Dec06

Resident Blog

Your Ultimate Guide to Austin, TX

If you are new to Austin or looking to fall in love with Austin all over again, this blog is for you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Austin, TX, and we can’t wait for you to try our recommendations.

Music in the Live Music Capital of the World

6th Street - Dirty 6th

Austin’s version of Bourbon Street is located on 6th Street between Congress Avenue (to the west) and I-35 (to the east). Here you’ll find a collection of eclectic dive bars, restaurants, food trucks, and lots, and we mean LOTS of live music.

6th Street - East Side

Find a refreshing variety of live music venues In historic Old East Austin on East 6th Street, where live music is featured every night.

Hotel Vegas
The White Horse
Whisler’s

Continental Club

They don’t call themselves “the granddaddy of all local music venues” for nothing. The bands they book lean towards blues and country, and are something any Austin local or visitor should see.

Rainey Street

Another collection of unique bars and dining, similar to Dirty 6th, but for a less grunge, more classic clientele. Check out some of our favorites:

Banger’s
Lucille
Half Step
Geraldine’s located in the Hotel Van Zandt

The Broken Spoke

If you’re in the mood to visit an iconic old honky tonk & dance hall, this is the place to be. When you enter, it feels like stepping back in time to the ‘60s. The venue includes a mini museum of the country music royalty that has performed there. Bonus: we have it on good authority that they have the best chicken fried steak in Austin.

Activities and Sights

Alamo Drafthouse

The Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse is a great choice if you’re looking for a unique activity. They show old & new features and serve you drinks and food during the show.

Austin’s Central Public Library

The Library features an amazing design, great art, green roof/patio, plus a bar and restaurant with literary-inspired cocktails. Can it get any better than that for a lit-lover?

Barton Springs

Barton Springs is the real star amongst Austin’s natural gems. It’s a spring-fed pool that is 68 degrees year round with a natural bottom. It’s really magical.

Congress Avenues Bats

In case you didn’t know, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world! Every night at sunset they fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge over Lady Bird Lake and create a ribbon in the air as they head downstream to feed on insects at night. Fun fact: farmers love them!

Tacos

Veracruz

Although they are known for their migas tacos, all are amazing! They have a food truck location as well as a permanent location at the Line hotel. The Linel’s lobby features artwork by Austin artists if you’re looking for a 2-for-1 kind of thing.

Torchy’s Tacos

Absolutely the best Austin-based taco chain. It’s something special that everyone in Austin should experience for themselves. We promise it will become a favorite in your Austin rotation!

Eats

Easy Tiger

This German beer garden and bakery offers great outdoor seating at multiple locations across Austin, and is one that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Juan in a Million

If you’re looking for great Mexican-inspired breakfast options in Texas-sized portions, Juan in a Million is sure to check all of your boxes.

Loro

Two of Austin’s top chefs collaborated and had a baby to create this Asian Smokehouse, with such a variety of choices, your hardest decision will be picking just one.

Drinks

P6

P6 is located on the top floor of the Line hotel’s parking garage, and includes great drinks and snacks, and a killer view of Lady Bird Lake. Also, the elevator ride up is an experience to try in itself!

Tiki Tatsu-Ya

This tiki-themed bar (they serve food, too!) is an immersive experience where you can sip elaborate cocktails…some of which are served with a sound and light show. Reservations book out about a month but you can often pop in and grab a spot at the upstairs bar.

Meanwhile Brewing

If you’re looking for an extensive drink menu for options that everyone will love, a great location and atmosphere, and some of the best taco trucks in Austin, Meanwhile should be your first stop on this list.

If you’d like a few more recommendations on local Austin life, here are a few other blogs we’ve created.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.