Three Days of Barbecue, Swimming Holes, and Soccer for a UT Longhorns Game Weekend

As cities go, Austin is a little bit of a chameleon. In sure lights, it’s a tech city with a rapidly-expanding skyline and a gentle provide of buzzy new bar and restaurant openings. In others, it’s a pure playground with lush parks, hike and bike trails, and loads of swimming holes. From one neighborhood to the following, it’s a bachelorette capital, a barbecue-lovers paradise, and a inventive enclave. You’ll discover historic music venues, hole-in-the-wall dives, and a wealth of modern eateries whose inspirations span the globe, from Japanese-Mexican ramen to an Egyptian take on Texas barbecue, or Central American cuisine with a Louisiana Creole kick.

Austin’s ever-evolving id is a part of its allure, however regardless of what number of adjustments the town weathers, one factor stays true: At its coronary heart, that is nonetheless a college town. And come September, the town bleeds burnt orange. So when you’re planning a visit to Darrell Ok Royal (DKR) Stadium, visiting a matriculated Longhorn, or coming again to city as an alum, right here’s take advantage of a recreation day weekend in Austin.

Where to remain: Austin has greater than sufficient to supply in the way in which of normal hotel chains, however the place the town actually shines is its assortment of boutique accommodations. So when you’re trying to maximize on persona when you’re right here, go for a keep at Hotel Saint Cecilia, a renovated Victorian retreat tucked only a block off of South Congress; Hotel Ella, a Greek revival mansion positioned inside strolling distance of UT’s campus; or Carpenter Hotel, an attention grabbing Brutalist-inspired construction in Austin’s Zilker neighborhood.

Getting round: Unfortunately for Austinites and guests alike, it’ll be a couple of years earlier than the town debuts its gentle rail system. So, as is the case for many of Texas, you have to a automotive to get round. On high-traffic days (like when the Longhorns are taking part in), it is likely to be finest to go for a ride-hailing service to keep away from parking complications. Or, when you’re centrally positioned, CapMetro’s 801 and 803 speedy bus routes run conveniently alongside South Congress and South Lamar, by downtown, and as much as UT’s campus. Find your route here, and faucet to pay once you hop on!

Dress code: The normal gown code in Austin isn’t any gown code. The metropolis is famously informal, and It’s uncommon to discover a place that received’t welcome you in sporting cowboy boots and denims. There are actually solely two issues to recollect: Dress for the climate – Austin stays fairly scorching, even by early October. And when you’re right here throughout school soccer season, put on burnt orange (by no means maroon!)

8 a.m. Coffee and kolaches: Start your journey with the tried-and-true Texas breakfast combo of espresso and kolaches on the Carpenter Coffee Bar, the place you’ll discover a vibrant, quiet house to sip on drip espresso, specialty lattes, and iced teas, plus an assortment of seasonal pastries, bagels, and breakfast tacos. Grab a drip espresso, or, when you’re in search of a bit of little bit of a Texas twist, go for the Texas Sun: a chilly brew sweetened with honey and orange zest. If you’re in for a slower morning, take pleasure in your drink out on the coated patio, or sit over on the lodge’s fashionable midcentury lounge, the place you too can make the most of the in-house vinyl assortment and turntable.

10 a.m. Hit the springs: Once you’re feeling energized, head down the road from the Carpenter, the place you’ll discover two of Austin’s most beloved outside establishments: Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. Odds are, when you’re visiting at first of soccer season, it’s nonetheless scorching sufficient to take pleasure in a refreshing dip in Barton’s crisp, clear 68-degree waters. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit, and select your personal journey from there: Read a ebook beneath the shade of a pecan or reside oak tree, sunbathe on the grass, swim laps over within the deep finish, or showcase your type on the diving board. (An ideal dive or a well-executed backflip is usually rewarded with claps from the group.) Tickets vary from $4-$9 for non-residents and will be bought forward of time on the ATXswims app, or in-person on the kiosks positioned on the entrances to the pool.

12 p.m. A frozen decide me up: Once you’re performed absorbing the solar, pop over to Sandy’s Hamburgers on Barton Springs Road. The iconic burger stand has been up and operating since 1946, and whereas they’re gentle on frills, they ship on taste. If you’re in search of one thing fast to eat earlier than resting up for a minute again at your lodge, seize a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake (their butterscotch malt hits all the appropriate notes), or a dipped cone.

Or, when you’re not fairly able to name it quits but, drive over to Loro on South Lamar, the place you may take pleasure in a Mango Spritzy Rice slush or a Frozen Spicy Watermelon margarita on their spacious patio. The Asian smokehouse is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning cooks Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin, who’ve packed the menu with tons of smoked meats, and mouthwatering seasonal taste mixtures. Don’t fear about getting plate envy, Loro’s menu is ideal for sharing. Try the crispy hen karaage, oak grilled edamame, smoked shishito queso, and, after all, their Loro Cheeseburger topped with pink onion-brisket jam, Muenster cheese, and yuzu Thousand Island sauce.

