Austin Picks

    Posted by Regan

If you are in town for SXSW, check out my picks for everything from coffee and dinner, to shopping and sightseeing.

Late Night eats or Hung-Over Brunch

Kerbey Lane

2700 South Lamar Blvd

For round-the-clock breakfast (try the special pancakes), great migas, and can't-miss queso dip.

Lamberts

Fancy-ish Dinner

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

401 W 2nd Street

Lambert's serves "modern Texan cuisine" (that's BBQ with a high-class twist). Go there for high-quality smoked meats, innovative sides, and great homemade desserts.

 

Meet for Drinks

Hotel San Jose

1361 South Congress

There's no way you'll be scoring a room at this cool bungalow-style hotel, but you can still stop by for happy hour. Sip micheladas in the outdoor lounge area, chat with cute local hipsters, and maybe even catch a glimpse of David Byrne.

Coffee

Great coffee is in abundance in Austin. These places also have free wi-fi.

Jo's

1300 South Congress

Flipnotics

1601 Barton Springs Road

The entrance to Little City

Little City

916 Congress

Indulge in Chic Shopping

Inside By George

By George

524 N. Lamar Blvd, and also at 1400 South Congress

Between both locations, you'll find everything from jeans and contemporary collections like Philip Lim 3.1, and Rag and Bone, to surprisingly serious fashion labels (for central Texas) like Marni, Lanvin, and Proenza Schouler.

Blackmail

1202 South Congress

Go back to black at this monochromatic store that carries styles from Victorian-goth to retro-50s, plus the quintessential Texan accessory: cowboy boots.

Sabia

1100 S. First Street

Stock up on natural (not in a crunchy way) beauty products like Aesop, Jurlique, and Red Flower at this chic modern apothecary.

 

Get a Souvenir

Storyville

2001 A Guadalupe Street

Remember your trip with a limited-edition t-shirt from the Austin outpost of this shop whose mission is "to celebrate local artists and designers while encouraging individual expression." Amen!

 

To escape from SXSW madness, grab some local beer (Real Ale Live Oak) and head to Mt. Bonnell for a gorgeous sunset over the Colorado River.

3800 Mt. Bonnell Drive

Comments

[Meg]

Kerbey Lane can't be beat. Best combination I've found there----mimosa and a California omelette.