explore Austin Archives

Tag Archive for: explore Austin

Austin’s Sizzling Slices: The Top 10 Pizza Places in the Capital City

Austin is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, and when it comes to pizza, this city truly delivers. With a plethora of pizzerias scattered across town, it’s a pizza lover’s paradise. We’ve curated a list of the top pizza places in Austin, ensuring you experience the best slices the city has to offer.

1. Home Slice Pizza

Location: 1415 South Congress Ave

Nestled on the iconic South Congress Avenue, Home Slice Pizza is a local favorite. Their New York-style pizza is known for its delicious thin crust, generous toppings, and authentic flavor that transports you to the streets of NYC.

2. Pinthouse Pizza

Location: Multiple locations including Burnet Road and South Lamar Blvd

Pinthouse Pizza combines craft beer and artisan pizza to create a unique dining experience. With a variety of creative and classic pizzas, it’s an ideal spot to savor both fantastic brews and mouthwatering pies.

3. Via 313

Location: Multiple locations including Rainey Street and Oak Hill

Via 313 has become an Austin institution. Their Detroit-style pizza, with its crispy cheese-encrusted edges and a variety of mouthwatering toppings, is a must-try for any pizza connoisseur.

4. Bufalina

Location: 1519 East Cesar Chavez St

Bufalina offers Neapolitan-style pizza with a focus on using high-quality, local ingredients. Their thin, wood-fired pizzas are known for their simplicity and incredible flavors.

5. East Side Pies

Location: Multiple locations including Airport Blvd and West Anderson Lane

East Side Pies has earned a reputation for its creativity and wide array of toppings. They offer both classic and vegan pizza options to cater to a diverse range of tastes.

6. 40 North

Location: 900 W 10th St

40 North is a gem in the heart of Austin. Their wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas are prepared with precision, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.

7. The Backspace

Location: 507 San Jacinto Blvd

Tucked away in downtown Austin, The Backspace specializes in handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizzas and delectable antipasti.

8. The ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.)

Location: 1305 W Oltorf St

Known for their artisanal beer and delicious pizza, The ABGB is a local hangout spot offering thin-crust pies with imaginative toppings.

With these top 8 pizza places in Austin, you’re in for an exciting culinary adventure. Whether you prefer traditional New York slices, inventive Neapolitan-style pies, or crave something as unique as Detroit-style pizza, Austin’s pizza scene has something to satisfy every pizza lover’s cravings. Get ready to embark on a delectable journey through Austin’s finest pizzerias!

The Top Festivals and Events in Austin: A Guide to Year-Round Fun

in Blog post, Explore Austin

Austin, Texas is an exciting and vibrant city full of culture, music, food and entertainment. It’s no wonder why it is home to some of the most popular festivals and events in the country! From the Austin Marathon which draws just under 20,000 runners each year to live music festivals like SXSW that bring together artists from around the world, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic city. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an adrenaline-pumping race day experience, Austin has it all! So come join us as we explore all that Austin has to offer with our guide to the best festivals and events throughout the year.

January

3M Half Marathon: Start the new year off with a healthy and challenging run through Austin’s scenic neighborhoods. The 13.1-mile race ends in downtown Austin.
Free Week: Austin’s music scene comes to life with free shows all around town. Catch your favorite local bands and discover new ones at venues all over Austin.

February

Austin Marathon: Take on the streets of Austin in this full or half marathon race, with scenic views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin. The race finishes with a post-race festival in downtown.
Carnaval Brasileiro: Experience the Brazilian Carnival in Austin, with colorful costumes, samba music, and dancing. Get your dance moves ready for a night of non-stop partying.
Austin Oyster Festival: Get your seafood fix at this festival celebrating all things oyster. Enjoy live music, drinks, and of course, plenty of oysters from local vendors.

