Around Town: East Austin Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop Suerte infused negroni. The Butterfly Bar @ The VORTEX is both a cocktail bar and a whimsical butterfly sanctuary. On-site food truck Patrizi’s specializes in handmade fettuccine. Nerd out with drinks and games at fantasy tavern The Tiny Minotaur . Dainty Dillo ’s roomy riverside backyard is a breezy evening retreat. Keep cool with frozen Mexican martinis at retro patio bar Chalmers . Americana/country venue The White Horse has daily music and regular two-stepping lessons. King Bee features blues jams and dance parties in their old-school club. Palm Springs-inspired bar Kitty Cohen’s is complete with a poolside patio. Punk rock dive Hotel Vegas and compact dance club The Volstead Lounge share an expansive backyard with food trucks and a stage. Sip natural wines under patio string lights at LoLo Wine . Try the signature ArModelo at no-frills La Perla Bar . On Saturdays, dig into the free Africa Night buffet at Sahara Lounge . Taste South African wines at cozy Cape Bottle Room . Colorful Lovebirds is date night-ready, with romance-themed cocktails. The Egyptian barbecue at KG BBQ at Oddwood Brewing earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation. Southeast Asian flavors elevate the snacks and cocktails at indoor-outdoor Lao’d Bar . Pair your pint with a savory kolache at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches . Dig into late-night hush puppies and daiquiris at Cajun Lil’ Easy . An airplane hangar is now a roomy beer hall and brewery at Central Machine Works . Second-floor hangout Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar pours smoky mezcal cocktails. Kinda Tropical brings island vibes with fruity frozens and creative margaritas. EXPERIENCE AUSTIN’S BLACK CULTURAL DISTRICT Explore Six Square , Texas’ first Black cultural district. Learn about the history of Black Austinites and discover talented artists at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center and the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility . Tour Huston-Tillotson University , Austin’s oldest university and a historic HBCU. Visit Rogers-Washington Holy Cross Historic District , a landmark mid-century neighborhood developed by and for Black professionals. Hear East Austin’s untold stories with Black Austin Tours or explore at your own pace on a self-guided Black History Bike Ride . Go to visitaustin.org/ soul for more ideas. SHOPPING Explore indigenous and Latin stories at neighborhood bookstore Red Salmon Arts/ Casa de Resistencia Books . At RichesArt Gallery , pick up colorful art or take a graffiti class. Plan a spa day with bath soaks and salves from Take Heart . Charm School Vintage ’s pre-loved clothes can help create your own personal style. Curl up with a book and bubbles at Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar . Discover sculpture, textiles and more by female artists at Women & Their Work . LEFT TO RIGHT: CHAD WADSWORTH; ANDREW REINER ENTERTAINMENT Hands-on children’s museum Thinkery has two floors of educational fun. The plays at Ground Floor Theatre uplift community voices. ColdTowne Theater hosts nightly improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. Each mini-golf tee at indoor Holey Moley Golf Club has its own colorful theme. 43
Austin Insider Guide 2026: Page 43
