New & Notable in Austin

Named Best First Stop for Out-of-Towners by the Austin Chronicle’s 2025 Best of Austin Critics Picks list, the Austin Visitor Center is more than a pit stop — it’s a cultural welcome mat. With insider tips, a gift shop with locally made goods, the 5th & Brew coffee shop and helpful guides, it sets the tone for an unforgettable Austin experience.

East Austin’s historic Govalle neighborhood has been officially designated a Cultural District, spotlighting its vibrant mix of artists, makers and cultural institutions like The Museum of Human Achievement, the Canopy creative community space and the 979 Springdale business hub. Public art, special events and community-driven growth honor the area’s deep roots, diverse community and dynamic programs.

Austin Visitor Center. Credit Chad Wadsworth.

Arcade nostalgia turns into grown-up fun at Pins Mechanical Company, a massive playground for adults to enjoy duckpin bowling, vintage pinball, an arcade, craft drinks, and food from JewBoy Sliders and Lefty’s Pizza Kitchen. Live music, patios and fire pits make this an instant hit for group outings, date nights and letting loose in St. Elmo’s Art District.

A striking architectural landmark with a six-story atrium, Austin’s Central Library now features Café Crème, a locally owned shop serving espresso, cold brew, teas, pastries, lunch fare and cocktails. It’s a serene spot to sip, snack and read — or just admire the view from the library’s stunning Roof Garden.

A cocktail bar meets contemporary gallery meets sushi lounge? Yes, please. Papercut blends visual art, culinary flair and innovative cocktails in a single immersive space. Rotating art exhibitions and curated bites make for an evening that’s as cultured as it is cool.

Rev your engines for the COTALAND Theme Park coming to Circuit of The Americas in 2026. With thrill rides, family attractions and plenty of race-day action, it’s set to become Austin’s next big entertainment destination. Before the park opens, visitors can enjoy COTA’s pro car races, go-karts and mini golf course.

Housed inside the Arlyn Studios recording facility, East End Ballroom brings a glamorous, retro-luxe vibe to Austin’s east side. Expect plush interiors, live music nights and DJ programming, cocktails, a supper club and a Sunday brunch that feel as meticulously composed as the records made just down the hall. It's the best combination bar/creative sanctuary.

Speakeasy Bar Hacienda celebrates the art of making cocktails in the basement of Tiger Lily. With tropical flavors starring in drinks like the Hacienda Highball (mezcal, toasted coconut, clarified citrus and soda) and the relaxed-yet-refined atmosphere, Bar Hacienda feels like a modern escape.

Courtesy of Revenge Bar.

The edgy Downtown Revenge Bar leans into an electric energy with a repertoire of craft cocktails and a soundtrack featuring DJs inside and live music on the patio. The bar is loud, fun and late-night ready. Austin Monthly readers named Revenge Bar the Best Bar in Austin for 2025.

A tribute to Title IX and athletes everywhere, 1972 is Austin’s first sports pub strictly streaming women’s sports. With big screens, a buzzing community energy and a menu built for game day grazing, the bar is making history while celebrating it. And about its name: 1972 is the year Title IX became law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender in schools and universities.

Korean-fusion food truck Soul Seoul Sol moved to a new location at Stargazer cocktail-and-coffee bar, where it continues to deliver soul-satisfying dishes with creative flair. Order inventive items like the fried chicken sammich with house sambul, kimchi fries with spicy aioli, or the Seoul hamburguesa made with wagyu, spicy mayo, charred jalapeño and poblano-bacon jam.

Knuckle Sandwich. Credit to Chris Praetzel. 

Serving up stacked sammies with a serious punch, Knuckle Sandwich is where crunchy pickles, spicy slaw and meats meet pillowy bread. It’s made fast and fresh. This food truck worth tracking down is stationed at Ants Beer Cave on St. Elmo Road. Order the namesake Knuckle Sandwich with mortadella, capicola, salami, peppers, shredded lettuce, onion and aioli.

Kyoko Coffee is redefining the coffee truck scene with Japanese-style brews, matcha drinks, lattes, teas and branded apparel. Find the van — with Austin’s Cutest Coffee emblazoned on its side — at the Highland Collective on Airport Boulevard. It’s as Instagrammable as the beverages are delicious.

Grá Mór brings Irish charm and a modern cafe feel to Downtown Austin. From the team at sister Dead Rabbit pub (and taking over the former Neighbourhood Cafe space), Grá Mór is the destination for strong coffee, craft cocktails and unique bites like Scotch eggs and jalapeño-cheddar sausage rolls. It’s a cozy daytime spot to gather from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Courtesy of Rocco's.

