by Becca Hensley Why go? Austin’s all about the buzz. A lakeside global music capital with a hip Western-meets-Brooklyn vibe, Austin takes Texas cool up a notch. Those who have visited yearn to return, while those who haven’t been there yet crave the bragging rights. In other words, your friends will love that you chose this “all the rage” destination for your bachelor party.
Best ideas: Follow the music, spend some time out on the water, visit nearby vineyards, chill out at local breweries, and indulge in plenty of culinary adventures and outdoor pursuits.
Good To Know: Austin’s modest public transportation system means most visitors rent a car to explore this vibrant sprawling metropolis. It also has one of the nation’s highest petty crime rates—keep a close eye on your valuables if you’re out partying—though that’s more likely to affect residents than tourists.
Austin’s not your grandfather’s Texas town, or even what you probably think of when you picture The Lone Star State. You won’t find a tumbleweed, a ten gallon hat, a cattle drive down Main Street, dusty prairies, or men wearing belt buckles as big as islands here. In this vivacious and liberal university city loaded with music venues and entertainment districts, you’ll instead notice fitness-obsessed citizens working off their sins from the night before; water lovers skiing, boating, and paddle-boarding the lakes that line Downtown Austin; tattoos aplenty; and eclectic folks who happily internalize the city’s unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird.”
A creative place that supports its artists, musicians, culinary stars, brewers, and winemakers—it’s also home to the original Whole Foods and Dell Computers—Austin sports a big personality, driven by a fearlessly funky vibe. With influences from Mexico, the hippie era, the Old West, South By Southwest, and its status as the global music mecca that launched Janis Joplin, Blue October, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, this city two-steps to its own guitar riff. In other words, it’s a fantastic choice for a bachelor party.
Travel & Essentials for an Austin Bachelor Party
You can fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), located about a 20-minute drive from downtown, on any major U.S. airline—American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, or United Airlines—as well as several international carriers. The airport invokes a mini-Austin, with lots of live music and outposts of shops and restaurants you’ll see around town, giving you a feel for this exciting city as soon as you land.
As a result of the city’s modest public transportation system and urban sprawl, Austin’s not the easiest place to get around. Take taxis, use ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, or consider renting cars, scooters, motorcycles or bikes to help your group get around. Most neighborhoods are pretty walkable once you get there.
Avoid visiting Austin during the summer months unless you absolutely love scorching temperatures, which generally reach into the upper-90s and 100s this time of year. It’s slightly warmer in the fall (temps are in the 70s to 90s) and spring (temps are in the 70s and 80s), while winter temps tend to hover around the 40s to 60s.
Visitors swarm the city during its two major music festivals, South by Southwest (usually held in mid-March) and Austin City Limits (usually held in early October). This means thronged venues and higher prices, so to save money and stress less, skip a visit during the festivals if you’re not a fan of large crowds.
Austin’s a hip but casual place, so don’t worry about getting dressed up to the nines for a night out on the town with your group. Casual and bare is the order of the day here, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
You really can’t get bored in Austin. Between all the outdoorsy activities, bars, restaurants, breweries and nearby wineries, the city offers tons of options to keep you entertained on an epic bachelor party weekend.
Pros and Cons of a Bachelor Party in Austin
Pros
- Good weather (with the exception of summer) makes indoor and outdoor activities comfortable and possible.
- Rentable electric scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles are plentiful and great for short-distance travel.
- Friendly locals may invite you home for supper.
Cons
- Austin’s popularity has resulted in some of the nation’s worst traffic.
- Poor public transportation and the city’s overall size and sprawl make it a place that’s not generally walkable.
- Summer temperatures soar so be prepared to sweat—it really is as sizzling as we say—but the upside is nobody really gets dressed up.
