Situated just outside campus, The Drag provides both students and adults with some of Austin's most iconic and well-loved old-school establishments including The 29th Street Ballroom, Dirty Martin's, and Hole in the Wall. While many college students frequent the strip's stores and restaurants, The Drag also features tons of cool spots to eat, drink, and shop that aren't too stereotypically COLLEGE. Having said that, it is back to school time, so what better time to learn about The Drag?
Located (loosely) between 21st and 25th Street on Guadalupe, this strip is packed with dive bars, restaurants, live music, and vintage shopping spots. Read below to explore what you can see and do in one of Austin's oldest districts.
2416 Guadalupe St
Just in time for classes, one of Austin's tastiest spots to get your noodle fix has opened on The Drag. It's Ramen Tatsu-Ya's EIGHTH location overall, and you can expect everything you love about Tatsuya. Guests can expect Japanese soul food designed for takeaway (think ramen built on pork, chicken, or veggie broths), alongside a patio and bar area with covered outdoor seating.
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510 W 26th St
Madam Mam’s is the answer to all your Thai food cravings. As the owner and chef, Mam takes patrons on a culinary journey, serving family-style Thai cuisine based on cooking methods passed down from previous generations. Mam uses fresh ingredients, traditional Thai flavors, and Asian spices to ensure great taste. Madam Mam's is one of Austin's finest Thai food establishments.
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404 W. 26th St.
The Pizza Press is a unique concept dedicated to elevating the ‘build your own pizza’ model to a new level by creating an immersive environment inspired by 1920s Americana newspaper culture in which great food, craft beer, ambiance, and service are combined in a way that has never been done before. Located in an incredibly convenient location near the UT campus, The Pizza Press is a popular go-to for those late night pizza runs.
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2908 Fruth St
Tucked away next to Tweedy's and 29th Street Ballroom is one of our favorite trucks on The Drag - Li'l Nonna's serves up NY-style slices of pizza that will keep your bar-hopping journey along Guadalupe going strong. They also proudly proclaim to be "the virtue signalingest vegan pizzeria in TX" and trust us, that only makes it more delicious.
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Texas Executive Education, 1900 University Ave.
The Carillon is an elegant eatery that serves gourmet, seasonal dishes that would make even irascible chief lord Gordon Ramsay proud. The restaurant serves fancy cuisine that is both Instagram-worthy and highly satisfying. And don’t forget to save room for dessert.
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Photo Credit: Instagram / martinskumbak
2808 Guadalupe St.
Started way back in 1926, Dirty Martin’s is something of a local legend—and for good reason. In addition to being one of Austin's oldest restaurants, Dirty Martin's also serves some of the best burgers and milkshakes in town, using fresh meats, produce, and age-old recipes to ensure great taste. This historic spot is a great place to get an authentic taste of Austin and enjoy some damn good food.
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2421 San Antonio St.
At its first brick and mortar, Lucky Lab Coffee Co sits within Space 24 Twenty, serving up Third Coast coffee, refreshing lemonade, teas, and assorted sweets and pastries. They have bar-style seating inside and outdoor picnic tables where you can hang with your pup, too. Lucky Lab opens their doors at 6:30 AM so you can grab a coffee on your walk to class or your commute to work.
2908 Fruth St B Unit 101
Tweedy's Bar calls itself a "cozy rock n roll bar" and we find that to be a pretty apt description. Bring your dog - the patio is large and the vibe is always pet-friendly. They've got cocktails and coffee, but the real highlight here is an ample selection of beers on tap. They also have several food trucks on the patio if you get hungry.
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2900 Duval St.
This UT favorite isn’t on The Drag, but Posse East's short distance from campus granted it a spot on our list. With game day specials and a stellar outdoor patio, this sports bar is perfect for meeting friends and catching a Longhorn game. Be sure to get there early, though. It fills up quickly. Grab some nachos, chicken wings, or tacos, and sit back with an ice cold beer.
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Photo Credit: Instagram / Hitwatx
2538 Guadalupe St.
Since it opened its doors in 1974, Hole in the Wall has been a local go-to for musicians, tourists, performers, and music lovers alike. A longtime stalwart in Austin's live music scene, Hole in the Wall has nurtured great bands like Spoon, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, and Fastball. Catch a show any night of the week and enjoy daily specials including discounted Lone Stars.
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2911 San Jacinto Blvd.
Crown & Anchor’s laid-back atmosphere, ample seating space, and daily Happy Hour make it a Do512 favorite. With 30 taps on hand, more than 100 bottles/cans available, and a wide range of ciders and wine, visitors are bound to find something they love. Grab a beer and play a game of billiards indoors, or bring your dog and find a seat outside.
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907 W 24th St
Cain & Abel’s has been a part of Austin and UT’s West Campus since 1991. They have a new location where you can still enjoy a plethora of beer on tap and a full bar while hanging out with friends at the hottest restaurant patio in West Campus. Great for catching up with classmates, a fun date, or drinking some beers while watching the game, Cain and Able's is the place to be.
