The Lone Star state isn't just about country music, cold beer, and South by Southwest, although all these things are pretty fantastic. To help you make the most of your trip down south, we've rounded up an Austinite-approved list of things to see and consume, from excellent Tex-Mex breakfast burritos, to legendary honky tonks. So grab your ten-gallon hat, slip on those Justin boots, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime, Texas-style.
The Lone Star state isn't just about country music, cold beer, and South by Southwest, although all these things are pretty fantastic. To help you make the most of your trip down south, we've rounded up an Austinite-approved list of things to see and consume, from excellent Tex-Mex breakfast burritos, to legendary honky tonks. So grab your ten-gallon hat, slip on those Justin boots, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime, Texas-style.
Craft Pride
Address: 61 Rainey St.
Website: craftprideaustin.com/
They only opened a few weeks ago, but Craft Pride has already made a name for itself pouring sweet suds from the Lone Star state. Grab a brew and head for the patio, where you'll catch local acts playing one of the two outdoor stages, or stay inside and drink yourself under the table trying 18 local craft brews.
Juan in a Million
Address: 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Website: juaninamillion.com
Nothing hits the spot after a booze-soaked bender quite like a breakfast burrito. And Juan in a Million is the only place you'll want to get one. The Austin hotspot is known for its Tex-Mex, but breakfast is where its menu really shines. Just ask the Travel Channel, who featured it on their show Man vs. Food. Make like Adam Richman and attempt the Don Juan taco, a gluttonous pile of egg, potato, bacon and crazy amounts of shredded cheese.
The Continental Club
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave.
Website: continentalclub.com
Playboy named it their favorite Austin bar, and for good reason: The Continental is chock full of excellent shows and even more excellent liquor. We're big fans of their art shows and honky tonk music. And we're not the only ones—Hank Williams III is known to stop by on occasion.
Waterloo Records
Address: 600 N. Lamar Blvd.
Website: waterloorecords.com
Talk about standing the test of time: Waterloo is 29-years-old, and it's no less relevant to the Austin scene than it was years ago. The music mecca is home to a wide variety of Texas genres, from folk to rock, and naturally, blues. They still let you listen to an album before you buy it, and if you don't like it, just bring it on back.
Torchy's Tacos
Address: 1402 Hether St.
Website: juaninamillion.com
Texas is famous its for Tex-Mex cuisine, a fiery blend of spices, cheese, and beans unlike any other. And Torchy Tacos knows how to cook it, from hand-battered portobello strips to grilled jalapeno sausage, and a killer queso dip. This is one meal you won't want to miss.
Stubb's
Address: 801 Red River
Website: stubbsaustin.com
Live music. Cold beer. What more could you want? Stubb's also has some of the best barbecue this side of the Guadalupe River, so don't forget to load up your plate once you've saved a spot by the stage.
The Driskill
Address: 604 Brazos St.
Website: driskillhotel.com
This downtown landmark is the perfect place to drop in for a pre-show cocktail. Soak in the marble floors and the stained glass dome, then mosey over to the bar for a happy hour so cheap (margaritas are $3; beers are $3) even your most frugal friends would have to approve.
Jackalope
Address: 404 E 6th St.
Website: jackalopebar.com
This self-proclaimed "vintage dive bar" is also one of Austin's friendliest, where the bartenders will top off your whisky, no questions asked. Pose with your friends and the jackalope in front, or geek out on the Japanese horror films on the TV. Either way, you're sure to stay amused. And tipsy.
Franklin Barbecue
Address: 900 E. 11th St.
Website: franklinbarbecue.com
What started in a trailer has become a Central Austin mainstay, where finger-licking barbecue is a rite of passage. Franklin Barbecue is so damn good, its brisket and other smoked goodies have received mentions in Texas Monthly and on The Cooking Channel, along with being dubbed "the best barbecue in America" by the grandaddy of food bibles, Bon Appetit. Clearly, they're onto something.
RELATED: Justifying the Two-Hour Wait for Brisket at Franklin Barbecue
The Broken Spoke
Address: 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Website: brokenspokeaustintx.com
You won't want to miss this honky tonk, even if you suspect the place is packed with Dolly Parton wannabes. The Broken Spoke has been around since the days of Bob Willis, and we'll take them at their word when they promise the best chicken fried steak in Texas. A little dancing and down home cooking never hurt anyone, trust.
