About the neighborhood

The city’s most famous motto, Keep Austin Weird, is largely due to the eclectic charm of its East Austin neighborhood. Once a predominantly African American and Latino community, East Austin has seen modern revitalization while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. The area is known for its colorful murals, independent art galleries, and thriving music scene, reflecting Austin’s creative spirit. Visitors will find historic homes and locally owned shops next to trendy restaurants and bars offering everything from Texas barbeque to innovative farm-to-table cuisine.

The authentic community fosters a laid-back, cool vibe enticing hipsters, classic Texan folk, and the stylish set to enjoy its outdoor patios, food trucks, trendy hospitality havens, and live music. Its proximity to downtown makes it a convenient yet more relaxed alternative to the city’s bustling core while still offering plenty to do and see. Exploring the quintessential neighborhood will undoubtedly give an authentic taste of what gives the capital city its beloved weird moniker.

Where to eat

Suerte 

This cool contemporary outpost celebrates the flavors and cooking techniques of Mexico. Farm-to-table ingredients shine in masa-based dishes like the signature Suadero Tacos with housemade black magic chili oil, succulent carnitas, and a decadent ChocoTaco dessert. Suerte’s next-door cocktail bar, daydreamer, and sister seafood restaurant and bar, Este and Bar Toti, bring more culinary innovation to the neighborhood.

La Barbecue

The locally sourced meat and low-and-slow method of cooking their legendary barbeque put La Barbeque in the upper echelons of Texas cuisine. The menu’s housemade sausages and specialty sandwiches add a unique flair to the smoked classics. Standing in the fast-moving line shouldn’t intimidate, especially with one of their ice-cold cocktails and local brews.

Paperboy

Named one of the best brunch restaurants in the country, the gourmet breakfast menu in its modern, fresh space is a showstopper. Known for artisanal coffees, housemade pastries, and an extensive menu of morning classics with a culinary twist, enjoying a meal on their outdoor patio and lively rooftop is a solid start to any day.

Justine’s 

This moody neighborhood staple is a classic French brasserie mixed with cool funk. The dimly lit bungalow and charming patio welcome the groovy Austin for steak frites, escargot, and homemade baguettes set until midnight, with guests enjoying the lively scene until the wee hours.

Uptown Sports Club

Barbeque legend Aaron Franklin brought back this 1950s neighborhood watering hole to modern glory. Keeping with its history, Uptown Sports Club beckons early risers with a coffee and breakfast menu. It continues to serve its Lousiana meets Texas cuisine, including Po’boys, raw oysters, and fried chicken, until late at night.

Juan in a Million 

Visiting a Tex-Mex diner is a must in East Austin. Since its opening in the eighties, the family-owned establishment has continued to serve mouthwatering classics like Huevos Rancheros, Menudo, and its famously enormous Don Juan taco, all with fluffy homemade tortillas.

Birdie’s

Topping practically every culinary award list, Birdie’s is a forward-thinking restaurant with innovation and local ingredients at its core. The casual counter service, mixed with its fine dining menu of pasta, meats, and vegetable-forward small plates, makes it a cool high-low concept with a lively dinner party vibe.

Juniper 

Regularly ranked among the top 10 restaurants in the city by the Austin American-Statesman, Juniper masterfully blends hyper-seasonal, locally sourced Texas ingredients with old-world Italian techniques. The result is a menu that feels both comforting and innovative, a balance of rustic tradition and modern flair that defines the dining experience here.

Where to drink

Central Machine Works

Central Machine Works is a beer microbrewery, rich with Austin history. Originally known as Capitol Machine Works in 1940, the site played a vital role during World War II, where both men and women contributed to the production of aircraft parts and transport trailers. Before its transformation into a beer hall, the space was dedicated to crafting custom industrial parts for local businesses. Today, this brewery, complete with an expansive beer garden, is a must-visit, seamlessly blending Austin’s past with its vibrant present.

Skylark Lounge

The historic neighborhood staple is equally parts dive and live blues and soul music venue. Enjoy cocktails and ice-cold beer, play billiards, or sit on their spacious patio. With entertainment starting at 7 and 9 p.m. most nights of the week, it’s the real deal.

Holiday on 7th

Artfully crafted cocktails are a mainstay in this expansive contemporary space. Favorites like the Frozen Mexican Martini and other refreshing combinations of house-infused local spirits will add a major fancy factor to any cocktail hour, day or night.

Nickel City 

Patrons are drawn to Nickel City for its inviting dive bar atmosphere, free from the usual dive bar compromises. This spot offers a true home Austin experience, making it an ideal place to meet new people. In the intimate Cash Only bar tucked away in the back, skilled bartenders from the industry showcase their latest creations, adding an element of discovery to every visit.

Mercado Sin Nombre 

Tucked away in East Austin’s Holly neighborhood, on 408 North Pleasant Valley Road, Mercado Sin Nombre is a quiet reflection of the area’s evolving cultural fabric. The cafe serves up daytime coffee and food with the warmth of house-made Mexican fare. Their famous cortado known affectionately as the “masa milk shorty” distills the café’s essence into a single, sip-worthy moment: a harmonious blend of coffee and corn.

What to see and do

East Austin Mural Walk with Essentialist Insider

The eclectic culture of East Austin is best reflected in its public art. Vibrant murals and graffiti masterpieces can be found on countless corners of the neighborhood. These massive creations are created by some of the city’s most talented established and emerging artists, making iconic statements about the welcoming and diverse community of the beloved enclaves. Join Essentialist Insider, Douglas on guided walks in search of the city’s fascinating street art. Growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico’s mecca for culture lovers, Douglas managed a contemporary art gallery before moving to Texas, captivated by Austin’s thriving art scene.

Two Step at The White Horse

A visit to this storied honky-tonk meets hipster hotspot is like stepping back in time to the old days of Austin. The dive bar hosts live country music each night, with seasoned country line dancers gliding across its wooden floors. Donation-based two-stepping lessons are available to all on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Lolo Wine

The natural wine bar and bottle shop boasts an extensive list of organic and sustainably made wines from around the globe and an equally extensive schedule of wine-focused tasting events. Come for a scheduled soiree or pop in for an impromptu tasting from the experts.

Boutique Hop on 11th Street

Take a bit of East Austin culture home after cruising down 11th Street, stopping at the well-curated shops that dot the neighborhood thoroughfare. Shop Lovecraft or Kindred Spirits for cool women’s fashion, Vintage Bookstore, Charm School, and Pecos Jane Vintage for vintage finds, and don’t miss Take Heart for home decor and gifts.

Dimension Gallery Sculpture Park 

This one-acre rectangular green space is home to more than a dozen sculptures and picnic tables, offering a blend of art and nature. Several local artists have thoughtfully placed their works here, creating a dynamic outdoor gallery. Recent improvements include a new lighting system that gracefully illuminates the park as the sun sets to the west, casting a warm glow over this thoughtfully curated space.

A notable feature of the east side is its easy access to the river, particularly through the Holly neighborhood. This area provides a gateway to Lady Bird Lake, where the path seamlessly connects to the larger hike-and-bike trail. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities for paddleboard and boat rentals, offering a peaceful escape into nature amidst the city.