A Local's Guide to Austin's 2nd Street District
Austin, Texas is a hub of entertainment, culture, and diversity. The famous 2nd street district offers the best of everything the city has to offer from dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation. This vibrant neighborhood is home to excellent restaurants, high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and excellent cafes. In this post, we will be taking you through a local's guide to the 2nd street district and everything you need to know about it.
Dining
If there is one thing Austin is known for, it's great food. And the 2nd Street District in downtown Austin is no exception. With a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, you'll never run out of options. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this district has something for everyone. From award-winning chefs to casual dining, here are some of the best restaurants in Austin's 2nd Street District.
The Bonneville
*Permanently closed
Located in the heart of the district, The Bonneville is one of the city's best-kept secrets. With chic modern decor and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, this place is perfect for a night out. Their signature dish is the Wagyu Burger, which is made with an in-house brioche bun and paired with truffle fries. Trust us; it's worth the splurge.
The Bonneville
202 W Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-428-4643
La Condesa
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you won't regret visiting La Condesa. This award-winning restaurant serves contemporary Mexican dishes that are both delicious and creative. Their outdoor patio provides the perfect ambiance to enjoy some of their signature dishes like the Braised Pork Shoulder or the Fish Tacos.
La Condesa
400 W 2nd St A
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-499-0300
Salty Sow
Salty Sow is a gastropub that exudes southern charm and offers farm-to-table cuisine. Their signature dish is the Duck Confit Poutine, which is a twist on a classic Canadian dish. The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch that features southern favorites like brisket and eggs and banana foster French toast.
Salty Sow
1917 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722
United States
Phone: +1 512-391-2337
La Patisserie
If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, look no further than La Patisserie. This French bakery is known for its macarons, croissants, and cakes. Their colorful and Instagram-worthy display case will make you feel like you're in Paris. Be sure to try their best-seller, the Salted Caramel Macaron, and pair it with a latte.
La Patisserie
602 W Annie St
Austin, TX 78704
United States
Phone: +1 512-912-0033
The 2nd Street District in Austin is a food lover's paradise. Whether you're in the mood for upscale dining or casual eats, the district has got you covered. From French bakeries to gastropubs, this area has a wide array of restaurants that cater to all tastes. The next time you're in Austin, be sure to visit this district and discover the best restaurants it has to offer.
Shopping
Austin's 2nd Street District is a shopper's paradise, with upscale boutiques, specialty stores, and an array of designer brands. From trendy clothing and accessories to unique gifts and home decor, there is something to suit everyone's style and taste. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist in town, getting lost in the vibrant energy of this district and exploring the stunning spaces is an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best shopping spots in Austin's 2nd Street District that you should not miss.
Start with a visit to Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages is a must-visit specialty store in Austin's 2nd Street District for unique and ethical home decor, jewelry, and accessories. This fair trade store partners with artisans from around the world to bring beautiful and meaningful handmade items to the community. Whether you're looking for a handcrafted woven basket from Bangladesh, a hand-painted vase from Morocco, or a stunning pair of earrings made from recycled materials, Ten Thousand Villages has it all. Shopping at Ten Thousand Villages also means supporting a good cause and empowering artisans from marginalized communities.
Ten Thousand Villages
4803 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756
United States
Phone: +1 512-440-0440
Shop at Hemline Austin
Hemline Austin is an upscale boutique that offers a wide selection of trendy clothing, accessories, and footwear from top designers and brands. From flowy summer dresses to sparkly cocktail outfits, Hemline Austin caters to women who love fashion. The store's friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist shoppers in finding the perfect ensemble for any occasion. Not to mention, Hemline Austin's stylish decor and sleek design make it a joy to shop in this chic space.
Hemline Austin
233 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-474-2212
Get your hands on housewares at Mercury Design Studio
*Permanently closed
Mercury Design Studio is the go-to destination in Austin's 2nd Street District for modern and stylish housewares, furniture, lighting, and decor. The store, which is also a design studio, features a curated collection of contemporary pieces from influential designers and brands from around the world. Whether you're looking to decorate a newly renovated home or simply add a stylish touch to your current living space, Mercury Design Studio has a piece of furniture, artwork, or accessory that will speak to your taste.