Neighborhoods To Know About
-
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Downtown Austin Alliance)
This is Austin’s historic heart, bordered by Lady Bird Lake—a dammed up portion of the Colorado River—to the south and the elegant capital complex to the north. An urbane mix of architectural styles including skyscrapers and refurbished 19th-century structures, it’s where you’ll find bars, restaurants, music venues, and businesses like the flagship Whole Foods. Home to raucous Sixth Street, Austin’s original entertainment district, popular Rainey Street, and Second Street—a chic quarter that’s home to ACL Live at the Moody Theater—the area sits within walking distance of the Warehouse and Seaholm Districts, while the University of Texas lies to the north.
-
Rainey Street
Rainey Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Christian Smith Media)
Located near the Austin Convention Center, this lively social playground features a collection of renovated bungalow houses that line several blocks near I-35 and Lake Lady Bird. Always busy at night, it’s where you’ll find some of the city’s best bars, food trucks, festive patios, and restaurants.
-
SoCo
SoCo, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Marcoroxstar)
Across the water from Downtown, the South Congress zone now known as SoCo was once considered to be the city’s limits and as a result, is formerly the home of Austin’s flophouses, speakeasies, and brothels. The area’s Boho renaissance began with the 1998 renovation of a rundown motel from the 1930s that eventually became today’s chic and trendy Hotel San José. Visit this part of town for some of the city’s best eateries, bars, coffee shops, unusual boutiques, shops, and clubs.
-
East Austin
East Austin, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Andrew Spey)
To the east, across I-35 from Downtown, this historic and gentrified section of Austin continues to evolve. East Sixth Street offers a wealth of bars and restaurants, many of which have a hipster feel and ambiance. The East Caesar Chavez area showcases Austin’s Mexican-American heritage, with many options for craft cocktails and exemplary Tex-Mex fare.
-
West Sixth Street
West 6th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo of musicians on West Sixth Street by 30 New Places)
Mostly residential, this part of the city is home to West Sixth Street, where you’ll find a collection of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. There’s also access to Lake Austin, another party friendly section of the dammed up Colorado River, via the dock.
-
Texas Hill Country
Lake Travis, Texas, USA
(Photo of Pedernales Falls State Park by We Are Texas Hill Country)
Not an actual neighborhood of Austin but a sort of sibling, this hilly expanse less than an hour from town presents a striking rural contrast to the action of the city. Oak trees, limestone hills, peach orchards, wildflowers, and vineyards pepper the rolling terrain. Known for its charming village-like small towns and home to more than 100 vineyards and wineries, Texas Hill Country provides a great day trip option for cavorting in search of adult beverages.
-
Best Attractions and Activities in Austin
-
Drive Fancy Sports Cars Really, Really Fast
Circuit of the Americas, Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Circuit Of The Americas)
Gentlemen, start your engines. Put the pedal to the metal at the only F1 track in the United States with the Circuit Of The Americas Audi Driving Experience. Choose from four varied programs that test your driving skills and let you appreciate all things Audi. Learn the skinny on Audi Sport vehicle driving techniques, with your choice of sublime sport machines like the Audi R8 V10 plus, Audi TT RS, or Audi RS 3. Go-carting and tours are also available.
-
Feel The Pedal Power
Austin, Texas, USA
(Photo by LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour)
Austin rules as a cycling mecca, so plan your bachelor party fun around one of Hill Country’s most popular road rides. Consider the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour (which has been rescheduled to October 10 due to the pandemic), the Real Ale Ride—which starts and ends at Real Ale Brewing (postponed til 2021)—or the Livestrong Challenge, expected to be held this year on October 18, with each route showcasing different parts of the region. Each bike ride varies in length and mood. Either way, consider renting your wheels from local shops like Mellow Johnny’s.
-
Get Groomed
Birds Barbershop, South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Birds Barbershop)
Cut it off. Cut it all off. Birds Barbershop begins the preening ritual with an ice cold Texas beer and ends with a haircut and beard trim handsome enough to make your fiancée proud. Choose the South Lamar location, where a private room with barber chairs awaits groups of classy gents in search of a new look.
-
Follow The Music To The Continental Club
The Continental Club, South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by The Continental Club)
With more than 250 live music venues, you really can’t go wrong here. But if you only have enough time for one experience, make it The Continental Club, Austin’s legendary music forum, a boozy speakeasy type of place with deep Southern juke joint roots. World class musicians of every genre play here daily, so stop by for happy hour or cap off your night with a jam session here.
