Edit: Austin Guide

I am extremely picky about where I eat and stay. So if it makes it on to a guide, it’s worth it. Starting a collection of guides in cities I visit to share my top picks.

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AUSTIN

Where to Stay

• I stayed at The Commodore Perry Estate, and it was an absolute dream. If you are in to details this is the place for you. Your key is an actual vintage key, every room is decorated impeccably making you feel like you are actually staying at an estate house. The service was amazing and prompt, and even the food was good! It’s rare I can say an accommodation checked all the boxes, but they did.

• If you want to stay closer to downtown I would suggest Austin Proper Hotel. Definitely a busier hotel, but styled immaculately by Kelly Wearstler. Lots of dining options at the hotel to choose from and also walking distance to many of Austin’s best restaurants.

Where to Eat

Coffee & Light Bites / Breakfast

• Proud Mary – Aussie-style café, known for incredible coffee and thoughtful breakfast

• Manana – Stylish café with great matcha, pastries, and light bites

• The Meteor – Cool bike + coffee shop, great for casual hangs; known for Fronks nut milk

• Elizabeth St Cafe – Vietnamese-French bakery/cafe, chic spot for breakfast or lunch

• Juiceland – Juice & smoothie chain, quick and clean option

• Hanks – All-day café with cozy vibes and a great breakfast menu

• Merit – Minimalist coffee shop, excellent quality beans

• Picnik – Paleo-friendly café with butter coffee and gut-health-friendly eats

Brunch & Casual Daytime

• Maaribu – Very cute new, wellness focused cafe

• Two Hands – Australian café, brunch-focused, fresh, and millennial-friendly

• Paperboy – Modern, elevated brunch. Worth the hype, but go early

• Cafe No Sé – Trendy with a California-coastal feel. Solid all-day brunch and cocktails

Dinner / Destination Dining

• Odd Duck – Seasonal, farm-to-table, inventive flavors, one of the best in Austin

• Launderette – Retro-chic, great for dinner with stylish flair

• Suerte – Upscale Mexican, masa-focused, great vibe

• Clark’s – Seafood, great patio, elevated but chill

• Red Ash – Italian wood-fired steaks and pastas; book early

• Lenoir – Romantic, seasonal cuisine with a beautiful garden patio

• Comedor – Sleek design, modern Mexican, memorable dining experience

• The Well – Healthy upscale fare, great for a wellness-forward dinner

• Este – Sister to Suerte, coastal Mexican, buzzy and fresh

• Birdie’s – Counter-service fine dining

• Aba – Lush Mediterranean restaurant, beautiful space and share plates

• ATX Cocina – Upscale, gluten-free modern Mexican, great for group dinners

• Dai Due – Nose-to-tail butcher shop meets restaurant; hyper-local and rustic

BBQ & Tex-Mex

• Salt Lick BBQ – Classic, smoky, and a bit of a drive—worth it for the experience

• Green Mesquite – Old-school Austin BBQ, casual and unpretentious

• Maudie’s – Tex-Mex staple, solid margaritas and enchiladas

• Ramen Tatsu-ya – Legendary ramen, not BBQ but worth the detour if craving comfort

What to Wear

Elevated western wear!! All links here

• Its hot and humid starting in the Spring so I would definitely make sure you don’t take too many layers

• Cowboy boots aren’t necessary, and I would save room to buy some while you are there anyway

• South Congress has lots of cute shops if you want to do some shopping while you are there!

• Skirts and t-shirts!!

xx,

Sam