Welcome to Austin!
A Quick Guide to the Capital City
As you walk the streets of downtown or elsewhere, don’t be caught off guard by the man dressed in a
bunny suit, hopping down Guadalupe or the car decorated to the hilt with all kinds of art. These are a
few of the reasons Austin has acquired its slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”. So here are a few suggestions
of activities and restaurants to start off your weekend right!
$ denotes restaurants serving meals for $7-10,
$$ denotes restaurants serving meals for $10-20
Breakfast Hot Spots:
$ Galaxy Café. Galaxy offers so many great items. I have never eaten a bad dish from this place. You
won’t go wrong with the Hot Veggie Wrap or sweet potato fries. Their breakfast is amazing and the
coffees offer the perfect start to the morning. Breakfast, Lunch, or dinner, you’re sure not to go wrong
at this All American cuisine.
$ Sweetish Hill Bakery. Right down from
Z Tejas, Sweetish Hill is a small bakery
offering a wide selection of homemade
breads, danishes, muffins, and sweets for the
dessert stomach. I love the morning glory
muffin. There’s nothing special about the
coffee or eggs, but they know how to bake
their way to the top of the list.
$ Walton’s Fancy and Staple. I love this
little shop! Its modern, sheik design in the
middle of Sixth Street enhances your
gastronomy experience. Every menu item is sure to satisfy all your taste buds. Their coffee is one of
my favorites and I often choose the garden sandwich on multi grain. The breakfast sandwiches and
parfaits are truly amazing and the people are so delightful. Just recently they began selling an Iced
Toddy, which is now at the top of my drink favorites. Be sure to make a stop at this bakery before
leaving Austin.
$-$$ Kerbey Lane. The décor and design of this restaurant make it the “poster child” for Austin. There
are several locations, but the one on South Lamar is closest to you. Enjoy the delicious pancakes and
fantastic seasonal brunch items. Kerbey is also well known for its “Kerbey Queso”, so if you’re in the
mood for a heavier brunch or appetizers, plan on ordering this delight!
$-$$ Magnolias. Magnolia is actually a spin-off of Kerbey Lane. The owners of Kerbey split and
started another business. They offer many of the same menu items, but add a twist to your typical
omelet. Omelets, breakfast tacos, and migas are a great place to start at this restaurant. Migas are a
Mexican twist on the well known scrambled egg. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new.
$$ Olivia’s. Good coffee and a sophisticated meal are found here. They offer a great and varied
selection of breakfast items that you will be sure to love. It may just become your favorite dining
experience in Austin.
Loveable Lunches:
$ Taco Deli. They began as a small business, but continue to grow. They have a host of faithful patrons.
It is a popular spot after hiking the nearby Green Belt. Their tacos are awesome and offer fresh,
exceptional spin on your ordinary taco. I recommend the veggie taco or Achiote taco, but there are
countless others to choose from. If your taste buds prefer spicy salsa, be sure to order the chips and
salsa to accompany your meal.
$ Zocalos. A fresh, flavorful Mexican meal is served at this location. Their Zocalo and Tostada Salad
stands in its own category, however, all other menu items offer quite the competition. This is one of my
absolute favorite places because of the quality and style of food produced.
$ Tarka India. If you like Indian food, you will love this place. I love their lamb, chicken, and
vegetable entrees. We always get the garlic naan to finish off the meal. If it’s your first time to try
Indian food, you won’t be disappointed.
$ Maudies Café. The first time I tried their tortilla soup and chips and salsa, I was hooked. I love their
dishes because it’s not too greasy and they have an impressive and competitive taste. We have ventured
here on many dates to satisfy our Mexican cravings.
$ Mighty Fines. This burger hot spot is similar to Five Guys. Their
milkshakes push to be the “gold standard” of all milkshakes. They
also have cool hand washing stations which are fun for any age. If
you’re in need of a good burger, stop here.
$$ Hop Doddy. We searched a long time for a good burger spot and have finally arrived at this place.
They offer a nice selection of burgers on homemade buns which are sure to satisfy all your expectations
and cravings. I love their flavored ketchups with boost the experience. Their milkshakes compete
against Mighty Fine’s. Don’t miss out on grabbing lunch or dinner at this place.
$$ Z Tejas. Our favorite Tex Mex dining establishment is found here on Sixth Street. There menu
never fails my expectations. Their cornbread is truly a secret, complimentary with all meals, and their
dishes are refreshing! I have eaten here since childhood and crave it often.
Delectable Desserts!
$ Yogurt Planet. I frequent this yogurteria because the taste and quality of their yogurt surpasses all
competition. They have tons of different flavors and toppings and their selection changes often. I have
enjoyed this mid-afternoon or evening delight! If you think you’ve had good yogurt, think again. 
$$ CheZees. They are very proud of their desserts and have reason to be. They offer several different
types to satisfy all cravings. It also is a great brunch place, offering rich and creamy dishes! If you go
for brunch, they start you off with a complimentary croissant and jam. Yum!
$ Mozart’s Coffee Popular coffee house & a good place for fancy desserts. They boast a beautiful
outdoor deck that looks out at Lake Austin.
Engaging Activities:
 Walk down Sixth Street, upwards from Guadalupe. You will behold many Austinites and their
unique outfits. Try to control your “deer in the headlights” look upon passing them.
 Watch the bats at night along the Congress Street Bridge. It offers a picturesque view of Austin and
you won’t be alone. The bats come out at sunset, so take watch before then.
 Run/walk at Town Lake. Begin your trek at just below Mopac bridge as you cross Fifth Street. All
hours of the day, trails are filled with dogs, kids, and families to enjoy the scenery of Town Lake. If
you walk far enough and across a few bridges, you will find your way to Barton Springs. The
springs are natural and very cold, so don’t be alarmed if you stick your foot in the waters. During
your hike, be sure to make time for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding. Paddle boarding is a
new favorite activity many enjoy. You can spend your morning on a walk then finish it off with
breakfast at Magnolia’s, which is within walking distance.
 Shop around Congress Street for unique art or enjoy people watching during midday. There are also
“trailers” offering delightful snacks you are sure to enjoy!
 Come to echo college ministry on Sunday nights to worship with some great people.
www.echoaustin.com