Business Travel to Austin: Around the corner from the Austin Convention Center

Our Local Expert Says:

Dine amid pop culture history. This old warehouse transformed into an eclectic loft for the 16th season of MTV's "The Real World" before becoming this trendy Mexican eatery.

Description:

Rio Grande celebrates the tradition of gathering around a meal. That, and margaritas. Lots of margaritas. Try a mango margarita with your choice of many fine tequilas. If your buzz gets too wild, cool it down with one of their fresh salads or signature fajitas.

Our Local Expert Says:

This haven of Southern comfort food offers an impressive brunch spread for $15.95 Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Description:

Moonshine Bar & Grill sits in the oldest building in Austin and the decor tastefully reflects that. The sweeping arches and exquisite mirrors on the brick and stone walls, not to mention the warm fireplace, all make for a cozy setting. The starters everyones raves about are the corn dog shrimp (skewered shrimp in cornmeal batter, served with honey and blueberry mustard). The choice entrées are the broiled rainbow trout and Texas flat iron steak. Don't miss out on the creamy macaroni and cheese topped with a bacon gratin. Behind the main restaurant is a refurbished carriage converted into a bar, making the his downtown restaurant an ideal setting, no matter the occasion.

Description:

This festive Cajun eatery offers a little bit of New Orleans on Sixth Street. Be prepared to get messy, as boiled shrimp, crab legs and unshelled crawfish are the staples here and eating with your hands is the norm. The food is always satisfying, with sides that should not be ignored—boiled potatoes, Cajun-style beans, corn-on-the-cob, rich gumbo and thick French bread. The atmosphere is decidedly laid back, with meals served on butcher paper. More than 70 kinds of beer are available from the full bar, and an average entree—including sides—won't break the bank.

Description:

Among the popular Mexican food served here: huevos rancheros, migas (even a variation with mushrooms) and breakfast tacos. The posole, a chicken soup with a masa broth, is heavenly, though only available on weekends. Enchiladas and tacos can also be had, as well as Central American specialties. A large patio beckons on fine days, and the inside dining space is cool, light and comfortable. Relax in the morning with a coffee and a taco, and at night (on weekends) with a bottle of beer and some mole poblano.

Description:

The old Weigl family Iron Works no longer forges metal, but a tasty assortment of fine Texas barbecue. With walls adorned with branding irons, the motif is quintessentially Western, perhaps for the benefit of conventioneers from the neighboring convention center. At the counter, order your choice of sliced beef, chicken, beef ribs, pork ribs, pork loin and sausage for a two-meat combo plate completed with sides of potato salad and beans. Or make your choice of meat by the pound. The spicy sauce is a tangy counterpoint. And if you are craving barbecue somewhere far away, note that Iron Works ships their goods anywhere.

Description:

A local favorite, this bar has been relocated for the fourth time in its history. Regardless of location, it is a great stop before heading out on the town or just for sitting outside on a beautiful evening. The Mexican Martinis are a local favorite; however, they do pack a punch.

Description:

Cedar Street is made up of three distinct spaces. There are two indoor bars on either side of a large outdoor courtyard. The music and dancing happen in the courtyard while most of the mingling happens in the long, narrow side bars. The bands are usually fun, danceable cover bands, such as the Spazmatics and SkyRocket. The place can get packed on weekends, but it is so large that you can usually snag a seat if you stay alert. Restless souls can make a loop from one bar across the courtyard and back. The crowd tends to be in the 30- to 40-year-old age group. So it's a little calmer than the wild-and-crazy Sixth Street crowd, but there's still a fair amount of groove-thing shaking.

Description:

Have you always wanted to enjoy a cold beer at the movies? You can here; in fact, you will find a nice selection of both domestic and imported beers, as well as wines and champagnes. The libations help you wash down the tasty pizzas, chicken wings or cheese- and salsa-smothered nachos as you take in a flick. Children at least 6 years of age can accompany their parents; patrons must ordinarily be at least 18 to attend on their own. The theater features mostly independent films. See website for showtimes, ticketing info, menus, special event calendar, merchandise and more.

