What to do on South Congress? An Insider Guide

The bustling street of South Congress in Austin, Texas is lined with fun places, interesting shops, and delicious food. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or are a local looking for something to do, South Congress has plenty to offer.From funky boutiques and vintage stores to iconic restaurants and live music venues, here are the best activities and attractions found near South Congress that you should not miss out on.

Shopping & Boutiques

At the start of South Congress Avenue is the fashion district, where you will find a variety of high-end and eclectic shops. The famous Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds clothing store is located here. Lucy in Disguise has an ever-changing collection of unique vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and gifts. Named one of the seven most unusual places to shop in the world by Harper’s Bazaar, this store will give you an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Other notable shopping spots along South Congress include The Refinery, Allen’s Boots, Los Diablos, and ByGeorge. The Refinery specializes in contemporary clothing and art pieces. Their space also doubles as a gallery and a curated boutique. Allen’s Boots offers handmade custom boots made with the finest leather materials. If you’re looking for a stylish new pair of boots, Allen’s is the place to go. Los Diablos is an edgy boutique offering apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids. And at ByGeorge you’ll find branded apparel and accessories for men, women, kids, and even home goods.

Food & Drinks

When it comes to its food and drinks, South Congress is no stranger to the limelight. Home of famous Austin restaurants like Guero’s Taco Bar and The Continental Club, this lively street offers a variety of cuisines to choose from: Mexican, Italian, Asian fusion, American diner favorites, and more. One popular venue that has become synonymous with South Congress isGuero’s Taco Bar. Known for their delicious tacos and margaritas, this lively restaurant is also a favorite spot for people-watching on their large outdoor patio. The menu also offers traditional Mexican dishes such as enchiladas and quesadillas. Another well-known restaurant on South Congress Avenue is Incredible Pizza Company. Offering handcrafted pizzas, sandwiches, salads, beer, and wine- this spot is perfect if you are craving a delicious snack while strolling along the street.Down the road you’ll stumble upon Magnolia Caféas well. A vintage diner opened right in the heart of South Congress since 1986 serves breakfast all day and a variety of comfort food favorites like burgers, sandwiches, burritos, and more. And don’t forget about the continental club: an iconic live music stage for many of the world’s top touring bands.

attractions & Experiences

If you’re looking for something more adventurous or unique to do from South Congress, you should definitely visit the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture (SAMPOP). SAMPOP focuses on preserving the artistic roots and local history of Austin with mind-blowing exhibitions like rock posters from the ’60s and’ 70s and rare cultural artifacts from Austin’s music scene. If you want to take home something more tangible from your visit to South Congress, then why not head over to Uncommon Objects? Uncommon Objects is a curiosities shop housing quirky antiques, collectables, artwork and more. One of a kind items such as vintage toys and taxidermy can be found here (all in good fun!). Finally, right next door to Uncommon Objects is All Aboard Austin! Offering historical train rides through downtown Austin every Saturday and Sunday, it’s a great way to experience Austin like never before while discovering some of its most popular sights in style.

Conclusion

South Congress is the ultimate destination for all kinds of fun: from shopping to dining or experiencing some of Austin’s best attractions. Whether you’re in town for a visit or live in Austin, take some time to explore this bustling street for some great adventures!

An Insider’s Guide to Austin’s South Congress

Welcome to Austin, Texas. Here’s a guide to the things you can do on South Congress that are a bit off the beaten path. Austin is a city that never stops, and South Congress is no exception. Here is your guide to the authentic and unique experiences that this famous part of town has to offer.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems that Locals Love

While most Austin visitors hit up the big tourist attractions, such as Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake, we suggest going off the beaten path for a more authentic experience. Check out the Continental Club, the oldest continuously running club in Austin. The 1950s-style cocktail lounge has long been a country and blues musician’s haven. Another hidden gem is Big Top Candy Shop, where you can find nostalgic sweets from the past and watch candy being made right before your eyes.

Dining Spots: Unveiling Austin’s Flavorful Food Culture

Austin is famous for its food, and South Congress offers some of the most mouthwatering local eateries. Home Slice Pizza is the place to go for a classic New York-style pie, while Güero’s Taco Bar is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex. Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar serves up some of the freshest seafood in town, and their happy hour is to die for.

When it comes to drinks, the Longbranch Inn is an iconic dive bar where you can take in the laidback vibe of the area while sipping on a chilled beer.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

South Congress boasts a vibrant music scene, which is often on display during Austin’s annual music festival, South by Southwest (SXSW). But you don’t have to wait for the festival to catch a live show. Backyard at the Bungalow is a hidden gem where you can enjoy live music sets from local and emerging bands.

For the art aficionado, stop by the South Congress Art Walk, where galleries and art studios serve wine and nibbles while showcasing local artists.

Lastly, if you are interested in old customs, the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge is a must-see. Starting in April, over a million bats fly out of the bridge every night, a tradition that dates back decades.

Local History: Stories from the Past

The Pontotoc Hotel is an iconic landmark in the South Congress neighborhood. It opened in 1910 and was one of the first hotels in the city to cater to African American visitors. The hotel played a significant role in Austin’s cultural scene, hosting jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and Ella Fitzgerald during the days of segregation.

Brought about due to Austin’s booming economy in the 1930s and 1940s, the Congress Bridge was first constructed in 1910 to allow access to the East Side from downtown.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences in South Congress

For a unique experience with a bit of outdoor adventure, visit the Congress Avenue Kayak. Here, you can paddle down Lady Bird Lake, taking in the city from a new perspective.

For the more curious and adventurous types, take a trip to the Museum of the Weird, a fascinating and bizarre museum housing strange creatures such as a two-headed calf and a taxidermy mermaid.

Finally, if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, Uncommon Objects is a vintage shop filled with fascinating curios and knick-knacks, where you are sure to find something unexpected and special.

In conclusion, South Congress is a unique and authentic place with a rich culture and history, and this guide provides a glimpse into the insider’s perspective of what to do in this iconic neighborhood. From the hidden gems and mouth-watering food to the cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, we hope your visit to South Congress will leave you with unforgettable memories.