3 p.m. SoCo procuring: Austin’s premier procuring vacation spot, South Congress Avenue, is likely one of the most walkable elements of the town, brimming with bars, outlets, eating places, and historic music venues just like the Continental Club. Start on the Austin Motel, the place you may snap a pic below the well-known signal. Then, when you’re out there for a brand new (or your first) pair of cowboy boots, hold heading south, the place you’ll have your decide between Tecovas, a high-quality, modern choice that received’t essentially break the financial institution; Lucchese, the Cadillac of cowboy boots and positively extra of an funding; or Allens, a boot emporium full of each type below the solar, plus the good thing about their useful consultants to level you in the appropriate route. Right throughout from Allens, you’ll see the SoCo Makers Market. Wander by this outside market of handmade equipment and classic clothes whereas having fun with contemporary squeezed lemonade, ice pops, and different tasty treats from native distributors. End your jaunt with a go to to Paper Work, the proper place to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs, from screen-printed posters to clothes, jewellery, and knickknacks primarily sourced from impartial Texas-based artists.

6 p.m. Home Slice and hi-fi vinyl: While you’re out on South Congress, seize a NY-style slice at Home Slice. In addition to their normal toppings — cheese, pepperoni, margherita, and vegan — their particular slices change every day. From there, cap off your time on SoCo with a go to to Hotel Magdalena’s Equipment Room. It’s finest to make a reservation prematurely, however when you’ve handed by the stained-glass entrance and the dimly-lit corridor, you’ll end up in an audiophile’s paradise. Drawing inspiration from Japanese listening bars, Equipment Room’s retro-eclectic decor, acoustic treating, and temper lighting envelop you in a sensory expertise. The expertly-crafted cocktail menu options traditional drinks, or A-Sides, in addition to B-Sides that may push you out of your consolation zone, just like the Queen of the Rodeo (limon mezcal, tequila, spirits, avocado and nopales syrup, grapefruit, and lime). These pair properly with elevated bar snacks like blistered shishito peppers, carnitas wontons, or mochi churros. Take within the flavors whereas Equipment Room’s “guest selectors” curate a reside soundtrack for the night.

8 p.m. Get to steppin’: If your toes aren’t drained but and also you’re in search of a chance to point out off your new cowboy boots, pop all the way down to Broken Spoke on South Lamar, a honky-tonk haven of neon lights, pool tables, and nation music. Over the final 60years, Broken Spoke has welcomed the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, and George Strait to its stage. And don’t fear, when you’re new besides scootin’, you may join lessons (they replenish quick) from 8-9 p.m. with Terri White, who will run you thru the fundamentals of the standard two-step, the Western Swing, and the Cotton-Eyed Joe line dance.

Day 2: Game Day on Campus

9 a.m. A morning brew: You’ll want your vitality in the present day, so seize a espresso at Terrible Love in Hyde Park. Founder Brian Knowles has constructed up a loyal following since he first began working the enterprise out of a spruced up horse trailer in 2021. Order the signature Trrbl Latte. Don’t choose the drink by its identify: This banana, chocolate whip, and Nilla Wafer concoction is completely balanced somewhat than overpoweringly candy. Terrible Love additionally shares contemporary pastries from Texas French Bread, considered one of Austin’s most beloved bakeries.

10 a.m. An instructional detour: Get an early begin on recreation day (and higher parking near campus) by spending the morning touring among the eight museums and galleries on campus. The Blanton Museum of Art is a must-see, for the constructing itself, an aesthetic delight, and its everlasting assortment of than 22,000 items together with Ancient Greek vases, Renaissance and Baroque work, in addition to an intensive array of contemporary U.S. and Latin American artwork. Outside, you’ll discover immersive works reminiscent of Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel-like 2,715-square-foot “Austin” constructing. More of a historical past buff? Walk over to one of the crucial underrated museums within the metropolis, the Harry Ransom Center. This analysis library holds tens of millions of uncommon books, manuscripts, pictures, and artistic endeavors, from the Gutenberg Bible to work by Frida Kahlo, and archives from artists like Jack Kerouac, Robert DeNiro, Albert Einstein, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

1 p.m. A fast chew: For lunch, begin with chips and queso at Salsa Limón on Guadalupe. There are loads of methods to combine and match at this family-owned taqueria, but it surely’s onerous to withstand their Capitánes, which function fillings like adobo-rubbed pork pastor, daring chorizo, or steak asada folded in crispy melted cheese on a contemporary flour tortilla. Wash it down with an agua fresca, then head throughout the road to Antone’s Record Shop, which shares the usual industrial releases together with a formidable assortment of used, native, and blues data.