-
Spend Some Time On The Water
Float On - Lake Austin Boat Rentals, North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Float On)
Most people don’t realize that inland Austin overflows with watery options ideal for cooling off after that round of frisbee golf in the hot Texas sun. Join the stand up paddle boarders and the canoe crowd on Lake Lady Bird, where a variety of rental outlets line the shore.
For an all-day water skiing or wakeboarding adventure on Lake Austin, rent your own boat, complete with a captain. Options through Float On include a 23-foot Sea Ray power boat for up to seven people (from $400 for three hours) or a 24-foot Bentley Tritoon for up to 12 people (from $295 for two hours).
-
Float Down The River
Thom’s Market, E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Austin Tubing Trips)
Feeling lazy? Float down the river with Austin Tubing Trips, a company well versed in all the best routes. Public tubing tours last about 5.5 hours, include pick-up and drop-off in an air conditioned coach, and depart Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Thom’s Market near Downtown Austin for $59 per person. Private tubing adventures can also be arranged with rates depending on the date and group size. Either way, it’s a 45-minute ride there and back with three hours of tubing on the river, and yes, alcohol is allowed on the bus.
-
Go For A Swim At Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, William Barton Drive, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Visit Austin)
After a long weekend of partying, don’t miss Barton Springs Pool, an immense natural spring near Downtown Austin with water that’s 68–70 degrees all year long. You can expect to catch a glimpse of topless sunbathers and if you’re lucky, the area’s elusive and endangered albino salamander.
-
See The Bats Take Off On A Sunset Kayak Adventure
Live Love Paddle, East Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Live Love Paddle)
Animal lovers will drop their jaws on a sunset kayaking adventure with Live Love Paddle, where they’ll position you in the ideal location to watch the world’s largest urban bat colony emerge from its home beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Bat Watching Tours last about 2.5 hours and will run you $45 per person for this unique experience on the water.
-
Spirited Pursuits
Discover Texas Wine Tours, Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, TX, USA
(Photo by Twisted Texas Tours)
It wouldn’t be a bachelor party weekend without plenty of booze. Austin has you covered with nearly 60 breweries, more than 20 distilleries, and over 100 wineries and vineyards in the surrounding hinterlands. Obviously, responsible tipplers will let somebody else drive and there are several tour companies happy to take the wheel so you can indulge. Try Limos of Austin for a refined ride, Discover Texas Wine for expert customized wine or distillery options, or Twisted Texas Tours for a rollicking bus jaunt enhanced with live music and animated guides.
-
Embrace Your Inner Child At Pinstack
PINSTACK Austin, West Canyon Ridge Drive, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Pinstack)
What better place to relive your childhood than at Pinstack, a Chuck. E. Cheese-like, sensory overload playground for grown-ups. Bowl, climb ropes and walls, play laser tag, go crazy on classic arcade video games, and take the bumper cars for a spin, among other activities. It’s a veritable fantasia of inner kid entertainment, complete with adult beverages and sophisticated bites.
-
Play Dress Up
Coco Coquette, East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Coco Coquette)
Getting dolled up isn’t just for girls. Go for a walk on the wild side and put a silly rug on your head with a Wig Party at Coco Coquette, located on East Caesar Chavez. The company runs events for groups of 6-10 people that include styling with a makeup artist, as much glitter and role playing as you wish, and a wig to take home for each participant. It’s BYOB and you should definitely create your own Spotify playlist to amp up the action.
-
Score Some Brownie Points From The Future Mrs.
