AUSTIN, TX - You’ve heard it a million times. It’s going to be Austin. And guess what? It was.
Last weekend, we got a chance to check out the sights, sounds, and sweet smells of Austin, TX during the Viva Fresh Produce Expo and not once did I feel homesick.
Below, we compiled a list of some of our favorite places to check out in Austin from the bold and flavorful to the weird and hip. Next time you’re in the city, don’t miss these must-see places.
Franklin Barbecue
Believe the hype. This is truly one of the best barbecue joints in town. The brisket was moist and smoky, the pulled pork savory and tender, the sausages flavorful… I could go on forever. Just a few words of warning: Get there early and be prepared to wait in line. You don’t want to miss out on the ribs.
The Driskill
Built in 1886, this classy, extravagant hotel is full of ambient charm, history, and of course, live entertainment. Situated next to the infamous Sixth Street, The Driskill is next door to some of the most prolific bars and restaurants in downtown Austin. Every room in the hotel has a story to tell, including the supposedly haunted Room 525… I even had my own eerie experience in the business center.
Sixth Street
Words don’t do this street justice. It’s an experience in and of itself. Sixth Street is home to good eats, live music, funky entertainment (midget wrestling, anyone?), and all the bars you could ever ask for, each with their own vibrant and distinct personality. Honorable mentions include:
- The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Dine-in cinema by movie lovers, for movie lovers
- The Jackalope
- The Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger was named one of the Best Burgers in the U.S. by Food Network.
- Recess Arcade Bar
- Old-school arcade games and drinks? I’m in.
Baylor Street Art Wall
All the artistic flavor of Austin in one place. There’s something new to see every day, and it’s the perfect place to leave your mark. Climb the walls, check out the art, and catch an awesome view of the city. In this case, pictures speak louder than words.
Craft Pride
Looking for Texas craft beers? This is the spot to be. Cozy atmosphere, an inviting backyard with regularly rotating food trucks, and craft beers galore. Though we didn’t have enough time to try more than a couple varieties on tap, this is a place I could see myself coming back to on the weekends to conquer the board.
The Contemporary Austin Art Museum
The Contemporary Austin Art Museum brings an eclectic mix of exhibitions and a wide collection of some of Austin’s most engaging visual arts. During our stay, the museum spotlighted Tom Sachs’ Boombox Retrospective, which featured a bodega, roving luna explorers, and a presidential bar/DJ booth, and more, all created using boomboxes from the late 90’s and early 00’s.
The Contemporary Austin Art Museum
Whether it was the world-class barbecue, the live music, the eccentricities of downtown, or all of the above, you could feel the youth and energy of the city wherever you go.
We loved Austin, and we’re looking forward to visiting again!
