Live Music Capital of the World Tour

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:

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:

This museum holds a special place in the heart of Texans, especially in Austin, the Music Capital of the World. Founded in 1984, the museum's mission is to promote and preserve Texas music. By presenting two or three major exhibits a year in and around Austin, often including musical performances, the organization works to keep music alive and well. Along with funding these projects, the museum conducts research, sponsors touring exhibits and collects photographs and documents related to all aspects of Texas music.

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:

The ground where the One Texas Center stands was the site of the beloved Armadillo World Headquarters. One of Austin's most popular music hall, the Armadillo was a popular hangout for all kinds of people. The list of famous musicians who've played here is illustrious; from AC/DC to Frank Zappa, they've all graced the stage. The Armadillo World Headquarters shut down in 1980 on the grounds of bankruptcy. The commemorative plaque is still a testimony. Music may die, but it'll be remembered forever.

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:

Neon beer signs and vintage clocks line the walls of this Austin institution, a gas station-turned-restaurant that also offers up live music. If comfort food is your pleasure, this is the right place, and if you like your vegetables, you will be in heaven. Whatever the entree, seconds on vegetables come free. Pork roast and fried chicken are great, but the chicken-fried steak is not to be missed. The San Antonio Squash will please even those who turn up their noses at the vegetable. And of course, the mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas are heavenly. Rich, crumbly cornbread comes free, but white-flour rolls are extra (and worth it).

Description:

The Continental Club started out as a swanky dinner club in the 1950s, and it went through a series of ups and downs before emerging as South Congress' premier live music venue. When Steve Wertheimer bought the bar in 1987, the area around the bar was run-down and frequented by prostitutes. As the club developed a loyal following, with acts ranging from roots rock to country, other businesses, including antique shops, restaurants and clothing boutiques, popped up around it. The front area, where the band plays, is long and narrow, with only a smattering of tables and chairs; arrive early if you want a seat. Sitting at the small bar will give you an excellent sampling of Austin culture; bikers, bakers and lawyers drink together and bond over music. In a business where bartenders come and go daily, a few of the Continental Club's friendly, if a little edgy, servers have worked here for 20 years. Some of the popular acts include James McMurtry (son of novelist Larry McMurtry), Jon Dee Graham and Toni Price, whose Tuesday night happy hour show draws legions of slightly obsessive fans.

Description:

Within the rough limestone walls of a renovated historic building you'll find great barbecue and country Texas fare and three friendly bars -- plus terrific music, ranging from singer-songwriter solos to hip-hop open mics to all-out country jams. Out back, the Waller Amphitheater hosts some of the bigger acts that come to Austin.

Description:

This live venue provides music on the cutting-edge. Its main entrance is just off of 6th Street, attracting alternative and mainstream patrons looking for local and national acts. You are always greeted with a cold beer at the bar. The front room holds the pool tables, pinball machines and a small indoor stage, while out back the larger bands play on a partially covered outdoor stage. In between the stages lies a courtyard with picnic tables for lounging.

Description:

This is an intimate venue for those with sophisticated taste. From jazz to house, from acid rock to rap, from shoe-gaze to dub, the place runs the musical gamut. Touring acts such as Smog, Guided By Voices, Autechre and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have graced the stage. Texas artists Sub Oslo, Lift To Experience, Explosions in the Sky, the Swells and more have also played here.

Description:

The Flamingo attracts local and touring acts in all subgenres of reggae -- dancehall, ska, rocksteady, and dub -- as well as a range of local Latin bands and DJs. Lounge around one of several bars and open-air decks when you're not sitting on the comfy carpeted bleachers listening to the performers.

Description:

Besides its great name, this bar is a fabulous place to grab a beer and one of the largest burgers this side of the Mississippi. The jukebox is always crammed with your favorite rock 'n' roll hits, and the staff is very friendly. The lighting inside is subdued, and patrons enjoy the outdoor patio featuring its own birdbath.

Description:

This unique shop showcases gifts with a Texas music theme, offering jewelry, furniture, T-shirts, posters, books and more. The large gallery space features sculptures and oil paintings, among other artworks, all capturing the music spirit of Austin and the state. Local, national and international artists are represented and all work is for sale. One of the featured artists, Larry Plitz, creates beautiful and eclectic aquariums made from old television sets.

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.

Description:

Delicious Tex-Mex is served at this long-time South Austin diner. The environment is casual with Mexican art and murals adorning the walls. Three separate dining areas are available, one being an enclosed patio. It offers a range of breakfast tacos, combination plates and a la carte items. Juan's plate, the vegetarian plate, and the carne guisada are highly recommended. This popular hangout showcases well-known local musicians several evenings a week at happy hour and beyond.

Description:

The most reliable indicator of a high-quality dance hall in Texas is the presence of old people, particularly old people who skillfully dance and spin and seem unaware of anyone other than their partner. On some nights, the Broken Spoke is bursting with lively seniors who dance circles around the novices. Most of the time, there's a mix of young and old, cowboys and hipsters, locals and tourists. The massive wooden dance floor splits the room in two, with seating areas on either side. The bands, whether they're young or old, play mostly traditional country music. Because that's the kind of music owner James White likes, he's been doing things this way since 1964, and he has no intention of changing. Another fan of traditional country music, a certain red-headed stranger, has been known to hang out here when he's not touring.

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.