made of pink granite. It's very unique and you'll learn a lot about Texas history when you visit!" –Kate

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-463-4630 | tspb.texas.gov

Lady Bird Lake

(photo credit: @jennaabennaa)

• LADY BIRD LAKE // DOWNTOWN

"Some of my favorite city views comes from paddling through this like in my kayak!" –Joelle

Austin, TX

• BAT WATCHING AT FOUR SEASONS // DOWNTOWN

Four Seasons is a great place to post up and watch the bats come out from underneath the Congress bridge.

98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-478-4500

• CONCERTS AT GUEROS // SOUTH CONGRESS

"Live music in the courtyard on Sundays. Great spot for a margarita and relaxing under the trees." –Cindie

1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-447-7688 | guerostacobar.com

Best Local Shopping (Other than the Co-op)

• C. JANE // WEST CAMPUS

Women’s clothing boutique.

2346 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 | 512-236-1435 | cjane.com

Southern Hippie

(photo credit: @shopsouthernhippie)

• SOUTHERN HIPPIE // CENTRAL AUSTIN

Women’s clothing boutique.

3500 Guadalupe St B, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-819-0878 | southernhippie.com

• PARTS & LABOUR // SOUTH AUSTIN

Eclectic souvenir shop.

1704 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-326-1648

Uncommon Objects

(photo credit: @uncommonobjects)

• UNCOMMON OBJECTS // SOUTH AUSTIN

"This is the coolest place in Austin. They have unique oddities. That's the only way to describe it." –Kate

1512 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-442-4000 | uncommonobjects.com

• STAG PROVISIONS // SOUTH AUSTIN

Men’s clothing boutique.

1423 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-373-7824 | stagprovisions.com

• FEATHERS BOUTIQUE // SOUTH AUSTIN

"From always finding great unique pieces to the fabulous customer service, I always have the best experience shopping here!" –Joelle

1700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-912-9779 | feathersboutiquevintage.com