The Meridian guide to Austin, Texas

Austin doesn’t need much introduction. The sun-baked Texas state capitol is equal parts college town, music mecca, tech hub, and BBQ heaven — and those are just a few of its facets. It’s a town where artists, dancehall dreamers, students, open mic regulars, startup founders, and pitmaster devotees might two-step together one night and cross paths on the lakeside trails the next morning.  It’s a city that keeps adding chapters without tearing out the old ones.

For this guide, we asked founders and operators who call Austin home about the places that make them truly love where they live. From timeless institutions to newer standouts, and their favorites in-between, here’s what they say you’d be remiss to miss.

LBJ Presidential Library

2313 Red River St.

More museum than library, LBJ brings the 1960s to life. The stunning 10-story building houses a 7/8th-scale Oval Office replica and recordings of real conversations between LBJ, MLK, and Jackie Kennedy. There are also exhibits covering everything from the Civil Rights Act to the Space Race. One of Austin’s most underrated stops, and free to visit.

The Driskill

604 Brazos St.

A downtown landmark, The Driskill was opened in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill and quickly heralded as “one of the finest hotels in the whole country.” 140 years later, the hotel still retains its historic opulence and warmth. Stop for a nice cocktail at The Victorian, their two-level bar that feels like the blend of an Old West saloon and a classic English pub.

Black Rabbit Comedy

411 Brazos St. Suite 100B

A downtown, underground room that does comedy the stripped-down way — concrete walls, red neon, BYOB. The lineup’s a mix of locals and touring comics, with the occasional big-name drop-in. Bonus: It’s intimate enough that performers can actually work the room.

Desnudo Coffee

111 Congress Ave.

A direct-trade roaster where every cup traces back to small family farms founders Juan and Sergio Trujillo know by name. Known for everything from its small-batch black coffee to its signature beverages (don’t miss the brown sugar miso latte). Conveniently located downtown, this location is easy to duck into between events.

Taqueria de Diez

206 Trinity St. Suite 110

Brothers Raul and Luis Esquer brought the lively atmosphere of a traditional Mexican taqueria to downtown Austin with Taqueria de Diez. Walk through the doors at the back of the bar to get to the tacos, order at the counter, and stick around to watch the chefs make your food. You can’t go wrong on the menu here — but the pastor and carne asada tacos are the stars of the show.

Casa de Luz Village

1701 Toomey Rd.

A nonprofit kitchen and “wellness village” just south of downtown. The menu is centered around organic, macrobiotic, plant-based foods (changing daily) and served once per day as a communal-style dining experience. Come for a yoga class, stay for the meal, and enjoy a ceremonial cacao after — a genuine reset in a relentless week.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Lady Bird Lake

An 11-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake with tree-lined paths, water views, and just enough elevation change to land somewhere between a walk and a workout. Start near the MoPac bridge by Deep Eddy, run, bike, or walk as far as you like, and grab a smoothie at JuiceLand afterward (discounted on Saturdays).

Barton Springs Pool

2131 William Barton Dr.

Cool off in this natural pool right off the Colorado River. Over three acres in size, the pool stays at an average temperature of 70 degrees year-round, thanks to the underground springs feeding it. Rumor has it that Robert Redford learned how to swim in here while visiting family in Austin. It’ll be busy, especially in hotter months, but worth it for the bright blue-green waters and sunshine.

Terry Black’s BBQ

1003 Barton Springs Rd.

Central Texas barbecue done with real conviction. Michelin recognized, but no all-day queue, no gimmicks, and no reservations — just meats cooked low-and-slow over oak-fired pits, and all the sides, sweets, and sandwiches you need.

Antonelli’s Cheese - Tasting Room

1100 S. Lamar Blvd. Suite 1130

Stop by Antonelli’s tasting room just south of downtown to eat your way through an exquisitely curated selection of artisan cheeses. A good experience to book while in town: low-key, genuinely interesting, and a nice change of pace from the usual programming.

Odd Duck

1201 S. Lamar Blvd.

What began as a trailer parked in an empty lot in 2009 has since evolved into one of Austin’s most-loved restaurants. The Michelin-recognized menu shifts with the seasons, letting the ingredients call the shots. Blending global flavors into shareable plates, favorites include the braised goat pizza, antelope tataki, and fried quail. Make a reservation.

The Continental Club

1315 S. Congress Ave.

The “granddaddy” of Austin clubs started as a private supper club in 1955 before finding its calling as the city’s premier, down-to-earth home for roots rock, blues, rockabilly, and country. Austin has no shortage of great live music venues, but few have roots this deep or a stage this storied.

Mattie’s

811 W. Live Oak St. 

Enjoy brunch in this historic farmhouse that has been serving as a restaurant since 1946. Originally called Green Pastures, the modern-day iteration has been carefully recrafted to maintain that old-Austin charm while dishing out delicious Southern food. Come for the fried chicken eggs Benedict, stay to get a glimpse of peacocks wandering the expansive grounds.

C-Boy’s Heart & Soul

2008 S. Congress Ave.

Styled after 50s-era Japanese GI bars, this club hosts one of those truly-only-in-Texas events: Chicken Sh!t Bingo. Stop by Sunday afternoon for the event, where chickens are encouraged to do their business on a large bingo board on the floor. Expect honky-tonk music and a crowd sweet-talking chickens towards their numbers of choice. When in Austin…

Broken Spoke

3201 S. Lamar Blvd.

Open since 1964 and still run by the man who built it, Broken Spoke calls itself the last of the true Texas dancehalls. Two-step lessons run Wednesday through Saturday before the band takes over, so there’s no excuse not to try. And be warned: there’s no line dancing allowed.

Uncommon Objects

1602 Fort View Rd.

A sprawling cabinet of curiosities that’s been a South Austin staple since 1991. Twenty-four vendors hawk everything you can imagine (and plenty you can’t even begin to). Wall-mounted antlers, old dentures, boxes of photographs, taxidermy, mannequin arms — it’s weird, in the best and most Austin way.

Recommendations curated with the help of:

Elisabeth Bykoff, Founder & CEO, Boxsy
Megan Murray, Co-Founder, ATX Women in Web3  & Founder, Leoluna Finance
Brittany Coleman, Founder & CEO, ToughCutie
Brianna Kilcullen, Founder & CEO, Anact
Sean Lyons, Senior Software Engineer, Mercury
Jess Nelson, Executive Assistant, Mercury
Chelsea Koehler, People Partner, Mercury