What to do in Austin this weekend?

December 25, 2014 9:13 PM

Will be in Austin this weekend, and haven't been before. What are some magical things to eat, see, and do?
posted by shivohum to Travel & Transportation around Austin, TX (7 answers total)

Winter is kind of the wrong time for this question- you could go spin in circles under the giant Christmas tree in Zilker park? If you range a bit afield, try Smitty's or Black's barbecue in Lockhart for the real deal. Head up to Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, or down to Natural Bridge Caverns just north of San Antonio. Also grab a t-bone at the Hoffbrau on 6th st. For a truly old school dining experience. They haven't changed one iota in 60 years & it's one of the last of its kind.
If the weather's tolerable, catch the view from Mt. Bonnel & on your way there stop at Laguna Gloria art museum.
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:35 AM on December 26, 2014

If you like books, Book People is one of the top 5 independent book retailers in the country. If you like coffee, Epoch makes an excellent Mexican mocha & provides some of the best people watching in town.
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:38 AM on December 26, 2014

Mozart's is nice anytime - but the evening light show might be especially fun.
posted by pantarei70 at 6:06 AM on December 26, 2014

Last time I was there a buddy took me to Lick ice cream. It was awesome.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 6:26 AM on December 26, 2014

Keeping in mind we might be in for a drizzly weekend, may I suggest the Harry Ransom Center on UT campus? It's a book/film archive, and if they're open it's my favorite museum in Austin.

The Continental Club on South Congress is cozy and good for dancing. Halcyon downtown has smores you can roast at your table. Rio Rita's on east 6th street has a great hot toddy. If you're just in for the weekend, don't knock yourself out trying to get out of central Austin, just hanging is the quintessential magical Austin experience.

Seconding BookPeople. If I didn't live here I'd come for the weekend just to go there.
posted by theweasel at 7:08 AM on December 26, 2014

Here's a guide to Austin that takes winter into account. It's geared toward hardcore cyclists, but you can ignore those bits.

I've never been but I'm intrigued-from-afar by Frank, which serves "hot dogs cold beer."

Southern Belle
Blackened, split Vienna Beef Hot Polish link dressed with pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, Cajun Remoulade and scallions

The Notorious P.I.G.
Our custom-made smoked pork, bacon, jalapeno, sage sausage topped with mac n’ cheese, Dr. Doppelgänger BBQ sauce

Um. EXCUSE ME. Also they have waffle fries. Take into account that I've never been there, and I'm from Chicago where we take hot dogs way too seriously, but I think you should go and I should live vicariously through you.
posted by Juliet Banana at 7:57 AM on December 26, 2014 [1 favorite]

Also keep an eye out for Yellowbird Hot Sauce to bring home; it's pretty impossible to get in the rest of the country.
posted by Juliet Banana at 7:58 AM on December 26, 2014