EAT
Perla's: So Austin! You can dine inside or outdoors on their garden patio. Communal tables and some pretty good South Congress Street, people watching.
Guero's Taco Bar: Tex-Mex at its best. Some weeknights they have a band playing out in the adjoining square. A really cool Austin experience. In the South Congress neighborhood.
Franklin BBQ: If Bourdain and Obama rate this place, you know it'll be good. The only downside is the line up that is borderline ridiculous. People start lining up at 7am and the place is cleaned out of food by early afternoon.
Coopers BBQ: Located downtown. A great place to get the Texas BBQ experience.
Lamberts: Austin has its fair share of BBQ joints. This one is worthy of making the list. A bit more of a formal setting, as opposed to: line up, look in the pit and choose.
Central Standard: One of the more chic places to dine in Austin.
Uchi: Stylish and hip sushi joint.
Odd Duck: Seriously awesome menu at this hot spot. Definitely nothing odd about this happening spot.
Voodoo Doughnut: Famous for...you guessed it - their doughnuts. Originated in Portland.
Modern Market: Healthy and diverse menu that will have you going back for more. Definitely worth a visit. Outposts in Colorado and Arizona as well.
Red Ash Grill: Modern Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Austin. I love places that offer up half portions of pasta.
Tiny Boxwoods: It is a 10 minute Uber drive from dowtown Austin but it is soooooo worth it.
June's All Day: You will not be disappointed. Go here anytime of the day. A South Congress hot spot.
Torchy's Taco's: Who doesn't like a cool South Congress place for taco's?
Salty Sow: A great spot to hang out with the local University of Texas crowd.
Le Politique: Every city has that chic french brasserie. This is the one for Austin.
Seersucker: Want a see to be seen spot. Look no further.
STAY
Four Seasons: The best place to stay in Austin. You can not go wrong here.
W Hotel: Not really a W guy but the Austin property is one of their better ones. Excellent location.
JW Marriott. Recently opened and an excellent option. Located two blocks from the W Hotel.
Fairmont Austin: Just opened in March of 2018. You had me at "just opened"...
DRINK
Austin is a city with so many places to enjoy music and have a drink. I have outlined the areas to visit and they literally have bars and music venues from door to door.
Rainey Street: Located near the Four Seasons Hotel in a historic district with lot of Texas charm.
Second Street: Charming street. Great to browse and roam for that perfect watering hole.
Sixth Street: So many places to choose from popular area with the close by University of Texas crowd.
Boiler Nine: A restaurant, lounge, bar and rooftop patio all in one. Cool spot for sure.
HANG
Lady Bird Lake: A fantastic hidden oasis near downtown Austin. Run around it or get on a paddle board. It really is a great spot.
University of Texas: Hook Em' Horns! i recommend getting a bike and riding around campus. Going to a football game there would be quite the experience.
South Congress: If there was one neighborhood to hang out in for dinner and drinks. This would be it.
Houndstooth Coffee: Best place to hang out, relax and enjoy some coffee.
Loop Running Supply: Cool, hip running store that has group runs every thursday evening at 6:30
Halcyon Coffee Bar & Lounge: A coffee bar bumpin till 2am? Only in Austin.