1st Time in Austin - Recommendations?

[BambooLounge]

I am finally making my trip to film poster Mecca in about a month w/my girlfriend. I will be in town for 3 nights and will try to catch a film at Alamo, visit the Mondo Gallery, and possibly catch a Hitch flick at The Paramount (recommended to me by an Austin local at work). Other than that, not much has been planned yet.

In terms of food and other things to do/see, I thought, I'd turn to the boards here since there seem to be a lot of Austin residents/frequent visitors here. If you'd be willing to share some local faves/under the radar authentic food spots with an outsider, I'd really appreciate it.

In terms of distance from where I am staying (Austin Airport Courtyard Marriott), my stay in Austin is the center piece of a week long road trip, so I will have my car and be willing to drive around town and pay for parking and such like that. But, if there are places within walking distance of The Paramount (since I will likely want to do dinner and a movie) that would be a big help.

[ColonelCash]

South Congress is pretty cool area to visit. 6th St. if you like to bar hop. Home Slice Pizza and Guero's are both good places to grub. Torchy's Tacos were pretty good last time I went (lime pork tacos were the best, IMO).
-- There is a little operation called Blue Starlight Mini Drive In Theatre that is kinda cool. It's in a parking lot, but still cool. Alamo drafthouse, of course.
-- There is a bar called Brew Street that sells beer based on demand. Nice idea, but that building has the most shitty signage ever. It's literally covered in rust and has no real sign to speak of.
--If you have time, drive out to Round Rock and get some Round Rock doughnuts. It was on Man Vs. Food, oh so tasty. MvF also visited Juan In A Million, although I wasn't overly impressed with that place.

Here is a collection of things to do: http://www.austin360.com/this-is-austin/

I don't live in Austin, but like to visit every couple months. Austin is the city that Nashville wants to be.

[RottenAtom]

Home Slice Pizza and Hotel San Jose on South Congress are awesome.

The butternut squash ravioli appetizer at Vespaio on SoCo is great too.

Barton Springs is nice.

I've never actually been to The Paramount, but that will change on 5/26 when they play my all-time favorite movie, The Sting. Can't wait! What Hitchcock film are you going to see?

There's more helpful info in this thread

[ColonelCash]

If you want a little road trip, San Antonio is only an hour away. Riverwalk is pretty nice. Also, Gruene is pretty cool to bum around if you like a slower pace of action. I'd suggest the inner tube rides down the river in Gruene (pronounced "Green", by the way).

[Badbutch]

I'm coming out next month too for The Thing (fingers cross for tickets...) and was wondering what are the must visit barbecue joints. I've been to Austin before on a business trip, but the only place we made it to was The County Line. I know Salt Lick is supposed to be legit. Any others?

[skis007]

Flag ship Whole Foods store. Cilantro tortillas, only place I could find them.

[kansasbbq]

I'm coming out next month too for The Thing (fingers cross for tickets...) and was wondering what are the must visit barbecue joints. I've been to Austin before on a business trip, but the only place we made it to was The County Line. I know Salt Lick is supposed to be legit. Any others?

IMO the best within the city is Franklin's (the Tipsy Texan is darn good). The Salt Lick is OK....but you can bring your own beer so that's always a plus. And Lockhart has 3 really good spots too (Smitty's is my favorite).

[kansasbbq]

Austin is the city that Nashville wants to be.

i agree

[kansasbbq]

South Congress is pretty cool area to visit. 6th St. if you like to bar hop. Home Slice Pizza and Guero's are both good places to grub. Torchy's Tacos were pretty good last time I went (lime pork tacos were the best, IMO).
-- There is a little operation called Blue Starlight Mini Drive In Theatre that is kinda cool. It's in a parking lot, but still cool. Alamo drafthouse, of course.
-- There is a bar called Brew Street that sells beer based on demand. Nice idea, but that building has the most shitty signage ever. It's literally covered in rust and has no real sign to speak of.
--If you have time, drive out to Round Rock and get some Round Rock doughnuts. It was on Man Vs. Food, oh so tasty. MvF also visited Juan In A Million, although I wasn't overly impressed with that place.

Here is a collection of things to do: http://www.austin360.com/this-is-austin/

I don't live in Austin, but like to visit every couple months. Austin is the city that Nashville wants to be.

To add to this, here are some of our favorites:

-->Breakfast (fancy): South Congress Cafe (carrot cake french toast)
-->Breakfast (standard): Magnolia Cafe
-->Burger: Hopdoddy or Roaring Fork (big ass burger)
-->Tex Mex: Habanero (best salsa in town) or Taco Deli (cowboy taco)
-->Pizza: Home Slice or East Side Pies

[kansasbbq]

I've never actually been to The Paramount, but that will change on 5/26 when they play my all-time favorite movie, The Sting.

We should meet before or after at Home Slice. You interested?

[Badbutch]

Is the Texas Chili Parlor worth visiting?

[RottenAtom]

I've never actually been to The Paramount, but that will change on 5/26 when they play my all-time favorite movie, The Sting.

We should meet before or after at Home Slice. You interested?

But of course

You going to the movie?

My brother is getting married in Michigan the night before, but I'm flying into Houston Saturday at noon. My buddy dol3, is picking us up from the airport and driving to Austin. We'll probably be able to meet at 5 or 530.

I'll start a thread for the event. No posters, but I love that flick, it's in 70mm at a badass theater, and I've never seen it on the bigscreen. Would be cool to see with a bunch of folks.

[rmoore]

Do not miss Barton Springs. Do not. It's right near downtown, too.

[Cragars]

Lambert's for brunch 30 bucks a piece all you can eat. Drinks are extra but they are f'n good

[RottenAtom]

Do not miss Barton Springs. Do not. It's right near downtown, too.

Love that diving board!