A cultural guide to Austin

“Keep Austin Weird” is a slogan you’ll still see on T-shirts and bumper stickers all over the Lone Star State capital, but this isn’t a kooky little Hill Country town anymore. Instead, Austin has evolved into one of America’s worst-kept secrets, with a youthful, rapidly expanding population turning Weird City into a serious Southern heavyweight. They’re attracted by the legendary nightlife and live-music scene here, of course, but also by the seemingly endless outdoor options, from accessible hiking and biking trails to refreshing lakes and watering holes.

While Austin isn’t as grungy as it used to be, it has held onto its carefree, easygoing attitude which, when combined with Texas’s bankable sunshine, makes it a perennial contender to be one of the best city-break choices in the country. 

Food & drink

The sizzling passion Texans have for barbecue is well documented, and whether you’re a dedicated meathead or merely brisket-curious, there’s something here for you. Heavyweights Franklin Barbecue, The County Line and La Barbecue have all been smoking-hot fixtures for years—and for very good reason. But there’s also an exciting cluster of newcomers to sink your teeth into, including award-winning Asian smokehouse Loro and mouthwatering Egyptian-Texan game changer KQ BBQ.  

Another Austin culinary obsession: authentic Mexican food (which Texans call “interior Mexican” to distinguish it from Tex-Mex). Try it at top local spots like upscale Suerte or Fonda San Miguel for regional specialties. For a taste of Tex-Mex, try family-friendly Enchiladas y Mas or Mi Madre’s Restaurant, famous for its breakfast burrito.

For drinks, you’re spoilt for choice, too. Areas to target include Rainey Street, where a quaint row of Craftsman-style bungalows have been turned into hipster-friendly bars and restaurants; and East Sixth Street, home to a string of lively bars, breweries and neighborhood restaurants (don’t miss Lazarus Brewing, Whisler’s and Midnight Cowboy in particular).    

Music

Austin is officially the Live Music Capital of the World (the city trademarked the name in 1991), with more than 250 venues of all shapes and sizes hosting regular gigs, from up-and-coming acts to global superstars. For jazz, the underground Elephant Room is hard to beat, while you can two-step at White Horse or Sagebrush, discover your new favorite act at the Continental Club or The Far Out Lounge & Stage, and embrace your inner Texan at The Little Longhorn Saloon, “the honkiest tonkiest beer joint in town.”

To be frank, finding great music venues here is like shooting fish in a barrel—and it’s even easier during Austin’s two major music festivals, SXSW (South by Southwest) in March and Austin City Limits in October, which both attract some of the biggest bands in the world.