Nothing really says “Austin” quite like the “Keep Austin Weird” bastion of South Congress. A street known for its quirky stores and businesses, this is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re into people watching, great food, and vintage/antique shopping. This should be on your list of what to do in Austin.
It can be a quick picker-upper for the soul on a warm and sunny day just taking in all the sights, sounds, and general awesomeness that the South Congress vibe creates. Here are a few of my favorite spots to hit up when you are down there:
Homeslice
Consistently listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Austin, this is where I get my New York pizza intake when not in New York. Post coming soon. This place rocks my face.
Guero’s
What used to be a feed store in the 1800s (to ~1995) became a TexMex institution. Guero’s is a GREAT place to sit outside and people watch while eating tacos and sipping your hand-shaken margarita.
Lucy in Disguise
If you’re looking to burn a few hours, your time will easily be sucked away inside this costume shop. Established in 1984, this has been the place to go for your random all year long costume parties and celebrations. They have just about EVERYTHING.
Uncommon Objects
I really wish they would allow cameras inside the store because it is a place like no other. These guys are garage and estate sale gurus, bringing you the best from the Central Texas area. From mannequins from the early 1900s to old signs, I had to talk myself out of buying an old, green arsenic bottle once… because, you know… IT IS AWESOME.
Big Top
Also with a pending post on it’s gloriousness, this newish establishment (well, new for South Congress) is not going ANYWHERE. Founded by Shorty Stump, the 7ft tall ukulele player from one of my favorite Austin bands, the White Ghost Shivers, this place is a steampunk-circus DREAM. Make sure to order some chocolate covered bacon to go with your Italian soda.
Food Truck Lot
Austin is going through a sort of food renaissance where the city has more than 1500+ food trucks. For a city of less than a million, that is quite the number! With so much to choose from, keep your mind open and your stomach empty when traversing this part of South Congress.
Walk Around and Soak the Weirdness
After stuffing your face, make sure to take a quick walk around the neighborhood. There are some amazing gems that you can find.
If you ever do happen to find yourself in Austin, make sure to drop us a line. We would love to meet up with you for a coffee or beer down ’round these parts. Let us know!
….and our welcome back home…
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I LOVE Austin, and have always had good things happen every time I’m there. It was always a nice escape when I lived in Houston. My very good friends were always the best part of the city.
I have great memories of most of the places you’ve shown (I need to get me to Big Top soon), and a very special one of Guero’s. It was the place I gathered my girlfriends and told them I was leaving my then-husband, and they told me they still loved me. We cried a. lot. and drank a. lot.
Everybody needs girlfriends like that. Lucky me.
Thanks for the photos, and bringing back such great memories!
I’m planning on going to Austin this year, for the Formula 1 race. I’ll make sure to check out some of these places and rent a truck 😉
It has been a long time since I was in Austin. The photos have brought back some faded memories.
I love your city SO much! And I’m in a wedding there next spring, so I’ll definitely be back then (if not before), weeeee.
What does the inside of Guero’s look like? It seems to be like a shed from the outside?
I think it’s fair to say that Austin looks pretty quirky!
I’m so glad I could give you a bit of nostalgia. I’ve spent so many great days down there. I had to share!
Right on! I think we’re going to be out of town again for this year’s race. It gets crazy around here!
It is crazy how many people have been here and remember all the landmarks! I think it is AWESOME.
And I’m so not going to be in town when you are… OF COURSE. If you ever need advice, I’m your gal!
It was an old feed store. The next time I’m there I’ll grab a few more pics. 🙂
We had personality overflowin’. 🙂
I’ve never been to Austin but I’ve heard it’s amazing. Hopefully whenever I do make it there for a visit, you guys will be in town!
Bookmarking for when I FINALLY get to visit Austin.
If you come when we aren’t here I will be a little mad – FYI.
I’ll give you a list… or hand you my Hometown Tourism link. Too many things to do!
Austin is straight blowing up with all these NYC and LA transplants burning out on their adopted homes and looking for somewhere, cool, laid back and less pretentious. Lets hope Austin is able to withstand the influx and keep its down to earth charm and relatively cheap rents…
Hey! Just moved here about 5 months ago (originally from the Boston area) and lists like this are really helpful. I’m actually going to venture onto S Congress this afternoon, I’m on a hunt for old record stores and thrift shops and it seems this area would be a good place to start? What’s the best place in town to find out of print, used vinyl and CD’s? I’m even looking for a few cassette tapes as well for my collection!
Thanks! xx- E
Oh, PS… we have the same name 😉
HAI ERICA!
Old record stores can be a bit hard to come by nowadays. I know Waterloo still has some vinyl (that is where we get mine) but I’m not sure where to point you since Cheapo closed down. I did find this link for you – make sure to double check to see what is still open. http://voices.yahoo.com/the-best-10-record-stores-austin-texas-2830385.html?cat=33
Let me know if you need anything!
-Other E
Half Price Books is a great place to find vinyl records and CD’s and I would bet there are some cassette tapes too.