Austin Recommendations

[Webster]

Every year, a bunch of friends and I gather in a different city for the Super Bowl (a callback to days watching MNF in law school). This year, we decided to do Austin -- mostly because we wanted a new city which wouldn't be frigid and our wives would kill us if we did somewhere tropical. However, none of us have ever been to austin before.

Any recommendations regarding things to do, places to eat (we want to do one night at a fun place another for steak), bars/music scenes, etc. would be appreciated. We're staying at a hotel downtown and are willing to cab it anywhere.

Thanks.

 

[BrianGriffin]

Sixth Street. Continental Club on Congress Ave. My favorite Viet place called 888 on Oltorf (if it's still open...haven't been to Austin in quite a few years now). That's a start, but far from a finish.

And if your wives are shoppers, the largest outlet mall in the U.S. (it's actually two Outlet Malls - one Tanger and one Premium Outlets) are side-by-side in San Marcos, about 30 minutes south of Austin on I-35. It's almost a mile of outlet mall when you stretch it from the beginning of one to the end of the other.

 

[finishthehat]

South Congress over Sixth Street. I forget the name of the good Tex-Mex place there that my wife always takes me too, so I'm not much help.

It's not a buddy-trip kinda thing, but the LBJ Library/Museum is on the UT campus -- it's not that great, but is currently undergoing a massive renovation. if you're renting a car, drive around the Hill Country -- maybe have a vague destination in mind like the LBJ Ranch, and take the smaller roads to get there.

Or go to Hippie Hollow and get naked, if shrinkage won't be a problem.

 

[Greenhorn]

For a relaxed atmosphere for a drink, try the lounge at the Driskill Hotel (which is from the 1880s) on Sixth Street. Also Fado, an Irish pub, on Fourth is great too.

A walk along the Colorado River (just south of Downtown) is good for some exercise.

 

[Big Circus]

It's a little out of town, but if you're a carnivore, the Salt Lick is a must. Go hungry and BYOB.

 

[Webster]

It's a little out of town, but if you're a carnivore, the Salt Lick is a must. Go hungry and BYOB.

Someone told us that the place is great.

It's a guys trip, although we're 10 married guys in our 40s with cumulatively about 30 kids and 300 extra pounds between us. The pace has slowed way down.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Salt Lick has a restaurant adjacent to the minor league ballpark in Round Rock -- I'm sure the atmosphere doesn't match the original, but the food is still damn good and it's an hour closer.

 

[Big Circus]

It's a little out of town, but if you're a carnivore, the Salt Lick is a must. Go hungry and BYOB.

Someone told us that the place is great.

It's a guys trip, although we're 10 married guys in our 40s with cumulatively about 30 kids and 300 extra pounds between us. The pace has slowed way down.

If you do hit the Salt Lick, it'll be 350 extra pounds by the time you leave.

 

[rmanfredi]

I enjoyed eating at Iron Works when I stayed there once for SXSW. Nice, scenic location near the river.

 

[rtse11]

It's a little out of town, but if you're a carnivore, the Salt Lick is a must. Go hungry and BYOB.

Someone told us that the place is great.

It's a guys trip, although we're 10 married guys in our 40s with cumulatively about 30 kids and 300 extra pounds between us. The pace has slowed way down.

If you do hit the Salt Lick, it'll be 350 extra pounds by the time you leave.

+1. Well worth the visit.

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

6th Street is where you want to be if you want to have a good time boozing.

Salt Lick is delicious BBQ, but it's an all-cash place. No credit cards allowed.

 

[Sweeney Todd Frohwirth]

Big, big fan of Salt Lick and Iron Works and have heard great things about Franklin BBQ, too. Also really enjoyed Eastside Cafe and, if the weather's nice, Hula Hut. Austin's a tremendous city.

 

[JayFarrar]

The Salt Lick was on the last episode of Top Chef. Made me hungry

 

[Clerk Typist]

The City Grill on Sixth Street, presuming it's still there. Haven't been to Austin in ages, but I endorse it heartily. Get there in March. SXSW is not to be missed.

 

[SpeedTchr]

To hell with that tourist trap (Salt Lick). If you want real meat, head to Luling or Lockhart (easy, short drives from Austin). Barbecue heaven.

Want a late night freak show with great food? Try the Kerbey Lane Cafe on Guadalupe right next to UT.

Don't mind spending money on steak? Try TRIO at the Four Seasons Hotel.

 

[spikechiquet]

6th Street is where you want to be if you want to have a good time boozing.

Salt Lick is delicious BBQ, but it's an all-cash place. No credit cards allowed.

Nope, I was there a few months ago and used my card, but bring cash in case I am delirious. It's cheap...20 bucks will get you change back.
Get the smoked turkey and sausage for sure on 4-meat combo. I didn't try the beef ribs, but the brisket and pork ribs were awesome.

6th St. is a must.
Austin City Limits is cool to at least walk by. If you like line-dancing (who doesn't) there is a few dance halls around ACL as well.

 

[BrianGriffin]

To hell with that tourist trap (Salt Lick). If you want real meat, head to Luling or Lockhart (easy, short drives from Austin). Barbecue heaven.

Want a late night freak show with great food? Try the Kerbey Lane Cafe on Guadalupe right next to UT.

Don't mind spending money on steak? Try TRIO at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Star Seeds makes Kerby Lane look like a Cracker Barrel, in terms of clientele.

I hope Star Seeds is still there. Had good grub there late one night while the waiters alternated the CDs between old Clash and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Had some really, really good buckwheat pancakes at Kerby Lane one day though. Good stuff.

 

[SpeedTchr]

You are correct, Star Seeds is a bit on the ummmmmmm, alternative side. Ha!
Austin has some great late-night eats.

 

[BrianGriffin]

You are correct, Star Seeds is a bit on the ummmmmmm, alternative side. Ha!
Austin has some great late-night eats.

I loved that I could go to me little Viet place, 888, at 1:30 in the morning. Nothing like pho at 1 a.m. with a few drinks in ya.

 

[Webster]

Thanks to all -- great time in the city. Did Max's Wine Dive and Vince Young's Steakhouse for dinner. We ate both days around South Congress. 6th Street was a little young for us, but there were some nice places in the Red River Street area which were more our speed.

The rumored line at Franklin's was too long -- did Iron Works, which was very good.