postcard from: austin, texas
how to spend 72 hours in one of my favorite cities.
Good ole’ Austin, Texas. I’ve been a few times now and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities to explore. I know, I know, it gets hotter than hades in the summer months but man did it make me question my midwest existence when the sun was shining and the nights were light-jacket-weather in April.
The food and coffee scene in Austin? Fire. I think you can base your entire trip around that (like you’ll see we did). I also love a city where cute athleisure attire, flowy dresses, trucker hats and unique boots are the norm no matter the location or occasion (I included a core packing list below). Texas got one thing right, thats for sure.
Here’s how we spent 72 hours in Austin plus a whole bunch of honorable mentions that I’ve either experienced or were recommended to me. Save this one for your next trip!
day one
bangers - Although rainey street used to be entirely different, we still start every trip with some food and drinks at bangers for old times sake. A great patio, good food and drinks, its an easy start to a long weekend.
south congress - From there, head to South Congress to stroll and shop. There is truly every shop imaginable; from sezane, to cherry, to tecovas, to ganni.
two hands - You can’t hit South Congress without grabbing a coffee at two hands. This is also a great brunch option too, so aesthetically pleasing.
codependent - For pre-dinner drinks, hit codependent cocktails and coffee for espresso martinis. This place was a great vibe, often featuring DJs (or just playing a great playlist).
la piscina - Who knew fajita’s could be such a well thought out experience, this place was 10/10. The food was so good and the setting on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper was stunning.
flower shop / east side - The east side bars reign supreme and you can bop around to so many fun places. We found ourselves at the flower bar - don’t miss the leopard pool table on the rooftop.
day two
paperboy - Start your day at paperboy, grabbing a coffee at their walk-up window and check out the shops on 11th street while you wait for your table. The cinnamon toast? Insane. The classic breakfast was also perfect - make sure you ask for a side of the secret sauce.
barton springs - It isn’t a trip to Austin without barton springs. We walked all through zilker park (mostly because the parking was insane lol) and witnessed a lot of happy dogs. Catching some sun on the lawn and jumping in the spring was rejuvinating.
meanwhile brewing company - After trekking around barton springs, we were in need of a brewery. Meanwhile was packed to the gills but we grabbed drinks (I loved the cucumber collins) and lunch from the food trucks (pueblo viejo and side eye pie). This place is sooo family friendly, we were entertained watching kids have the time of their life while the parents chilled.
casa bianca - We headed to casa bianca for an italian dinner and cocktails, loved the sourdough focaccia and lamb, hazelnut and fermented honey cavatelli pasta.
las perlas - Right around the corner from the mothership is las perlas (and seven grand and cana rum bar). These bars are all connected and create amazing cocktails using specific liquors. It’s fun with a group because everyone can go to the bar they want a drink from but you can still all be together.
comedy at mothership - We snagged tickets for a comedy show at the mothership for a fun activity to do that wasn’t eating or drinking haha.
day three
desnudo coffee - We walked the boggy creek greenbelt trail to the webberville food truck park, and ultimately desnudo coffee. I got some amazing vanilla white miso iced latte concoction and it was incredible.
la bbq - Did we stand in line for an hour and a half for bbq? Yes, yes we did. Was it 100% worth it? Absolutely. Truly soooooo good. Also rockman coffee and bakeshop is right across the street for any caffeine needs while you wait.
dainty dillo - We lounged in the sun on fold out camping chairs, enjoyed their frozen cocktails and watched basketball (and the nice view!).
neighborhood - We decided we needed a lighter dinner after indulging in bbq so we headed to this spot tucked on South Congress for sushi. Everything was so fresh and delicious, highly recommend.
honorable mentions
summer house - Another spot tucked away on South Congress, the breakfast here is really good. We’ve been twice and it didn’t disappoint either time. I’d pencil this in with a group and then go explore the shops if I were you.
dai due - This one was recommended by our friends who are Austin locals as one of their favorite spots, it looks insanely good (hi Stef and Nick!).
uchi - Amazing japanese cuisine, another great dinner recommendation.
proud mary coffee - Closer to Zilker, this was another recommended coffee shop.
loro eats - Asian smokehouse and bar, say no more! This spot looks incredible.
hotel magdalena - Tucked behind South Congress (where summer house is), this hotel was recommended and is definitely in a really great, central location.
cosmic coffee - This was a fun place to grab a coffee and hang outside, lots of space and a good vibe.
swedish hill - Cafe, deli and bakery, it looks really good.
magic matcha - For my matcha girls, this is for you. This walk up window and their colorful matcha creations cannot be missed.
the meteor - Another cute recommendation, touting itself as a cafe, natural wine shop and boutique bike shop. What a pairing.
the well - The drinks and extra healthy eats here look really good.
austin proper - I’m adding this one in after going to la piscina and seeing the level of chic-ness this hotel offers. One day I will stay here.
I loved the scene in Austin, I swear you’d never run out of places to try. Austin locals and travelers, what am I missing that is your go-to? What place on this list are you like YEP, NEED RN.
Core items I’d be packing?
These pistola denim shorts, cute cut style and length, easy to dress up or down.
Maybe its the leopard pool table noted above, but these little leopard heeled sandals feel perfect for going out in Austin.
For barton springs? This cute-yet-not-extremely-exposing one piece by skatie is perfect, no uncomfortableness around a crowd of people.
Are boots a requirement? These butter yellow tecovas are screaming my name.
This light jacket would be a great layer depending on when you’re going, I love the subtle ruffle detail.
A fun hat, like this one by no samples (bonus points for being an Austin brand) works for coffee and shopping or dinner and dive bars.
Athleisure is the name of the game for walking around, hiking, hitting zilker park, etc. so I’d snag a set from form (these founders are also Austin girls) like this halter scrunch top + biker shorts or this drop waist dress.
I hope that you enjoy the rest of your weekend & if you loved this, subscribe and you’ll get my posts right on your Substack home feed or inbox. Here’s my last postcard (it’s been a minute!), if you want more.
great roundup! veracruz had our favorite breakfast tacos (by far!)and uncle nicky’s had a fun apertivo hour with spritzes, negronis, and little italian snacks. clark’s oyster bar was also great for cocktails and oysters.