4 p.m. Game time: There’s an infinite variety of methods to pre-game earlier than kickoff, so right here’s the place you’ll face your greatest alternative of the weekend. If you wish to keep on campus, go straight to Bevo Boulevard. Since 2018, this block get together has turn out to be the brand new epicenter of UT tailgating, turning the streets surrounding DKR right into a carnival of meals, drinks, video games, and the Longhorn City Limits live performance sequence on LBJ Lawn. It’s fully free to attend, and it’s the place you may be a part of the followers in welcoming Bevo, the Longhorn band, and the staff in the course of the official Bevo Parade on San Jacinto Blvd. You’ll additionally discover a rotating lineup of meals vehicles; earlier years featured Tiff’s Treats, Garbo’s Lobster, and Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, a State Fair of Texas traditional.

If you’re in search of the standard recreation day expertise however don’t have tickets, the following best choice is Scholz, a storied beer garden (technically the oldest in America) that’s been serving ice chilly pints, outsized Bavarian pretzels, and bratwurst since 1866. It’s the place generations of UT alums go to observe the sport, and wanting being within the stands at DKR, the ambiance right here is really unbeatable. There’s additionally Victory Lap, a more recent West Campus hang-out the place the group skews a bit of youthful, and the primary sights are the huge display screen on the outside patio and the frozen cocktails.

7 p.m. A style of the coast: If you occur to be on the town for an early recreation and end up in search of dinner choices, go a couple of blocks east of campus to Este. Chef Fermin Nunez’s contemporary, coastal cuisine is the proper antidote to a day of corn canines, pretzels, and beer. Make reservations forward and sit on the outside patio, the place you may benefit from the delightfully messy Camarones “El Ricas” (grilled, shell-on shrimp coated in lime and chile costeño garlic butter), and the ethereal, crispy masa-battered swordfish tacos.

8 a.m. It’s all in regards to the masa: Tucked right into a nondescript alleyway in East Austin’s Holly neighborhood, Mercado Sin Nombre is deceptively easy. At first blush, the pared-down café — designated a Bib Gourmand within the Michelin Guide — presents easy menu gadgets like espresso, cortados, pancakes, biscuits, and honey buns. The magic lies within the masa. Mercado Sin Nombre excels at easy staples like a bean and cheese or chile colorado burrito. Creative twists on acquainted masa-based choices embrace an atole cortado, a blue masa Twinkie with chocolate ganache, and a masa biscuit crammed with blackberry chile negro jam and espresso butter.

9 a.m. Stroll down eleventh Street: After breakfast, head to this charming string of classic outlets. At Charm School Vintage, every little thing is organized by shade, with garments that vary from the Victorian period to the Seventies. At Pecos Jane, a fashion-lover’s paradise, you’ll find every little thing from a Ralph Lauren concho belt to an genuine 1980’s Willie Nelson tour tee. Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar, a comfortable impartial, serves wines by the glass from a number of Hill Country wineries, plus beer, espresso, tea, grazing boards, and pastries.

12 p.m. A lightweight lunch: All of that procuring could have labored up an urge for food, however in the present day’s major attraction is dinner (extra on that in a minute), so tempo your self accordingly. With that in thoughts, you may select between two of Austin’s best taco spots, each shouted out within the Michelin Guide. On Cesar Chavez Street, Discada’s Northern Mexican-style tacos could also be snack-sized, however they’re overflowing with taste. There’s just one taco on the menu (which you’ll be able to order in portions of three, 5, and eight), and it’s an ideal mixture of beef, pork, and greens, capped off with a tangy chopped pineapple slaw. Over at Cuantos Tacos, it’s Mexico City-style tacos, additionally snack-sized, with tons of filling choices. Choose from an assortment of tender meats and grilled greens, from barbacoa and confit brisket to a combo of chorizo and champiñones (grilled mushrooms).

Afterward, cease at Comadre Panaderia to refill on candy snacks. Owner Mariela Camacho attracts on her Mexican-American culinary heritage at her colourful bakery, serving up fluffy, buttery conchas, empanadas, and wealthy confections just like the taco de piña (a masa-infused puff pastry with poached pineapple), a pistachio pound cake with a tangy passionfruit glaze, and a candy corn sheet cake topped with prickly pear buttercream.

5 p.m. ‘Cue time: No trip to Austin would be complete without barbecue, and Micklethwait Craft Meats is one of the best spots in town. Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait isn’t out to reinvent the wheel. Here he’s honing the classics: mouthwatering brisket, decadent ribs, Tex-Czech sausage, and a bunch of sides, from inexperienced chile cheese grits to vibrant lemon-poppy slaw and creamy mac and cheese. There’s loads of house in and out on the patio to take a seat again and revel in, and whereas some gadgets promote out all through the day, it’s onerous to go flawed with no matter’s on the menu.

7 p.m. Get on the water: Austin is house to the world’s largest city bat colony, and folks journey from all throughout the globe to see 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the sky every night time from July by September/October. You can line up alongside the Congress Avenue Bridge to get a glimpse of them, however the easiest way to absorb the spectacle and bid farewell to the town is to hop on a sundown cruise. Snag a ticket with Capital Cruises for an hour-long guided tour of the town. (Departure instances range in accordance with the sundown, so double-check earlier than you go.) You’re welcome to deliver your personal meals and drinks aboard, so you may take pleasure in your treats from Comadre as you’re taking within the sights.