East Austin by a Native Austinite

Do Austin right. Save the secret spots that only native Austinites know about, and avoid the chains. Get the lay of the land of East Austin, one of the best neighborhoods for bar hopping, people watching, and dancing the night away. Come for the food trucks, stay for the two-steppin'.

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East Austin

East Austin

@stanzie

Formerly a run down part of the city with boarded-up windows, East Austin has been revitalized over the past 10 years as a go-to spot for dive bars, street art, food trucks, and hidden gems.

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🍹Drink

The White Horse

@stanzie

You haven't been to Austin if you haven't been to a honky-tonk, and you haven't been to Texas if you haven't gone two-steppin'. You're in luck - The White Horse has got you covered with both. Don't know how to two-step? The White Horse offers lessons Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. You'll be cuttin' a rug in no time. Dance up an appetite? Grab a taco at the backyard taco truck and have a real Austin night out.

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Shangri-La

@stanzie

Storied dive bar and dance scene, Shangri-La is one of those places that has an unmistakable energy as soon as you walk through the doors. Check out their daily happy hours or swing by for themed dance nights, ranging from Sock Hops to Discos. If you're able to get into Shangri-La during SXSW, you might see a celebrity or two serving drinks behind the bar. I may or may not have gotten a beer from Bill Murray.

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Ah Sing Den

@stanzie

Ever wanted to travel back to a 1920s speakeasy? Well, you're in luck - Ah Sing Den is your portal to the past. Duck inside and enjoy craft cocktails in a moody setting perfect for a date night or evening out with friends.

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Whisler's

@stanzie

Whisler's offers a cozy vibe inside and a big seating area outside. Excellent cocktails and friendly bartenders that can make you pretty much anything. Pssst... ask about the secret tequila cave upstairs. You won't regret it.

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☕️ Caffeinate

Cosmic Saltillo

@stanzie

Truly *massive* coffee shop & bar with several indoor and outdoor seating areas, inviting water features throughout the property, and great drinks. Excellent spot for the entire family to relax. Don't miss the rooftop patio for some great city views.

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Try Hard Coffee Roasters

@stanzie

Funky coffee spot with records always spinning by artists I bet you've never heard of. Looking for a quintessential "hipster Austin" experience? This is it, and in the best way.

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Bennu Coffee

@stanzie

24/7 coffee house with tons of thrift store seats and tables ripe for study sessions. Bennu offers fair trade coffee and sandwiches, tacos, etc. from local spots. Get the Iced Bennu. Trust me. While Bennu is excellent the vast majority of the time, it's a spot to skip during UT finals and mid-terms. This place gets packed with students cramming for tests and is best avoided during those weeks.

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Palomino Coffee

@stanzie

Palamino is one of the rare locations that offers truly Instagram-worthy vibes and excellent coffee. You'll also find plenty of parking and free Wi-Fi. There isn't a plethora of seating at Palomino, so if you're looking for a place to chill for a lengthy period, I suggest choosing another spot on my "Caffeinate" list.

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🍲 Eat

Uptown Sports Club

@stanzie

Located in a formerly vacant building that sat empty for over 15 years, Uptown Sports Club provides New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a brasserie setting. Open for everything from coffee to nightcaps. Bring your wallet and make a reservation if you're hoping for a dinner seat.

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Tamale House East

@stanzie

Don't fix what ain't broke. Tamale House has been an East Austin staple since 1958 and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Order at the counter or with a server (ask when you get there) and get the Tamale Plate. If the weather's nice, grab a margarita and explore the Magical Secret Tamale House gardens out back.

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Nixta Taqueria

@stanzie

Nixta made their mark on Austin a couple of years ago with their family-owned, fair-wage, vegetarian-friendly taco spot. Counter-service only, Nixta offers unpretentious vibes and truly excellent food. The tortillas alone are worth the trip (grab a dozen to go after your meal - you'll thank me later).

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Justine's

@stanzie

Austin has a surprisingly strong French cuisine scene, and Justine's might just be top of the pack. It's got it all - tucked away bungalow, steaks, snails, and great wine. Justine's is particularly romantic on chilly nights spent in the cozy dining room, but it shines during the summer with its light-strung back patio.

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☀️ Do

The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

@stanzie

You know all those Instagram photos from your pals with Austin's skyline in the background? Yeah, those are from the Boardwalk. Walk the entire length of Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake if you're from here), and grab a kayak or stand-up paddle board at one of the many spots along the river. Or, just enjoy the trail and take in the view. Water stations are plentiful along the paths, but be sure to hike responsibly. Stay hydrated and don't hike in extreme heat.

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Secret Beach

@stanzie

Not quite as secret anymore, but still a hidden gem that most tourists don't know about. Depending on the time of year, you may need to park a few minutes' walk away from the beach. Access is free and so is parking along the street. Hike responsibly, avoid glass bottles, and wear water shoes to avoid cut feet.

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Austin Bouldering Project - Springdale

@stanzie

Try your hand at rock climbing in a safe, welcoming environment. Day passes and shoe rentals are available for Austin visitors. Austin Bouldering is great for all ages and offers a kid-friendly zone for little ones (with adult supervision). Keep in mind, this is a *bouldering-only* gym and does not offer climbing gear or belay.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stanzie Cote

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🐶 😸 Mom |📍Austin, TX 👋 Hi! I'm Stanzie, a native Austin mom who loves sharing the best parts of my city. Want to see old-school Austin before the chains descended? Here for it! Looking to skip the "Insta-worthy" spots with long lines and bad food? I've got you! Follow me for the places only true Austinites know about. 🗺️ Our family takes epic summer vacations, and I’ve got tons of tips and tricks for everywhere from Los Angeles to New Orleans. I've even taken my kids to Las Vegas, and we had an absolute blast! If you want a unique twist on major tourist destinations, I'm your gal. 🏳️‍🌈 My passion is helping families get the most bang for their buck when exploring new places, but my guides are truly for everyone. I'd love to help you plan your next adventure!

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East Austin, Austin, TX, USA