Best Sushi Bars in Austin
Whether you are a local Austin resident or traveling foodie, you will be pleased to discover an incredible selection of Japanese cuisine choices in this Central Texas metropolis. Below are the ten best sushi bars in Austin:
1. Uchi Restaurant – Click for Profile
512-916-4808
801 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704Beautifully set in a refurbished home, Uchi is one of the premier sushi restaurants in the nation. Drawing from its masterful chef, Tyson Cole, this dining institution has the perfect combination of ambiance, flavor and service. One of my favorite facets of the restaurant is that it flies in fresh seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market daily.
2. Musashino Sushi Dokoro – Click for Profile
512-795-8593
3407 Greystone Dr
Austin, TX 78731If you are searching for truly authentic Japanese cuisine, you will be pleased to discover this restaurant. Musashino prepares and servers ‘Edomae Zushi’, more commonly known as Tokyo style sushi; which results in a unique and memorable dining experience. Along with menu items direct from Tokyo, their menu also contains local favorites such as the Evil Knevil Roll and the Marilyn Mon-Roll.
3. Tomo Sushi – Click for Profile
512-821-9472
4101 W Parmer Ln Ste E
Austin, TX 78727Don’t be fooled by the humble setting of this North Austin sushi restaurant, Tomo has been one of the best Japanese cuisine destinations in the Central Texas region, and it just seems to keep getting better. One aspect of the menu that continues to draw in packed crowds, seemingly every night, is the fact that not only do they have great food, they also have some of the lowest prices of any of the top sushi bars in the city.
4. Bistro 88 – Click for Profile
512-328-8888
2712 Bee Caves Rd
Austin, TX 78746This romantic Austin restaurant melds Asian Fusion cuisine with sushi specialties. This is a perfect destination for the couple that has one sushi lover and one who prefers more traditional dishes.
5. Kenobi Sushi – Click for Profile
512-241-0119
10000 Research Blvd Ste 138A
Austin, TX 78759Flying fresh seafood from around the world each day, Chef Park continues his culinary excellence with Kenobi. Combining great flavor with upscale ambiance, this Austin sushi restaurant allows patron’s to savor Japanese cuisine in an atmosphere that will make you believe you are dining in downtown Tokyo.
6. Finn & Porter – Click for Profile
512-493-4900
500 E 4th St
Austin, TX 78701As one of the top fine dining restaurants in the Austin area, you will be pleased to find a mouth watering sushi menu at Finn and Porter. This is another Austin dining destination that marries contemporary Japanese cuisine with American favorites, which results in a menu that has entrees for every ‘taste’.
7. Mikado Ryotei – Click for Profile
512-833-8188
9033 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758Taking a unique approach to Japanese dining, in addition to traditional sushi entrees, Mikado serves a unique menu of Northern Japanese tapas, which is a rare find outside of Japan itself. I also suggest trying out this restaurant for lunch and sampling one of their bento boxes.
8. Imperia – Click for Profile
512-472-6770
310 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701This Austin restaurant boasts a great selection of Asian dishes to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for fresh sushi or Korean cuisine, Imperia has a menu for you and your dining guests. Its sushi chef, Tatsu Aikawa, has worked at some of the best sushi bars in the city and brought his creative style to Imperia.
9. DK Sushi – Click for Profile
512-326-5807
6400 S 1st St Center Ste C
Austin, TX 78745As one of the oldest sushi bars in Austin, over the past 14 years DK Sushi has built a tradition of great tasting cuisine and matched it with a fun-filled dining atmosphere. Owner and head chef, D.K. Lee credits much of the restaurant’s longevity and success to, are you ready for it? The rice! Chef Lee takes great pride in making the sushi rice and has turned it into a unique reason to come back again and again.
10. Kenichi – Click for Profile
512-320-8883
419 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701As you walk through the door of Kenichi, you will be impressed with the contemporary Japanese style and ambiance, making it a perfect dining destination for everything from high-class business meetings to romantic dates. Located in the heart of the warehouse district in Austin, Kenichi offers sushi fans a wide variety of menu options to choose from. So whether you are in the mood for fresh yellow tail or a unique roll, this restaurant has a dish for you.