Austin, Texas, USA
(Photo by Travel Texas)
For guaranteed brownie points from your future Mrs., post a photo on Instagram to let her know she’s on your mind. Rife with street art, Austin has three murals that embody passion and declare commitment. Take a selfie at the “I Love You So Much” mural, painted on the side of Jo’s Coffee in South Congress, the “Til’ Death Do Us Part” mural at East 7th and Waller Streets, or the “You’re My Butter Half,” mural, located at 2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
-
The Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs in Austin
-
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Best Go-Big-Or-Go-Home Splurge Lake Austin Spa Resort, South Quinlan Park Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Lake Austin Spa Resort)
Vibe: She’ll be envious, but don’t let that stop your crew from indulging at the Lake Austin Spa Resort. On the lake, lavish with water toys, this all-inclusive hideaway checks all the boxes for fitness-minded folks. From hammocks to exercise classes, massages, wake surfing, water skiing, yoga, swimming pools, and the option for a sunset cruise, this healthy soirée for your squad won’t require a detox when you get home.
Price: From $525 per person per night, based on double occupancy (or $1,150 a night for two), including all meals, amenities, and classes.
-
Fairmont Austin
Best Rooftop Pool Fairmont Austin, Red River Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Fairmont Austin)
Vibe: Located downtown near Rainey Street, the Fairmont Austin boasts the city’s largest and most luxurious rooftop pool. Go from lounging poolside in the cabana to bar hopping around town, or stay in for the hotel’s cigar experience at Rules + Regs restaurant and bar. For a real spurge, rent out Room 725, a party-centric speakeasy suite with Mad Men vibes.
Price: From $225 a night.
-
Arrive Austin
Trendiest Scene ARRIVE Austin, East 6th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Arrive Austin)
Vibe: Totally nailing Austin’s ever-evolving funky feel, Arrive Austin roosts in what many say is the trendiest part of town, East Austin. Clever, artsy, sleek, and laid-back, this absolutely unique hotel never fails to delight and amuse. Nosh at its Goan-inspired restaurant Vixen’s Wedding, down some cocktails at the rooftop Gin Bar, and get down at Lefty’s Brick Bar, housed within a century-old warehouse and redone with Cajun flair. As an added bonus, every inch of this hotel is Insta-worthy gold.
Price: From $139 a night.
-
Hotel Zaza
Best If You Want to Feel Like a Celebrity Hotel ZaZa Austin, Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Hotel Zaza)
Vibe: You’ll feel like rock and roll stars when your group takes over the concept suites at swanky Hotel Zaza. For the groom-to-be, choose the Backstage Pass, a large, luxurious den adorned with velvet, leather, heavy metal, photography, and plenty of art. A clever hotel for bachelors with gravitas and style, Hotel Zaza also offers a locally sourced restaurant called Group Therapy, a state-of-the-art fitness room, and a lively pool area that turns into a plush nighttime lounge.
Price: Regular rooms from $299 a night. Backstage Pass and other concept suites from $499 a night.
-
Hotel San José
Best Amenities Hotel San José, South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Hotel San José)
Vibe: Beloved by artists, poets, and guitarists, Hotel San José channels Austin’s pleasingly peculiar spirit. Set on Congress Avenue, this intimate spot sits amid a garden behind stucco walls. Quirky, whimsical, and utterly sophisticated, the hotel hails from the re-imagining of a circa-1930’s motor inn. A see-or-be-seen spot that feels as welcoming as your old pal’s living room, Hotel San Jose has a pool and courtyard bar, too. Need to write? They’ll loan you a vintage typewriter. Forget your swimsuit? Don’t worry, they offer disposable ones for a small fee. For a real treat, book one of the Courtyard Suites with a balcony.
Price: Regular rooms from $215 a night. Courtyard Suites from $370 a night.
-
Stagecoach Inn
Most Affordable Stagecoach Inn, South Main Street, Salado, Texas, USA
(Photo by Stagecoach Inn)
Vibe: Take a break from city life with an overnight stay at the Stagecoach Inn in historic Salado, which was once a stop on the Chisholm Trail. Wrangle up those groomsmen for a competitive tee off at Mill Creek Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones-designed green, then mosey on over to one of the oldest restaurants in Texas back at the Inn. Cool off in the festive pool with hibiscus margaritas before retiring to the terrace to chow down cowpoke style on manly dishes like chicken fried steak and grilled rib-eye.
