2026-08-28 09:08:04
With globally inspired kitchens, chic local boutiques and legendary live music, pedestrian-friendly Second Street rewards every curious wanderer. Plant roots on a sunny sidewalk patio here — it’s always margarita time!
Airy ATX Cocina wows with sophisticated Mexican flavors, like short ribs with rich mole coloradito. At posh Lamberts, brisket and aji amarillo pork ribs pair with luxe whiskeys in an 1873 building. Balance fresh nigiri and hot yakitori grill bites at Uchibā, an izakaya-inspired, mid-century dining room.
La Condesa highlights housemade masa in dishes like short rib quesadillas on nutty blue corn tortillas. Get your raw bar fix at Bill’s Oyster with seafood towers and martinis in a NOLA-inspired hideaway. Everyone eats well at earthy spot The Well, whether they avoid gluten, soy, dairy or GMOs.
Dining goes global at the Austin Proper Hotel, where La Piscina serves shareable fajitas and wood-fired seafood on the fifth-floor pool deck. Lobby restaurant The Peacock is Mediterranean inspired, from its flavorful tajines to colorful wall tiles. And Kappo Kappo’s twin chefs bring their French-Japanese heritage to a nine-course omakase under shoji screens.
At easygoing Polvos, the self-serve salsa bar means every bite of tamale or enchilada hits different. Steakhouse VanHorn’s perfects the classics, like dryaged ribeye and gorgonzola creamed spinach.
Serenade at W Austin merges French technique and Texan tradition in a polished brasserie.
Ember Kitchen uses a special charcoal oven to slow-roast citrus-brined chicken. Downstairs, Subterra Agave Bar brings smoky mezcal and sotol to Prohibition-era cocktails.
Linger over sweet or savory crepes at sunny Cafe Crème inside the Austin Central Library. Cocktails at Golden Ace push boundaries with ingredients like sesame oil dust and sea bean.
Browse local and national boutiques on 2nd Street District’s tree-lined promenade. Pick up Tito’s Vodka apparel, barware and dog toys at Love, Tito’s — proceeds support meaningful nonprofits. Browse locally made gifts and art at Atown.
Shopping is an adventure at Toy Joy, with games, quirky collectibles and offbeat gifts to discover. Stop in for nostalgic candy or a scoop of vegan ice cream at next-door Yummi Joy. Performance trainers and stylish kicks elevate your look at slick Sneaker Politics. Treat yourself to handcrafted jewelry from Eliza Page, with conflict-free gems and artisan-made pieces.
Follow the music to ACL Live at The Moody Theater, where artists from Willie Nelson to Maggie Rogers take the stage. The beloved Austin City Limits television show tapes here — enter the lottery for a chance to win free tickets! Learn about 50+ years of local music legends during the ACL Live Venue Tour.
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