DINING
Get coffee and a breakfast taco to go at Jo’s Coffee, home of the famous I love you so much mural. Try brunch at Café No Sé or dig into a steak dinner at Maie Day, both located in the South Congress Hotel.
The handmade burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar range from beef to chicken and ahi tuna to vegan. Neighborhood joint Home Slice Pizza serves oversized New York-style pies with foldable slices. At Habana SoCo, claim a private outdoor cabana for Cuban specialties and mojitos. Charming Aba draws influences from Israel, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey into its Mediterranean cuisine.
Experience an intimate omakase dinner at the 12-seat restaurant Otoko. Or gather with friends on the large patio at Perla’s for coastal oysters and champagne. Joann’s Fine Foods, next to the Austin Motel, blends genres with its upscale diner feel and Mexican/American menu. Unique cafe The Meteor combines coffee and approachable food with cycling culture. Before you leave SoCo, sample classic and inventive flavors from Amy’s Ice Creams or grab a scoop of gelato, made fresh daily, at Gelato Paradiso.
Home Slice. Credit Giant Noise/Julia Keim.
NIGHTLIFE
Historic venue The Continental Club hosts live music on their main stage and in the second-floor Continental Gallery. For live soul and R&B, visit C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. Upstairs, The Jade Room is inspired by the 1950s GI bars of Japan. Take the stage at Ego’s, a cozy dive tucked under a parking garage featuring nightly karaoke. Soak up the Texas night at Hotel San José's courtyard lounge for cocktails and light bites.
Allen's Boots. Credit Carolina de Mauro.
SHOPPING
Walkable South Congress is a boutique shopping paradise. At the north end, visit the chic shops of Music Lane for jewelry, apparel, and home goods. To the south, Kendra Scott offers custom jewelry and a pretty counter-service cafe. Down the street, shop handcrafted paper goods, artwork, and gifts from Letterpress Play. Indulge your sweet tooth at Big Top Candy Shop, packed with candy and chocolate. Find novelty gifts, quirky toys, and specialty board games at the colorful shop Monkey See, Monkey Do!
All the tees, art and home decor at Paper Work are the work of Texas-based artists and artisans. Wander the huge selection of cowboy boots and western wear at Allens Boots, and get a custom-shaped topper at Maufrais hats.
At Prima Dora you’ll find fun Austin-themed magnets, mugs and clothing designed by local artists. Shop for handcrafted, vegetable-tanned leather bags, wallets and even dog collars at the flagship Noah Marion shop.
Find more downtown dining, hotels, and things to do in the South Congress neighborhood.