What is South Congress? A Comprehensive Guide
South Congress is the most popular stretch of road in Austin, Texas. This lively street spans from the Central Business District (CBD) to the old industrial areas of the city. South Congress is home to some of the coolest attractions, restaurants, and shops in Austin, and is a must-visit destination for any visitor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes South Congress so special and how you can best enjoy everything that this area has to offer. Read on to learn more about one of the most vibrant parts of Austin.
A Brief History of South Congress
South Congress, or SoCo as it is affectionately known locally, stretches along 1.5 miles of South Congress Avenue in downtown Austin and was once the main route leading south out of Austin. When the city stopped growing to the south, South Congress instead grew into a lively shopping and entertainment district. The 1960s and 1970s marked a historical landmark period for the avenue. Folk music was a regular occurrence in deep south Austin, especially around South Congress, and provided a gathering place for counterculture movements to celebrate. The street was also home to some of the first punk clubs in the city. By the 1990s, the area was becoming stronger culturally, with long-term growth and redevelopment giving birth to small businesses, trendy clothes stores, coffee shops, and bookstores. Today, South Congress is a thriving urban street lined with roadside fixtures such as murals, outdoor seating areas, sculptures, and colorful umbrellas.
What to See & Do on South Congress
There’s no shortage of things to see and do on South Congress. From high-end boutiques offering the latest trends to vintage stores with unique items and quirky gift shops, there are stores lining this stretch that cater to all tastes. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, with cuisines that range from Tex-Mex to artisanal ice cream. Populated with local watering holes and bars, South Congress is known for its lively nightlife with music and performances that are guaranteed to get you on your feet. To get an overview of everything that South Congress has to offer, take a walking tour of the street. This includes iconic attractions like the famous “Greetings from Austin” mural and Weird Homes Tour, as well as many other sights and spots. You can find out more about all these places and more in the list below:
Places to See & Do on South Congress:
- Greetings from Austin Mural
- Weird Homes Tour
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- Violet Crown Cinema
- Luce Italian Kitchen
- Voodoo Donuts
- Jo’s Coffee
- Epoch Coffee
- Austin Motel
- LACAVE
- Gloria’s Cafee
- Home Slice Pizza
- Survival Vintage
- ByGeorge Boutique
- Maureen’s Vintage Clothing
- B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub
- Cheer Up Charlie’s
- El Mercado
- Hotel San Jose
The best way to experience South Congress is just to wander around it and see whatever catches your eye. Many of these attractions can also be found on the official website for South Congress listings., which offers an overview of all shops, hotspots, dining experiences, and live entertainment that the avenue has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night or a memorable outing for friends and family, South Congress has it all!
Shopping on South Congress
While there are dozens of shops scattered around South Congress, a few stand out for their collection of clothing, home items, accessories, and souvenirs. These stores are not just for touristy supplies — they also offer quality items at great prices! Here are some of our favorite shopping spots on South Congress:
- ByGeorge: This estate company was established in 1939 and has been a successful business ever since. They mostly feature classic and contemporary wardrobe items such as suits, dress shirts, sweaters, ties, shoes, hats, and more — all at very fair prices.
- LACAVE: This hip boutique has been around since 2009 and specializes in upscale fashion from designers from around the world. Here you’ll find everything from maxi dresses and crop tops to sunglasses and men’s accessories.
- Maureen’s Vintage Clothing: Established in 2003, Maureen’s Vintage Clothing focuses on quality vintage pieces that fit today’s trends. This store is perfect if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind garments or if you just want to add unique touches to your wardrobe.
- Ideal Market: Here you can find anything you need for your home — from furniture to kitchen supplies — all curated with tasteful selections.
- Daydream Surf Shop: A surf shop based in Austin since 2011 that carries awesome apparel from local and international brands.
Best Shopping Spots on South Congress:
Shopping on South Congress gives you an opportunity to get great quality items without breaking the bank. What’s more, you’ll get to explore an exciting part of Austin while you browse!
Live Entertainment on South Congress
South Congress is one of the hippest parts of town and there’s always something going on when it comes to food and drinks! The area has a wide array of bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants, and venues offering all kinds of live entertainment options such as concerts, standup comedy shows, trivia nights and more. Whether you’re looking for a laidback atmosphere or an exciting experience, here are some spots worth checking out:
- B.D Riley’s Irish Pub: This pub opened up in 2015 and has been serving up traditional Irish bar food since then! But what really sets B D Riley’s apart is its live music stages which offer audiences plenty of opportunities for dancing late into the night.
- Cheer Up Charlie’s:Cheer Up Charlie’s is the go-to spot for those looking for craft cocktails and entertainment! With colorful murals and quirky decorations inside, this bar offers live music six nights a week with an eclectic mix of DJs and local bands.
- LCC Club (Louisana Purchase): This club is determined to keep live music alive in Austin by booking independent artists for its weekly lineups — something which not many Austin clubs do anymore — giving locals an alternative source for artful live music.
- Ellis Island BBQ Sullivan Hall: When it comes to entertaining Barbecue restaurants in Austin, Ellis Island BBQ Sullivan Hall is one of our top picks! They serve up some of the best BBQ around while also offering different performances such as independent movie nights.
Top Live Entertainment Venues & Bars on SoCo:
Live entertainment is an integral part of experiencing Austin culture.. Be sure to make time for some late-night entertainment while visiting South Congress — you won’t regret it!
Conclusion — Is South Congress Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! South Congress is a great destination for anyone who visits Austin — whether it be for business or pleasure! Not only will visitors find something special in each store they explore or restaurant they dine at — but they’ll also see a vibrant representation of Austin culture come alive on this lively street lined with beautiful murals! From shows to shopping —South Congress has something special just waiting to be discovered!
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