Welcome to East Austin, where vibrant culture meets urban charm. Nestled in the heart of the city, this eclectic neighborhood pulsates with energy, boasting a rich history and a diverse community.
Stroll down the streets lined with colorful murals and quaint cafes, where the aroma of Tex-Mex cuisine mingles with the sounds of live music drifting from local venues. Explore the thriving arts scene, where galleries showcase the work of talented local artists, and creative expression knows no bounds.
But East Austin is more than just a cultural hub—it's a tight-knit community where neighbors become friends and every corner tells a story. From historic landmarks to trendy boutiques, there's always something new to discover in this dynamic enclave.
So whether you're savoring a taco from a food truck or catching a show at a neighborhood bar, East Austin invites you to experience the vibrant spirit that makes it one of the city's most cherished gems.
sleep & stay hotels
When staying in East Austin, take your pick from stylish hostels to chic, boutique hotels. These are our favorites!
Native Hostel
If you're looking for an affordable place to stay just steps away from the nightlife in East Austin, you should check out this beautiful boutique hostel. It features a cafe and bar too.
East Austin Hotel
A vibrant, modernist-feel hotel that features a 40-foot pool and stunning views of downtown Austin, you'll find yourself near the action.
Hotel Eleven
This chic hotel with mid-century design and Scandinavian influences creates a thoughtful, boutique hotel experience. And it's only a few steps away from Franklin Barbecue!
ARRIVE Austin
This 83-room hotel is filled with modern industrial finishes and bright cosmic collages.
Heywood Hotel
This modern boutique hotel has been featued in the NY Times, GQ and more. It's conveniently surrounded by the city’s best barbecue joints, microbreweries, craft cocktail lounges and honky tonkys.
eat & drink
From the best barbecues in the city, and mouthwatering brunches to a wide array of cuisines, you'll be going on a gastronomic trip in East Austin! Here's our favorites:
Coffee:
Wright Bros. Brew & Brew
Cenote
Breakfast & Brunch
Paperboy
Dai Due
Launderette
Tex/Mex:
Discada
Cisco's Restaurant
Suerte
Tamale House East
Las Trancas
Nixta Taqueria
Veracruz All Natural
Asian:
Fukumoto | Japanese
Old Thousand | Asian Fusion
Kemuri Tatsu-ya | Japanese
Noteworthy:
Via 313 Pizza | Pizza
Jacoby's | Southern
Birdie's | French & Italian
Vixen's Wedding | Indian & Portuguese
Buenos Aires Café | Argentinian
Canje | Carribean
Italian:
Intero Restaurant
Patrizi's
Barbecue:
Franklin Barbecue
La Barbecue
Kerlin BBQ
Micklethwait Craft Meats
American:
Salt & Time | Butcher
Salty Sow | Farm-to-Table
Sour Duck | Bakery & Cafe
live music and nightlife
Known to be the best drinking neighborhood in the city, take part in East Austin's bustling nightlife and daydrinking! These are our favorite bars on the east side.
Kitty Cohen's
Sip some cocktails poolside, dip your toes in the 2ft. deep pool, and admire the aesthetic 1970s rebellious and feminine decor - this bar makes the perfect spot for day drinking.
Lazarus Brewing Company
Choose from their solid beer selection and you'll find yourself drinking beer all day... surrounded by adorable dogs!Lustre Pearl East
Here you'll find Lustre Pearl's original bungalow with more outdoor space. The go-to spot for a fun night out in a not-so-crowded bar!
Native Bar & Kitchen
Start your barhopping in this cafe bar, a chill and lowkey place filled with people drinking and working on their laptops.
Nickel City
Head on over to this dive bar for some frozen margaritas or sample one of their many beers and cocktails when you're in the mood to avoid the crowd.
Wright Bros. Brew & Brew
Try out one of their 30+ beers and ciders on tap or order a cup of coffee during their happy hour while you socialize in this cafe bar.
The Liberty
One of East 6th's oldest bars. You can hang out by the barside, play some pool or grab a spot on one of the picnic tables outdoors.
La Holly
Enjoy some mezcal, tequila, or sotol on this bar's back patio. If you're planning to spend a long time here, grab some food at the food trucks on site.
Lustre Pearl East
Here you'll find Lustre Pearl's original bungalow with more outdoor space. The go-to spot for a fun night out in a not-so-crowded bar!
Yellow Jacket Social Club
Concealed under many trees, it is a great place to have some drinks in the afternoon and chill under the shade. Grab a frozen margarita and a snack!
Whisler's
Order one of their crafted cocktails and stay on their outdoor patio or head upstairs to the mezcal bar.
Violet Crown Social Club
Known for their mean Orange Whips and rotating taps, you'll have a fun time here without breaking the bank! And if that's not enough reason to go here, Via 313 is just outside.
Hotel Vegas
A very rowdy scene, this bar blasts out loud live music and DJs just about every day of the week!
Shangri-la
One of the original and most popular bars in East Austin, it serves cheap drinks and features a huge patio, pool tables
sights & attractions
The Thinkery
This children's museum offers 40,000 sqft of indoor and outdoor activities for children and families to learn through play.
Ground Floor Theatre
Watch amazing productions created by and for underrepresented communities, including the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. .
Helo Austin
Go on a helicopter ride around Austin or charter a heli to a location of your choice! Tours start at $93.50 per person for a tour of downtown Austin
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in
Watch some classic films at this drive-in while you munch on some popcorn under the moonlight.
Circuit of the Americas
See prime action in this 1,500 acres destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment including Formula 1.
Texas Music Museum
In this museum, you'll find exhibits, educational programs and performances about the diverse traditions of Texas music.
Battleground Ranch
This one-of-a-kind immersive experience makes you play Call of Duty in real life with different game modes such as Battle Royale and Capture the Base in a 5-acre battlefield.
fitness & nature
Texas State Cemetery
Schedule a guided tour in this beautiful landscaped final resting place of Texas' most notable sons and daughters, including Stephen F. Austin and Barbara Jordan.
Tejano Walking Trail
A 4.9-mile stroll, it covers an expansive part of American History, linking 24 sites along the trail. Enjoy a 2.5-hour stroll and see the places important to locals.
