Everything you need to eat, drink and do in ATX.

Welcome to the definitive guide to our favorite Lone Star City. In the last decade, Austin has become one of the country's biggest hotbeds for innovation and disruption in music, food, and tech. Sure the tempo is a little different (read: slower) than we're used to here in New York, but the spirit is the same. And that's why we love it.

No matter how much time you have to spend in this fine city, pick a place of this list and you'll be telling your boys about it for years. Here's to #TheNextEscape,

Put ‘Em Back

Blind Pig Pub
317 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

The Blind Pig plays to the UT college crowd, meaning there are big bars, cheap beers, and live music... on both floors. That's right, don't miss the massive rooftop bar before you head down the rest of E 6th Street.

Easy Tiger
709 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78702

More beer garden than bake shop; Easy Tiger sports 33 draft beers, a handful of bombers, and a refreshing supply of bourbon. With pretzels the size of babies and thick cuts of pastrami it’s difficult to pass up on this spot. Grab a drink and some fresh air down by the river on their patio. Oh, and they have Ping-Pong.

Locals' Picks

Firehouse Lounge & Hostel
605 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701

You'll probably walk right by it at first. Then you'll think you're in the wrong place. You're not. If you're in the lobby of a hostel, you've found it. Around eye level on the far left of the bookshelf is a handle. Use the handle to slide the bookshelf and enter the promised land.

Garage
503 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

We don't want to spoil the surprise, but you'll never see a parking garage the same way again. If you like handcrafted cocktails and lounge vibes, consider Garage a can't miss when you're in town next.

Good Eats

Torchy’s Tacos
1311 S. 1st St.
Austin, TX 78704

Possibly the best taco ever and they have the hardware to prove it. Between the trashy trailer park and the dirty Sánchez (yes we’re talking tacos) its tough to place a bad order. Add a firewater cocktail or some fried avocado to any dish, and make sure to thank us later.

Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood Ave
Austin, TX 78702

Skip the 47 hour long wait at Franklin's (or just show up at 3 pm like insiders do for the leftovers after the "sold out" sign goes up) and instead head down the road to Micklethwait's trailer serving what many believe to be just as good a cut of brisket. They also have possibly the best side we've ever come across: jalapeño cheese grits. Oh, and on weekends they offer free beer from local breweries while you wait and eat. Yes, we said free.

Gourdough’s
1503 S. 1st St.
Austin, TX 78704

BIG. FAT. DONUTS. You will never come across a line-up of donuts quite like these. Don’t believe me: the fly pig (bacon w/ maple icing) the dirty berry (fudge chocolate w/ grilled strawberries) the sailor jerry (thick rum cake) the list goes on. Served out of a vintage airstream trailer, you’ll feel like you landed on another planet.

Juan In A Million
2300 East Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702

Looking to save a buck and make a friend? Talk to Juan yourself. If his handshake doesn’t convince you, his breakfast taco will. Excellently priced rustic Mexican cuisine, Juan In A Million lives up to its cheesy name.

Get Your Fix

Cenote
1010 E Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78702

We're certain that you'll love this spot. What's not to love? With strong coffee & wifi, plenty of outlets, good food, beers on tap and indoor and outdoor seating, it's a remote office from heaven. The only thing were not sure of, is how to say it... C-Note? C-No-Tay? Oh well.

The Driskill
604 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701

Constructed in 1886, this luxurious landmark is authentically Texan. High vaulted ceilings, columns on columns, marble, stained glass, the works. We like to park up in the upstairs hallway right near the statue of "The Widdowmaker" and TCB. --we love this spot so much, it inspired a Limited Edition Lid..check it out

Good Times

Butler Park Pitch & Putt
201 Lee Barton Dr
Austin, TX 78704

This pitch and put is perfect. It's just the right about of decrepit, the maintenance crew could have their own TV show snd no one is counting you swings or your swigs. Cut from work early and swing/swig away.

Pete’s Piano Bar
421 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701

With two baby grand pianos and song lists from Elvis to Eminem, you won’t have to worry about hearing strictly 80’s Joel. Requests are encouraged (and so are the drinks).

Off the Grid

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746

They call it a pool, but it's so much more. Think of the Sandlot pool on steroids. While we can't guarantee Wendy Peffercorn will be there, we can tell you what we said when we heard day-pass price for out of towners was only 4 bucks #SUATMM.

Statesman Bat Observation Center
305 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

Hear us out. Every night at dusk during March-November 1.5 million Mexican free tailed bats take flight from underneath Congress Ave Bridge. Watch it from a riverboat, or a nearby patio bar. All you have to do is crack a brew and keep your eyes open.

Fill Your Bag

Criquet Clubhouse
1603 S. 1st St.
Austin, TX 78704

Shop. Have a beer. Hit some golf balls. These vintage infused button downs and player’s shirts are designed to last and are perfect for the links, or a casual summer fling…so you got that going for ya, which is nice.

Uncommon Objects
1512 S. Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

American Pickers on steroids, this is the antique mecca of Austin. Positioned in the South Congress Business District, anything and everything imaginable is here. Learn some history and treat your eyes. In an endearing way, this place is a true reflection of the melting pot that is American experience.

Stag: Provisions for Men
1423 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

Revamp your closet, or just take notes. This modern day store is for the every man. Inspired by the likes of Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Willie Nelson, that authentic red-blooded style was born here. Not to mention their online store and tumblr are killer.

Hang Your Hat

Heywood Hotel
1609 E Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78702

The 7-room Heywood Hotel is a homerun. E Cesar is a stones throw from the best East Austin spots, Rainey and Downtown are minutes away and you can easily shoot south of the river in no time. We loved it's super clean design and cruising over to Cenote on our complementary bikes.

Hotel San Jose
1316 S. Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

Clean. Calm. Concrete. A healthy mix of minimalistic architecture and local south Austin culture. Adjacent to Jo’s Coffee, Hotel San Jose lends itself to be the early morning inspiration you’ve been waiting for.

did we miss anything? Hit us up in the comments....