Around Town: Downtown/Rainey Street Geraldine's DOWNTOWN RAINEY STREET Rainey Street is a one-of-a-kind entertainment district — an urban canyon where luxe high-rises tower over historic bungalows-turned-bars. Whether it’s quiet cocktails or all-night dance parties, you’ll find it here. but delicious. Dig into a wagyu beef smash burger and fries, plain or loaded. The New Haven-style pies at Salvation Pizza have a crispy thin crust and zesty sauce. Open until midnight for the perfect end to your night! Welcoming hangout Augustine makes bright, fresh cocktails mixed with juices and local spirits. At colorful Parlor Room , indoor and outdoor bars keep the drinks flowing during comedy shows, DJ nights and vinyl parties. Hoist a pint under the shade of a pecan tree on the patio of The Stay Put , Rainey Street's first brewpub. DINING Feast on modern Mexican at Tómalo Grill , serving fresh Peruvian ceviche and rich chicken con mole tacos in a modern Yucatan-inspired space. Texas goes global at Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt . Try lamb birria with arbol pepper harissa, while live music acts hit the stage every night. The handmade pastas at MICHELIN Green Star and Bib Gourmand winner Emmer & Rye put the spotlight on heirloom grains. Don’t leave without trying the creamy cacio e pepe. Vibey tropical pub Anthem goes multicultural with clever Asian-Texan fusion like brisket rangoons, shishito pepper queso and boozy piña old fashioneds. More is more at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden , where you can choose from 15 sausages and over 200 draft beers, plus pit BBQ from the smokehouse. NADC Burger inside Idle Hands keeps things simple NIGHTLIFE Cocktails are a true craft at Half Step , from the variety of specialty ice to the fresh-squeezed juices. People watch from a picnic table or catch live music inside. When you need a snack, Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts out front makes fresh donuts to order. Try the Dalmation, topped with chocolate and hazelnut. The party goes on at Clive Bar . You can find bar trivia, comedy shows, watch parties, DJs and dancing at this rustic nightspot. Savor a balmy Texas evening at Lucille Patio Lounge in the shady backyard. Swing on a hammock with a seasonal cocktail to maximize your relaxation. Lustre Pearl has everything Austin loves — an eclectic vibe, backyard bar games and lots of premium whiskeys. Take in the breeze upstairs on the open-air deck. The space is tiny but the attitude is big at Little Brother Bar , where you can get a quality cocktail or a shot and a beer. EXPERIENCE AUSTIN’S LATIN CULTURE 28 visitaustin.org AUBRIE PICK Visit Tejano Trails ’ 24 cultural sites, starting at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (reopening fall 2025). Browse handmade goods by women of color at pop-up Frida Friday ATX . Bilingual Teatro Vivo highlights Latin plays and performers. Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival celebrates Tejano accordion music each April, while the Puerto Rican Cultural Center presents dance and music from the island. Go to visitaustin.org/corazon for more ideas.
Austin Insider Guide 2026: Page 28