Best Bars in Austin
From legendary 6th Street bars to upscale hotel lounges, this Texas city is nationally renowned for having a vibrant nightlife and thriving live music scene. Below are the ten best bars in Austin:
1. Mulberry
512-320-0297
360 Nueces St
Austin, TX 78701
2. Draught House Pub & Brewery
512-452-6258
4112 Medical Pkwy
Austin, TX 78756
3. Vino Vino Wine Bar
512-465-9282
4119 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78751
4. Diskell Bar
512-391-7162
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
5. Brown Bar
512-480-8330
201 W 8th St
Austin, TX 78701
6. Casino El Camino
512-469-9330
517 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
7. Shangri-La
512-524-4291
1016 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78702
8. Cedar Door
512-473-3712
201 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
9. Gingerman
512-473-8801
301 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701
10. Fado Irish Pub
512-457-0172
214 W 4th St
Austin, TX 78701
Best Spas in Austin
From deep tissue massages to pedicures, these local Texas establishments will pamper you to no end. Below are the ten best spas in Austin:
1. Barton Creek Resort & Spa
512-329-4000
8212 Barton Club Dr
Austin, TX 78735
2. Joie de Vie Salon and Day Spa
512-542-9220
713 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
3. Viva Day Spa
512-300-2256
1811 West 35th St
Austin, TX 78703
4. Lake Austin Spa Resort
512-372-7300
1705 South Quinlan Park Road
Austin, TX 78732
5. Aziz Salon and Day Spa
512-476-4131
710 W 7th St
Austin, TX 78701
6. Orange Blossom Skin Care Spa
512-600-0713
8700 Manchaca Rd Ste 702
Austin, TX 78748
7. milk + honey day spa
512-236-1115
237 W 3rd St
Austin, TX 78701
8. Mecca Gym & Spa
512-381-2680
524 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
9. Vickmay Skin and Body Spa
512-478-1915
1715 W 35th St
Austin, TX 78703
10. Divinity Day Spa
512-452-0185
1601 W Koenig Ln
Austin, TX 78756
Best Italian Restaurants in Austin
From authentic Tuscan cuisine to traditional Sicilian dishes, this Texas city has an excellent array of dining options. Below are the ten best Italian restaurants in Austin:
1. Siena Restaurant
512-349-7667
6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy
Austin, TX 78731
2. Vespaio
512-441-6100
1610 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
3. Carmelos Italian Restaurant
512-477-7497
504 E 5th St
Austin, TX 78701
4. Olivia
512-804-2700
2043 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
5. NoRTH
512-339-4400
The Domain
11506 Century Oaks Ter
Austin, TX 78758
6. Bellagio Italian Bistro
512-346-8228
6507 Jester Blvd Ste 105
Austin, TX 78750
7. Asti Trattoria
512-451-1218
408 E 43rd St Ste C
Austin, TX 78751
8. La Traviata
512-479-8131
314 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
9. Primizie Osteria Italian Cafe And Wine Bar
512-236-0088
1000 E 11th St Ste 1500
Austin, TX 78702
10. Andiamo Ristorante
512-719-3377
2521 Rutland Dr Ste 325
Austin, TX 78758
Best Wedding Services in Austin
From wedding photographers to caterers, these local vendors are the premier providers in the city and can help make your wedding day one of the most memorable times of your life! Below are the ten best wedding services in Austin:
Premium Listings
Focal Point Photographics – Wedding Photography
512-218-0600
4109 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
1. Focal Point Photographics – Wedding Photography
512-218-0600
4109 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
2. Lulu Paper – Wedding Invitations
512-284-7134
80 Red River #107
Austin, TX 78701
3. Pascals Catering – Wedding Caters
512-447-4113
1924 E 38th 1/2 St
Austin, TX 78723
4. Barr Mansion – Reception Venue
512-926-6907
10463 Sprinkle Rd
Austin, TX 78754
5. “I Do” Wedding Consulting – Consultants & Wedding Planners
210-824-3300
12274 Bandera Rd Ste 228
Austin, TX 78721
6. The Jazz Protagonists – Live Reception or Rehearsal Dinner Music
210-342-2868
Serving the Austin Area
7. Flora Fetish – Wedding Florist
512-302-9969
13033 Pond Springs Rd Ste 105 – 106
