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East Austin

Get to Know East Austin's Restaurants, Bars, Shops & Things to Do

Arguably the fastest growing neighborhood in Austin, the eclectic eastside is where old meets new and fresh eateries and boutiques are popping up like wildflowers. Dig a little deeper and discover rich history and culture everywhere you look. No matter what type of cuisine, atmosphere or activity you’re looking for, East Austin has it.

East Austin | Visit Austin, Texas

Dining

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Hand holding a large barbecue sandwich close to the camera.
la Barbecue. Credit Hilary Bodiford.

Enjoy Argentine dishes at Buenos Aires Café and get the scoop on the secret Milonga Room downstairs. Hay Elotes has a wide array of Mexican snacks, including its namesake corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, chile and lime. Justine’s transports diners to a cool French cafe with escargot, steak frites and hand-selected records. Indulge in family-style Italian from Patrizi’s, which uses secret family recipes. Grab a gourmet coffee at Flitch or drop by Quickie Pickie for coffee, wine, beer and the famous la Barbecue. The Mueller community has an energy all its own. Spots like Colleen’s Kitchen (with clever cocktails), Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Thinkery children’s museum make this a regular destination for groups of friends and families.

Nightlife

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Hotel Vegas is always rockin’ a fantastic show and slinging the national beer of Texas (Lone Star). For a different experience, head to Kitty Cohen’s, a Palm Springs-style spot with a patio pool and frosé on tap. Enjoy the artsy Butterfly Bar at The Vortex with its big deck, mismatched chairs, oddball performances and craft cocktails. Try inventive cocktails inside rustic, chic Whisler's or hang out on the spacious side patio with late-night food truck bites. Spend the evening bar hopping on East Sixth Street, a popular nightlife district with bars, restaurants and music venues. 

Shopping

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With boutiques and vintage shops scattered around, you’ll find plenty of unique items to wear or take home. Dedicated to the development of emerging writers, Resistencia Bookstore is a place to browse and buy Chicano, Latino, Native American and queer bilingual literature. Enjoy a glass of vino while your read and browse the book selection housed in a historic home at Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar. Just down the road, stop into Take Heart of a curated shop with an assortment of handmade gifts and home goods. Pick up fun stationary and journals at popular shop Paper + Craft Pantry. Peruse the racks at Charm School Vintage with plenty of unique apparel and accessories. 

Cultural Arts

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Child strikes a pose in front of the Rhapsody mosaic in East Austin depicting Austin's Black musical heritage
Rhapsody Mural. Credit Monet Hambrick.

Six Square is an integral part of Austin’s African-American community, actively seeking out and promoting that part of our city’s history and future through walking tours, art exhibits and music. Part of that is the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, preserving and exhibiting the experience of African-Americans in Austin. Also in East Austin, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center offers regular programming that promotes cultural awareness and pride through performing arts. Check the calendar for upcoming dance, music, theatre and community events grounded in Puerto Rican culture, folklore, history and living traditions. 

Discover your perfect East Austin hotel and book your stay.

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