Price: From $159 a night.
-
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Best Old-School Vibes Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, Davis Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt)
Vibe: Walk out your door to Rainey Street — if you can bear to leave the grooviness of Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt’s happening scene. From its rooftop pool with private cabanas to its on-site eatery, Geraldines, which hosts live music on weekend nights, this deliberately rough-around-the-edges oasis redefines snazzy. Go for the Presidential (read: Party) Suite, decked out with a poker table, Symbol vinyl record player, and a curated vinyl library.
Price: Regular rooms from $161 a night. Suites from $322 a night.
-
TurnKey Vacation Rentals
Best Luxury Rental TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Industrial Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by TurnKey Vacation Rentals)
Vibe: Trust TurnKey Vacation Rentals, a full-service vacation rental property management company, if you’re looking for luxury vacation homes for your bachelor party. In Austin, they’ve got oodles of options—think four- and five-bedroom houses with pools, rooftop decks, BBQ space, and tennis or basketball courts.
Price: Rates vary but most are from $765 to $2,000 a night.
-
Airbnb: Stay in a Former Governor's Mansion
Best Bachelor Retreat Northwest Hills, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: This stunning 1920s-style seven-bedroom home that once served as the Governor’s Mansion is a great option for you and up to nine of your friends for a relaxing bachelor party weekend. Arranged by local interior designer Joel Mozersky, this lavish abode is reminiscent of Old Hollywood, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a large pool, and a spacious BBQ area, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy some time with your crew.
Price: From $496 a night.
-
Airbnb: Bachelor Party Paradise in East Austin
Best Party House East Austin, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: This impressively cool bachelor pad comes with all the party house bells and whistles you’d need for an epic stag weekend: two Sony Playstation consoles, a Sonos Hi-Fi sound system, a ping pong table, corn hole set-up, a lovely hot tub, a BBQ grill, fully loaded kitchen, and spacious patio area. Best of all, it’s located within walking distance of some of East Austin’s best restaurants, bars, and breweries—and a supermarket across the street should you need any essentials.
Price: From $431 a night.
-
Best Restaurants in Austin
BBQ: grilled goodness, carnivore’s phantasmagoria, or as some call it, the national food of Texas. Fulfill your protein fantasies at the following hotspots. Just don’t blame us when the meat sweats come to call.
-
Franklin Barbecue
Best BBQ by a James Beard Award-Winning Chef Franklin Barbecue, East 11th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Franklin Barbecue)
Fill up at Franklin Barbecue, by far the most famous BBQ joint on our list—its owner, Chef Aaron Franklin, even garnered a James Beard award for his efforts. He’s sold out of brisket every single day since 2009 so make sure you go early and expect to wait in line. Don’t worry, it’s definitely worth it.
-
Terry Black's Barbecue
Best For A BBQ Picnic Terry Black's Barbecue, Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Terry Black’s Barbecue)
Near Barton Springs Pool, Terry Black’s Barbecue brings generations of family recipes to the table, slinging grilled meat by the pound, and offering Texas-style sides, perfect for picnics, by the quart container.
-
Southside Market & Barbecue
Best BBQ Sausages Southside Market & Barbeque, U.S. 290, Elgin, TX, USA
(Photo by Southside Market & Barbecue)
Further afield, gobble up Texas’ most famous sausages at Southside Market & Barbecue, a delicious, no frills spot in nearby Elgin.
-
Juan in a Million
Best Mexican-Style Breakfast Juan in a Million, East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Juan in a Million)
From gooey queso to delicious breakfast tacos, fajitas, fully loaded nachos, and salsa and chile rellenos, Austin’s unofficial regional cuisine gets the party started—and keeps it going. Don’t forget: margaritas will help quell the inevitable burn.
For breakfast, wake up for Juan in a Million, renowned in Austin for its heaping Don Juan El Taco Grande platter. To kick it up a notch, place bets on which one of you can consume the whole thing.
