East Austin

Welcome to East Austin

Other Austin neighborhoods simply can’t match East Austin’s current speed of growth. Similar to places like Williamsburg in New York City or Echo Park in Los Angeles, young adults have started to make this area of the city their own urban paradise, complete with bars, restaurants, boutiques, and yoga studios galore.

If the prevalence of man-buns and tattoo sleeves doesn’t clue you in, this area plays a major role in Austin’s live music scene, with everything from indie rock to honky-tonk jams blaring through the doors of neighborhood venues on a nightly basis. Not to mention the number of innovative restaurants that have set down roots here, from Texas-takes on Japanese cuisine (brisket ramen, anyone?) to duck confit tacos, East Austin’s reputation for blending fine-dining with a laid-back, casual atmosphere manifests in these creative spaces.

Neighborhood Life

Instead of sleek high-rises and high-heeled pedestrians, East Austin’s urban character thrives on creativity and coolness. Hence, on the weekends, East Austin’s citizens hit up brunch places for favorites like breakfast tacos or CBD waffles. Then, they day-drink the Sunday Scaries away with specialty cocktails, such as activated charcoal margaritas. Young adults, both new and long-term Austinites, live in the brand-spanking new apartment buildings. The houses found here look just as modern — full of green technology and painted in pale pastels.

Local Hangouts

Hands down, East Austin is one of the best places to eat, drink, and dance in the whole city. You can start your night off right at one of the many forward-thinking restaurants, such as award-winning Kemuri Tastsu-Ya, which combines traditional Japanese izakaya fare with Texan ingredients (not to mention tiki drinks served in cat-themed cups). Then, move on to the White Horse, where you can two-step along to modern takes on bluegrass and challenge your friends to a game at one of their outdoor pool tables.

Things to know

Due to its growing popularity, parking is becoming a bit more crowded in East Austin. While you’ll still find spots available during most weekday work hours, on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you might be better off taking an Uber or using the neighborhood’s many bike lanes. Also, in addition to new-build apartments, the number of houses here also makes that an option for renters who don’t mind a roommate or two. Considering the amount of action in this neighborhood’s streets, you’re bound to meet a new friend or two every day anyway.