Keepin’ It Weird

Your guide to the land of barbecue and live music. 

Let me just start off by saying, this ain’t my first rodeo (!). I love Austin—it’s one of my favorite cities. In fact, if I didn’t absolutely adore Raleigh, I’d choose to live there (though, honestly, I don’t know if I could stand that scorching heat…). 

Nevertheless, it’ll be easier than ever to pop over for a long weekend getaway thanks to Delta’s extra added flight to ATX taking off in April.

Similar to Raleigh in many ways, Austin and its “weirdness”—or quirkiness, if you prefer—is exactly what makes it so attractive. Each hip sector of the city boasts its own distinct vibe—from Sixth Street’s (aka the famous entertainment district) lively bar scene to South Congress Avenue’s kitschy shops and restaurants to East Austin’s diverse cuisine and culture. 

NTM the Live Music Capital of the World is, well, a mecca for music lovers (see, namely, South by Southwest and ACL Fest that attract top talent every year) and food and bev fans alike, what with its ever-growing cast of sip and sup spots gaining national attention. In the same vein as our own City of Oaks, ATX is also home to a variety of green areas and outdoor activities.

A sister city of vibrance, entertainment, excitement and all around fun, Austin promises to be a weird—er, exhilarating—getaway. Here, a few spots to set the soundtrack of your trip.

Rowing Dock

DO

Rowing Dock
Row, row, row yourself gently down Lady Bird Lake via kayak, pedal kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard rentals as you feast your eyes on Austin’s skyline—and get a pic for the ’Gram, natch. Relax and meander through the water, or BYO bait to try your luck at catching a fish or two. Bonus: You can even paddle with your pooch via canine-friendly SUPs. rowingdock.com 

Barton Springs Pool
Splish, splash! One of Austin’s crown jewels, this natural spring-fed watering hole remains at a cool 68–70 degrees, making it ideal for a year-round dip. Located within Zilker Park, its teal waters are surrounded by grassy embankments for those itching to soak up some rays, while various trees offer shade for when the sun becomes too unbearable (it’s bound to happen). austintexas.org

Bat Bridge Kayak Tour
The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bat colony that emerges from under the Congress Avenue Bridge nightly is quite the sight to see—and even cooler from a POV on the water. Observe the natural wonder by kayak as your tour guide schools you on the nocturnal creatures, all while enjoying a beautiful Austin sunset and superior skyline views. #GoneBatty! lonestarkayaktours.com

EAT

Granny’s Tacos
I could write an entire dissertation on Austin’s breakfast taco scene (So. Many. Great. Options.), but Granny’s Tacos might be my favorite. Served out of a simple food truck on East 7th and East Caesar Chavez streets, these bad boys are the real deal thanks to family recipes passed down by generations and scratchmade salsas, marinades and seasonings. My go-to is a bacon, egg and cheese brekkie taco, but the migas is also delicious. Taco ’bout a great way to start the day! grannystacosatx.com

Gabriela’s Downtown
For immaculate brunch vibes, look no further than this happenin’ Mexican spot boasting locations in East and South Austin. Post up on the spacious outdoor patio and groove to the beat of a live DJ while chowing down on authentic fare (pro tip: Order the choriqueso) and sippin’ on elaborate drinks (see: the signature “Sparklers” served in a literal blender). It’s giving clubby Miami resort—and I’m here for it. @gabrielasdowntown 

Terry Black’s Barbecue
You can’t go to Austin without eating at Terry Black’s. Period. The inevitable long line is beyond worth it for the legendary Central Texas pit-smoked meats and housemade sides. For the full experience, order the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, juicy sausage, and creamy mac and cheese. But really the best way to do it is to bring a crew and try it all. terryblacksbbq.com

Ramen Tatsu-Ya
It’s not all tacos and BBQ in Austin—the city’s ramen game is also strong, and one visit to this noodle haven touting five ATX locations is all the proof you need. The “Japanese soul food” spot is a collab between local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto—and you can bet their heart-warming bowls put that 10-cent grocery store ramen to shame. ramen-tatsuya.com 

DRINK

Flat Track Coffee Roasters
Rise and grind with a visit to this industrial biker-themed coffeehouse and cafe serving up all your fave coffee and espresso bevs made with freshly roasted beans and custom house blends. The cute and quaint patio is the ideal perch for enjoying a cuppa, along with baked goodies like croissants, cookies and kolaches. flattrackcoffee.com 

Cosmic

Cosmic
An escape within an escape, both Cosmic locations are nationally recognized wildlife habitats showcasing local art, music, purveyors and craft beer in a lush outdoor-focused setting. Backdropped by serene water features, flora and fauna, and various vibrant art, the all-day oasis makes for the perf gathering space to enjoy a coffee by day, or something a little stronger by night. cosmichospitalitygroup.com 

Upstairs at Caroline
Where my rooftop bar lovers at?! You could—and should—spend the whole afternoon whiling away at this “urban backyard party” above Caroline Restaurant offering comfy lounge spots, colorful picnic tables and games galore (think giant Jenga, foosball, cornhole and checkers) in a secluded yet funky AstroTurf-covered terrace. NTM refreshing drinks and snacks that are a perfect match for day (or night) drinking. carolinerestaurant.com

Low Down Lounge
I’m a dive bar gal at heart (cheap drinks FTW!), and luckily Austin has no shortage of them. This retro-esque East Sixth drinking den has it all: decently priced cocktails, shots (they make a mean pickleback), beers and seltzers; pool; a hangworthy patio; and a plethora of pop-up events with food, music, comedy and more. The lowdown? No matter what’s going on, you can always expect a good time. lowdownlounge.com