Located just north of downtown and the University of Texas campus, the quaint Hyde Park neighborhood is packed with historic charm and walkable sites. The area is bordered on the north and south by 38th and 51st streets, and generally, on the east and west by Guadalupe and Red River streets. That being said, while the area is mainly residential, the neighborhood and surrounding blocks are home to incredible restaurants, boutique shopping and historic attractions that are well worth a visit.
Hyde Park in the 1890s, PICA 02628. Courtesy of the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
History
In 1891, Hyde Park was a remote neighborhood from Downtown Austin. Streetcar service made it possible for Austin’s first suburbanites to settle in the quiet, rural area. Developer Monroe Shipe created wide shady streets lined with handsome Victorian and Craftsman houses (his own home still stands at 3816 Avenue G). Today, Hyde Park is considered part of Central Austin, but its residents continue to take pride in their neighborhood. Read more about Hyde Park's history on the Insider Blog, or visit AustinHydePark.org.
Hyde Park Restaurants
Though Hyde Park may not be a huge area of town, you’ll find plenty of dining options–from American-style fare to French cafes to fresh seafood. Every spot in this area will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a local neighborhood gem.
Allday
Whether you prefer a classic pizza slice or something a bit more adventurous, like pickle pizza, you can’t go wrong at Allday. The cafe features artisan pizzas, chicken parm sandwiches, bakery treats and wine and beers on tap.
ASTI Trattoria
This restaurant serves up fresh, handmade Italian classics and boasts an expansive Italian wine list. Try the saffron seafood risotto with a side of ASTI fries to share, then finish it off with a classic tiramisu.
Biscuits & Groovy
Breakfast lovers rejoice, Biscuits & Groovy has reimagined this southern breakfast staple. With menu items like The Gloria, featuring fluffy biscuits topped with gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, jalapenos, Colby Jack cheese and chives, this food truck is sure to leave you satisfied and ready to start your day.
Bureau de Poste
Located inside of Tiny Grocer, a former Top Chef contestant has crafted a French cafe with perfected classics, including steak and moules frites, escargot, confit duck legs, and half-roasted chicken alongside an extensive wine and cocktails menu.
Feral Pizza
The thin and crispy sourdough pies at Feral Pizza are no joke. The husband and wife team behind this food truck concept are turning out incredible pies.
FoodHeads
Just a block or two south of Hyde Park proper, FoodHeads is a longtime neighborhood spot the locals love. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, serving fresh salads, sandwiches and soups.
Bureau de Poste. Credit Mackenzie Smith Kelley.
Gelatoro
Gelatoro is on the north side of the neighborhood and features a robust menu of gelato and fruit sorbet flavors all made daily.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill
A community mainstay for more than four decades, locals love the approachable, homestyle cooking at Hyde Park Bar & Grill. The menu is full of American fare, but be sure to try the famous HP Burger.
Julio’s
This unassuming cafe has been turning out delicious Mexican dishes in Hyde Park since 1983. The tender, slow-roasted chicken, hearty soups, classic breakfast tacos and flavorful green enchiladas keep the locals coming back.
Monger’s
Part raw bar and kitchen, part seafood market–Monger’s is serious about boat to table experience. Although the restaurant is centered around Gulf Coast seafood, you’ll find a constantly changing menu and raw bar selection based the freshest, available catch.
NeWorlDeli
Stop by for lunch or dinner to enjoy scratch-made food at this community staple. With live music nightly, this family-owned and operated deli will give you a true taste of the local lifestyle.
Uncle Nicky’s
The chef's quality Italian dishes and approachable, neighborhood atmosphere at Uncle Nicky’s make it a great spot any time of the day. Stop by for brunch in the morning, antipasto, sandwiches and pastas all day and cocktails and aperitivo at happy hour
Courtesy of Terrible Love.
Hyde Park Coffee Shops
Whether you’re looking for a spot to settle in with a good drink and a snack or grab a quick caffeine jolt to start the day, here’s a list of Hyde Park coffee shops to check out.
The Flightpath Coffeehouse
Make a midday pitstop to this artsy hangout popular with the college crowd. An Austin staple, Flightpath is a great place to relax, enjoy the patio and try one of their locally-sourced snacks.