Austin, TX 78729
8. Antique Limousines of Austin – Wedding Transportation
512-323-9955
4413 Nixon Ln #B
Austin, TX 78725
9. American Party Rental – Wedding Rentals
512-837-6500
10426 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78753
10. Alegra’s – Wedding Accessories
512-372-8112
8108 Mesa Dr # B100
Austin, TX 78759
Best Hotels and Resorts in Austin
Austin has become a top business and tourist hotspot over the past few years, and with the increase in visitors, the lodging accommodations have improved dramatically. From traditional hotels to quaint bed & breakfast destinations, I’ve enjoyed my tour of the city’s best places to stay. The top spot of the hotels and lodging list goes to The Driskill Hotel, a magnificently appointed hotel located in a great part of the city.
1. The Driskill Hotel – Click for Profile
512-474-5911
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701The Driskill remains a landmark of legendary Texas hospitality.
2. Barton Creek Resort & Spa – Click for Profile
512-329-4000
8212 Barton Club Dr
Austin, TX 78735Barton Creek Resort & Spa spans 4,000 acres in the heart of the glorious Texas Hill Country and boasts some of the region’s most breathtaking views.
3. Mansion at Judges Hill – Click for Profile
512-495-1800
1900 Rio Grande Ste 100
Austin, TX 78705Built back in 1900, the historic Goodall Wooten House is now home to Austin’s premier luxury boutique hotel and relaxed gourmet dining restaurant.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Austin – Click for Profile
512-478-4500
98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701On the green banks of Lady Bird Lake, Four Seasons creates garden tranquility near the Convention Center and the renowned entertainment district.
5. The Wyndham Garden Hotel-Austin – Click for Profile
866-907-0607
3401 South IH 35
Austin, TX 78741This hotel offers elegant but affordable Texas Hill Country accommodations with unique features and products for an unforgettable Austin getaway.
6. Hotel San Jose – Click for Profile
512-444-7322
1316 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704Built in 1939 as an “ultramodern motor court,” the hotel is part of the fabric of downtown Austin – a hotel with a soul.
7. Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark – Click for Profile
512-448-2222
4140 Governors Rows
Austin, TX 78744Rising 14 stories above Austin’s flourishing high-tech corridor, this four-diamond luxury hotel offers modern amenities for the 21st century traveler.
8. The Austin Motel – Click for Profile
512-441-1157
1220 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704Located on South Congress Ave., the Austin Motel has the perfect location for shopping, dining, clubbing, bat watching and generally enjoying what Austin has to offer.
9. InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Luxury Hotel – Click for Profile
877-270-1390
701 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701The choice for luxury Austin hotels, the Intercontinental Stephen F Austin Hotel provides lodging four blocks from the Austin State Capitol and puts you within walking distance of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the University of Texas and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.
10. Sheraton Austin Hotel – Click for Profile
512-478-1111
701 East 11th St
Austin, TX 78701The Sheraton Austin features distinctively modern architecture and majestic views of downtown Austin, combining the warm, friendly service with a prime location.
Best BBQ Restaurants in Austin
I’ve traveled around the world, and when I want great BBQ I always come back to Austin, TX. My Obsession started when I was 9 years old with a visit to the County Line near Barton Creek and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting dozens of other establishments since then, and each BBQ Restaurant seems to get better. Presently, Stubbs is has the top distinction on the list for their fun atmosphere and fantastic food. Many couples also choose Stubbs for Wedding receptions.