-
Matt’s El Rancho
Best Place to Get Your Night Started Matt's El Rancho, South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Matt’s El Rancho)
For lunch or dinner, gorge on top-notch Mexican food at Matt’s El Rancho, a classic in South Austin dating back to 1952. Beloved by locals, its convivial, sprawling dining room feels more like a backyard shindig than a restaurant. Don’t hold back—dunk those crispy chips into Bob Armstrong Dip, a tasty fusion of melted cheese, ground beef, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
-
Tacodeli
Best for Vegans or Vegetarians Tacodeli, Spyglass Drive, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Tacodeli)
Try Tacodeli for healthy tacos, where each selection is inspired by the owner’s Mexico City heritage. Vegans and vegetarians should try the Freakin’ Vegan, a standout with organic black beans, pico de gallo, and avocado. Add some extra scorch with a slather of savory Salsa Dona sauce, a fire-lighter even among heat aficionados.
-
Chuys
Best Hangover Cure Chuy's, Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Chuys)
For an Elvis-imbued bit of fancifulness, tuck into whimsical Chuys, a palate pleaser since 1982. Forego its myriad locations for its flagship site on Barton Springs Road. Putting their green chile sauce on anything will cure whatever ails you after a big night out with the guys.
-
Fonda San Miguel
Best Brunch Fonda San Miguel, West North Loop Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Fonda San Miguel)
For the weekend’s grand finale, you’ve got to plan an epic brunch and you’ll need something celebratory yet capable of soaking up the residue from your days of transgression and over indulgence. Salsa and hair of the dog style drinks go without saying, though folks around Austin swear by menudo chile.
For superior Mexican cuisine, choose festive and unforgettable Fonda San Miguel, a local icon renowned for its mole. Expect a gargantuan brunch buffet and the best margaritas in town.
-
The Beer Plant
Best Vegan Gastropub The Beer Plant, Windsor Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by The Beer Plant)
Located in West Austin, The Beer Plant is credited with being the world’s first plant-based gastropub. Tuck in here to sample plates like chicken and waffles or patty melt—served vegan-style, of course.
-
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Best Traditional-Style Breakfast Kerbey Lane Cafe - South, South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Kerbey Lane Cafe)
For classic breakfast staples like colossal pancakes and overstuffed omelettes, stop by Kerbey Lane Cafe, an Austin institution with several locations all over the city.
-
Ski Shores Cafe
Best Brunch After a Late Night Ski Shores Cafe, Pearce Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Ski Shores Cafe)
Treat yourselves to a late brunch on the lake while decked out in your swim garb at Ski Shores Cafe, a waterside favorite since 1952. Don’t miss their dude fuel and go-to hangover cure, beer-battered onion rings and towering hamburgers, a perfect combo to help keep you afloat.
-
Otoko
Best Sushi Otoko, South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Otoko)
Indulge at Otoko, a restaurant so intimate—there are just 12 seats—you can get friendly with its revered head chef, Yoshi Okai. Hidden away like a Tokyo-style speakeasy, the multi-course sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki experience stands out as one of Austin’s most coveted culinary adventures. Reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.
-
Here in Austin, food trucks rule and there are more than 1,000 around the city to choose from on any given day. Eclectic, homemade, intimate, experimental, sometimes odd, and always delicious, these tiny eateries mirror the city’s magical blend of joie de vivre and entrepreneurial fearlessness.
-
Patrizi’s
Best Italian Food Truck Patrizi's, Manor Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Patrizi’s)
Try Patrizi’s food truck for Neopolitan-style favorites like pasta pomodoro, Carbonara Alexandra, Karah’s Diavolo, Cacio e Pepe, The Great Leopold, and Patrizi’s Red Sauce, a pasta option featuring special sauce from an old family recipe.
-
Las Trancas
Best Taqueria Las Trancas, East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Las Trancas)
Stop by the Las Trancas food truck for Mexican-style street food like tacos, tortas, quesadillas, nachos, and burritos, the perfect pick-me-up whether you’re just getting started, in between bars, or ending your night.
