Budget Austin

Our Local Expert Says:

This historic motor inn turned quirky Austin landmark features various wallpaper themes in each of the 41 rooms.

Description:

This establishment, the best lodging bargain on South Congress, is one of the old motels that was built when this was the main road to San Antonio. Built in 1938, it has been in the hands of the same family since the 1950s. A convenient (but not quiet) location in the heart of SoCo and great rates makes this place very popular. It has a classic kidney-shaped pool, a great neon sign, free HBO, free coffee in the lobby, and a certain quirkiness that's part of the local charm. It also has one of those rarities: real single rooms, so those traveling on their own don't have to pay for a bed they're not sleeping in. All rooms are different, many decorated with murals. For instance, room 257 has a cactus mural. You can check out pictures of the rooms before you make a reservation by going to the website.

Description:

If you want to socialize with the young locals of Austin and also enjoy some rich espresso, then Jo's is the place to be. The marinated chicken breast is the specialty here, but most people gather here in the evenings for great coffee and some bird watching! The coffee drinks and sandwiches are yummy and wheat roast vegetarian barbecue is the best choice for all veggies. If you're lucky, you might find your favorite musicians sipping coffee here. Don't miss the other location which includes a nice-sized interior at 242 W Second St Austin, TX 78701 (+1 512 469 9003.)

Our Local Expert Says:

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue is the perfect spot for a great shot of the Austin skyline, as well as a popular meeting place for friends taking advantage of the beautiful Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail along which the statue sits.

Description:

Late blues guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan became an Austin transplant when he was still in his teens, drawn to the live music scene and its endless opportunities. In 1994, four years after his tragic, premature death, the city of Austin erected a bronze statue in his honor on the southern banks of Lady Bird Lake. This area, known as Auditorium Shores, was the site of several Vaughan concerts, a fitting place for an eternal tribute to the musical great. With loads of live music venues and entertainment events such as South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the "Live Music Capitol of the World" attracts thousands of fans annually who visit the memorial, making the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue of the city's most popular tourist spots.

Description:

The City of Austin has developed one of the finest trail systems in the nation. Currently, over 50 miles of well-surfaced scenic paths follow natural greenbelts into all areas of the city, making an excellent trail accesible to all.

Our Local Expert Says:

These ladies know crepes so well, they beat Food Network Bobby Flay in a televised "throwdown."

Description:

The French seem to be inspiring the folks in Austin. If the Bistro Le Marseillaise is an out-of-the-box concept, well, Flip Happy Crêpes is an inside-an-Airstream concept. Operating out of a trailer parked off South Lamar Boulevard, the menu has sweet and savory crêpes for all tastes and a mini crêpe and nutella roll up for the kids. Flip Happy also serves tea, coffee and sodas and has a seating area with tables on the lawn. This is one place, even the French will admit, where the crêpes are as good as back home.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mount Bonnell is one of Austin's most obviously romantic spots, so if you're planning something super special, aim for less popular hours, which tend to be late afternoon and, of course, sunset.

Description:

Known for its beautiful, unobstructed view of the Austin area since the mid-1800s, Mount Bonnell hosts family photos, sunset picnics and romantic marriage proposals on a regular basis. Visitors park at the base of the hill and work their way up nearly 100 stone steps -- a 190-foot elevation gain -- to the wide open outcropping overlooking the southern side of the city and Lake Austin below. It's a fairly easy climb, but elderly relatives might find it challenging. A short gravel trail leads slowly downhill and to the left, offering up quiet spots for personal reflection with a clear view of the massive Pennybacker Bridge. Look left from Mount Bonnell to find the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower on the University of Texas campus. A number of nearby radio towers detract from the beauty of some of the views. At night, the towers' red lights give the spot an otherworldly feel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Wednesday evenings after 6pm are swamped when starving students on a budget come for the two-for-one burger special. Also favorites: the daily blue plate specials available from 11 a.m. to close.

Description:

The menu may be broader than the burgers, but the burgers are what set this place apart. There are 20 varieties in all, based on a thick, juicy patty medium cooked. Burgers range from the simplest one-patty version to a double-meat buffalo burger with all the trimmings. As for sides, the onion rings are delicious. For those who want their beef sans bun, they offer savory chicken fried steak, cooked tender with gravy that's not too thick and not too drippy. Whatever you order, be sure that you ask for lots of napkins.

Description:

The former home and studio of German sculptress Elisabet Ney is open to the public for exploration. This home was one of the first buildings erected in the Hyde Park neighborhood, which was developed as a suburb in 1892 by Monroe Martin Shippe. Ney referred to her space as Formosa (beautiful in Portuguese) and visitors flock to this museum to view nearly 50 busts and statues of Texas heroes, as well as Europeans she sculpted as a young artist. Her tools and several personal items are also on display. Admission is free.

