If you only do one thing while in Austin, it should beexploring the South Congress area of town. This iconic neighborhood is home toan array of eclectic shops, murals, and street food that help “keep Austinweird”.
In fact, the city’s slogan is actually a synonym for supporting local businesses. South Congress Ave and the surrounding area is the perfect place to start for shopping and eating local.
South Congress Shops
Before hitting up the various food trucks of South Congress,I suggest explore the variety of South Congress shops. I would recommendstarting by walking along South Congress Ave, near Austin Motel, and walkingSouth, away from the river.
Austin Motel
Did you even go to Austin if you didn’t visit the Austin Motel? This boutique hotel is right along South Congress Ave as well, only steps away from Creatures Boutique. Not only is it one of the hippest places to stay in town, it also has a concept shop in the lobby. It’s a perfect place to get your Austin swag or even retro-printed swimwear.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Austin, you can check out some of the best Airbnbs in Austin here.
Teysha Shoes
South Congress Ave is great if you’re in the market for a pair of cowboy boots with shops like Tecovas and Allens Boots. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more modern in design, I recommend checking out Teysha Shoes. This female-owned company started in Austin, and partners with artisans in Gutemala to make a variety of one-of-a-kind designs. You can read more about them in my Austin shopping guide here.
Tesoros TradingCompany
By far my favorite store on South Congress Ave, TesorosTrading Company is a testament of the Mexican and Hispanic influences inAustin’s culture. The gift shop carries an assortment of “dia de los Muertos”decorations, jewelry, woven rugs, and other trinkets from around the world.
Maya Star
A few doors down you’ll find the affordable women’s clothingboutique called Maya Star. You’ll find a variety of sun dresses, graphic Texastees, jewelry, and trendy prints inside rustic-chic shop. It’s definitely aspot to visit if you’re looking for a new outfit while visiting Austin.
Feather’s Boutique
Right off of South Congress Ave on Milton Ave, you’llstumble into this quant vintage clothing shop in the heart of South Congress.The store may be small, but it offers quite a wide variety of vintage clothing,belts, jewelry, and accessories.
Uncommon Objects
If you’re willing to make the trek outside of the South Congress Ave area, Uncommon Objects is one of Austin’s most popular antique shops. You could spend all afternoon in here digging through miscellaneous objects.
Creatures Boutique
One of the most popular boutiques along South Congress Ave, creatures boutique is a women’s clothing store carrying a variety of local and independent brands.
You can read more about the best boutiques in Austin here.
South Congress Food Trucks and restaurants
South Congress is also at the heart of the food truck culture in Austin. Many of these food trucks you’ll find along South Congress Ave, but some of the best are worth the extra trek further outside of town. Even just walking through this neighborhood is one of the best free things to do in Austin.
Jo’s Coffee
Well start with probably one of the most popular spots inSouth Congress: Jo’s Coffee. It’s also home to the iconic “I love you so much”wall. Not only are they known for their coffee, people also line up for theirbreakfast burritos and baked goods!
Amy’s Ice Cream
Across from here you’ll find Amy’s Ice Cream, one of themost popular local ice cream chains in Austin. They serve milkshakes, frozenyogurt, smoothies and ice cream with a variety of toppings. Especially on a hotsummer day, this is a most necessary stop while in Austin.
Burro Cheese Kitchen
Right next to Amy’s Ice cream, you’ll also find Burro CheeseKitchen, which specializes in any type of grilled cheese sandwich you canimagine. Indulge in the Mac n’ Grilled Cheese sandwich.
Lucky Robot
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If you’re looking for something a bit lighter than all ofthis comfort food, I’d recommend checking out this Japanese restaurant. You canactually sit inside with AC while enjoying sushi, Asian tacos, soup, or dumplings.
Home Slice
You’ll find tons of comfort food in South Congress, and HomeSlice Pizza is at the heart of it all. This casual eatery specializes in thincrust pizza with just about any topping you can imagine. In addition to Via 313Pizza, this may be one of the most popular places for a slice of pizza in town.