-
Poke Me Long Time
Sexiest Menu Poke Me Long Time, East 4th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Poke Me Long Time)
Poke Me Long Time offers tasty Hawaiian-style poke dishes like poke guacamole, along with sexy named items. Try the “Missionary Style” or “Doggy Style” marinades and poke bowls featuring tantalizing ingredients like “Ahi Tuna Show-er” and “Salmon Grower,” or “Go All The Way” by adding house Poke sauce, toasted sesame seeds and kizami nori to your bowl of choice. They’ve also got burritos, yaki soba noodle bowls and dumplings if poke’s not putting you in the mood.
-
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Best Tex Mex BBQ Truck Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, Menchaca Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ)
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ offers slow-cooked items like mesquite smoked ground brisket burgers and half rack pork spare ribs, smoked sausages and chicken, whole briskets, pulled pork, smoked beef and chicken fajitas, smoked tacos (chicken or beef), and fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers and onions, among other crave-worthy sides.
-
Saigon Le Vendeur
Best Vietnamese Food Truck Saigon Le Vendeur, East 7th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Saigon Le Vendeur)
Lovers of banh mi—tasty Vietnamese grilled pork and spicy chicken sandwiches served with veggies on delicious French bread—should head to the Saigon Le Vendeur food truck to get their fix. If you’d rather have it in noodle form, order the Vermicelli version.
-
Best Bars and Clubs in Austin
-
The Roosevelt Room
Best for Classy Gents 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
(Photo by The Roosevelt Room)
Austin’s creatives strut their stuff in the bustling bar scene at The Roosevelt Room, where elusive cocktails from the past are listed by era on the menu, begging tipplers to step back in time. Ensconced in the oversized booths, your sidekicks can partake of a drink aptly named Cigar Box—a concoction of Del Maguey Vida mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, lavender bitters, and tobacco essence, presented on an ashtray with a cinnamon stick aflame.
-
Whisler’s
Best Craft Cocktails Whisler's, East 6th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Whisler’s)
Get yourselves a twofer at buzzy Whisler’s, an Austin institution for craft cocktails. Its bar-within-a-bar experience, Mezcaleria Tobala, can be found upstairs. Inspired by Oaxacan watering holes, this agave connoisseurs’ dream ensures you’ll discover new favorites with every visit.
-
The Brewer’s Table
Best Place to Kick Back The Brewer's Table, East 5th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by The Brewer’s Table)
Combine your lust for food and beer at The Brewer’s Table, where a gastronomic menu—featuring items like braised pork shank, half roasted chicken, and charred tri-tip steak—and steely attitude pairs admirably with house-made brew.
-
Lazarus Brewing Company
Best Brewery Lazarus Brewing Co., East 6th Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Lazarus Brewing Company)
Make time for a trip to Lazarus Brewing Company, where you’ll find an assortment of home-brewed specialty IPAs and pilsners to choose from. For a real treat, try the Despereaux, a fruity tasting French Saison, the 40 Days & 40 Nights American IPA, or the Prodigal Pils, an homage to the best of German brewing.
-
Friends & Allies Brewing
Best for Stout Lovers Friends and Allies Brewing, Springdale Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Friends & Allies)
If you’re a fan of all things stout, come by Friends & Allies, which also shares a plaza with Daily Greens and Brothers Produce in East Austin. While known for Batkeeper—stout aged in Jameson casks—you also shouldn’t miss the other popular brews made here, like Noisy Cricket and Fresh Coast (IPAs), Urban Chicken (Saison) and Springdale (White Ale), and its seasonal brew, You’re Killing Me Smalls Sportsball Pilsner.
-
Blue Owl Brewing
Best for Sour Beers Blue Owl Brewing, East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Blue Owl Brewing)
If you’re fans of sour beers, head to Blue Owl Brewing’s tasting room to sample sour favorites like Tiki Hop Totem, a seasonal brew made with pineapple and coconut, or classics you can find year-round, like Little Boss (a sour session wheat), Spirit Animal (sour pale ale), and Van Dayum (sour red ale).