March

SXSW (South by Southwest): Join the buzz in Austin as thousands of people from around the world flock to the city for this famous festival featuring music, film, and interactive media.
Rodeo Austin: Put on your cowboy boots and hat and head to the rodeo for some bull riding, barrel racing, and live music. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family, including a petting zoo and carnival rides.
NASCAR at COTA: Hear the roar of the engines and watch the high-speed action at the Circuit of the Americas track, featuring NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races.

April

Kite Fest: Fly your kite high at this festival celebrating all things kite-related. Take in the beautiful sight of hundreds of colorful kites in the sky, plus enjoy food, music, and games.
Reggae Fest: Get ready to jam to some reggae beats at this festival featuring live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival: Laugh your heart out with some of the biggest names in comedy at this festival. From stand-up shows to podcast recordings, there’s something for everyone.

May

Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival: Celebrate the arrival of spring with this festival featuring local artists, food vendors, and live music. Stroll down historic Sixth Street and take in the sights and sounds of the festival.
Hot Luck Festival: Calling all foodies! This festival brings together world-renowned chefs for three days of culinary indulgence. With food events ranging from a backyard barbecue to a live-fire cookout, there’s plenty to satisfy your taste buds.

June

Soul Food Truck Fest: Get ready to feast on some delicious soul food from some of Austin’s best food trucks. Live music and a marketplace make this festival a fun day out for the whole family.
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival: Watch some of the best independent films from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal at this film festival. Panels, workshops, and other events make this festival a must-see for movie lovers.

July

Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic: This legendary picnic hosted by the one and only Willie Nelson has been a staple event in Austin for over four decades. The event features performances from top country music artists and is a must-attend for any true music lover.

August

Bat Fest – Join over 40,000 people for the ultimate celebration of Austin’s unofficial mascot, the bat. The event features live music, food and drinks, and of course, the famous bat colony emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Austin Pride – Austin Pride is one of the biggest and most inclusive LGBTQ+ events in Texas. The event features a colorful parade, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.

September

Hot Sauce Festival: The Hot Sauce Festival is a spicy celebration of all things hot and saucy. Sample hot sauces from over 350 vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in contests and games.
Lonestar Roundup: Get your engines revving for the Lonestar Roundup, a celebration of vintage cars and hot rods. The event features car shows, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.

October

Austin City Limits Music Festival: ACL Fest is a music festival that needs no introduction. This iconic event brings together some of the biggest names in music for two weekends of non-stop music, food, and fun.
Austin Film Festival: The Austin Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, featuring film screenings, panels with filmmakers and industry professionals, and networking events for aspiring filmmakers.
Formula 1: Get ready for high-speed thrills at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. The event features some of the fastest cars in the world racing around the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin.
Texas Book Festival: The Texas Book Festival is a celebration of all things literary. The event features book signings, author talks, and panel discussions with some of the biggest names in the literary world.

November

Food & Wine Festival: The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a food lover’s dream come true. Sample dishes from top chefs and restaurants, enjoy live music, and attend cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.
Austin Powwow: Experience the rich traditions and culture of Native American tribes at the Austin Powwow. The event features traditional dance and music performances, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks.

December

Trail of Lights: The Austin Trail of Lights is a dazzling display of over 2 million lights in Zilker Park. Walk through the park and marvel at the beautiful light displays, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious food and drinks.

Austin is a vibrant city with events for everyone, from music and film lovers to foodies and car enthusiasts. This blog provided just a sample of the many exciting festivals Austin has to offer throughout the year, so if you’re planning on visiting be sure to check out local online calendars like When, Where What and Do512 for more information about upcoming events. With its diverse offerings of entertainment and culture, there’s something in Austin that will appeal to any visitor!

Keep Your Family Active at these 5 Austin Parks

in Explore Austin

Guide to Enjoying Outdoor Spaces in Austin

in Blog post, Explore Austin

Take advantage of the beautiful weather at these outdoor spaces in Austin

Finally, the Texas summer is over. While our evenings get darker earlier, there is still plenty of time during the day to enjoy many outdoor spaces in Austin. There are tons of great locations, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites. From coffee to cocktails and paddleboarding to parks, our list has you covered! Pro tip: this list is a great way to reward yourself or spend your rest day if you’ve started to increase your mileage.