1. Stubbs
512-480-8341
801 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701Stubb’s BBQ is legendary for the amazing acts that have graced their stage within the past few years. From Hip Hop to Country, Rock and Roll to Indie and Electronica, they have had them all. Past acts include Willie Nelson, The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, Snoop Dogg, Dwight Yoakam, many more… Stubb’s Restaurant was always filled with good friends, great music and plenty of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q.
2. County Line on the Hill
512-327-1742
6500 W Bee Cave Rd
Austin, TX 78746A BBQ legend in Southern TX, this County Line offers an incredible 20 mile view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Sunsets are spectacular! They offer a variety of Grilled goodies including: Fish, Chicken and a full line of steaks.
3. Rudy’s Country Store
512-418-0444
2451 Capital of Texas Highway S
Austin, TX 78746Their pits are 100% wood fired with oak, a slower burning wood than the mesquite used by other BBQ establishments. Along with time and oak, they cook with a dry spice that ensures each plate of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is perfectly ready for you. And make sure to apply some of their famous “Sause”.
4. Iron Works Barbecue
512-478-4855
100 Red River
Austin, TX 78701They serve Real Texas barbecue in a country atmosphere. Originally an ornamental Iron Work shop owned and operated by the Weigl family, this little tin building was converted into The Iron Works BBQ in 1978.
5. The Salt Lick
512-328-4957
3801 N Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of some of the best BBQ the Hill Country has to offer. Owners Thurman Roberts and his wife Hisako had the opportunity to gather and share family BBQ recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation since the Civil War at family reunions. Their meals were such a success, friends encouraged them to start their own restaurant. Opened for business in 1969, the Salt Lick has become world-renowned.
6. Artz Rib House
512-442-8283
2330 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704Comfortably arranged with tables on several levels, this south Austin favorite combines small-town friendliness with world-class smells emanating from the kitchen. The award-winning baby back ribs are smoked to perfection; beef and pork ribs, smoked brisket, chicken and sausage round out the barbecue menu. All entrees come with potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, pickles, onions and bread.
7. Sam’s Bar-B-Cue
512-478-0378
2000 E 12th St
Austin, TX 78702Local musicians often stop by here after playing a show nearby, so Sam’s is a great late-night gathering spot. They serve delicious beef brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and even mutton, for one of the most satisfying dining experiences you’ll ever have, stop by this popular East Austin restaurant.
8. Green Mesquite BBQ in Oak Hill
512-288-8300
7010 Hwy 71 West
Austin, Texas 78735Their barbecue covers the smoky gamut from tender brisket to moist chicken, from spicy sausage to flavorful pork ribs. Take a seat indoors or out in the beer garden and get your fill of sausage, brisket, and ribs with beans, slaw, onion rings, and other fixins’…
9. Lamberts Barbecue
512-494-1500
Schneider Brothers Bldg.
401 W. Second St.
Austin, TX 78701Gussied-up barbecue invented by renowned local chef Lou Lambert. This hip eatery next door to City Hall attracts throngs of downtown worker bees, politicos and the food cognoscenti looking for real Austin food. And they get it: a variety of sophisticated and down-home barbecue choices, house-made charcuterie, and other modern dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients.
10. Ben’s Longbranch BBQ
512-477-2516
900 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702Dine in, take out, delivery and catering, Ben’s Longbranch BBQ has been serving amazing ribs in Austin for 31 years. With fast and friendly service Ben’s is a great place to satisfy any BBQ craving.
