Planning to do it up in Austin for your last hurrah as a single man? You’ve chosen well, because nobody does casual and cool they way Austin does. You can check right here just to be sure. As America’s fastest growing city, it’s easy to see why everyone wants to live here—we’re a young city, full of bright-eyed entrepreneurs, foodies, musicians, and home to 50,000 University of Texas students (Hook’em!).
It’s hot as hell in the summer so you’ll typically find locals happily cooling off in one of the many natural swimming holes or drinking local beers on a patio. Sure, the cost of living is inflated but you probably don’t live here, so don’t worry about it. You can have an amazing time sampling our finest goods—BBQ, beer, live music, flying mammals—without going broke. So grab your best friends (and weird future brother-in-law), check out our 72 Hour Guide to maximizing your time in Austin and don’t bother packing a suit (you’d just sweat through it anyway).
— Anastacia Uriegas
Day 1
11 a.m. Check into the Hotel San José
Before the Hotel San José was transformed into the see-and-be-seen destination it now is, the property was a seedy motel frequented by the colorful (aka super sketchy) characters found hanging out on South Congress back before it became the heart of Austin culture. These days, the sprawling one-story hotel is ground zero for touring bands and generally stylish visitors. The rooms are clean and simple and speak to the refined, rustic vibe of the property. Hotel San José is located in the heart of South Congress Avenue near eateries and shopping and music venues but before you head out, take a dip in the the lap pool. Surrounded by plants and seating, the pool is the perfect spot to start your day. And, it’s conveniently located next to the hotel’s lounge—order up a michelada with a crisp Modelo beer. Trust us.
1 p.m. Pop into Allens Boots and STAG Provisions for Men
Channel your inner Austinite with visits to two very different shops which define “Austin cool”. Since 1977, Allens Boots has been the spot for boot shopping while simultaneously inhaling the aroma of 4000 pairs of boots. The shop has thousands of styles which range from Townes-Van-Zandt-classic-cool to holy-shit-Criss-Angel-Mindfreak-owns-these. Next, head one block over to STAG Provision for Men for hip, casual duds and accessories. Get into some raw denim and stylish shades to complete your ATX makeover.
3 p.m. Barbecue at LeRoy & Lewis
No visit to Austin is complete without having proper Texas BBQ from one of our many top pitmasters who specialize in meat smoked the right way—low and slow. We recommend skipping the hordes of hungry people found at our most popular BBQ spots and heading just a few miles South of downtown to LeRoy and Lewis. This new-school BBQ food truck found just off of South Congress Avenue rivals the top dogs and doesn’t include the two pitfalls of eating at Austin’s most well-known BBQ joints—waiting hours in line or having starving people still in line three-feet from you staring at you while you ravenously destroy greasy brisket. LeRoy and Lewis’ menu changes often but you can expect locally-sourced meats smoked to perfection and funky mashups—like mac and cheese-stuffed quail—you won’t find elsewhere.
5 p.m. Day Drinking at Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden
Make your way downtown for a little R & R at Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden, a hip beer garden and bakery serving German bar food creekside. Not only will you find a killer beer selection here, from breweries both local and beyond, but they have free ping pong tables perfect for a friendly match between buddies. After working up a sweat and an appetite, hang out at the communal tables on the open-air patio with a fresh-baked pretzel, their famous beer cheese, and a round of whiskey from Easy Tiger’s respectable list.
8 p.m. Cocktails at The Roosevelt Room
After you’ve showered and dressed, call the future Mrs. You for a quick Facetime check-in–”Yes, we had a fun first day. Okay, I’ll not to eat too much. No, we aren’t going to an all-nude strip club.” Show up for your reservation at Austin’s best cocktail bar, The Roosevelt Room, and pile into one of the giant booths. The bar is known for their fancy signature cocktails, the most popular being the aptly-named Cigar Box—Del Maguey Vida mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, lavender bitters, and tobacco essence served on an ashtray with a smoking cinnamon stick. Or, opt for one of their many classic cocktails, organized by era from pre-1880 to today. Try not to laugh when your boy tries to order a shot of Fireball.