-
Jester King Brewery
Best for Hungry Beer Lovers Jester King -- Brewery, Kitchen, Farm & Event Hall, Fitzhugh Road, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Jester King Brewery)
If you’re in the mood for some lunch with your beers, Jester King’s Brewery’s kitchen and farm might be just what the doctor ordered. Tour the brewery and farm, then settle in with your choice of beer and a meal its website says is “made from scratch using farm, fermented or foraged ingredients.” Try one of the pizzas and wash it down with crowd favorites like Le Petit Prince, Cornbread Kvass, Cloudfeeder, or Lagered Farmhouse Beer.
-
Duchman Family Winery
Best Italian Family-Style Vineyard Duchman Family Winery, Ranch to Market Road 150, Driftwood, TX, USA
(Photo by Duchman Family Winery)
Various wine routes beckon. Don’t miss Duchman Family Winery, which brings a little bit of Tuscany to Texas. You’ll taste from primarily Italian varieties, including Vermentino, Montepulciano, and Aglianico. Cin-Cin!
-
Spicewood Vineyards
Best View Spicewood Vineyards, County Road 409, Spicewood, TX, USA
(Photo by Spicewood Vineyards)
At Spicewood Vineyards, chill out on a terrace overlooking the vineyards, musing about your legendary bachelor party weekend over sips of Sauvignon Blanc and award-winning Tempranillo.
-
Vino Vinyasa
Best Pre-Wine Workout Austin, Texas, USA
(Photo by Vino Vinyasa)
Is your group into yoga? Schedule a private 45-minute Vino Vinyasa class, where you’ll get your stretch on before sipping some of the good stuff. What a relaxing way to earn your tasting!
-
Texas Reds and Whites Tasting Room
Best Tasting Room In The City Center Texas Reds and Whites Tasting Room--Online Order and Curbside Pick-up Only, for now, Red River Street, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Texas Reds and Whites Tasting Room)
If you can’t make it out to the vineyards, Texas Reds and Whites Tasting Room, located near the Austin Convention Center, has your back, offering tastings from the best of Texas’ largesse, from Vermentino to Tannant.
-
Best Strip Clubs in Austin
-
Yellow Rose
Most Legendary Strip Club Yellow Rose, South Lakeline Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by Yellow Rose)
Austin’s most legendary gentlemen’s club, award-winning sanctum Yellow Rose prides itself on its elegantly slick vibe, beautiful entertainers, creative DJs, and gourmet cuisine. It’s also reputed to execute the best lap dances in Texas.
Several bachelor party packages are available, including The Budget, with two-bottle service, including a bottle of house Champagne, VIP seating, and limo service, from $600; The Baller, with three-bottle service, including two bottles of house Champagne, VIP seating, and limo service, from $900; and The Beast, with four-bottle service, including three bottles of house Champagne, VIP seating, and limo service, from $1,500.
-
Rick’s Cabaret North Austin
Best VIP Room Rick's Cabaret North Austin, South Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Round Rock, TX, USA
(Photo by Rick’s Cabaret North Austin)
With a VIP room boasting its own bar and a medieval castle design featuring private, high-backed booths and red velvet galore, Rick’s Cabaret North Austin has all the bells and whistles you’ll need for an epic bachelor party. From two stages of acrobatic acts on spinning poles to a lap dance and conversations area and plenty of gorgeous ladies, the vibe’s complete with with heart-thumping, courage-building music. Single-bottle VIP Packages start at $275.
-
The Landing Strip
Most Convenient Location The Landing Strip, U.S. 183, Austin, TX, USA
(Photo by The Landing Strip)
Just five minutes from downtown and spitting distance from the airport, The Landing Strip could be your first stop on arrival and your last stop before you fly home. With three big screen TVs for sporting events, decent food, and tons of women in sexy attire, this relaxed hangout was featured in the film Varsity Blues. Daily happy hour dances happen from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will run you $10 each.
-
Bottom Line
Expect to fall in love with Austin, a polished city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, an inventive place that appeals to those who like to live life outside the box, and a casual place that means guys never have to dress up.
