2026-08-28 08:55:40
Congress Avenue delivers excitement around the clock. Dig into breakfast tacos or smoky barbecue for lunch, explore world-class art during the day, and listen to live music and sip cocktails at night — all in one action-packed neighborhood.
Dig into a giant beef rib with vinegar sauce at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Tacodeli’s all-day tacos are packed with barbacoa or veggies. Share creative small plates at Swift’s Attic, like charred edamame topped with pop rocks. Head to the upstairs speakeasy for a 10-course omakase experience at HokkaiSan, an authentic Japanese grocery store.
Choose from more than seven eateries at upscale food hall Fareground. Bring your meal to the outdoor Ellis lounge and enjoy craft cocktails under a massive oak.
Brunch on challah French toast at cottagecore Fat Rabbit Social House. Skipjack Oyster, located inside The Westin Austin Downtown, impresses with oyster shooters and seafood towers.
Mediterranean eats come with stunning views at rooftop lounge P6 at The LINE Austin. Veggies go glam at maximalist, plant-focused Jupiter Supper Club. House-made pastas at Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria offer a taste of the Old World.
Nights come alive at Speakeasy, with three stories of music and bowling. Sample saisons and witbiers at Belgian beer bar Mort Subite. Live jazz ignites the stage every night at basement club The Elephant Room.
Secretive Small Victory is date-night ready, with dim lighting and classic cocktails. Retro-themed Saturn Cocktail Club pairs cheeky drinks with fancy hot dogs. Not drinking? Booze-free Sans Bar serves creative mocktails every Friday.
Get expert recommendations, shop for souvenirs and hop on a city tour at the Austin Visitor Center — grab a latte from onsite 5th & Brew before you start your adventure.
Discover thought-provoking photos, sculptures and installations at The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center. Explore Latin art at the Mexic-Arte Museum in the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. Moving in spring 2027; see website for updates.
Two historic venues — The Paramount Theatre and The State Theatre — still enchant audiences with comedy, music and film screenings after 100+ years. Closed for renovations through spring; see website for updates.
Capping off Congress Avenue, the Texas State Capitol stands tall with its impressive rotunda and lush grounds.
Lady Bird Lake is an urban escape for kayaking and paddleboarding. Trek the lakefront Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail under the shadow of the downtown skyline.
See more than one million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge at dusk from spring through early fall. And catch the Austin Bat Fest in late summer for live music, vendors and a kid-friendly costume contest.
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