Sure, you’ve got your hands busy with SXSW programming. But you don’t want to go home without sampling some of the places and things that make Austin so special.
So what’s not to miss? Why not ask our readers?
Since 1990, Austin Chronicle readers have voted annually in our Best of Austin Awards, naming their favorites in an eclectic, ever-changing ballot that spans everything from Best Burger to Best Art Gallery, Best Politician, Best Plumber, and Best Bathroom. Here, we highlight some of last year’s winners that might be of special interest to out-of-towners. (We’ve thrown in a few of our staffers’ “Critics Picks” too.)
And if you happen to fall in love with anything while you’re visiting, don’t keep it to yourself: Voting in the 35th annual Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Awards kicks off March 27 at vote.austinchronicle.com.
Best Two-Stepping Lessons: Double or Nothing Two-Step
Vanessa Vaught’s two-stepping lessons are the portal you pass through to be inducted into South Austin’s thriving country scene. Anyone who has felt intimidated by the whirling dance floor at Sagebrush or Sam’s Town Point is guaranteed to melt their fears away by attending one of her weekly beginner lessons.
doubleornothingtwostep.com (RSVP for lessons at rotating bars; check website calendar)
Best Breakfast Taco: Veracruz All Natural
“The National Migas Taco of TX.” – John Gross
111 E. Cesar Chavez (at the LINE Austin), 1700 Guadalupe St. (find more locations online), veracruzallnatural.com
Best Established Restaurant: Odd Duck
“Literally everything. The service, food, ambience, ambition. It’s incredible: Every. Single. Time.” – Kimberly Grant
1201 S. Lamar, oddduckaustin.com
Best Place to Walk: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
“You can walk a little ways or a long ways. There are bridges to cross the lake and just stop to take in the unique beauty that is Austin.” – Kate Schnack
10-mile urban trail loops Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin; 1820 S. Lakeshore Blvd.
Best Museum: The Blanton Museum of Art
“The Blanton has been on the cutting edge of Texas arts and culture. It’s just as beautiful outside now as well as inside!” – Shannon Sedwick
200 E. MLK, blantonmuseum.org
Best Dance Club: Cheer Up Charlies
“Inclusive club with live music and a lively patio scene. Drink game is on point, and it’s refreshing to go to a club where it doesn’t matter if you’re dressed up or down.” – Kay Marley-Dilworth
900 Red River, cheerupcharlies.com
Best Karaoke: Ego’s
“The best karaoke dive bar in the world!” – Mark Strong
510 S. Congress, instagram.com/egosbaratx
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Food: Bouldin Creek Cafe
“Best service while keeping Austin weird and fed, with the widest variety of vegan options for breakfast (any time of day), lunch, and dinner.” – Tierra Chapman
1900 S. First, bouldincreekcafe.com
Best Late-Night Dining: Justine’s
“Justine’s menu checks all of the late-night dining boxes: comforting, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.” – Francey Grund
4710 E. Fifth, justines1937.com
Best Pop-up Vintage Market: Guad Vintage Market
Sundays from noon to 6, enter a wonderland of vintage clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and technically legal marijuana products. Located just minutes from the University of Texas campus.
2932 Guadalupe, instagram.com/guadvintageatx
Find The Austin Chronicle’s entire Best of Austin archive: austinchronicle.com/boa.
This article appears in March 7 • 2025.