Austin is about diversity. It's a rare world where politicians, academics, hippies and businessmen mix in (almost) perfect harmony. Don't ever try to judge a book by its cover in Austin; you'll find the wealthiest Austinites in sweats at Barton Springs, and you'll see students at the fanciest bars. We've pooled our resources to come up with our recommendations for the "best in Austin" experience.
Best way to experience Austin
Congress Avenue is the heartbeat of Austin. From the Texas State Capital, to the high-rise office buildings downtown, to the infamous " bat bridge," to the shopping and restaurants on South Congress, no street will give you a better taste of the diversity that is so Austin. If you see a bicycle cab, hop on for a unique way to see Austin. Best place for a hike
Turkey Creek, near Emma Long Park, Northwest Austin.
Best outdoor spots
We think it's a tie between Barton Springs and Austin's greenbelt. Best Hotel
Hotel San Jose. Sure, there are fancier hotels in Austin, but none with more charm and a more beautiful design aesthetic than this one.
Best live music
In Austin, you can't pick just one. For a true country experience, check out The Broken Spoke, where the real two-steppers hang out, Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon – it's always packed. We also love the Continental Club on South Congress and the Saxon Pub on South Lamar. If you want to make a night of it, head south to Gruene Hall and enjoy great live music at one of Texas's favorite dancehalls. Best music store
No business has done more for the local music scene than Waterloo Records. Best bookstore
Go to Book People – you'll be greeted at the door and get to experience a large book store that has remained independent, and has lots of fun gifts and cards, too. Best pizza
This was another tough one for us. Everyone seems to have an opinion. For typical fare, try Mangia or Home Slice and for a fancier meal and a thin crust pizza, we suggest Mandola's. Best Sunday brunch
Stubb's gospel brunch (there's nothing better in Texas than BBQ for brunch). We're also fans of Capitol Brasserie – the steak salad is to die for.
Best hole in the wall Thai food
Thai Kitchen is our overall favorite, but the spring rolls at Madam Mam's can't be beat. Best BBQ
Best Mexican food
Check out Fonda San Miguel for Interior Mexican fare or Las Manitas, a favorite hole-in-the-wall hot spot, especially with the Wright Strategies team. Best sweet potato fries
Phil's Ice House gets our respect, first for having them on the menu and second for making them so tasty.
Best home cooking
Hoover's Cooking has delicious jerk chicken and chicken fried steak, and we love Threadgills for its history (this is where Janis Joplin played regularly) and live music.
Best cafeteria food
Blue Star Cafeteria (not your typical cafeteria food) serves everything from salad to crab cakes to meatloaf, and delicious Bloody Marys, too.
Best sushi
At Uchi, no detail is overlooked, especially for the fab decor. Head to Kenichi for the "see and be seen" crowd. Best late-night dining
Kerbey Lane Café. Two items make this place. The Paris Texas platter (migas and French toast on one plate – genius) and Kerbey Queso. Be bold – order both in one visit.
Best ice cream
There's a little controversy in our office over this topic. Amy's Ice Cream is an Austin institution, and TEO has the best gelato in town. Best coffee and dessert
Mozart's is perfect day or night for great desserts and coffee.
Best shopping
Here's one we couldn't narrow down. Austin's new 2nd Street District is full of great stores (we could live in Mercury). Try South First street for more boutiques and eclectic finds, or head to our neighborhood favorite, Homegirls Furnishings.
Best view
Mount Bonnell, no contest.
Best place to see a movie
With several locations around town, and an essential "Austin" feel, Alamo Drafthouse is our top pick. Best museum
The Blanton used to be a tiny museum in the art building on the University of Texas campus, now it's moved to a bigger home and has a collection worth seeing.
Best martini
The Belmont – the new place to be seen in Austin.
Best margarita with a view
The Oasis is perfect for a date.
Best festival
There are many to choose from, but Austin City Limits is the biggest and most celebrated. Best cultural trait
Austinites, like the true Texans they are, are proud (but not obnoxiously so)!
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