Deep in the Heart of Austin, TX

Let’s sample the best cocktails, food and catch some football in the Lonestar State.

Austin, TX will get deep into your heart because of the people and the good vibes. Here is my trip report of all there is to see and do in 48 hours in Longhorn Country.

the band on the field at the university of Texas, Austin

The best cocktails in Austin, TX:

Veranda at the Hotel Ella. Comfortable wicker chairs and light breezes. Ask for Chance and have him bring you a glass of Charles le Bel, Inspiration 1818 Brut Champagne or a Brown Butter Old Fashioned.
The Driskill Hotel– Grab a Classic Bloody Mary, the Samantha’s Ghost (it is a haunted hotel after all), or the Pink Lady- a personal favorite. Check out my Pink Lady recipe HERE.
The Van Zandt– Craft cocktails like the Amaretto Sour or the Jet Pilot- brass Poppy rum blend, velvet falernum (syrup), grapefruit, absinthe and bitters make a potent cocktail. Even their Old Fashioned is worth a stop.
Matt’s El Rancho– Open since 1952, this Austin institution offers classic margaritas and incredibly fresh Mexican fare. Don’t intimated by the crowds, the wait is never more than 20 minutes.
Comedor– If you want something non-alcoholic to give your liver a rest, don’t miss the seasonal Agua Frescas. I ordered the prickly pear and guava. For a fun cocktail- our table downed the Repo Ginger and Signature margaritas. Try my Agua Fresca recipes HERE.

Where to grab some posh bites in Austin:

Austin is certainly known for its Tex-Mex, BBQ and latin influenced food scene. Our hosts, natives of the Lone Star State, knew we would appreciate an elevated dining experience, so here is where we enjoyed some great meals:

Comedor- The almost speak-easy style hidden gem is located behind a steel door in downtown Austin. Walk through the lush hidden garden into a high-ceiling ultra-modern Mexican culinary experience.. The six of us shared grilled carrots, cobia crudo, shrimp empanadas, my favorite- Bone marrow tacos, the 44 Farms NY Strip- insanely good and ordered one of each of the food forward desserts. Corn takes center stage at this glorious dining room.
Emmer & Rye- Always on the top of the “must try” list- the menu is a Prix fixe served family style. The Berkshire pork, red snapper crudo and pasta were my favorites as well as the sourdough served with three types of butter.

Fun things for foodies:

Whatever you do, don’t miss a trip to Central Market– imagine if Whole Foods, your favorite farmer’s market and the Met Market had a baby. Rows of produce, incredible spirits, olives, flowers, and so much more. Try a bite at the cafe and enjoy the terrace with live music.

a king size bed at the Driskill in Austin , TX

My recs for Luxury hotels in Austin:

the Ella Hotel a luxury hotel in Austin, TX

Hotel Ella- We loved the convenience of being within a 20 minute walk to UT- Austin’s sprawling campus- a must for game day. The hotel restaurant and bar were top notch. Try and get a room overlooking the pool. Stop at the local Fire station (close by) for an Austin Fire Department t-shirt. A great souvenir.
The Driskill- We have friends who make the Driskill their regular spot. The luxurious oversized room and Big Texas vibes plus a fantastic bar, make this an Austin landmark- right inthe heart of the music district.
Hotel Van Zandt- yes named after the band. For hard core music lovers. Incredible live music is part of the appeal without sacrificing luxury. Ultra modern, stylish and grab a free bike to tour the city during the cooler fall months.