Hey Cupcake!
Hey girl, you look like you could use a cupcake. Check outHey Cupcake! along the same South Congress Ave for yet another legendary foodtruck of South Austin. You’ll find classic vanilla, chocolate, and red velvetcupcakes here along with carrot and a cream cheese cupcake named after MichaelJackson.
Central Standard
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You don’t have to stay at the South Congress Hotel to experience the Central Standard. This restaurant is popular among tourists and locals alike (my cousin who lives in Austin took me here). It’s a popular spot for indulging in brunch, or enjoying a more chic dining experience after eating at all of those food trucks!
June’s Restaurant andCafe
There’s something about June’s that makes you feel likeyou’re in a Parisian café in the 1960s. It’s a perfect place to escape Austin’sheat, and relax with a friend drink and something to eat. I recommend tryingsome of their juices and their sorbet!
Other things in do in South Congress Austin
You definitely don’t have to simply just shop and eat while exploring South Congress. In fact, you’re better off working up an appetite by exploring the neighborhood’s cultural influences.
Greetings from AustinMural
Yes, this is where you’ll find the iconic “greetings from Austin” mural. As such a laidback, funky town, it’s easy to forget that Austin is actually the capital of Texas. This life-size postcard is one of the most popular murals in the entire city.
Willie for Presidentand Mr. Rogers Mural
Willie Nelson, a Texas native, has become a symbol of pridefor “the Lone Star State”. As a 85-year-old musician with 350 albums and hisown line of marijuana under his belt buckle, it’s only natural that this muralis found in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood.
On the other wall of Home Slice Pizza, you’ll find afamiliar face from the 1990s: Mr. Rogers. The friendly Fred Rogers might nothave been from Austin, but you’ll see a similar attitude in the Austincommunity. People are warm with a Southern charm, and generally accepting ofindividuals from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Continental Club
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If you’re looking for more of a music “club” atmosphere,check out The Continental Club, known for hosting legendary rock, jazz, andblues shows. The vibe is still very casual, so you don’t have to worry aboutdressing up.
Yard Dog
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Step inside this eclectic gallery for a variety of Austin’sfinest folk art pieces. From wall décor, to neon signs and sculpture, you’ll beable to support those “keeping Austin weird.”
Cathedral of Junk
Last, but not least, South Congress is home what is called aCathedral of Junk. The world-famous outdoor housing structures is built out ofmiscellaneous junk in a local resident’s backyard. You do have to make anappointment with a small donation to visit, but raving Yelp reviews say that itis completely worth the trip.
Help “keep Austin weird” by supporting local businesses asmuch as possible while exploring South Congress and beyond.
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FAQs
Is South Congress Austin Nice? ›
This vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a must-stroll for visitors and a popular hangout for locals. South Congress oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin's yesteryear in its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues.
Is South Congress Austin walkable? ›Located just south of Austin's downtown, the South Congress neighborhood (or “SoCo,” for folks in the know) is home to some of the city's buzziest hotels, shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It's walkable, trendy, and undoubtedly touristy, although there are pockets of quiet to be had, too.
When did South Congress Cafe close? ›South Congress Cafe, which opened at 1600 S. Congress Ave. in 2003, has closed, but taking its place is Trudy's Del Mar, a coastal Tex-Mex restaurant spinoff from longtime Austin staple Trudy's.
Where is the I Love You Wall Austin? ›Thanks to Instagram, this is now officially the most famous street corner in Austin. Located on buzzing South Congress Avenue, on one side of the popular Jo's Coffee, it's a green painted wall bearing a simple message in elegant red text: "I love you so much".
What time do the bats come out in Austin? ›The best time to witness the bats is around sunset, but the nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. It can take as long as 45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night. Plan to arrive early in order to find parking and get your spot.
What is South Congress known for? ›South Congress (abbreviated SoCo) is a neighborhood located on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, United States. It is also a nationally known shopping and cultural district known for its many eclectic small retailers, restaurants, music and art venues and, more recently, food trucks.