Must-see/do in Austin?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by RoadWarrior12

Nighttime. Rainey Street.
Daytime. South Lamar/South Congress.

Avoid 6th from your hotel west to BD Riley's. You're not going to find much jazz/blues - more likely to find the alt singer/songwriter type. Check out the Austin Chronicle when you're bored during the conference and pick some places to go check out.

To be honest, the "must do list" is way longer than you have time for.

Haha... I know I won't get TOO much done, but it's nice to have a list of maybes before traveling. It doesn't take much to keep me entertained, either, which is why I'm more interested in finding the right neighborhood/s (as opposed to specific sights). Unlike most tourists who want to see all the big attractions, museums, etc, I'm the type who just gets into a cab and says "take me to a cool neighborhood" - then spends the whole day wandering around aimlessly.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by RoadWarrior12

You shouldn't need anything too heavy, but I'd bring some layers. It gets all over the place this time of year - it can be anywhere from 80 to 30. Plan accordingly.

Austin is a notoriously informal city. Even less "dressy" than the Bay.

Sounds like my kind of place! And having spent a good chunk of my life in San Francisco & nearby coastal towns, I'm used to layering... the temperature (at least how it feels) can drop in a matter of minutes here, whenever that heavy fog rolls into town.

[10scoachrick]

Forecast for next weekend is actual cold...possibly our first freeze of the season mid-week. Yick

[usernamenottaken]

You are in luck. Next two weekends are the East Austin Studio Tour.

East Austin Studio Tour

[mackenziep]

Definitely do the East Side Studio tours. For good Tex-Mex, take a taxi to Matt's El Rancho on South Lamar. If you find yourself on South Congress, which is good for walking around and visiting shops, you could go to Gueros, but it's not my favorite. Lots of people like it, though.

The grounds and Capitol Building might be worth a visit. Historic, pretty, not too boring

For Indian food, try Clay Pit. It's modern Indian, and you can walk from the Capitol. If you're not in the mood for Indian, but you're in the area, try Texas Chili Parlor. Yum.

Rainey Street for early drinking. It might be too rowdy layer. If you go there, check the hours of G'Raj Mahal. Indian food in a unique atmosphere.

North Loop? It's not a big area, but has a few interesting shops and eateries. It's not really connected to other cool neighborhoods, so I wouldn't say it's touristy. Not 100% sure it's worth the trip, but definitely research it.

2nd Street - It's a fairly newly developed neighborhood for shopping and eating, probably not as interesting as South Congress.

[RoadWarrior12]

I'd lean away from Guero's. The food wasn't great to begin with and has only gone downhill from there. +1 on Matt's el Rancho to give a good tex-next comparison.

[mzoo]

I second Rainey. Some good food options in that area as well(Via 313, etc.). I'm partial to the migas tacos at Veracruz All Natural
There is one in the E.6th area which may have some other good food, bars, people opportunities for you and your friend. Try East Side Kings@Liberty bar while in the area as well.

Lots of other great vegan/vegetarian options around downtown.