PACK IN AUSTIN'S MUST DO ACTIVITIES

Exploring Austin's rich and diverse Asian-owned Business and heritage is impossible to do in just two days, but we can help you make the most of it! To help you navigate through our museums, entertainment venues, authentic eateries and artisan shops, here is a jam-packed itinerary full of Austin’s Asian-owned hot spots and favorites.

Hands reaching for different Ramen Tatsu-ya food items like ramen and crispy brussels sprouts.Ramen Tatsuya. Credit Jane Kim.

DAY ONE

Morning
Give an Iced Turbo a try at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress and snap a pic with the “I love you so much” mural, or stop by one of the many restaurants, food trucks or cafes for a bite to eat. Browse the shops, boutiques and street vendors along South Congress’ strip and boot scoot on over to Allens Boots.

Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring Austin’s west side. Start with lunch at Lin Asian Bar & Dim Sum. Grab an order (or two) or their famous soup dumplings or try familiar favorites like General T’so Chicken and fried rice. Then, venture down the street to view Lotus Gallery’s impressive collection of Asian artifacts, art and antiquities. Once you’ve walked off some of your lunch, grab a treat down the road from Frozen Rolls Creamery, a Thai-rolled ice cream shop with flavors like ube, coconut ash, black sesame and more. Rather start your evening festivities early? Grab a drink and appetizers on the oak-tree covered Bar Peached patio.

Night
Spend your evening enjoying busy East Sixth Street. Slurp on noodles from Ramen Tatsu-ya, a collaboration between local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto made to showcase what they feel is the ultimate Japanese soul food. After you’ve had your fill of tonkotsu (broth), hop around the bars on East Sixth Street for lively libations and killer live music. Stop in at Ah Sing Den to try unique cocktails made with Asian spirits and sakes.

Photo of Rowing Dock kayakers and a boat on Lady Bird Lake. Above them, the bats fly out from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunsetCongress Avenue Bridge Bats. Courtesy of Rowing Dock.

DAY TWO

Morning
Brunch the day away at Elizabeth St. Cafe. Known for their bánh mìs, this Vietnamese-French fusion spot marries the best of Asian and French flavors and dishes. Try pastries from the boulangerie, like beignets with lychee & raspberry jam, or order specialties like the Breakfast Singapore Noodles with stir fried pork, Fresno peppers and fried egg. While you’re on South First Street, grab a pic with the Welcome to Austin mural to commemorate the trip.

Afternoon 
Spend the day shopping around some of Austin’s Asian-owned retailers. Stop in at Paper + Craft Pantry for gifts and paper goods to give to friends and family, or grab a little something for yourself. Find the perfect manga to read in your downtime from Kinokuniya. Spend hours browsing the selection of herbs, teas and gifts at Hang Fung. Find beauty care to take back home or collectables like chess sets, puppets, figurines and more. Head east and fill up on delectable bao buns at Bao’d Up. Try the Texas Trio, complete with teriyaki chicken, spicy brisket and juicy pork baos. Grab an egg cream bao to-go and enjoy it as you enjoy beautiful scenery around Mueller Lake Park. If you’ve brought the kiddos along, stop at Toy Dojo for pop culture-themed toys and Japanese transformers and robots.

Night
Austin is known for being weird. Watch Austin's urban bat colony fly out from the Congress Avenue Bridge from late spring to early fall. Visiting during the bats' off-season? Head to South Lamar for a round of mini-golf at a BYOB course. Peter Pan Mini Golf has been a source of entertainment for visitors and locals since 1948. Spend the rest of the night hanging out at Loro, an Asian smokehouse and bar is brought to you by James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole (Uchi and Uchiko) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue). Enjoy the large selection of beer, wine and cocktails on the spacious and shaded patio.

Find more itineraries and start planning your next Austin visit today!