Description:

One of the first streets surveyed in Austin, Sixth was originally known as Pecan Street. During the day, shops, restaurants and historic buildings are the main attraction, but by night, the street becomes festive with live music, shows and special events. On Friday and Saturday nights, the blocks are closed to automobile traffic for an all-out street party. Stop by for a beer or a show, or just enjoy watching the eclectic nightlife of Austin. After the bars close at 2a, this can be a dangerous place to hang out alone.

Our Local Expert Says:

This Sixth Street anchor and Austin landmark is said to harbor a handful of friendly ghosts, including the hotel's namesake himself, Colonel Driskill.

Description:

Location. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the Driskill Hotel was once the showplace of a cattle baron. Located seven miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this historic 12-story hotel is adjacent to Sixth Street entertainment district and less than one mile from the Texas State Capitol Complex.
Hotel Features. Gargoyles and busts of The Driskill Hotel's owner and his sons still peer out from high above each entrance, and shorhorn steer heads adorn the outer walls. The lobby's three-story columns reach to a stained-glass dome ceiling canopying marble floors. The hotel features a full-service business center, elegant meeting facilities wired with high-tech capabilities, and a fitness studio complete with stretching room and massage tables. The Driskill Grill offers contemporary American cuisine in elegant surroundings, while old Texas-style décor is found in the 1886 Café & Bakery, serving full breakfasts and light entrees daily. The Driskill Bar is furnished with cowhide couches and features an extensive wine list, native Texas brews, and live piano music.
Guestrooms. Palatial guestrooms and suites span from the Driskill's Traditional Wing, built in 1929 featuring the colorful surroundings of the Texas Hill Country, to the Historic Wing's vaulted decorative ceilings, detailed woodwork and balconies. Both wings include original art, lavish draperies, and opulent beds featuring Frette Italian linens. Bathrooms are outfitted with black Brazilian marble tile, brass fixtures and bathrobes. Nightly turndown service, minibars and expanded cable television are room standards. Complimentary guestroom amenities include coffee service, newspapers and high- speed Internet access.
Expert Tip. Built in 1886, the Driskill is rich in history and serves as a landmark of Texas hospitality. Its dark mahogany bar with brass railings, scrolled mirrors and crystal globes was imported from Germany and has been featured in many movies throughout the decades, including "Cabaret" in 1972. This hotel is non-smoking.

Description:

This member of the well-known luxury chain has an ideal location on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, with great views and close proximity to all the downtown hot spots. Large, comfortable rooms; an excellent spa; beautifully manicured grounds; and direct access to Austin's Hike and Bike Trail are just a few reasons for staying here. And, of course, there's the famous Four Seasons service, which sets this hotel apart from all others. No place in Austin can make life easier.

The look of the place is part modern, part traditional, and part Texas. Polished stone floors, with plush area rugs, deep easy chairs and sofas, and a smattering of Western art form a seamless blend in muted tones. It's a look that has much in common with many other luxury hotels I've seen. These hotels obviously know the tastes of their clientele, but to my eye, the interiors lacks character. The guest rooms have the same plush and conservative feel. The city views are fine, but the ones of the lake are finer still. You can choose between rooms with balconies and rooms without.

If you're traveling with toddlers, the staff can provide such necessary gear as strollers and baby seats; and there are plenty of weekend activities. Older kids can enjoy complimentary treats, such as popcorn and soda or milk and cookies, if you notify the hotel when you make your reservations.

Description:

Although Willie Nelson and crossover country-and-western bands such as the Austin Lounge Lizards have been known to turn up at Clifford Antone's place, the club owner's name has always been synonymous with the blues. Stevie Ray Vaughan used to be a regular, and when such major blues artists as Buddy Guy, Etta James, or Edgar Winter venture down this way, you can be sure they'll either be playing Antone's or stopping by for a surprise set. Clifford Antone died recently, and the response by the blues community was a large outpouring of performances to honor the man. Look for the club to continue the same trajectory set out by its former owner.