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!

Image of the entrance at Lenoir with outdoor seating and lanterns hanging overhead from a large oak tree.
Credit to Jody Horton. 

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 dessert. For a more casual meal, stop by the South First Food Court 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 considered one of the best places for tacos in Austin.

Lay flat image of multiple colorful plates full of food sitting on a white table.
Fresa's. Credit Jane Kim.

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.

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.

La Patisserie
This authentic, from-scratch French bake shop is selling scrumptious pastries. Try the colorful macarons, flakey croissants, frosted eclairs, fluffy muffins and much more.

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!

Phoebe's Diner
Phoebe's is a classic diner serving delicious American comfort foods with a Texas twist. Stop by for breakfast, brunch or lunch and enjoy breakfast mainstays or try something from the smoker like the Brisket Benny, a barbecue take on a traditional eggs benedict.

Image of the bar seating at Underdog Wine Bar
Underdog. Credit to Chad Wadsworth.

Polvos
Polvos is an Austin mainstay highlighting Interior Mexican dishes in a relaxed, casual environment. Order yourself a tall margarita, enjoy chips and fresh salsas from the salsa bar and dine on flavorful dishes.

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.

Underdog
Underdog is a Korean-inspired wine bar with inventive Asian bites served alongside top-shelf wines. While you're there you might even spot Squid, the owner's 10-year-old rescue pup and the face of the business. 

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

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 and get ready to pop in and out of boutiques and shops all afternoon. 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.

Blue Suede
Looking to shop while also enjoying a glass of wine? Blue Suede has you covered with a selection of women's shoes and accessories alongside a lounge area serving beer, wine and coffee.

Devil's Details Boutique
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.

Maaribu
For all things home decor and gifts, Maaribu is a must visit. While you shop, you'll want to grab a coffee and a pastry at the in-store cafe. 

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.

Some of the city's most unique eateries and shops can be found along South First Street, making it the perfect way to get a taste of true Austin. After spending some time exploring this area of South Austin, there is plenty more to do nearby. Enjoy the great outdoors at Barton Springs or Zilker Park, or do some more shopping and try local eats on South Congress Avenue or South Lamar.

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.