Austin Stay Guidebook
Food scene
Fish, oysters & surf 'n' turf are dished at this laid-back spot with an open kitchen & shaded patio.
398 locals recommend
Perla's
1400 S Congress AveFish, oysters & surf 'n' turf are dished at this laid-back spot with an open kitchen & shaded patio.
Chic Middle Eastern restaurant with a massive, stunning mezzanine. They book up far in advance so make a res asap or go during happy hour.
115 locals recommend
Aba
1011 S Congress AveChic Middle Eastern restaurant with a massive, stunning mezzanine. They book up far in advance so make a res asap or go during happy hour.
Chic option for inventive New American fare, cocktails, beer & wine in a bright space with a patio. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails
151 locals recommend
June's
1722 S Congress AveChic option for inventive New American fare, cocktails, beer & wine in a bright space with a patio. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails
The best pizza in town! Enjoy on a picnic table out front or grab to go.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveThe best pizza in town! Enjoy on a picnic table out front or grab to go.
Mod patio bar serving beer, wine, cocktails & punches along with burgers from adjacent food trailer. Great anytime of day, including happy hour!
36 locals recommend
Joann's Fine Foods
1224 S Congress AveMod patio bar serving beer, wine, cocktails & punches along with burgers from adjacent food trailer. Great anytime of day, including happy hour!
Classic local ice cream chain with more than 350 rotating flavors
Founded way back in 1984, Amy's has become a frozen treat behemoth with 15 stores across Austin, Dallas, and Houston -- and the ice cream's just as good as it was in the beginning. The bafflingly long list of flavors can include anything from Apple Pie to Lemon Cheesecake to Chipotle Chocolate, and you're bound to find at least a few that get your mouth watering.
397 locals recommend
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveClassic local ice cream chain with more than 350 rotating flavors
Founded way back in 1984, Amy's has become a frozen treat behemoth with 15 stores across Austin, Dallas, and Houston -- and the ice cream's just as good as it was in the beginning. The bafflingly long list of flavors can include anything from Apple Pie to Lemon Cheesecake to Chipotle Chocolate, and you're bound to find at least a few that get your mouth watering.
Coffee & Wine
Combining the complementary cultures of coffee, culinary, spirits, and bikes under one roof. And serving up the best of all of them. Plus, it's just around the corner from my house!
31 locals recommend
The Meteor
2110 S Congress AveCombining the complementary cultures of coffee, culinary, spirits, and bikes under one roof. And serving up the best of all of them. Plus, it's just around the corner from my house!
Groceries
Cute little grocer a block from the house with organic produce, healthy fresh and frozen goods, non-parishibles & a deli.
17 locals recommend
Tiny Grocer - Opening March 8th @ 8 am
1718 S Congress AveCute little grocer a block from the house with organic produce, healthy fresh and frozen goods, non-parishibles & a deli.
Your main, large grocery store and pharmacy with anything you could think of.
1667 locals recommend
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdYour main, large grocery store and pharmacy with anything you could think of.
Shopping
By George is Austin’s surefire bet for fashion-forward designer lines. The beautifully merchandised By George carries the latest from labels like Joie, Zero Maria Cornejo, Madison Marcus, Lanvin, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga and more. Note that each of the two locations carry completely different merchandise, so you won’t see any repeats if you visit both!
40 locals recommend
By George
1400 S Congress AveBy George is Austin’s surefire bet for fashion-forward designer lines. The beautifully merchandised By George carries the latest from labels like Joie, Zero Maria Cornejo, Madison Marcus, Lanvin, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga and more. Note that each of the two locations carry completely different merchandise, so you won’t see any repeats if you visit both!
Iconic boot shop open since 1977, with over 10,000 boots on display
Upon entering Allens, you're immediately hit by the rich smell of leather. Among the rows upon rows of boot, you'll find popular brands like Lucchese, Justin, and Frye, in every color and style (and price) imaginable, plus western apparel and hats, all being browsed by an assortment of characters ranging from grizzled cowboys to wide-eyed tourists. Even if you're not in the market for a new Western wardrobe, you owe it to yourself to stop in and find out your actual boot size.
136 locals recommend
Allens Boots
1522 S Congress AveIconic boot shop open since 1977, with over 10,000 boots on display
Upon entering Allens, you're immediately hit by the rich smell of leather. Among the rows upon rows of boot, you'll find popular brands like Lucchese, Justin, and Frye, in every color and style (and price) imaginable, plus western apparel and hats, all being browsed by an assortment of characters ranging from grizzled cowboys to wide-eyed tourists. Even if you're not in the market for a new Western wardrobe, you owe it to yourself to stop in and find out your actual boot size.
Independent bookstore selling used, collectible, vintage, and unique books
South Congress Books is a bookworm's delight; the inventory includes a huge selection of vintage and collectible books on many subjects, as well as loose engravings for framing. Suddenly got an urge to pick up a first edition copy of The Right Stuff signed by Tom Wolfe himself? This is the place to do it. Looking to while away a few minutes before your Lyft arrives? Still the place to do it.
279 locals recommend
South Congress Cafe
1600 S Congress AveIndependent bookstore selling used, collectible, vintage, and unique books
South Congress Books is a bookworm's delight; the inventory includes a huge selection of vintage and collectible books on many subjects, as well as loose engravings for framing. Suddenly got an urge to pick up a first edition copy of The Right Stuff signed by Tom Wolfe himself? This is the place to do it. Looking to while away a few minutes before your Lyft arrives? Still the place to do it.
Boutique featuring the local label's chic, relaxed clothing & leather goods for women & men. And the best damn candles you'll ever smell!
11 locals recommend
esby apparel
2124 S Congress AveBoutique featuring the local label's chic, relaxed clothing & leather goods for women & men. And the best damn candles you'll ever smell!
Gorgeous one of a kind vintage garments, from special occasion dresses to everyday tees, denim, accessories & vintage Playboys!
26 locals recommend
Feather's Boutique
1700 B South Congress AveGorgeous one of a kind vintage garments, from special occasion dresses to everyday tees, denim, accessories & vintage Playboys!
Happy Hour
Hip patio lounge nestled in the center of the Hotel San Jose
The lounge is kind of a hidden gem as it’s not visible from Congress; that said, those in the know just slink past the lobby to the courtyard lounge for micheladas, frosé, and Texas beers. In addition to happy hour specials Monday - Thursday from noon to 5 pm, the Lounge also hosts events ranging from tarot readings to DJ sets.
209 locals recommend
Hotel San Jose Lounge
1316 S Congress AveHip patio lounge nestled in the center of the Hotel San Jose
The lounge is kind of a hidden gem as it’s not visible from Congress; that said, those in the know just slink past the lobby to the courtyard lounge for micheladas, frosé, and Texas beers. In addition to happy hour specials Monday - Thursday from noon to 5 pm, the Lounge also hosts events ranging from tarot readings to DJ sets.