Best Women’s Shopping Boutiques in Austin
Austin is one of my favorite places to shop, with a wide variety of boutique, antique and specialty shops, it is very easy to spend weekends doing nothing but visiting stores. Also, if you live in Austin or visit it regularly, make sure to visit the nearby cities of Salado and Fredericksburg which provide some of the most quaint shopping experiences nationwide. Here is the Top 10 List of Boutique, Antique and Specialty Stores in Austin:
1. Soigne Boutique
512-300-2929
4800 Burnet Rd Ste 410
Austin, TX 78756
2. Spartan
512-579-0303
215 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
3. Touch of Sass
512-478-7277
500 North Lamar Ste 170
Austin, TX 78703
4. The Inglenook
512-466-0641
360 Nueces St #2108
Austin, TX 78701
5. Adelante
512-452-5322
1206 West 38th St
Austin, TX
6. Francesca’s Collections
512-347-7508
3300 Bee Caves Rd Ste 420
Austin, TX 78746
7. b. chic
512-328-2442
2805 Bee Caves Rd
Austin, TX 78746
8. Feather’s Boutique
512-912-9779
1700 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
9. Envie Boutique
512-371-1336
4901 Woodrow Ave
Austin, TX 78756
10. Primadora
512-447-4736
1912 South Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
Best Neighborhoods in Austin
Austin is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve had the pleasure of living in. Its climate allows for trees and grass to remain a luscious green practically all year round and despite its growth, it has maintained its charm. Out of all the neighborhoods I’ve visited, I never cease to be amazed at the beauty of the landscaping and architecture, the community that leads the list is the Barton Creek Country Club. Barton Creek is home to one of the most breathtaking golf courses in the state and will amaze you with its southern elegance. I can’t imagine a better place in live.
1. Barton Creek Country Club
Southwest Austin
2. Clarksville
Clarksville extends from MoPac to North Lamar Boulevard (East to West) and extends from West 6th Street to West 15th Street (North to South). Clarksville borders downtown, so all of the clubs and restaurants are just minutes away. It’s also just around the corner from 6th Street and Lamar, which contains the popular shopping area that includes Whole Foods, Book People, Waterloo Records, and Amy’s Ice Cream.
3. Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association defines the neighborhood as stretching from 38th Street to 45th (north to south) and Guadalupe to Duval (east to west). It is only moments away from Interstate-35.
4. South Congress
SoCo’s boundaries run from just South of Town Lake on the North and to Oltorf in the South, then West to South First Street and along the eastern edge of Congress Avenue.
5. Travis Heights
South of the Colorado River and tucked between Interstate 35 and South Congress Avenue
6. Barton Springs
Robert E Lee Rd to S 6th St and Collier St
7. Bouldin Creek
South Congress Avenue borders the Bouldin Creek neighborhood in the East and its Western edge is marked by Bouldin Creek.
8. Barton Hills
From Barton Springs Rd to Barton Skyway and S. Lamar Blvd to MoPac
9. Lamar
North–Oltorf; South–Ben White; West–South Lamar/Manchaca; and East–Union Pacific Railroad.
10. Westlake Hills
Bee Cave Road is the main artery through Westlake Hills and leads West to the lakes and East to Zilker Park.
Top Family Activities in Austin
Austin has some great places for family oriented fun. I had a difficult time deciding which destination deserves the top honor for the list. However after visiting the Austin Children’s Museum with my family I decided it should lead the list due to the fact that everyone had a great time and it was a non-stop learning experience for everyone. Below are the top family activities in Austin:
1. Austin Children’s Museum
512-472-2499
Dell Discovery Center
201 Colorado St
Austin, TX
2. LBJ Library and Museum
512-721-0200
University of Texas
2313 Red River
Austin, TX
3. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
830-625-2351
305 W Austin St
New Braunfels, TX 78130
4. Austin Nature and Science Center
512-974-2000
Ziker Park
301 Nature Center Dr
Austin, TX
5. Bats Underneath Congress Bridge
512-478-0098
100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
6. Austin Museum of Art-Downtown
512-495-9224
823 Congress Ave # 100
Austin, TX 78701
7. Capital Cruises
Hyatt Regency Town Lake boat dock
Austin, TX
8. Austin Zoo
512-288-1490
10807 Rawhide Trl
Austin, TX 78736
9. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
512-292-4100
4801 LaCrosse Ave
Austin, TX 78739
10. Austin Duck Adventures
Boarding in front of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
209 E. 6th St
Austin, Texas
