Not to be confused with its louder sister, West Sixth Street has developed its own upscale personality. This neighborhood is perfect for decadent dinners, sporting events, shopping and nightlife. Discover everything that the Market District and West Sixth Street has to offer, then explore hotels near West Sixth Street and book your stay today!

Delicate soup dumplings sitting in a bamboo steamer box.Credit Lin Asian Bar.

Dining

Feast on no-frills steaks at The Original Hofbrau Steakhouse, running strong since 1934. Try some Texas-style Southwestern eats and sample the tequila at Ranch 616. For classic-yet-updated Southern fare, visit the chic dining room at Fixe. Fulfill your breakfast needs all day long at mid-century-inspired 24 Diner. Bakery and cafe Swedish Hill serves sandwiches on their house-made bread, plus pastries and coffee.

Some of Austin’s best Asian restaurants are on West Sixth, like modern sushi and robatayaki spot TenTen. Wu Chow’s contemporary menu includes flavors from all of China’s Eight Great Cuisines. And Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum highlights local ingredients in Chinese homestyle cooking. Both Wu Chow and Lin Asian Bar are known for their legendary soup dumplings.

Check out the famously funny daily sign at El Arroyo before you head inside for a plate of enchiladas and a frozen margarita. Stylish French and Mediterranean restaurant Verbena at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown opens to the hotel courtyard for an indoor-outdoor vibe. Snack on raw oysters and ceviche while you sip champagne at Clark’s Oyster Bar, a cheerful seafood spot.

Garage speakeasy bar interior in downtown austin texasGarage. Credit Julie Cope.

Nightlife

West Sixth Street sees a lot of action, so the patio at Star Bar is a popular place for people watching over a pint. A homage to Johnny Cash, Mean Eyed Cat has something to see on every wall, so take your time and soak it all in. Rustic Tap delivers on its name with a great selection of local beers and a timbered stage hosting nightly live music. Hip speakeasy Garage is tucked inside a parking garage, mixing cold concrete with warm mid-century design and high-end cocktails.

Smart cafe Better Half Coffee & Cocktails makes killer biscuits and high-octane coffee drinks. Grab a beer at the bar or sit on the patio out back. Intimate dive Dirty Bill’s blocks out the bustle and creates a snug, funky hideaway. Snack on Asian fusion tacos and sip fresh cocktails on the Bar Peached patio on warm evenings.

LGBTQ-friendly bar The Iron Bear hosts dance parties and karaoke, so come prepared to perform. Bring a date to Nightcap for a late-night nosh and a glass of something bubbly. Or head to mischievous Devil May Care for an upscale Mediterranean meal in a neon-tinged subterranean lounge.

Man shopping at Waterloo RecordsWaterloo Records. Credit Andy Mahr,

Shopping

Find new music on vinyl or CD at Waterloo Records, and stick around for a live performance at Austin’s best record store. Stock up on leggings for yoga (or lounging) at popular athleisure spot Outdoor Voices, housed in a cute converted bungalow. The independent bookstore is alive and well at BookPeople, with gifts for bibliophiles and frequent author readings. For luxe, contemporary clothes, head to ByGeorge and explore their curated collection. Insider tip: The flagship Whole Foods Market does more than groceries. This spot has a wine bar and food court, plus live music in the summer and rooftop ice skating in the winter.

Looking for more things to do on the west side? Check out our guide to West Austin for more.