Central 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 Central Austin, one of the least-visited neighborhoods in the city - and thus, one of the best for touring Austin like a local. Let's do this.

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Central Austin

South Austin

@stanzie

South Austin is where tons of local Austinites live, as there are more affordable neighborhoods than most other parts of the city at this point. Over the past 10 years, South Austin has grown into a thriving area of town with tons of fun bars, family-friendly spots, and easy chances to explore native wildlife. South Austin is where the fewest number of Austin visitors go - and they miss out on a lot of magic.

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🍹Drink

Double Trouble

@stanzie

Double Trouble is a triple threat: excellent drinks, great coffee, and killer tacos. Come for all three and enjoy North Loop, a section of Central Austin that contains the original Austin charm everyone moved here for. If you have kids, be sure to explore the back left yard for a kid-friendly zone with hilly turf spots and fun murals.

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Draught House Pub & Brewery

@stanzie

One of the few Austin spots where you *might* get a side-eye or two from the regulars if they can smell you're a toursist. Don't worry, the bartenders are pleasantly gruff and will be happy to walk you through the hilariously extensive beer menu. Order a Bud Light if you want to get kicked out.

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Lala's Little Nugget

@stanzie

It's Christmas all year 'round at LaLa's, but we won't hold that against 'em. This is a dive bar in the best sense - you'll get sticky floors, fluorescent lighting over pool tables, and bartenders who've worked there as long as you've been alive. Enjoy, pal.

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Yard Bar

@stanzie

Bring all the animals - dogs, kids, and teenagers - to the Yard Bar. You'll get a chill atmosphere, a fenced-off dog park, and plenty of seats at the picnic tables. We like to bring a couple of decks of cards and enjoy some beverages over a few hours with the kids. This spot is almost exclusively outdoors (it's in the name, y'all), so skip it if it's too hot or cold outside during your visit.

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☕️ Caffeinate

Monkey Nest Coffee

@stanzie

If you're like most elder Millenials such as myself, you yearn for the days of coffee shops with teenagers behind the counter, cushy couches, and a solid cup of straight caffeine. Monkey Nest is our neighborhood coffee shop, and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been renovated since 1997. I wouldn't have it any other way.

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Brentwood Social House

@stanzie

Female-owned and operated coffee spot and community engagement center. In addition to excellent coffee, Brentwood offers amazing quiches and croissants. If you're looking for a solid breakfast that won't break the bank, look no further than Brentwood Social House.

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Epoch Coffee

@stanzie

Another coffee shop in Austin that's stuck in time in the best possible way. Journey to Epoch and enjoy a cup of joe with Austin locals studying for class, writing a book, or just surfing the free WiFi. Grab a spot at the bar for prime people watching. Parking isn't great at Epoch. If you can't find a spot, park on a local side street. Just pay attention to neighborhood parking hours.

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Barrett's Coffee

@stanzie

Barrett's doesn't just do coffee. In addition to roasting their own beans, they make their own seltzer water and will deliver cold brew to your door (excellent option if you're staying local).

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🍲 Eat

Phil's Ice House

@stanzie

Phil's Ice House is where you go for solid burgers - include veggie! - and great fries. Phil's only uses local ingredients and they make every burger to order. Mix it up and ask for regular & sweet potato fries on the side. Don't fill up too much on your burger though. You'll want to head over to Amy's Ice Cream next door and grab a scoop of their daily flavor. Get a free topping if you know the movie quote on the board. Excellent choice for families with tons of outdoor seating in a fenced-in play area with a playground and Amy's Ice Cream cows to climb on.

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Foreign & Domestic

@stanzie

Honestly, F+D is one of the most reliably delicious restaurants in Austin from the past 15 years. It's a small place so reservations are almost always necessary, but the menu is worth the wait. Come hungry.

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KHON Thai Kitchen by Seeda

@stanzie

Y'all, I eat here almost every week. It's that good. Family-owned and operated, KHON Thai provides some of the best Tom Kha soup I've ever had, and in absolutely huge portions, to boot. Try them out if you're looking for something filling, delicious, and easy to takeaway or dine in.

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Fonda San Miguel

@stanzie

Fonda San Miguel has been an Austin staple for as long as I can remember. We celebrate birthdays here, we have company Christmas dinners here, and we bring people when family is in town. Fonda San Miguel probably isn't the best Mexican restaurant in the city, but it's in the top 5 and the interior design of the place brings it up a few notches. They even made a book about it, y'all.

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☀️ Do

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Village

@stanzie

You might have an Alamo in your neck of the woods by now, but they started here... and they're still the best here. Alamo Village is one of the oldest locations of the entire Alamo brand, and it's worth a trip if there's a movie you want to see. If you've never seen a movie at the Alamo, you've got to try it. They have a menu the entire family can enjoy (my son gets the chocolate cookies every time - they're fresh-baked to order), and they show both new releases and film classics. Check the website to see what's playing during your trip. Just don't talk. Like, at all. You will 100% get kicked out. You've been warned.

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Okasan

@stanzie

Oh, you thought vintage stores were only downtown? Wrong. One of the best ones is in Central Austin, and it's a must-do. Female-owned and operated, Okasan specializes in Japanese vintage and 70s fashion. They also have a killer sales rack - get to diggin'. Park once and enjoy the next one on the "Do" list.

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Asahi Imports

@stanzie

My kids may or may not have a running tab at this place. Just sayin'. Asahi is a Japanese grocery & import store and has basically everything. Looking for Kit-Kats (IYKYK)? They've got 'em. Want a rice ball or 5? Come on in. Hankerin' for some Pocky? They've got tons. Asahi also offers great prices for sake, Japanese beer, and other Japanese drinks like milk tea. Get that stuff here instead of the grocery store if you're stocking up the AirBnB.

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Breakaway Records

@stanzie

If you want a solid record store experience but don't want to brave the trek to Waterloo, then Breakaway is your spot. They've got a solid collection, friendly staff, and a wide array of record accessories if you need a new needle or want to grab an all new player. I like browsing the Soundtracks section for some weird finds.

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Blue Velvet

@stanzie

Formerly in West Campus near UT Austin, Blue Velvet has been my go-to shopping spot since I was a freshman.... in high school. The prices are super competitive, the tunes are great, and you're going to find items that are one-of-a-kind. I grabbed a 1960s floor length maroon velvet dress here for $40 last month. Yeah... you need to check 'em out. Park once and enjoy Epoch Coffee, Blue Velvet, and Breakaway Records all at once. They're in the same shopping center.

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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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