Named for the decommissioned Seaholm Power Plant, the Seaholm District is now a quiet mixed-use area in Downtown Austin. The former industrial plant, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has retained its original Art Deco-style exterior while new business and restaurants have moved in, breathing new life into this area. Next time you're in the area, stop by and check out some of the restaurants, shops and attractions.

Image of a meat meal on a blue plate with a wine glass and additional plate on the table in the background.
Ember Kitchen. Credit to Jane Yun.

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Baked Bear: Get your sweet treat fix at Baked Bear. Enjoy cold ice cream sandwiched between two warm cookies. Open late every night of the week!

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee: Located on the edge of the Seaholm District, stop by during the day for a quiet place to work and enjoy a cup of coffee or after the sun goes down for upscale cocktails in swanky mood lighting.

Ember Kitchen & Subterra Agave Bar: Ember Kitchen treats diners to a culinary experience with live-fire cooking with a Latin twist. After dinner, step down into the restaurant's basement cocktail lounge, Subterra Agave Bar, featuring a wide selection of Latin spirits and agave cocktails.

Malibu Poke: At Malibu Poke, you'll find the best ingredients in these health-conscious bowls. Try one of the "classic" bowls or customize your own bowl with endless options to choose from.

Mañana: Enjoy cold-pressed juices, specialty coffees and fresh baked goods at Mañana.

Merit Coffee: From sourcing to roasting to brewing, Merit takes your daily dose of caffeine very seriously. So stop by for a cup of coffee and a pastry or grab a bag of their specially sourced and roasted beans to go and enjoy at home.

True Food Kitchen: For health-forward dining, look no further than True Food Kitchen. Here you’ll find an emphasis on using whole foods, ensuring that every ingredient is up to the True Food standard.

SHOPPING

Healthy Pet: Don’t forget your pet on your trip to Austin. Find high-quality pet food and treats for your furry friend or bring them home an Austin-themed chew toy from Healthy Pet.

Trader Joe’s: For fresh and funky groceries at an affordable price, Trader Joe’s is a great option. While you're there don't skip the florals! The flower section boasts great quality and variety at bargain prices.

Whole Foods Flagship: The national supermarket brand Whole Foods, originally opened in 1980 in Austin, has an incredible flagship store just north of the Seaholm District. Shop for health-conscious food or grab a meal at one of the in-house food vendors. After you peruse the market, snap a pic at the colorful “ATX” sign out front.

Exterior of Austin Central Library.
Courtesy of Austin Central Library.

ARTS & ATTRACTIONS

Central Library: Central Library is the crown jewel of the Austin Public Library system. This state-of-the-art multi-level building is home to a rooftop deck, multiple public art installations, a gift shop, plenty of reading nooks, and six floors of books. Open seven days a week, stop by and explore anytime, or try out one of the many free community events or classes hosted weekly.

Hike & Bike Trail: Right across Cesar Chavez Street from the Seaholm District is Lady Bird Lake. The 10-mile-long Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail wraps around the lake and offers gorgeous views of the city at every turn.

Public Art: See Rex Hamilton’s colorful floral mural in the heart of Seaholm Plaza. Rex, an Austin native, draws on the colors and variation found in Central Texas landscapes to bring a bit of vibrancy to this formerly industrial space. Open Room Austin is an al fresco dining art installation in the greenspace just off Cesar Chavez Street. The long dining table surrounded by lamps and trees is meant to create a space for community stories to unfold.

After you’ve thoroughly explored the Seaholm District check out the nearby 2nd Street District for more dining and shopping opportunities, or head to West Sixth Street or the Warehouse District for a happening nightlife scene.