Welcome to Austin, the food lover's paradise! After checking into your hotel, kickstart your culinary journey with a visit to Franklin Barbecue. This legendary BBQ joint is known for its mouthwatering brisket and ribs. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it's worth it! In the afternoon, head over to the South Congress Avenue and explore the vibrant food truck scene. Indulge in a variety of cuisines from tacos to Thai, and don't forget to try the famous Hey Cupcake! For a delightful evening, make your way to Rainey Street, a charming neighborhood lined with converted bungalows turned into bars and restaurants, offering a unique dining experience.
Franklin Barbecue: Approx. cost $20 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
South Congress Avenue Food Trucks: Approx. cost $10-15 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Rainey Street: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Juan in a Million, a local favorite known for their famous "Don Juan" breakfast taco. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Torchy's Tacos, a popular taco chain known for their creative and flavorful taco fillings. Try the "Trailer Park" taco with fried chicken or the "Brushfire" taco with Jamaican jerk chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to Uchi, a renowned sushi restaurant offering an innovative and sophisticated dining experience. Enjoy dishes like the "Machi Cure" with smoked yellowtail and yucca crisp. Average cost for a meal is about $75 per person.
Friday, September 15: Exploring Downtown Austin
Start your day with a hearty brunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe, a local favorite known for its delicious pancakes and queso. After brunch, take a stroll around the picturesque Lady Bird Lake and enjoy the scenic views of the city. For the afternoon, head to the vibrant East Sixth Street and explore the diverse range of eateries, from Tex-Mex to Asian fusion. Don't miss the chance to visit the historic Driskill Hotel and grab a drink at its iconic bar. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Rainey Street, where you'll find an array of food trucks and bars offering delectable treats and craft beers.
Kerbey Lane Cafe: Approx. cost $15-20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lady Bird Lake: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
East Sixth Street: Approx. cost $15-25 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Driskill Hotel: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Rainey Street: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty brunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and queso. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, head to East Side King on East Sixth Street to enjoy their Asian fusion dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Rainey Street and grab dinner at one of the food trucks like T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs offering delicious treats. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Saturday, September 16: Foodie Delights and Outdoor Fun
Start your day with a visit to the famous Torchy's Tacos, known for their mouthwatering and creative taco combinations. After breakfast, head to Zilker Park and explore the picturesque scenery. If you're up for an adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. For lunch, head over to the iconic South Lamar area and indulge in gourmet burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. In the afternoon, explore the trendy South Congress Avenue, home to unique shops, local boutiques, and more delectable eateries. End your day with a culinary exploration of Austin's vibrant food scene at The Domain, a lively outdoor shopping center with a wide range of dining options.
Torchy's Tacos: Approx. cost $10-15 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Zilker Park: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
South Lamar (Hopdoddy Burger Bar): Approx. cost $15-20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
South Congress Avenue: Approx. cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
The Domain: Approx. cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off right with a visit to Torchy's Tacos, where you can enjoy their mouthwatering and creative taco combinations. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Indulge in gourmet burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, located in the iconic South Lamar area for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a culinary exploration of Austin's vibrant food scene at The Domain, a lively outdoor shopping center with a wide range of dining options for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Sunday, September 17: Local Flavors and Farewell
On your last day in Austin, don't miss the chance to try the mouthwatering Mexican cuisine at Juan in a Million. Their famous breakfast tacos are a must-try! After breakfast, head to the Blanton Museum of Art and admire the impressive collection of artworks. For a delightful afternoon, explore the vibrant and historic 2nd Street District, filled with charming eateries and unique shops. Lastly, bid farewell to Austin with a delightful dinner at Uchi, a renowned sushi restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.
Juan in a Million: Approx. cost $10-15 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Blanton Museum of Art: Approx. cost $10 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
2nd Street District: Approx. cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Uchi: Approx. cost $40-60 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Try the mouthwatering Mexican cuisine at Juan in a Million for breakfast. Their famous breakfast tacos are a must-try! Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to the 2nd Street District and explore the vibrant eateries. One great option is the charming and delicious Fareground, where you can find a variety of culinary delights. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Uchi, a renowned sushi restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Austin is filled with hidden gems and local favorites for food enthusiasts. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the Eastside Farmers Market, where you can taste a variety of local produce, artisanal products, and delicious food samples. For a unique dining experience, head to Launderette, a converted laundromat turned into a trendy restaurant serving modern American cuisine. Another local favorite is the Odd Duck, known for its farm-to-table concept and innovative dishes. Don't forget to explore the vibrant food truck scene, with favorites like Veracruz All Natural for breakfast tacos and Chi'Lantro for Korean-Mexican fusion delights.