Around Town: Downtown/Second Street PLAY VIDEO Bill’s Oyster DOWNTOWN SECOND STREET 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! 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 dry-aged 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 DINING 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 house-made 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-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 . boundaries with ingredients like sesame oil dust and sea bean. SHOPPING Sneaker Politics 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. 32 visitaustin.org TOP TO BOTTOM: JANE YUN; SNEAKER POLITICS 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 .
Austin Insider Guide 2027: Page 32
