Some people claim that Austin isn't really part of Texas.
We beg to differ. Sure, we may be on a tiny blue island swimming in a sea of red, but that doesn't mean we don't know how to get down country style. We truly love that oft-less-explored side of Austin culture, so today we're bringing you a list of the most "Texan" things you can do right here in our little slice of paradise.
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Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler
3201 S. Lamar Blvd
They don't call it "Austin's Legendary Honky-Tonk" for nothin'. It hasn't changed much since the 60s, but if you've caught the jitterbug then two-stepping back in time at the Broken Spoke is the way to go. Even the slickest of city-dwellers need not to worry since they offer lessons three nights a week. Be sure to round out your evening with a couple cold ones and a chicken fried steak or Big Spoke Burger to get the full southern experience.
Buy a Willie Nelson record on vinyl at End of an Ear
4304 Clawson Rd
Texas has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to producing top-notch and diverse musical talent, so naturally, our great state is home to some tight record shops as well. From Z-Ro to ZZ Top, End of an Ear has got you fully covered when it comes to Texan tunes and otherwise. Become one with the Austin hi-fi crowd, but still maintain some of your country cred by picking up a little something by Texan royalty, Shotgun Willie. For more record stores in Austin, click here.
Photo Credit: Instagram user @Chrisllloyd9
1409 Lavaca St
Texas Chili Parlor is perhaps the epitome of the Texan experience: it primarily serves the official state dish (just as the name suggests), it was featured in the Tarantino film Death Proof, (produced by Texan native Robert Rodriguez), and its Mad Dog Margarita left such an impression on country king Guy Clark that he sung its praises from across the ocean in the classic "Dublin Blues." Anyway, let's get back to the heart of the matter here: if you're a true Texan, you know there's only one real way to eat chili, and that's sans beans. Even if you're not a native, you should know by now to not mess with Texas, so be sure to order it the right way while you're there!
Photo Credit: Dallasnews
900 E. 11th St
Franklin is as known nationwide for its daily, hours-long lines as it is for its legendary BBQ offerings, but does it really live up to the hype? There's only one way to find out (spoiler: it totally is). We know that waiting in line is a total drag, though, and you'll have to be up with the roosters to claim your spot in line for this venture, so why not throw a few back in the meantime?
Sing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" at Ego's
510 S. Congress
Karaoke counts as live music, right? Well, we think so. There's no better way to pay your respects to the Lone Star State than with a rousing (whiskey-fueled?) rendition of "Deep in the Heart of Texas" while you're deep in the heart of the live music capital.
Photo Credit: Roger Ho
1100 Congress Ave
Truth be told, it doesn't get more Texan than the place where ideas are set into law, and that place just so happens to be in Austin. You don't need to be a history buff to enjoy the monumental sense of meaning contained within the walls of the Texas Capitol, and there's a seemingly endless treasure trove of paintings, statues, and Texas minutia to pore over for as long as you're there.
Photo Credit: Courtney Goforth
5434 Burnet Rd
Chicken Shit Bingo is exactly what Chicken Shit Bingo sounds like. As in, if you have a passing familiarity with the concepts of bingo and chickens shitting, you're already pretty close to unlocking the mystery. Patrons buy randomly selected numbers from the person in charge of the bingo board, and then you wait to see which number the chicken does his business on. The lucky winner wins a heap of cash!
Beyond the basic practicalities of the thing, there's the surrounding details that really make Chicken Shit Bingo a beloved Austin pastime: drinking, free hot dogs, and live old school country music. Essentially, it's an excuse to spend a lazy Sunday at the bar with like-minded Texans.
Photo Credit: donn's depot
1600 W. 5th St
Donn's Depot is an old-school Austin drinkery with a classic Texas feel that's truly stood the test of time. Since its doors opened in the 70s, Donn's has found a home in none other than a true vintage train depot. They've done the place up real nice though: there's a blackjack table, a full "saloon", and bands with names like "Frank and the Honky Tonk Doctors" in residence―what more could you possibly need to have a rollicking country time? Donn himself takes requests too!
Photo Credit: allens boots facebook
1522 S. Congress Ave
The clothes make the man, or so the saying goes. If you want to truly get in the Texan spirit, look no further than Allens Boots on South Congress for your Western duds. Allens has been a staple on the block for 40 years now, way back before South Congress was well, South Congress. Whether or not you're looking to actually make a purchase, the down-home ambiance of the joint is enough to make even the most urban of the urbanites feel at least a touch of Texan pride.
Photo Credit: Yelp user Mitch H.
Enjoy an ArModelo at La Perla
1512 E 6th St
There's dive bars and then there's dive bars. La Perla is a Tejano watering hole that serves up one of the most ingeniously simple beer cocktails around - the ArModelo. Modelo + lime juice + beer salt + Tabasco = Bliss. All of the ingredients are poured on top, so pop the top, let it all pour in, and then guzzle it down. Just remember to bring cash and your manners, this is a quiet neighborhood bar and they like it that way.
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photo via facebook
9100 Decker Lake Rd
Does it get more Texan than a rodeo? Aside from everything else on this list, we don't think so. Rodeo Austin is one of the most fun experiences in the city, and it'll really get you connected with those Texan roots you traded in when you moved to this blue, modern city. The Rodeo is planned for March 12-27, 2027, so get those boots and we'll see y'all there.
Go do some Texan stuff, y'all.
