A Foodie's Getaway Guide to Austin

Fora travel agent Kassandra Manalo sitting at table with water and sunset in background
Curated By

Kassandra Manalo

Icon Share

SHARE

  • Austin

  • Texas

  • Boutique Travel

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • Couples Travel

  • Foodie

  • Outdoors

  • Downtown

outside of a classic grocery store in a small white building with many signs
Curator’s statement

Austin is an artists' paradise with pure artistry in many forms, from the art sculptures and murals around the city, to the deep roots of Austin's music culture. However, even brighter than the art, and louder than the music, is Austin's culinary scene. If you're anything like me, eating your way through a new city is the way to go and you can do just that in Austin, from Texas BBQ at Terry Black's to the best jalapeño jelly doughnut at Gourdough's. Austin is perfect spot for a casual getaway, whether you want to spend time shopping on South Congress or outdoors at one of the many parks.

The Fora Difference

Book with Kassandra to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Austin

Previous slide

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Hotel Cecilia is a secluded property with lush offering a unique sense of privacy but situated steps away from the heart of South Austin.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel San José

Urban bungalow-style hotel featuring well-appointed rows in a lush garden setting in Austin.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Magdalena

Ultra-millennial hotel with stylish decor and a picturesque restaurant.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

Next slide
Fora travel agent Kassandra Manalo sitting at table with water and sunset in background

Unlock perks by contacting Kassandra to book your trip.

Things to do in Austin

people sitting on the grass in the park with a modern cityscape in the afternoon

Events

  • Attend South by Southwest (SXSW), a conference and music festival dedicated to creatives nationwide.

  • Attend Austin City Limits, one of the best music festivals in the country.

  • Attend a live performance! Austin is home to so many upcoming artists. You can find live music almost anywhere, whether you want to go to an upscale lounge or the favorite local Saloon.

Outdoors

  • Have a picnic in Zilker Park, a vast green oasis just next door from the city with the perfect backdrop for a day outdoors.

  • Take a canoe down Lady Bird Lake in the spring and summer, partnered with the best views of the city.

  • Take a bike ride around Barton Creek in the spring and summer time.

  • Take a swim in the Barton Springs pool, a local summer favorite for everyone to get together, host cookouts and enjoy the summer.

Bars/Coffee Shops

  • Visit the Carpenter Hotel's Coffee Shop for a light workday paired with a matcha latte and breakfast tacos. The Carpenter Coffee Shop turns into a bar in the afternoon and evenings; join them for bi-monthly vinyl nights! Explore their collection and enjoy the atmosphere.

  • Visit the Equipment Room, Hotel Magdalena's brand new experience, featuring an incredibly curated record collection from Breakaway Records. Stop in for great sounds and tasteful sips.

Places to eat & drink in Austin

people eat and drink at an restaurant outdoor patio with trees and beige umbrellas

Breakfast

  • Granny's Breakfast Tacos - Food Truck with outdoor seating with really good tacos.

  • Bird Bird Biscuit - Casual to-go spot offering delicious sandwiches and (of course) delectable biscuits.

  • Biscuits + Groovy - Food Truck with outdoor seating.

  • Revival Coffee Shop - Pay a visit to a pink, Bad Bunny themed coffee shop/bar with an incredible cold brew float and a churro stand out back.

  • Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts - The best donuts I've ever had, hands down. The Squealing Pig is a MUST try.

Lunch

  • Summer House at Hotel Magdalena has a great vibe, just as it sounds. Open and airy with great drinks and better food.

Dinner

  • Terry Black's Barbecue - One of Austin's most famous BBQ spots. There will always be a line, but don't be intimidated; they know what they're doing in there to get the line moving. Pro tip: you will want to go earlier in the day if you want a full menu, as they sell out as the day goes on.

  • Carpenters Hall - An exceptional dinner menu. The muscles and the scallops were exceptional, but the carpenter salad brought me back the next day.

  • Aba - New and popular Mediterranean restaurant with a killer smoky garlic hummus.

  • Wu Chow's - Completely caught by surprise... we stumbled upon some of the best Chinese food we have ever had.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Danielle Di Maio's guide, A Beginner's Guide to Austin.

Fora travel agent Kassandra Manalo sitting at table with water and sunset in background

Travel Advisor

Kassandra Manalo

Get in touch with Kassandra

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Kassandra within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austin, and our longer series on travel to Texas.