Your Day on South Congress – Shops, Eats, & What Not to Miss

South Congress Avenue (SoCo) isn’t just a vibrant slice of Austin—it’s also home to miles 1-3 of the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. That means you can scout out part of the course while enjoying everything this iconic street has to offer. Did you know the Austin Marathon 5K is the only 5K that takes place on Congress Avenue? How cool is that! Whether you’re in town for the race or just exploring, SoCo is the perfect spot to spend the day. Plus, with plenty of boutique hotels lining the street, you’ll be just steps away from the marathon’s starting line at 2nd and Congress.

From live music and eclectic shopping to delicious eats and relaxing spots, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your time on South Congress—complete with staff favorite stops you won’t want to miss.

 

Live Music: A Must-Do in Austin

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and South Congress is home to some of its best venues. Make sure to check show times for these iconic spots before you arrive:

• The Continental Club: A legendary venue that’s been at the heart of Austin’s music scene since the 1950s. Whether you’re into blues, rock, or country, this is where live music thrives.
• C-Boy’s Heart & Soul: A cozy, bi-level club with live performances downstairs and a laid-back bar upstairs. It’s perfect for an intimate evening of great tunes.

 

 

 

 

Start Your Day: Coffee & Breakfast

Get your morning off to a great start with these top spots for coffee and breakfast on SoCo:

• Jo’s Coffee: Famous for its iced Mocha and the Belgium Bomber, Jo’s is a must-visit. Plus, it’s home to the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural—perfect for a photo op.
• Mañana Coffee: Located inside the South Congress Hotel, this spot is known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious Mocha Latte—a staff favorite.
• Bennu Coffee: John’s pick for its 24/7 availability, making it the perfect place for an early morning brew or a late-night pick-me-up.
• Café No Sé: A laid-back café offering great coffee and all-day breakfast inside the stylish South Congress Hotel.
• Magnolia Cafe: An Austin institution known for its pancakes and Tex-Mex breakfasts. Open 24 hours, it’s ideal for fueling up before a day of exploring.
• Little Brother Coffee & Kolaches: A walk-up coffee shop with tasty kolaches—perfect for a quick bite on the go.

 

 

 

Shopping Spree: Local & High-End Favorites

SoCo is a shopping paradise with something for everyone, from unique local finds to high-end fashion. Here are some of our staff’s favorite spots:

• Goorin Bros Hat Shop: Tina loves this shop for its American-made hats and customization options. It’s a fun, quirky place to find the perfect accessory.
• Madewell: Eleanor’s favorite spot for stylish, comfortable clothes that are perfect for both exploring Austin and relaxing post-race.
• Howler Brothers: A staff favorite for its Austin-inspired apparel that perfectly captures the city’s laid-back vibe.
• Kendra Scott: Both Stacy and Tina love shopping here, especially for earrings. The store features a Texas and Yellow Rose line, perfect for commemorating your time in Texas with a stylish piece of jewelry.
• Tecovas: Known for its high-quality cowboy boots, this shop is a must-visit if you’re looking to bring home a piece of Texas.
• Prima Dora: A quirky gift shop filled with unique, Austin-inspired souvenirs.
• Feathers Boutique: A vintage boutique offering one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories that are sure to stand out.

 

 

 

Lunchtime Bites: Delicious & Diverse

When it’s time for lunch, South Congress has plenty of delicious options:

• More Home Slice: Dan’s go-to for a quick, tasty slice of pizza. The walk-up window makes it easy to grab and go, but if you have time, try the Italian sandwich—it’s a local favorite.
• Aba: Eleanor’s top pick for a light and flavorful lunch. The hummus and pita are a must-try, especially after a morning of shopping.
• Lucky Robot: Offers Tokyo-inspired street food and sustainable sushi, perfect for a fresh and unique lunch experience.
• Amy’s Ice Creams: Cool off with a scoop from this beloved Austin spot, known for its fun atmosphere and creative flavors.

 

 

 

Afternoon Stroll: Art & Murals

After lunch, take a stroll and explore SoCo’s famous murals:

• I Love You So Much: Located at Jo’s Coffee, this mural is a must-see and perfect for capturing a memorable photo.
• Willie for President: Another iconic mural that celebrates Austin’s love for Willie Nelson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening Wind-Down: Relax & Unwind

As the day winds down, here are some great spots to relax and enjoy the evening:

• June’s All Day: A European-inspired café offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious dinner options. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
• Hotel San Jose: Joey’s favorite place to end the day. The lounge and pool area offer a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxing with a drink in hand.
• Hopdoddy: Stacy’s pick for happy hour. She loves the frozen strawberry margarita paired with the tuna burger—a perfect combo after a day on SoCo.
• Guero’s Taco Bar: Head to their outdoor pavilion for live music and classic Tex-Mex dishes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the evening with a margarita and some local tunes.

 

 

South Congress is the ultimate destination to experience everything that makes Austin special. Whether you’re in town for the Austin Marathon or just here to explore, SoCo has something for everyone. Enjoy your time, and be sure to check out these staff favorites along the way!