10 p.m. Two-stepping at The White Horse Saloon
Strap on your new boots, hop in a car and make your way to East Sixth street where you’ll find the White Horse Saloon, a hipster honky tonk bar where the best local country, bluegrass, and Americana acts come to make you boogie. Grab a Two-Step (a frosty Lone Star and shot of well whiskey) and hit the dance floor—and if you’re not well-versed in two-stepping, don’t worry! The vibe at the White Horse is one of fun and loosened inhibitions where dancing abilities range from Bud-and-Sissy to possibly-blacked-out-on-Budweiser.
1 a.m. Nightcap at Whisler’s and Mezcalería Tobalá
Whisler’s is one the Eastside’s most bumping bars for a handful of reasons: the cocktails are fantastic, Thai Kun, the on-site food truck serves Thai street food so spicy it will make your knees sweat, and the rustic-cool style of the space. Play it safe with an Old Fashioned (Whisler’s most popular drink) or head upstairs to the unmarked Mezcalería Tobalá. The hidden Oaxacan-inspired bar serves a curated selection of Mexican mezcals in traditional clay copitas (small sipping cup) with orange slices and sal de gusano (worm salt). Ask your bartender for a bachelor_party_72_hours_guide_Austin_mezcal flight and sample spirits from a range of agave varietals and terroirs—there are 11 types of agave which mezcal is distilled from and the land and conditions affect flavor just like wine.
Day 2
11 a.m. Tacos at Veracruz All Natural
Wake up feeling a little rough? Head back down to the Eastside for Austin’s best breakfast taco, the Migas taco from Veracruz All Natural. The practically-medicinal taco has healing powers, aka eggs, crunchy tortillas strips, avocado, pico de gallo, and Monterey jack cheese to get you back on your feet. You’ll also need to hydrate so grab an aguas fresca, a Mexican beverage made with fruit juice, water, and sugar. The refreshing cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber options are exactly what the doctor ordered for your ragged bachelor party crew.
1 p.m. Haircuts and Shaves at Shed Barber and Supply
Finding a good barber is tough, especially when you want a sharp fade, a modern high and tight, or dapper slick back. Choose carelessly and you could easily end up more Pauly D and less J.T. This is why we recommend your party gets proper barber cuts from Shed Barber and Supply who specialize in modern classic cuts and shaves. Have them clean up your moustache and beard—or just mustache if you’re going for a penny-farthing or 80’s-dad look—or treat yourself to a straight razor shave with towel service. And, when you arrive you’ll be greeted with a cold beer!
3 p.m. Catch Some Rays at Jester King Brewery
Now that your crew is feeling and looking fresh, it’s time for a trip to Austin’s award-winning craft beer brewery, Jester King. Located in West Austin, a 50 minute drive from Shed, Jester King’s unique bottle art, experimental approach to brewing, and use of wild yeasts has earned them lots of well-earned attention. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables, decide on a beer, and hop onto a free tour of the brewing facility and aging room. You’ll have an amazing time soaking up sun and sampling beers as unusual as Equipoise (farmhouse ale brewed with ginger salt and tarragon and re-fermented with cantaloupe) or as approachable as Bière de Miel (farmhouse ale brewed with honey). Be sure to grab some large format bottles to take home with you, many are available only at the brewery!
7 p.m. Dinner at Vince Young Steakhouse
All that sun (and beer) has made you hungry, good thing you made a reservation at Vince Young Steakhouse (Yes, the very same former quarterback for the UT Longhorns). The classic steakhouse is sometimes overshadowed by flashier steak and seafood houses full of businessmen slapping down cards in every shade of the baller rainbow, you know, black, gold, platinum, and titanium. However, Vince Young Steakhouse has a culinary team who absolutely nail every dish. The Akaushi “Perfect 10” is a perfectly seasoned, perfectly seared steak that every guest should try, in addition to the lobster rolls and mac and cheese with house-cured bacon. Close out your meal with a round of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon and a cigar you can purchase from the steakhouse’s humidor.