Description:

The name is accurate, but does not do justice to the heart-healthy offerings of this Japanese eatery. Drop in for lunch or dinner and select from the menu of sushi, refreshing salads and entrees. The familiar types of sushi are available, as well as variations such as teriyaki chicken rolls and tofu rolls. Try some "heart smart" entrees, such as steak and veggies teriyaki and white chicken with broccoli. A low-key, casual atmosphere is the rule here, with customers choosing from a selection of Japanese beers. Other locations include 1303 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 444 8081,) 3423 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX (+1 512 300 2633) and 5207 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX (+1 512 899 2222.)

Our Local Expert Says:

With so much space in Zilker Park, it's easy for hundreds of people to enjoy the park at the same time. The concrete picnic tables make for a great (and free) party place with loads of room for roaming children and pets.

Description:

Zilker Park, Austin's largest urban green space, occupies 351 acres along the southern shore of Lady Bird Lake with Barton Springs Road cutting through the middle of the park. Grassy fields play host to soccer matches, volleyball games and picnics. Sand volleyball courts are normally first-come, first-serve, but they can also be reserved for large groups for a fee. The Zilker Playground on the park's southern end, complete with the pint-sized Zilker Zephyr train, entertains the little ones. Within the Zilker Park grounds, visitors will find Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Botanical Garden, as well as seasonal events including the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the annual Kite Festival and the summer music series, Blues on the Green. Kayaks and canoes can be rented by the hour at two sites, one near Barton Springs pool and the other on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum lies along the park's eastern border.

Our Local Expert Says:

Shopping along South Congress Avenue is a must-do. The restaurants along SoCo are among the best and there's no better place to find locally made merchandise.

Description:

Known for its funky style, South Congress Avenue, located about a mile south of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and with a clear and brilliant view of the Texas State Capitol, draws Austinites and area visitors for its shopping, eating, and live music opportunities. Stylish boutiques filled with eccentric and often locally made clothing and accessories share South Congress Avenue with fun local eateries and antique stores brimming with undiscovered treasures. Food trailers offering everything from cupcakes to Vietnamese sandwiches congregate near Monroe Street. There's often a band playing on Guero's outdoor patio, and the Continental Club is rocking seven nights a week. The first Thursday of each month brings the aptly titled First Thursday event, where SoCo storefronts remain open later, often serving margaritas or cold beer to a slew of people meandering the street in this open-to-the-public street festival. People watching is at its prime on South Congress Avenue during weekend afternoons when many emerge for a lazy day of window shopping.

Our Local Expert Says:

Catching the bats emerging from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is an exhilarating experience. For the best view, get there at least 30 minutes before dusk and wait on the southeastern side of the bridge, just over the water.

Description:

Though it may look like your average overpass, Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge houses one of Austin's natural wonders -- the world's largest urban bat colony. Small spaces in the expansion joints on the underside of the bridge are just the right size for little bat condos -- very crowded bat condos. From March through September, approximately 1.5 million bats make this simple structure their summer home. The Mexican free-tailed bats take flight nightly at dusk, consuming nearly 20,000 pounds of insects with each evening meal. As they emerge and head eastward, it looks like a ghostly dark river in the sky. Just 10 blocks south of the Texas State Capitol and a mile north of the popular South Congress Avenue shopping district, this fascinating sight draws thousands of onlookers to both sides of the bridge, as well as just below on the southeast bank of Lady Bird Lake (previously known as Town Lake.) There's a free parking lot near the bridge, but it fills up fast, so get there before sundown.

Description:

Doc's Motorworks is a locally-owned restaurant in a converted auto mechanic shop with the most impressive patio in Austin's see-or-be-scene South Congress District. Parking can be difficult in this popular section of downtown, but once you're settled on Doc's temperature-controlled patio, you can relax with a batch of onion rings and a cold draft beer. The casual restaurant is part sports bar, part grill. The restaurant offers moderate prices, daily happy hour deals and weekly food and drink specials. Try the burger and fries with a discounted pint, or a tasty Tex-Mex platter with a giant margarita. Doc's is open late and always busy. Mid-afternoon is your best shot for speedy service. Try the second location at 5207 Brodie Ln Suite 100 Austin, TX 78745 (+1 512 892 5200.)

Our Local Expert Says:

This historic motor inn turned quirky Austin landmark features various wallpaper themes in each of the 41 rooms.

Description:

This establishment, the best lodging bargain on South Congress, is one of the old motels that was built when this was the main road to San Antonio. Built in 1938, it has been in the hands of the same family since the 1950s. A convenient (but not quiet) location in the heart of SoCo and great rates makes this place very popular. It has a classic kidney-shaped pool, a great neon sign, free HBO, free coffee in the lobby, and a certain quirkiness that's part of the local charm. It also has one of those rarities: real single rooms, so those traveling on their own don't have to pay for a bed they're not sleeping in. All rooms are different, many decorated with murals. For instance, room 257 has a cactus mural. You can check out pictures of the rooms before you make a reservation by going to the website.