Lau Lau
This Asian-owned coffee bar celebrates heritage through a vibrant space that reflects a deep and intentional connection to the owners' Asian American roots. Stop by for a drink and light pastry, or hang around for one of the many community events Lau Lau hosts.
Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery
Quack’s is the perfect place to settle in with a coffee and a sweet treat. At this cozy spot, you’ll find an assortment of pastries, cookies, brownies and cakes all more tasty than the last.
Terrible Love
Located in a former brick boiler room, this unique, pocket-sized coffee shop features specialty coffees and drinks. Try the grapefruit brown sugar latte, a local favorite and don’t forget to snap a pic on the lush, green outdoor patio.
Tiny Grocer. Credit Mackenzie Smith Kelley.
Hyde Park Shopping
In the quiet Hyde Park neighborhood, you'll find a selection of locally-owned boutiques and shops, each with a perfectly curated collection of goods.
Antonelli's Cheese Shop
Charcuterie board dreams come to life at this quaint market. Antonelli's showcases artisanal cheeses, cured meats, bread & sundries, and wine & local craft beer selections. Grab a ready-to-go lunch picnic to enjoy at Shipe Park.
Consuela
This vibrant, Austin-founded brand is famous for its colorful, patterned bags that celebrate individuality and self-expression. Swing by their Austin boutique in Hyde Park to shop their full collection of bold totes, travel bags and accessories in person.
First Light Books
Peruse this independent bookstore for your next great read or get cozy in one of their reading nooks. While you're there, grab a coffee or pastry from the on-site cafe.
Livra Books
This Hispanic-owned bookstore features a curated collection of used, vintage, and rare titles. Stop by to hunt for a unique Spanish-language gem among the plants and curiosities, or join in on one of the shop’s frequent book club nights and community gatherings.
Tiny Grocer
At Tiny Grocer, you'll find all the specialty cooking and culinary goods you didn't know you needed. While there are multiple Tiny Grocer locations in Austin, this location is home to the delicious French restaurant Buruea de Poste.
7th Street Candle Co.
For handcrafted, non-toxic small batch candles, you have to check out 7th Street Candle Co. Stop by and find your next unique gift among their carefully curated selection of fragrances, or if you have more time sit in on one of their hands-on workshops.
Courtesy of the Elisabet Ney Museum.
Historic Attractions In Hyde Park
Hyde Park is known for its architecture and deep roots as Austin's first planned suburb. Among its many historic structures are several treasures that are unique or rare in the city of Austin. The locations below are a selection of the neighborhood's must-see sites.
Elisabet Ney Museum
Visit the former home and studio of 19th-century sculptor Elisabet Ney. This limestone castle resides in the middle of the neighborhood and has been turned into a gallery of her portrait collection. The museum hosts special events, workshops, lectures and other educational programs throughout the year.
Shipe Park and Pool
Shipe Park has been a community hub since the establishment of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Take a dip in the pool (open seasonally) or visit the historic log cabin on site, which dates back to 1930.
Avenue B Grocery & Market
Built in 1909, Austin's oldest grocery store is a charming delight. Grab a sandwich or a soup and check out the vintage memorabilia that fills the walls.
Moonlight Tower
Check out one of Austin's historic moontowers at 41st & Speedway. These 165-foot-tall, carbon vapor arc lamps (now metal-halide bulbs) were erected in the late 1800s to light the city's streets. The city’s original 31 has dwindled down to 17 unique structures - the only remaining moontowers in the world.
Austin Fire Department Station 9
Although it is still a functioning fire station, this historic building's Tudor Revival architecture is worth the trip. Every year, the Hyde Park community has a Fire Station Festival to raise funds for the maintenance of the building and celebrate their firefighters. See the building, completed in 1929, at 4301 Speedway.
Although many of the neighborhood homes have been restored, Hyde Park has maintained its vintage charm. For a more in-depth tour of the historic houses, attend the annual Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour held every November. Looking to explore other parts of the city while in town? Check out the Insider Blog for more Austin neighborhood guides.
Contributed by Alyssa Jarae.
Alyssa Jarae is a native Austinite, and wedding and lifestyle photographer in the area. She enjoys exploring the multiple coffee shops around town and anything to do with Willie Nelson.
