The lady and I are looking to visit Austin in the near future but neither of us have ever been there. Interested in hearing from some locals on places to stay, best food options, best areas to live, etc?

We've heard a lot of positive things from folks we know and many "well to do" associates as well.

So, whats the deal with Austin?

 

I-35 is the worst highway in the Universe for traffic! The 6th street area is great for bar hopping. See the bats emerge at dusk from under the 6th st bridge...

 

6th? Or Congress ??

 

Franklin Barbeque, best BBQ on the planet.

http://www.10best.com/destinations/t...klin-barbecue/

 

What about living areas? Anything close to the river worth looking into?

 

You might want to explore the Lake Travis area North of town. There is a nice road into and out of Volenta beach from the South or North. They have lopped off both ends of the curvy parts with a 4 lane boulevard, but still about a 100 turns of direction in about 11 miles of distance. Housing varies along the way, but most is high end!!!

 

You want to stay west of MoPac unless you are going to work downtown. East of MoPac, but west of I-35 has some nice older neighborhoods, but can be pricey. Traffic in Austin can be a nightmare if you live/work in the wrong "direction". But if you plan where you live accordingly, the traffic can be no big deal.

When you say river, you could me Town (Lady Bird) Lake, Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lake Marble Falls...you get the picture, they are all more rivers than lakes. Lake Travis, because it is not a constant level lake (flood control) can be a pain because when it is low it can be difficult to access unless you have a slip on the lake. Right now it it extremely low due to the drought conditions over the past few years.

Tons of great places to eat. I like to send visitors to Chuy's on Barton Springs road, as it one of the remaining places that reminds you of how Austin was before it grew so much. The whole "Keep Austin Wierd" thing. The food is good too! Try the steak burrito.... Plenty of bars and live music in the downtown area. Sixth street is more for the younger (college age) crowd, and the fourth street/warehouse district is more for the slightly older (and older like me...) crowd, although I do enjoy sixth street occasionally.

Several great roads to drive west of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, which a few of us do regularly. One of which is Lime Creek Road (the one I believe Milton is referring to).

Welcome and enjoy your stay.

 

Great info, thanks!

 

Downtown is horrible with the construction btw if you bring your vette. Mine's not lowered and it gets dicey in certain areas.

 

 

Guerro's on South Congress

The Oasis or Rough Hollow Yacht Club on Lake Travis

are good places to eat

 

The Oasis is one of Austin's "must see" attractions. Food is mediocre but view is worth it...( never been to Rough Hollow). You can have drinks @ The Oasis and then fade across the street (SR620) to Steiner Ranch Steak House for an outstanding (but pricey) meal.

Cars & Coffee 1st Sun of every month @ the Oasis if you are here then.

 

Beepster.....Slight correction.....SECOND Sunday of every month....Next....June 9th....And Yes, Oasis is a must see!

Wolfman

 

Oops, my bad. 2nd Sunday is correct!