Mercury Design Studio
225 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-236-0100
Explore the artful collections at Estilo Boutique
Estilo Boutique is a unique clothing and accessories store that showcases the work of local and international artists and designers. The store's owner, Stephanie Coultress O'Neill, has a background in art and design, and her passion for curating a distinctive collection of clothing and accessories is reflected in the store's artful aesthetic. From one-of-a-kind dresses and jackets to eye-catching jewelry and accessories, Estilo Boutique is a treasure trove of artful fashion.
Estilo Boutique
2727 Exposition Blvd #121
Austin, TX 78703
United States
Phone: +1 512-236-0488
Entertainment
Austin's 2nd Street District is a vibrant area with several exciting entertainment options. Being the heart of downtown, you can find something that caters to your interests, from theaters to live music, bars to art galleries, and plenty of dining options.
Here are some of the best entertainment options that you can enjoy in Austin's 2nd Street District.
The Moody Theater
The first entertainment option on our list is The Moody Theater. As the premium live music venue in Austin, The Moody Theater has hosted several legendary performers and continues to attract fantastic talent. The Moody Theater is an architectural masterpiece, located in the heart of the 2nd Street District. With state-of-the-art acoustics, vibrant lights, and a cozy setting, it's a perfect place to experience live music. The theater generally hosts two shows a night, and tickets are readily available on their website or box office.
The Moody Theater
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-404-1300
Austin City Limits Studio Tour
As a music lover, you may want to take a deeper dive into Austin's music scene. The Austin City Limits Studio Tour is an excellent way to explore the central hub of Austin's music scene. A guided tour through the iconic KLRU Studio, where the legendary Austin City Limits show is filmed. The tour offers an opportunity to see some fascinating memorabilia and learn about the history of Austin's music scene. The tour is available every week from Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and booking can be done online.
Violet Crown Cinema
Are you a movie lover? Make sure to add Violet Crown Cinema to your list of entertainment options. This movie theater prides itself on a VIP experience, with comfortable couches, a unique screening room, and diverse programming, they screen both independent cinema and Hollywood blockbusters. And that’s not all; they also have a restaurant you can enjoy before or after the movie.
Violet Crown Cinema
434 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-495-9600
Austin Art Garage
Austin Art Garage is a creative space that showcases works of art by several local artists. The art gallery prides itself on promoting new emerging artists. You can expect to find art ranging from paintings to photography, sculptures, and mixed media art. You can even buy the art and support local artists. Visit Austin Art Garage and explore the diverse collection of art by talented local artists.
Austin Art Garage
2200 S Lamar Blvd UNIT J
Austin, TX 78704
United States
Phone: +1 512-351-5934
Austin's 2nd Street District has several entertainment options that cater to everyone's interest. From live music to art galleries, you can experience various forms of entertainment in one location. So, the next time you plan on going out to have some fun, make sure you check out the Moody Theater, Austin City Limits Studio Tour, Violet Crown Cinema, La Condesa, and Austin Art Garage, all located in the vibrant 2nd Street District.
Recreation
Austin is a city of outdoor enthusiasts, and the 2nd street district has many parks and outdoor spaces, making it the perfect destination for recreation. One of the best and most popular is the "Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail" that offers beautiful scenic views of the Austin city skyline and downtown. You can walk, jog, or bike along the 10-mile trail while enjoying the beautiful greenery and peaceful serenity.
Art Galleries
The 2nd street district is home to some of Austin's best art galleries, which showcases a wide range of contemporary art pieces. For instance, the "Wally Workman Gallery" features local and national artists, while the "Ao5 Gallery" showcases emerging artists and established ones across various genres like photography, sculpture, and painting. Visiting these galleries not only offers a chance to view amazing art but also a platform to network with other art enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2nd street district offers visitors a wide range of options for entertainment, cuisine, and recreation. No matter what you're looking for, there is something to suit your tastes in this vibrant neighborhood of Austin. Be sure to take note of some of the suggestions mentioned in this post and visit the district on your next trip to the city to make the most of your trip. We guarantee that the experience will be nothing short of amazing and unforgettable!
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