Austin’s murals

There are countless amazing murals around town. We’ve showcased some of our favorite murals along the Austin Marathon course, but that’s just the tip of the paint can! Cycle around town, visit some of the murals, and take a selfie with them. Check the mural for the artist’s handle so you can give them a shoutout on social media. Pro tip: the earlier you get there the better the chances you won’t have to work with traffic or other visitors.

Mozart’s

Start your morning at Mozart’s, one of the best places in Austin to get coffee. While you’re there, post up on the massive deck and enjoy the Lake Austin views. With plenty of outdoor space, Mozart’s is also an ideal place to work for a few hours or watch the Austin sunset. Mozart’s is on the Austin Marathon course.

Cosmic Coffee

From breakfast to dinner, Cosmic Coffee has it all. And there is a ton of outdoor space. Start your morning next to waterfalls with a latte and a bagel. Or you could visit the chickens or coy pond before grabbing lunch from one of the food trucks. Pro tip: when it gets really chilly they light the fire pits so you can snuggle up next to a fire with a hot cup of coffee.

Kayak/paddleboard

Austin is fortunate to have Town Lake, a massive body of water downtown that offers so much. Now that the sun isn’t blazing hot, it’s time to get out on the water and really enjoy yourself! Whether you’re into kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there are plenty of places to get started. Pro tip: this is a great way to spend your rest day. No running, but you’re still outdoors, getting a workout, and enjoying the fresh air.

Gibson Street Bar

Grab a beer and enjoy the outdoor space at Gibson Street Bar. They’re located off Lamar and offer 16 craft beers, cocktails, and wine. There’s something for everyone. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Visit Luke’s Inside Out trailer for appetizers and burgers. This is a great place to wind down your day.

The Wheel

If you’re in East Austin looking for a neighborhood bar with ample outdoor space, look no further. The Wheel has a rotating selection of local and craft beers. Visit their outdoor beer garden and you’ll be greeted by a beer fountain! The Wheel is on the Austin Marathon course.

Austin Parks

From the world-famous Barton Springs Pool and Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Austin is known for its green spaces. It’s truly a benefit to our city. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic. Finish the book you’ve been reading. Go for a trail run or bike ride. There are so many ways you can enjoy Austin’s parks. Visit the city’s site to find a park near you.

Stargazing

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Austin! Even the lights of Austin can’t keep all the stars from shining. Take some time after dinner to gaze at the night’s sky and search for shooting stars. Two places to get you started involve a short walk. Visit Mt. Bonnell or the overlook near the 360 Bridge. Both offer sweeping views of the Texas sky. Mt. Bonnell has steps and a longer walk, while the 360 Bridge Overlook is a shorter, more rocky climb. Want to get away from Austin’s light saturation and really see the stars? Visit Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg.

Sour Duck Market

Their outdoor seating is ideal for relaxing in the cool air and enjoying happy hour. Sour Duck Market have an on-site smoker and smoke their own meat. Looking to start your day with some coffee and fresh air? Swing by for breakfast and get something from their coffee shop and bakery. Sour Duck is on the Austin Marathon course.

Comedor

Take your upscale dining outside or enjoy craft cocktails on Comedor’s patio. Chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer have truly elevated the food game in Austin. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, from appetizers to dessert. Don’t sleep on their mouth-watering Bone Marrow Tacos! Their outdoor space is a relaxing oasis in the middle of downtown. Comedor is also home to Austin’s newest running club, Comedor Run Club. Their purpose is to create an inclusive space for Austin’s food community to connect and live a healthier lifestyle.

With so many outdoor spaces in Austin, the only problem you should have is deciding what to visit first! Many of these you can combine into an epic day. Start off with some coffee, kayak for a few hours, enjoy happy hour, and grab some dinner. And you can do this all outdoors! Make sure you take advantage of the amazing Austin weather and visit these outdoor spaces in Austin.