South Austin – the trendiest and most eclectic neighborhood in Texas.
South Austin is full of the coolest and hippest locations in Austin. We've covered popular areas such as South Lamar, South 1st, and South Congress in our neighborhood guides, but we're thinkin' it's time we go a little further south. The areas near Menchaca and William Cannon are becoming increasingly poppin' as new bars and restaurants open up and more affordable housing than central Austin draws residents deeper south. There is far more to discover than the basics, so check out our list of what to do, eat, and drink in South Austin.
Contributed by Keylee Paz
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photo via Brooklyn Breakfast Shop
7800 S 1st St
Thicket Food Park has some of the best food trucks in Austin, all in one convenient location. Besides great food, this family-friendly gathering place has shaded play and seating areas, live music, special events, and even a community garden. Some of their food trucks include Artipasta, Wonky Blends, and more. There is truly something for everyone, take a look at all of the options here.
10542 Menchaca Rd
If you need to change your work environment or want a relaxing place to hang with friends, The Hive is the perfect place for you! This cozy cafe has everything you could possibly need – great coffee, a full food menu with delicious eats, a full bar with beers and cocktails, as well as an amazing backyard garden. The atmosphere at the Hive is unbeatable and it's the best place to either start off your day or end it.
Photo via Facebook
3421 W William Cannon Dr #101
Family-owned restaurants are one of Austin's specialties, and Me Con Bistro is no different, especially since the name of the restaurant actually means “mother and child” in Vietnamese. This underrated Asian restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese cuisine and Wok-style delicacies. We highly recommend trying their Flank Steak Pho, or if you are looking for a vegetarian option, try their Tofu Pho! If you aren't in the mood for soups, their Vermicelli options are to die for.
photo via facebook
3421 W William Cannon Dr
Finding Mediterranean food in Austin is somewhat rare, but we're here to put you on one of Austin's hidden gems. Cafe Malta is a European bistro that pretends they're fancy, but they are not (they claim this on their website and Facebook page). This place focuses on serving Mediterranean-inspired food like Gnocchi Bleu and the Croque Monsieur Sandwich as well as cocktails like their signature Blue Ruin and the Vesper. They also have a beautiful backyard space where you can enjoy your drinks and food with family & friends.
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photo via facebook
10630 Menchaca Rd
Whether you're in the mood to play some pickleball or grab cocktails with friends, this new spot down south is the best of both worlds. Pickle Hub and Drifter's Social share a space so you can go between the two, and get food at onsite food trucks. Be sure to book a pickleball court ahead of time!
6507 Circle S Rd
According to the bar itself, the Little Darlin' is South Austin's neighborhood watering hole that offers craft beers, a global bistro, and a backyard with a lot of games. Not only does this welcoming dive bar offer a great range of drinks and cocktails, but they also have a full food menu with a variety of really good comfort foods to choose from. Make sure you try their frozen drink specials, they are always delicious and refreshing. Their patio is also dog-friendly!
10400 Menchaca Rd
The original Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street was so successful that locations opened all over Austin, including the newest bar addition in Far South Austin. Lustre Pearl South is conveniently located on Menchaca Road and has a lot of cool features, such as batting cages, lots of outdoor seating, and bountiful food trucks. This location is a fun place to hang out, and what makes the experience much better is the ample and homey atmosphere. This is also a great spot to do some bar hopping, with other fun spots to drink on the same street like Armadillo Den and Moontower Saloon.
Photo via Facebook
8916 Brodie Ln, Ste 100
Vincent's Pub is a popular sports pub that offers craft beer, flights, wines, and cocktails. Their house cocktail called Brodie Smash is possibly their best cocktail on the menu, which contains Deep Eddy Grapefruit, Titos, Mint, Cucumber, Lemon Juice, Club Soda, and St. Germaine. The pub also offers a wide selection of pub food such as wings, burgers, and fried pickles.
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8504 S Congress Ave
This cool, unique live event venue houses some of the best local acts in Austin. The Far Out Lounge opened in 2019 and renovated an old classic bar that was built in 1908. Since shows started picking up again in 2021, the Far Out Lounge has been booming. They are always hosting a range of shows and events at the venue that are worth checking out, especially if you are spending your night around the area.
5500 S Congress Ave
This iconic venue did something brave – Sagebrush opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. Their backyard space houses the main stage and is absolutely massive, enough for everyone to squeeze in and enjoy live music. They also have pool tables and a full-service bar. Get some pool games in, grab a beer, and enjoy some of the wonderful acts that perform on the Sagebrush stage.
Photo via Facebook
11600 Manchaca Rd, Bldg 101
If you are from or live in Austin, you know very well that we are big on Roller Derby. After watching the sport, you usually get in the mood to skate – of course, it's only fitting that we include the best roller rink in South Austin. Austin Roller Rink is a family-friendly place to skate that offers fun for all through event nights and reasonable pricing. The rink also offers Adult Nights every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – a unique way to skate the night away!
photo via instagram
4323 S Congress Ave
Tucked within the St. Elmo neighborhood, the new Pins Mechanical Co. is a HUGE gaming complex. This is their first Austin location, and they’re well known for their duckpin bowling, classic arcade games, and craft cocktails. Pins Mechanical is 43,000 square feet (!) and it’s all games, drinks, and fun. We’re talking bowling, of course but also table tennis, skeeball, bocce ball, vintage video games and more.
Photo credit: Roger Ho
4422 Lareina Dr
Austin is full of cool art galleries and murals, but we guarantee that you haven't seen anything like this. The legendary Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like – a sculpture made of over 60 tons of junk. You can easily walk through the cool junk pathways and check out everything the sculpture is made out of, such as all the broken toys, tools, car parts: you name it. The Cathedral of Junk is definitely one of the best things in South Austin, even Austin in general.
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