The city of Austin in Texas offers lively entertainment, delicious food, and modern vibes. As the state’s capital, Austin features a unique blend of artistry and culture. It is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, hosting numerous concerts and iconic music festivals. You can also find a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from barbecue to Tex-Mex, and easily order vegan or vegetarian dishes if desired. There are also plenty of unique bars and nightclubs to quench your thirst, especially along Sixth Street, the city’s entertainment hub.

I was personally very impressed by the food in Austin and enjoyed exploring its quirky charm. We visited for my bachelorette party and had an amazing time. Read on for some great spots to add to your itinerary in the vibrant city of Austin, TX.

Moonshine Grill

📍303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Situated in an older brick building, Moonshine Grill serves savory dishes with a Southern flair. We thoroughly enjoyed our appetizers, which included panko-fried pickle spears with creamy ranch, crispy calamari, and buttery pretzels with whipped pimento cheese. The entrées were just as mouthwatering, including a hot honey chicken sandwich and blackened catfish with grits. The full bar offered a variety of cocktails, such as espresso martinis, Old Fashioneds, and even frozen hard lemonade.

We didn’t have reservations, but I highly recommend making one, as this place gets packed. We had to wait for a bit and were eventually seated near the bar at a high-top table. The service was great, and I would definitely return to this spot.

Retail Therapy Cocktail Lounge

📍120 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

If you’re looking for a swanky, modern cocktail lounge, this is it. After passing through a mirrored door, you’re transported into a luxurious space filled with neon lights, velvet furniture, and colorful photos of celebrities that sparkle with sequins. Smooth R&B plays in the background, and the staff are dressed in clubwear with full makeup. It reminded me of a high-end lounge in Las Vegas.

The drinks were strong and beautifully presented. The menu features unique ingredients such as plum soju, fiery habanero tequila, and hibiscus vodka. Cake is also served, making it a great spot for a birthday celebration. We were able to get in early without a reservation, but reservations are recommended since the space is smaller.

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar

📍421 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar offers top-notch entertainment and makes for a great night out. The dueling pianists perform a variety of fun cover songs and encourage audience participation through singing and dancing. Strong drinks are served, and there’s even a server carting around Jell-O shots for those who want to partake. As a tip, if you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, the bride receives a free T-shirt!

This place gets packed, and seating is typically reserved for those with reservations. We got lucky and were able to snag a small table since we arrived early, before the crowds. That said, I recommend making reservations in advance to secure a comfortable seat and enjoy full table service.

Lutie's

📍4100 Red River St Austin, TX 78751

Looking for a great brunch spot? Look no further—Lutie’s is the absolute best. The restaurant itself has Instagram-worthy vibes, with elegant décor and lush greenery hanging from the ceiling. There’s even a fountain in the courtyard that makes for great photos with friends.

Ambiance aside, the dishes are fresh, savory, and delicious. They’re meant to be served family-style, so we selected a few items to share. This included the bagel plate, which featured freshly made everything bagels paired with smoked salmon, ham, homemade hummus, avocado, and an assortment of vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and sprouts. The pastries are baked fresh daily, and the chocolate croissant was buttery and flaky. We also ordered the croque madame, which came with smoked ham, a sunny-side-up egg, and sliced Gruyère. Overall, it was a generous amount of food, and we left very satisfied with both the meal and the experience.

Lunch and dinner are also served, and there is a full bar if you’re interested in drinks. We made reservations in advance, so I recommend reserving a table ahead of your visit.

De Nada Cantina

📍4715 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

De Nada Cantina serves Tex-Mex cuisine in a unique, quirky atmosphere. This small sit-down restaurant features green lighting and stained glass windows that make you feel as though you’re in an old church. They’re known for their tacos and strong margaritas. We ordered the De Nada Trio, which included tortilla chips served with guacamole, queso, and a variety of salsas. The queso was my personal favorite. We also tried the pozole verde, a rich chicken stew with hominy, tomatillo, and a side of tortilla strips. The green sauce made it especially unique, and it’s definitely a great hangover cure after a fun night out on Sixth Street.

We each ordered a few tacos, which were generously sized. Options include barbacoa, carnitas, fish, sweet potato, chicken, and birria, among others. The tacos can also be served on a homemade blue corn tortilla, which was chewy and fresh.

We didn’t make reservations but were able to get in after a short wait. It does get busy, but there is both indoor and outdoor seating, which helps tables turn over more quickly. Don’t forget to check out their gift shop area, which sells items featuring their cute bird logo.

The RSRV

📍3415 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

The RSRV is an intimate, relaxing wine bar located a bit away from the bustle of Sixth Street. The ambiance feels as though you’ve stepped into a cozy library, complete with dim lighting and comfortable seating. There’s also a spacious outdoor patio for nice weather, and at the front of the bar, a charming gas station–style sculpture features Italian words that translate to “wine station.”

The lounge offers an extensive wine selection, with bottles from Texas, California, Oregon, France, Italy, and Spain, among others. The staff are knowledgeable, and our server was especially helpful in guiding our choices. We were able to get in without a reservation, but I recommend planning ahead just in case, as they occasionally host events.