Home to some of Austin's best restaurants, the South First Street neighborhood is a foodie haven and a must-see. Find food truck parks, coffee shops, art galleries and plenty of vintage shopping in this unique Austin neighborhood. Plus, be sure to stop for a picture at the Greetings from Austin mural before you go!

Gourdoughs donuts South First Street airstream food trailer at twilight with tables and twinkle lights
Courtesy of Gourdough's.

South First Street Restaurants

On South First, you will never run out of places to catch a bite to eat. Start your morning off with a latte from Once Over Coffee Bar, and enjoy their back deck with a view. Find bánh mì and pho dishes at the colorful Elizabeth Street Cafe, and take home a French bakery item for desert. For a more casual meal, stop by the South First Food Court (601 W. Live Oak St.) to taste one of the many rotating food trucks. Here are a few other noteworthy options in the neighborhood:

Bouldin Creek Cafe
This laid back hangout is an entirely vegetarian restaurant that serves classic American and Tex-Mex dishes with a twist. They also serve breakfast all day long. Try their vegan blueberry cornbread or take the more savory route with the fajitas Italianas.

El Primo
Walk up to this food truck for some authentic Mexican food. El Primo has been on South First for years and is thought of as one of the best places for tacos in Austin.

Fresa's
Fresa’s South First is a favorite for its shady, spacious patio, sneaky margaritas and modern take on wood-grilled Mexican food. Grab a table under the towering oaks with Fresa’s loaded queso and signature wood-grilled chicken, served family-style with all the fixings.

case filled with baked goods like cupcakes and blondies at Sugar Mamas Bake Shop in Austin Texas
Courtesy of Sugar Mama's Bake Shop.

Gourdough's Donuts
Open late, this food truck has been curing Austin's late-night sweets cravings since 2012. With delectable concoctions like the Flying Pig donut with house-made maple icing and topped with bacon, the eclectic menu is extremely different from your average doughnut shop.

Lenoir
Enjoy a nice romantic dinner in the wine garden at this Mediterranean restaurant. The always-changing menu of small and large plates is designed around “hot weather food.” Ask for a wine recommendation from the knowledgeable staff!

Soup Peddler
This local soup and juice shop is dedicated to handmade soups and sandwich pairings. Try a classic tomato basil soup and grilled cheese pairing, or opt for a freshly made juice on a hot day.

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
With a mission to Keep Austin Sweet, this beloved bakery serves up some of the best cupcakes, Austin-themed cookies and desserts in town.

Exterior of Art for the People gallery with sign and painted fence in front of building
Art for the People. Credit Hallie Rae Ward.

South First Street Shopping & Art

Want to do a little vintage shopping or take home some local Austin art? South First is the place to visit. After fueling up with a cup of joe from the original Summermoon Coffee, head to Flashback Vintage to explore their eclectic collection of women's and men's clothing. Before you go, snap a photo in front of the iconic Greetings from Austin vintage postcard mural located on the side of the Roadhouse Relics gallery. Here are a few more spots to get your shopping fix:

Art For the People
A boutique filled with local Austin art. Everything from greeting cards, ceramics, home decor to wearable art/jewelry, bath & body products, etc.

Bloomers and Frocks
Specialty dress and women's vintage store specializing in clothing from 1910 through the 1980s.

Esby Apparel
The in-house fashion label is based out of Austin. All materials are all-natural, sustainable and sourced in the U.S.

Austin Mural at Roadhouse Relics
Greetings from Austin Mural at Roadhouse Relics.

Frond
A unique plant shop with a large selection of succulents and houseplants. Browse the decorative pots and homegoods or simply visit for tips on how to not kill your favorite house plant.

Passport Vintage
Specializing in Jeans and vintage tees, this shop has an exciting collection for thrift lovers.

Roadhouse Relics
This gallery is home to Todd Sanders' iconic neon art. He has created signs for Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, and many other Austin events.

South First is home to some of the city's most unique eateries and shops. Take a stroll down this walkable strip of town to experience all of the vibrancy the neighborhood has to offer.

Alyssa Jarae HeadshotContributed 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.