Downtown Austin by a Native Austinite

For the purposes of this guide, Downtown Austin spans as far north as the Capitol Building and as far south as Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake, and still called that by most locals).

Captain Quackenbush is nestled in a strip mall that's easy to drive past, but it's worth a stop. You'll find great coffee, friendly staff, and a pastry case that always has an unexpected treat you won't find anywhere else. Captain Quackenbush opens the bar side of its doors in the evenings and hosts open mic nights, local bands, and comedy acts.

Radio sprouted up about 12 years ago and forever changed the little strip of Austin between South Lamar and South Austin. It's a bar, coffee shop, home-away-from home, and neighborhood backyard to many families, and is a downright fantastic cafe. Grab a taco from the local taco truck outside, get in line for a beer or a coffee, and find a seat under the huge live oak trees on property. Radio is dog and kid-friendly, and some of the area is fenced in for free roaming kiddos to get the wiggles out. As with most places in Austin, parking is abysmal, so take a rideshare or park in a nearby neighborhood and walk over. Be mindful of towing areas and respectful of local driveways.

Cosmic Coffee is tucked away on a side street off of South Congress Avenue, and is very easy to miss for those who aren't in-the-know. But, when you find Cosmic Coffee once, you'll want to come back again and again. Cosmic provides an oasis of zen, with huge outdoor seating pods, misters and shades for the hottest times of the year, and water features that provide a calming background soundtrack. While Cosmic does offer plenty of yummy boozy beverages, their coffee is truly fantastic and brewed with love. As with most Austin spots, parking is terrible so either bring your patience when arriving or take a rideshare to avoid the headache.

Yes, I'm recommending a Cajun restaurant in Austin and no, I'm not crazy. Evangeline Cafe is owned & operated by a Lake Charles, Louisiana native who decided to bring great Cajun food to the city over 30 years ago and never looked back. And we're all forever grateful. Evangeline is the *only* place I recommend in the entire city to people who want a traditional Cajun meal. It's that good. You'll find Abita beer, red beans & rice, and even alligator on the menu. Order the etoufeé if they've got it - they always sell out. Be mindful of visiting Evangeline during Mardi Gras, as they host local zydeco bands and the tiny restaurant can quickly fill up.

If you're looking for authentic interior Mexican food, look no further than Curra's. You'll still find Tex-Mex favorites like queso here, but you'll also find pulled pork wrapped in banana leaves, unbelievable fresh salsas, and legendary avocado margaritas. Curra's has been a family favorite of ours for decades, and it never disappoints. Prepare for a wait if you have a large party, and like most places in Austin, use a rideshare if you want to avoid parking headaches.

Even though Austin is famous for its barbecue, Mexican food, and vegan restaurants, it's also home to a wide array of fantastic mom-and-pop Thai spots. Sap's is one of the best, and is a great choice both for eating in or ordering out. Service here is always outstanding, and I'm always amazed by the freshness of their seafood. Don't forget to order a Thai tea to go - it's not a true Sap's meal without one.

The LBJ Wildflower Center is one of the gems of the city and is a lovely escape for anyone willing to take the drive. Unfortunately, since the Center is relatively far south, it isn't included in many Austin itineraries. Take this as your sign to make the time and take the trip. Lady Bird Johnson was a nature lover, and Austin benefited from her philanthropy and activism to preserve natural areas of the city for decades after she passed. The LBJ Wildflower Center is a tribute to this First Lady, and is a joy to explore. It takes our family 1-2 hours to see most of the sights of the Center, but it could take you longer depending on how much walking you're up to. If you're visiting Austin in the summer, go to the LBJ Wildflower Center early in the day to avoid the heat. The on-property cafe is actually quite good and a great way to take a break as you explore.