9 p.m. Cocktails at Garage
Walk just a couple of blocks to Garage for cocktails, the industrial-but-elevated bar is found tucked into the parking garage on Colorado Street. Step into the concrete space—which is barely lit except for the glowing circular bar and a few candles—and order from Garage’s
vehicular-themed menu. The “Vintage” section has classic cocktails, “Refurbished” has modern or tweaked classics and much like the namesake Pontiac, the cocktails in the “GTO” category are flashy and bold. Try the Junior Jr., Maker’s Mark bourbon fat-washed with brown butter (which adds flavor and mouthfeel), grenadine, lemon, and apple bitters.
11 p.m. Strip Clubbing at Palazio Men’s Club
What’s more bachelor party than saying goodbye to single life with bottle service and gorgeous women in sky-high acrylic shoes? With the exception of arriving to the gentlemen’s club in a helicopter with a white tiger, nothing we can think of. You can reserve a party package at Palazio Men’s Club, known for catering to all preferences with a mix of the sexiest dancers in Austin. Bachelor party packages here include priority seating, bottle service, no cover, and shuttle service…dances with the ladies though, they’re still going to cost you.
Day 3
12 p.m. Rent a Bicycle and Ride to Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Wake up late and rent a BCycle, the bike rental kiosk found in front of Jo’s Coffee next to your hotel. Sign up with a credit card at the kiosk and safely ride to Austin’s #1 destination, Barton Springs. The aquifer-fed pool is flanked by hills of green grass perfect for relaxing, and sweating out some of last night’s bad decisions. A jump into the springs will surely shock you back to life as it remains chilly throughout the year, averaging about 70℉. The people-watching at Barton Springs is always interesting with a mix of students, tattooed cool kids, children, super-tan, Speedo-wearing seniors, and those who still subscribe to Austin “weird.” Just picture a white guy with dreads playing a didgeridoo while doing partner yoga and t’ai chi at the same time. Wild, huh?
5 p.m. Burgers and Tiki Drinks at Pool Burger
Sunshine has the ability to incite extreme hunger so hop on your bikes and head over Pool Burger. Avoid traffic and take in the natural beauty Austin is known for by riding along the hike and bike trail and crossing the river via pedestrian bridge under MoPac highway. Pool Burger is found just up the hill from another famous watering hole, the family-friendly Deep Eddy Pool. Walk up to Pool Burger’s vintage Airstream trailer and order your burgers; go classic or over-the-top with The Deep End, made with triple meat, Swiss cheese, bacon, fresh jalapeños and Dijonnaise…let your hangover be your guide. Hydrate with a Topo Chico, the unofficial fizzy water of Austin, or opt for a frozen hurricane or Austin Beerworks’ Pearl Snap lager on draft.
7 p.m. Bat Watching at the Congress Bridge
Check another must-do attraction off of your list by visiting Congress Street bridge just before sunset. From February to October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the crevices underneath the bridge and fly off in giant black clouds. Why do they leave the bridge at night? The nocturnal animals leave to feed on insects but little else is known about exactly where they go. (Our guess is a post-apocalyptic-themed rave orgy that takes place in a cave.)
9 p.m. Live Music at The Continental Club
Live music institution The Continental Club has been around since 1955, showcasing legendary talent the likes of Dale Watson and Robert Plant, which is why a night here should be a part of everyone’s time in Austin. There’s a show every night of the week, check out the show calendar here. The lack of natural light, impossibly cold beers, and plenty of rowdy tourists will inevitably lead to losing track of time.
1 a.m. Late Night Pie at More Home Slice
Stumble over to More Home Slice, the late-night sister restaurant to Home Slice. Order by the slice or by the pie; these New York-style slices are huge with a crisp crust and simple classic toppings. Go for tried-and-true pepperoni or the slightly more adventurous White Pie with spinach, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, ricotta and mozzarella. The shop is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, which means you will find yourself sitting on the curb next to the very same mens’ store, STAG, where you began your Austin journey. Now, fold that giant slice into a pizza taco, look at your best buddies under the harsh lighting provided by the City of Austin’s street light, and remember this moment. And just so you don’t forget anything, give this a look before you leave.
Zero Hour:
Pending traffic, Austin-Bergstrom Airport should be a quick 15-minute drive from the hotel. That means you can probably sneak in a few hours of sleepy time. So there you have it, your 72 Hour Guide to Austin. If you need a little more help planning this bachelor party, we’ve got you covered.