Austin - A - BlackBook Guides

1716 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-441-6800

The Woodland

The last time you had a meal in a treehouse you were eating Hot Rocks and Nerds. Not that this neighborhood comfort-food establishment is a treehouse. But it does have a fake tree protruding throug... read more

1000 W. Lynn St., Austin 78703
512-478-3434

Galaxy Cafe

This snazzy breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot looks like an IKEA showroom. Moms about to take their daughters on afternoon spending sprees order wraps and salads. Officemates on lunch break share d... read more

1313-A S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-441-2444

The Continental Club Gallery

This can’t be part of the Continental Club, you say. There's art on the walls instead of fuzz-bunnies. And your eardrums aren’t bleeding from an outrageously high decibel level. This an... read more

2200 Manor Rd., Austin 78722
512-472-9900

Clementine

It's quite like a library at this eastside coffee shop. Straight-and-narrows peck away at laptops. The pierced-and-tattooed read O. Henry. Everyone is in their own world. Their studies are propelle... read more

1109 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-445-0773

South Congress Athletic Club

The staff to equipment to patrons ratio is just about right at this neighborhood gym. Get some peace and quiet when you grunt and groan. Lean on the establishment for a little support. In this case... read more

2110 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78704
512-442-8800

Birds Barbershop

Walk-ins are treated with the same respect as regulars. Calling ahead is the closest thing to an appointment. Color jobs trump everything else. They have an archaic system at this local chain of in... read more

204 Colorado St., Austin 78701
512-236-1115

Milk + Honey

This downtown day spa caters to rejuvenation fanatics, calls its clientele "spa partisans." They swear by the signature treatment. Body brushing, with a brown sugar, coffee, and crushed almonds pol... read more

713 E. 6th St., Austin 78701
512-542-9220

Joie De Vie Salon

Divine. Sassy. Perfection. Those three words are scripted on the stairs of this salon that is "rockin Austin one head at a time." The tattooed Betty Boop crowd comes here to achieve pin-up status. ... read more

2801 Guadalupe St., Austin 78705
512-494-8226

Torchy's Tacos

This local taco chain panders to stereotypes. The "Trailer Park" consists of fried chicken. The "Republican" is mostly sausage. And the "Dirty Sanchez" is full of scrambled eggs. Never mind the fla... read more

308 Congress Ave., Austin 78701
512-474-CORK

Cork & Co.

Happy hour starts at 3:00. You and your girls start with a bottle of sauvignon blanc. It gets paired with strawberries. You spend the 4:00 and 5:00 hours on pinot. Your server suggests a variety of... read more

401 W. 2nd St., Austin 78701
512-494-1500

Lamberts

"Fancy barbecue" is not an oxymoron. So shows this brother of the sister who owns the eminently popular Jo's Hot Coffee. Meats from the finest ranches and farms are the focus. Of course, scrumptiou... read more

621 E. 7th St., Austin 78701
512-275-0852

Koriente

Fast. Fresh. Friendly. The secret of the Orient lies within this tiny tea emporium. Healthheads slurp potato noodles and energize themselves with bubble tea. They look out the many windows at the g... read more

2905 San Gabriel St., Austin 78705
512-474-2905

Fino

Bamboo window shades block the sun on the second-floor veranda. Ottomans augment the cabana feel. The pretty people feel right at home. Exotic cocktails and gourmet nibbles have attracted them. So ... read more

215 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78704
512-472-2256

Viva Day Spa

Headaches. Day after day. They're relentless. You're anti-pills so you opt for holistic relief. A Head Trip package at this locally owned spa seems the ticket. An hour and fifteen minutes... read more

1206 W. 38th St., Austin 78705
512-371-7663

Urban Betty Salon

This shabby chic salon puts a premium on social responsibility. Free haircuts are for the taking for those willing to donate their ponytails to Locks of Love. Such philanthropy occurs in a loft ove... read more

404 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78704
512-473-2217

P. Terry's

Healthy burgers?! Yeah, right. No, really. This multi-location drive-through serves up all-natural patties that are hand-formed and seasoned on the spot. Professionals on lunch breaks and stay-at-h... read more

424 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78704
512-482-9673

Barton Springs Saloon

This converted gas station has a double identity. Out front where the gas pumps used to be, smokers get lost in the buzz of traffic. Sports nuts dominate the sleek interior. There's a pool table. E... read more

719 W. 6th St., Austin 78701
512-499-0600

Molotov Lounge

The young turks at a nearby ad agency like to complain about their salaries during happy hour. The Russian hammer and sickle and other Soviet-themed propaganda empower them. Reign over the rooftop ... read more

1123 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-448-9181

Doc's MotorWorks

Some grease monkey's garage got bought by Doc. And Doc converted it into a bar. Garage doors separate inside from out. Outside, candy-colored metal lawn chairs beam. Inside, stools surround tall pi... read more

419 W. 2nd St., Austin 78701
512-474-LEAF

Leaf

Salad bars conjure visions of errant bacon bits in the mushroom bin. That's what happens when you let people serve themselves. But here professionals work you through the assembly line. And they ho... read more