North Austin: Around Town

Escape to North Austin for multicultural eats, big breweries, happening bars, family activities and lots of retail therapy. 

DINING

North Austin is arguably one of the most food-diverse parts of the city. Try spicy Thai dishes at Thai-Kun, dig into banh mi from NG Cafe or slurp up some noodles at Julie’s Handmade Noodles. For fabulous views and excellent enchiladas, head to Z’Tejas. Pull up a seat at Veracruz All Natural and enjoy authentic tacos and aguas frescas. Try something different, like a tandoori dish cooked in a clay oven, at New Sitara Indian Cuisine. Indulge your lobster cravings at Garbo’s, where the lobster rolls are served dripping with butter. Sit down at Second Bar + Kitchen Domain NORTHSIDE for a black-and-bleu pizza with truffles and one of their signature sips. For down-home cooking, the second location of Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill has a green chile mac and cheese that’s a must-try. If you’re planning a date night, Andiamo Ristorante is a transformative Italian fine dining experience. 

NIGHTLIFE 

Throw a rock in any direction and you’ll hit a brewery in North Austin. Tip a pint at Austin Beerworks, Circle Brewing Company, Hopsquad Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewery, Fairweather Cider Co. and more. Most of these spots are dog- and kid-friendly, and often have live music and food trucks on site. For wine, try Baretto, a charming wine bar with a fantastic happy hour and a Cheers-like vibe. In the Rock Rose District, find your new best pal at Irish pub Jack & Ginger’s, where they serve craft beers and whiskey towers, along with fancy pub grub and Irish staples. Dance the night away to international DJs at the 77 Degrees rooftop and stop in at Wonder Bar, where everything is pretty as a picture.

SHOPPING

If you came to Austin to shop, you’re in luck. The Arboretum is a shopping complex that has big names like Pottery Barn, but also cool local shops. Buy gourmet grocery items at Con’ Olio including certified extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. Everyone will be happy if you grab a gift at the oh-so-adorable Sugarboo & Co. Make your way to The Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE, mixed-use developments with row-upon-row of boutiques and big-box stores. Stop in at Nordstrom for wardrobe staples and finish the look at Kicking It ATX, a sneaker boutique. Ladies will love the handcrafted jewelry at Nina Berenato, along with cute clothes and skincare at Luxe Apothetique. This is also the home of the Erin Condren store with planners galore and a YETI store with branded merch and gear.

ENTERTAINMENT

Act like a kid at Pinballz, with a huge array of classic and modern arcade games. Catch an Austin FC pro soccer game when the new team begins play in spring at Austin FC Stadium. Bowl at the old-school Highland Lanes, where Lebowski’s Grill makes a mean enchilada. Tee off on the course at TopGolf and feel the rush of flying at iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

INSIDER TIP: The Domain’s Rock Rose district channels South Austin with vibrant murals, local Austin restaurants and fun nightlife — but with better parking.

GO BACK TO DESTINATION: AUSTIN >