Rocco’s Neighborhood Joint exudes classic Italian-American energy — plus big portions and an even bigger personality — at the 55-seat restaurant in the North Loop. Think meatballs, red-sauce pastas and spicy sausages. Whether you're visiting for date night or a dinner with friends, co-owners Nicholas Ford and Wade McElroy deliver warm hospitality with a side of nostalgia.

Coffee culture gets a twist at Strangelove Coffee & Wine, an East Side cafe that’s equal parts art installation, wine bar and caffeine haven. With curated drinks and seasonal bites developed by an array of pop-up chefs, the cafe attracts creatives, coffee nerds and anyone craving something out of the ordinary from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midnight on weekends). Be sure to spend some time on the inviting patio.

Inspired by old-school bait shops, Handsome Dan’s is a hybrid brewery-sandwich shop with a playful nod to the ’50s diner era. Come to the former warehouse in East Austin for the retro appeal, but stay for the fresh-made sammies and quality brewed-on-site beers on tap. Grab a barstool inside or post up on the patio.

Siti. Credit to Mackenzie Smith. 

Chef Laila Bazahm’s Siti is a Southeast Asia-inspired stunner in East Austin that highlights the influences of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Beautifully plated dishes like satays, spicy sambal striped bass and 44 Farms’ beef cheeks complement the chic dining room. Siti will excite fans of Bazahm’s inventive approach to global cuisine (she’s also known for her Spanish restaurant El Raval in Austin).

In 2024, Austin restaurants were recognized for the first time in the MICHELIN Guide, a major nod to the city’s rising culinary cred. All seven restaurants that earned stars last year — Barley Swine, InterStellar BBQ, la Barbecue, LeRoy and Lewis, Olamaie, Hestia and Craft Omakase — retained them in 2025. Bib Gourmand 2025 designations were given to Mercado Sin Nombre coffee shop and the Parish Barbecue food truck owned by Holden Fulco. Chef Edgar Rico earned a Green Star for Nixta Taqueria’s on-site garden and local sourcing in 2025; he was recognized in 2024 with the Young Chef Award. In 2024, Dai Due and Emmer & Rye received Green Stars plus Bib Gourmand honors for Emmer & Rye. Pitmaster Chuck Charnichart of Barbs B Q in Lockhart was honored in 2025 with the Young Chef Award. And Celia Pellegrini, director of operations for Suerte and Este, earned the Sommelier Award.

The James Beard Foundation’s 2025 awards put a national spotlight on an Austin talent. Arjav Ezekiel, who is the beverage director and co-owner of Birdie’s, was honored with the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award. He curated the exceptional wine lists, including the special Gems List, to match the restaurant’s frequently changing menus. He previously worked with Wolfgang Puck, as well as James Beard and MICHELIN award winners.

Courtesy of Comadre Panaderia.

Mariela Camacho, the visionary chef-owner behind Comadre Panadería, earned a coveted spot on Food & Wine’s 2025 Best New Chefs in America list. Her Mexican-inspired pastries and heartfelt storytelling through food have made her a standout in Austin and beyond. She’s also a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist.

Yelp named Austin the No. 1 City in the U.S. for BBQ in 2025. That’s no surprise to locals who swear by their favorite pitmasters. From smoky brisket to inventive sides, Austin’s barbecue scene with high-quality smoked meats, seasonings and special sauces continues to lead the pack (and fill plates).

According to WalletHub, Austin ranks among the top five U.S. cities to visit in the summer. Rankings were based on travel and local costs, attractions, weather, activities and safety. Key factors for Austin’s ranking likely were its energetic mix of outdoor fun, live music, refreshing swimming holes and unbeatable dining options.

RoughMaps called it: Austin is officially the Friendliest City in America for 2025. From welcoming locals to community-driven events, cool shops and fun bars, this is a place where visitors feel right at home — fast.

Time Out named Austin No. 7 on its list of the Best Cities in the U.S., citing its creative energy, award-winning food scene and live music culture. It’s another reminder that Austin’s mix of innovation and authenticity stands out on the national stage.

Austin-Bergstron International Airport. Credit Tim Griffith.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continues to grow, and reached a major milestone in its Journey With AUS multiyear expansion. The Austin City Council approved moving forward with all AUS projects, including concourse upgrades, ticketing and check-in areas, parking garages, taxiways and other enhanced amenities. Want to keep up with the progress? See the airport project details.