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Photo Credit: Instagram / brody_price
2247 Guadalupe St.
For those looking to stay on campus, Cactus Café is your spot. Located in the southwest corner of the Texas Union building, the live music venue and bar is known for showcasing the top acoustic acts. So before the music starts, pull up a chair, grab a beverage, and chat with friends—it’s a great place to spend a quiet evening listening to music and drinking beer.
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2530 Guadalupe St
Say hello to Austin’s first-ever bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports—but everyone’s welcome! Named after the landmark year Title IX was signed into law, 1972 Pub is a space where fans can hang out surrounded by autographed jerseys, signed sneakers, and memorabilia celebrating female athletes. As far as the menu goes, you’ll find elevated pub grub (wings, burgers, elote hushpuppies, and even French onion mac & cheese), plus craft cocktails—some non-alcoholic—and a "weekend drinks" lineup.
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3016 Guadalupe St.
Inspired by the owners’ memories of square pizza, Via 313’s Detroit-style pies are unlike any other in Austin. Cooked in a cast-iron pan the crust is light, caramelized cheese is sprinkled around the edges and tomato sauce is the final topping to perfect the slice. But besides their amazing food, the Drag location has plenty of indoor seating, an outdoor patio, and a full-service bar with handcrafted cocktails, local and regional beer on tap to spare. If you’re looking to skip the booze, their grape-flavored Faygo pop is a great pairing to their Original Pepperoni.
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Photo via Hopfields
3110 Guadalupe St.
The perfect date night awaits you at Hopfields, a French-inspired gastropub nestled right on Guadalupe St. Their front bar is first-come, first-serve if you are looking for something more laid back, while reservations can be made for their dining room if it suits your fancy. They have a wide selection of rotating draft beers, cocktails and all the colors of wine. The menu is exquisite while also always different due to seasonal availability and specials. We recommend the butter lobster roll or the juicy Pascal burger to start. As the French love to say, bone applé teeth.
709 W. 22nd St. Suite 116
Longhorn Fashions was launched by Tessie Watson in August 2010. Watson was always searching for cute burnt orange clothing and accessories but didn't always have very much luck finding it. Combining her love of the color burnt orange, her love for the talented designers in Austin, and her love for fashion, she produced Longhorn Fashions. Perfect for UT students, this shop is located incredibly close to campus and experiences its heaviest traffic during football season. So, go check out Longhorn Fashions before the wave hits!
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Photo Credit: Instagram / monkiesvintageatx
1904 Guadalupe St Suite C
Austin is in no shortage of quality thrift stores. But Monkies Vintage & Thrift sets itself apart with affordable prices and a fearless selection of bold and unique items. Within the store, expect to find clothing from a wide range of zeitgeists including the1960s and the early aughts. And with new pieces added weekly, thrifters are guaranteed unique experiences with every visit.
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2906 Fruth St
Formerly The Ballroom at Spider House, the 29th Street Ballroom is a prime West Campus destination for those of us who don't want to venture down to Red River to see a great show from a buzzing local act or an up-and-coming touring band. The spot is also home to some pretty fun dance parties, drag shows, block parties and more! Find their upcoming calendar of events here.
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2904 Guadalupe St.
Despite being a nation-wide chain, Buffalo Exchange is filled with clothing and accessories that represent Austin’s unique and artistic culture. Featuring vintage and new but used clothes, this shop has a great selection of cool threads. Like the barter system that dominated 19th-century commerce, Buffalo Exchange allows customers to sell their clothes for cash or store credit. It’s a big space with a lot to look through so plan accordingly.
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Photo Credit: Instagram / Antonesrecordshop
2928 Guadalupe St.
Open for over an astonishing 30 years, Antone's Record Shop continues to be a cherished and sought out fixture of The Drag. With an impressive selection of blues albums (as well as every other musical genre under the sun), Antone's Record Shop stands beside Antone's venue as an enduring legacy to Clifford's love of music.
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Photo via Nice Kicks
2900 Guadalupe St.
As a street-style sneaker store, Nice Kicks has all the latest styles to flex on everyone, even your best friends. You can find everything from the more popular brands like Nike, Puma, Jordans, and Vans to more indie or up-and-coming names like Filling Pieces and Ice Cream. High-end quality meets gender-defying styles throughout the vast footwear and apparel selection at Nice Kicks. Stop by and let the experts guide you to your next pair of fresh kicks.
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Photo via Yelp
2420 Guadalupe St.
Home to Urban Outfitters and Lucky Lab Coffee Co., Space 24 Twenty is an event space, shopping center and dining experience all in one. They have hosted pop-up markets, live shows, tarot readings, and so much more. The main Urban Outfitters building has two levels where you can shop women’s clothing, accessories, and home décor while right across the outdoor patio is another space dedicated to men’s clothing. Space 24 Twenty is exactly where you can engage in some light retail therapy and a coffee break!
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