Hidden Austin: How to Visit Like a Local

Image via Complex Original

Location: 5700 Grover Ave.

For nearly 60 years, Austinites have been gathering at this Brentwood atomic age institution. But it's not the bowling that is the main attraction at the Dart Bowl Cafe—it's the enchiladas. They're a perfect specimen of classic Tex-Mex hybrid cuisine, topped with chili gravy and served in a hot plate cradled in a protective trivet. Pro tip: Get them with eggs. 

Location: 404 Krause Spring Rd., Spicewood

On hot days, local swimming holes fill up fast. But drive just 30 scenic miles northwest of Austin to Krause Springs and you’ll find fewer people and more water. There are 32 springs on the property that help feed a manmade pool and a natural swimming hole, plus plenty of room for day-trippers and overnight campers. The large, tree-shaded natural pool features a waterfall, scenic hiking trails across the property, and much less of a chance of finding a full parking lot upon arrival, like at Hamilton Pool or Barton Springs. 

Location: Various

Every year during South by Southwest (or Austin City Limits, or Formula One, or any major event) visitors crowd South Congress to hit its boutiques and vintage stores. But the locals know that the shops on Burnet Road hold real treasure. The three-mile strip of Burnet between 45th Street and Anderson Lane is the longtime home to some of the city's best consignment, resale, vintage, and antique shops. Top Drawer, Second Time Around, Next To New, Thrift House, Uptown Modern, The Antique Marketplace, and the Furniture Depot should get you started, but be prepared to make multiple trips down the street to hit them all. 

At 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings, KOOP broadcasts one of the most beloved, longest-running community radio shows in the country: Jay Robillard's Lounge Show. KOOP describes it as "premium Hi-Fi kitschy fun." Lounge Show is a 20-year-old Austin institution and is the perfect soundtrack for a long drive or a jaunt to pick up breakfast tacos. Serious fans also hire Robillard for sideline work as a wedding DJ. Two other Saturday programs, Graveside Service (music and trivia about notable death anniversaries of the preceding week) and Stronger Than Dirt (underground garage and psyche rock), are equally venerable.

The highest posted speed limit in the United States is on the stretch of SH130 that starts just south of Austin. Sure, it's a toll road, but it's a toll road where the speed limit is 85 mph. Take it to the Circuit of the Americas while pretending to be a Formula One driver, to Black's Barbecue in Lockhart, or San Antonio for a day trip. It gets a little sluggish on the section not between 45 and Seguin, when the speed limit drops to 80, but it's still a respectable and less congested alternative to I-35. 

Location: 713 N. Congress Ave.

All summer long, Austin's Paramount is host to a series of classic films, most of which are presented in thematic double features. Locals adore the opportunity to see movies in this beautifully restored classic theater in the middle of downtown, just a few blocks from the Capitol. The landmark celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and while it has memorably hosted live theater, comedy, and music, its summer film screenings are a signature tradition. 

Location: 5804 S. Interstate 35 Frontage Rd.; 9900 S. Interstate 35 Frontage Rd. #100

Tex-Mex institution Amaya's Taco Village was the longest-tenured tenant in a North Austin strip mall before expanding to a newer, bigger location in the neighborhood and opening a satellite in South Austin. Known for spectacularly toothsome corn tortillas, the menu includes every possible Tex-Mex combo platter and breakfast specialty you could want. There's absolutely nothing new about it, just perfectly rendered versions of the classics and a reminder of when Austin food options had only two answers: Mexican food or barbecue.

Location: 310 Willie Nelson Blvd.

Thousands of visitors come to Austin every fall for the Austin City Limits music festival, but the taping season for the PBS program of the same name isn't just a two-weekend affair. Connections can get you on the list for a taping, but so can signing up for ticket drawings or a willingness to spend time in a standby line. The show is taped at the wonderful Moody Theater, which has no bad seats and boasts fantastic sound quality throughout. Phones are forbidden during tapings and the lighting is brighter than usual, making for a unique concert experience.

Location: 711 Red River St.

For 14 years, Beerland has been the anchor of garage and punk music on the Red River. The building itself is a former garage and it still retains a slightly unfinished feel, making it the perfect place to see young bands play their earliest shows. It's an Austin institution that's especially known for its signs that go up during South by Southwest, when badges and guest lists help no one. It's also the place where Spoon frontman Britt Daniel chose to debut his band Divine Fits to a packed house a couple of summers ago.

Location: Whole Foods, 525 N Lamar Blvd.; Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.; Wheatsville Co-Op, 3101 Guadalupe St. & 4001 S. Lamar Blvd.

It's not an exaggeration to say that grocery shopping in America is where it is today because of Austin. For one thing, Whole Foods started here. Visit the flagship store in downtown Austin, where it's possible to do everything from eating at standalone mini-restaurants to ice-skating on the roof during the winter. H-E-B Grocery Stores also started their Central Market concept here, revolutionizing the idea of gourmet grocery shopping for the entire state of Texas. Its first store on North Lamar is still a paradise for food lovers. For those who mourn the days when Whole Foods was just a single location on Lamar, the two Wheatsville Co-Op locations maintain the smaller, health food store vibe of Austin before the grocery revolution it helped start took off nationwide.

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