A city within a city.
The north-east central portion of Austin has been in the process of long-term development and is known for being a pedestrian-oriented, interactive mixed-use community, and a model for responsible urban planning. Everyone moves a bit slower here.
Everyone that is, except for the construction crews cranking out sky-rise after structure after coffee shop. With new spots popping up left and right, Mueller is becoming a more enviable destination every day. So come on in, the water's great.
WHAT TO DO:
photo via alamo drafthouse
1911 Aldrich St Suite 120
The Mueller location has that same Alamo quirk but with a fun vibe and some kiddo friendly programming sprinkled in. Order from their full menu and get some old fashioneds from the comfy, reclining seats that fill the six-screen theater. There's never been a better time to be both a film fanatic and drinker in Austin, especially with their on-site carnival-themed bar, Barrel O' Fun. This spot transitions from a family-friendly area to a full-service bar after dark. When the kiddy games and fountain drinks disappear around happy hour, Bar O’Fun serves of-age patrons boozy versions of soda themed and barrel-aged cocktails and plays host to a ton of live music. This place knows what the people want.
photo via facebook
4550 Mueller Lake Blvd
If nothing else, Mueller Lake Park is strong evidence that the area was designed with both love and care. The 30-acre land surrounding the beautiful, well-maintained trail and lake is proof enough that the Mueller area was made to be enjoyed and lived in for a long, long time. The stretch of land is complete with an information center, open air amphitheatre, interactive playscape, and more.
1830 Simond Ave
Thinkery is Austin's home for “why” and “how.” It's a place where science and families play side by side. The interactive museum offers a schedule of activities and programs designed to engage children, educators, and lifelong learners. Be sure not to miss out on Thinkery21 - the adult night and art program that lets ages 21 and up, eat, drink and mingle while experiencing innovative science and art. There are plenty of things to hold your attention at Thinkery. Stick around, you might learn something!
photo via facebook
2006 Philomena St
Every Sunday shop, eat and enjoy fresh local vegetables and artisan foods right in Mueller from 10am - 2pm. Voted Austin Chronicle’s favorite farmers’ market for ten years in a row, prepare to be welcomed by over 120 local vendors. Come hungry!
Photo via SPA Skateparks
15401 Dexler Dr
Mueller is the home to a GIANT skatepark... and Texas’s first concrete pump track! The skatepark and two pump tracks comprise about half of the roughly 15,000 square feet of skating terrain. And it's um, HUGE. This spot has all the amenities you would expect from a skatepark, but the pump track is a little different. Branches allow a rider to choose which lane to take. Just make sure you’re skating in the direction as indicated by the arrows painted on the concrete. Everybody goes the same direction on a pump track! The smaller, "figure 8" track is designed more for beginners. So whether you're an expert or just getting started, this is a perfect spot to hang out in the Mueller neighborhood.
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WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
photo via facebook
1905 Aldrich St #125
The owners of award-winning Veracruz All Natural opened their brick-and-mortar, Veracruz Fonda and Bar, in Mueller! Stop by for some traditional, authentic food inspired by the sisters' hometown of Veracruz, Mexico. You can expect dishes to feature fresh and natural ingredients, tasty drinks, and some great tacos. Go during their happy hour for $2 off drinks and select bites.
1900 Aldrich St Suite #130
Dish Society's first Austin location is in Mueller, bringing us another option in the area for fresh, locally sourced meals. They're dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients possible, making everything on their menu both delicious and healthy. Dish Society is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and they also have a great social hour everyday with $5 draft beers, $6 glasses of wine, and $7 house cocktails.
photo via facebook
2200 Aldrich St Suite #120
Vegans, this one's for you! Mueller is home to one of the most unique vegan spots we've seen - a dairy-free, artisan cheese shop. Rebel Cheese uses nut milks to craft their own cheeses, allowing those of us who don't consume dairy or meat to enjoy a charcuterie board. These cheeses are actually delicious (unlike many other vegan cheeses), and are featured in their other dishes like sandwiches, salads, and soups.
1911 Aldrich Street, Suite 100
Comfort food is also available in Mueller, courtesy of the flavor-packed dishes at Colleen's Kitchen. The Southern-style eatery has a menu loaded down with classics like fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, wings, deviled eggs, and more.
2200 Aldrich St #100
In Austin, hungover mornings start at Kerbey Lane. For those in Mueller, there's a Kerbey Lane within steps of the various homes and apartments in the area. Order their famous Kerbey Queso (topped with guacamole AND pico de gallo) and be sure to try their Eggs Francisco or Pancake of the Day. No matter what time of day you come to Kerbey, it's always pancake time.
1900 Simond Ave
Classy AF, and in a very Texas way. This beautiful restaurant is the perfect way to spend an evening with family and friends. Each dish has a complex and delicious layering of Italian flavors. The best part? Gratuity is included, so no need to crunch numbers at the end of your wine filled meal. Oh yeah, and they have possibly the best happy hour deal in town - all their pastas are half-off.
1801 E 51st St
Odds are pretty good you'll find yourself at a Torchy’s at some point, even if you didn't mean to, just because they're everywhere. The constantly-expanding taco sequence makes no exception to Mueller. The star of the show here is the queso, but every item on the taco menu is a solid A-minus or better.
1801 E 51st St, Bldg C 370
This isn’t a place to impress a first date, just an overall good spot to get handmade, authentic noodle dishes that are way better executed than most. Come on Sunday for an even sweeter deal and an all day happy hour menu offering discounted drinks and sushi! You'll have a delicious time.
1239 E 51st St
This is a cozy and romantic place that you'll soon not forget! Best of all, the owner really makes you feel welcome and clearly pours his heart and soul into this Mueller hotspot.
1304 E 51st St
This place has some definite character, and a pretty extensive taco menu. I'm serious, this menu is so baller: scallop tacos, brisket tacos, and even breakfast build-your-owns. Plus, you can tell it's a joint where the folks running the place are a family unit, and feed you breakfast tacos for under three dollars. So go pay your respects, y'all.
1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd #1200
The conventional wisdom is that people don't come to Austin for Thai, they come for tacos and BBQ. But this cheery eatery serving Thai favorites prepared with locally grown herbs & spices, plus beer & wine, will quickly change your eating plan of Austin attack.
photo via facebook
1905 Aldrich St, Ste 130
B.D's pub is a bit smaller than the mother ship that used to be on 6th Street, but it sports an Irish beauty and charm all on its own. There are plenty of Irish and local beers on tap, and this pub also offers prime outdoor seating. It will be crowded and glorious, and you'll meet just about every type of Austinite here. BD’s, a rough and warm edge that feels like home.
1200 Barbara Jordan, Ste 300
Great find. Fast casual, but not like it’s forced through a machine. Halal Corner’s short & sweet menu and variety of sauces can’t be replicated. The portions are huge, and never taste too commercialized, but if you feel more in an American mood, order the wrap with fries and consider the craving cured.
1900 Simond Ave, Ste 200
An after-work spot for young professionals and office workers, there are always groups chilling and singles sipping. The great folks behind the bar, who know beer, make skillful recommendations and offer a sample or two of what's new. Make Whichcraft your Sunday "get ready for the work week" spot or a place to blow off steam with colleagues you don’t quite trust around hard liquor yet.
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WHERE TO GET YOUR CAFFEINE & SUGAR FIX:
photo via instagram
1900 Simond Ave #300
Lady Quackenbush's Cakery, part of the Quack's Bakery family, is a locally owned spot perfect for getting sweets for any special occasion. They create their own custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies that are equally delicious and pretty. They also have pastries and coffees for when you're craving a midday snack.
photo via facebook
1905 Aldrich St Suite 150
Mueller is home to one of the locations of this local flavored, artisan ice cream chain, made only with honest ingredients from the diverse and fertile lands of Texas. Other sugary venues have fallen over the years, yet this hip ice creamery continues to churn out offbeat flavors.
1235 E 51st St
Perfect place for immediate cookie-craving satisfaction. With no hassle online ordering and option for delivery, Tiff’s makes treats almost too attainable. 'Tis far better to give than to receive, calorically speaking, and this sweet shop makes the element of surprise so easy to unleash on the unsuspecting. Spread the melt-in-your-mouth cookie love around Mueller.
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WHERE TO SHOP:
photo via instagram
Lilla & Beth sells everything from cute summery dresses to random gifts, which means you're almost always going to walk out with a new purchase. This boutique is also available online for when you're not wanting to leave the house but still support a local business.
4600 Mueller Blvd, Ste 1031
Every neighborhood should have their own Mosaic Market! Despite its size, it packs in everything. From Tacodeli tacos to Tuscan wine, this place has your back. Don’t see it on the shelf? Put in your request with the owner Nev, and he’ll be sure to add your product to the inventory list. Talk about going above and beyond!
photo via facebook
2036 Robert Browning St
Toy Dojo carries an amazing selection of toys and is staffed by truly nerdy, knowledgeable and lovable gizmo and game experts. If you're a fan of Transformers, toys in general or just want to check out a place with a warm atmosphere and sweet staff, swing by. Check them out if you’re a local in need of your Transformer fix. Or if you’re outside of the ATX area, the whimsical toy store ships super fast and with well-protected packages. A first-class quality experience regardless of your locale.
4541 Ruiz Street
ino Scarf Boutique is the place to go in Austin if you are looking for a unique gift for friends, family, or yourself. Its beautiful scarf collections appeal to various tastes and feels as if each scarf in the store has its own character. The owner, Hatice, is very knowledgeable about her products and can tell you how meticulously each piece is made.The store is centrally located, charmingly designed, and completely stocked with treasures that will really add something special to your wardrobe.
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