Any recommendations of things to do in Austin, TX?

[AdequateEatin]

My wife just surprised me with a trip to Austin later this month for my birthday. She told me part of our itinerary, we are going to pop on over to Lockhart to sample the BBQ, kayak out at dusk to see the bat migration in Austin, brewery hop for a bit, hit up a few Tex-Mex restaurants, hitting up a few rooftop bars, and finally going to an interactive art exhibit. She told me she has left plenty of time open throughout the trip if I want to go anywhere in particular as long as a few surprises she hasn't disclosed yet. Do you know any must hit spots in the Austin area? I was debating Franklin's BBQ but from what I heard it can be up to a 6 hour wait and I am not sure any food is worth a 6 hour wait when I can be doing so many other things. Any input would be much appreciated. We will be out there from Sunday May 22nd till Thursday May 26th. Thanks!

[DavidNorcross]

I really do not know. My suggestion would be to lookup Panhead John for a good time. Even if it requires a drive....

[Panhead John]

Look me up for a good time? What am I, a hooker?
😂

[RichieB]

Panhead John, if the heels fit?????

[Davek8282]

play your cards right and you could get a tour of Panhead John recent bathroom Reno's he's so proud of. You just have to promise to leave his inflatable GF alone

[RichieB]

Haven't been in a long time, you got to do night on 6th Street. A must for the bars and music. Google it and I'm sure the locals wil chime in on hot spots. Oh, and does your wife have a sister who wants an almost 70 Y.O. as good buddy and would like to take me on a trip. My B.D. is in July.

[AdequateEatin]

Oh 6th street does look like a good time, I will definitely look more into it. Also she does have a sister that loves to travel, unfortunately for you I am not a match making god. 😂

[RichieB]

Thanks, not sure how my wife of going 49 years would react. Then again, she might be happy to get rid of me for a week. I know when I worked and traveled regularly, I don't think she was too dissapointed to see me go.

[Panhead John]

La Barbecue is a definite choice for some great cue, not sure how long any lines might be. Troutman can give you some more recommendations I’m sure.

https://www.labarbecue.com/#2027-e-cesar-chavez-austin

[AdequateEatin]

Oh that does look like a must hit spot. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Troutman]

Here's a map of several of the top bbq joints in Austin with addresses. Basically I recommend them all but be prepared to stand in some sort of line at almost all of them. Getting there early is your best bet. Franklin's is at least a 6-8 hour wait. The rest vary depending on the time of day. Good luck, this is bbq heaven !!!

[RichieB]

I've never been to these establishments. At my age, I would also bring a box of depends. I know the food is beyond BBQ Heaven. 8 hours, not in my DNA.

[Huskee]

This is a wonderful map!

[FireMan]

Yeah, far out man! Great list!

[DaveD]

If you're there midweek, go to the Continental Club on Tuesday night at 10pm to see James McMurtry and his band, they have a weekly residency there. One of the absolute finest songwriters this country has ever produced, and an incredible guitarist to boot. He and his band are fantastic. James also does a solo set, just him and a couple of guitars, at the Continental Gallery a few doors away on Wednesday nights at 8:30.

https://continentalclub.com/

[Texas Larry]

There are fine restaurants other than bbq in Austin, but you might also check out Zilker Park and Barton Springs, along with Zilker Botanical Gardens, if that’s your kind of thing.

[scottranda]

I was going to mention Barton Springs too.

[AdequateEatin]

That looks like two for Barton Springs, I guess we got to go now. Thanks!

[58limited]

Check Franklin's website, you can preorder and then pick up around back without waiting in those ridiculous lines. There are minimums:

https://preorder.franklinbbq.com/

[AdequateEatin]

I saw that, it seems like a lot of food for just 2 people.

[Greygoose]

My son lives in Austin and if you need a break from BBQ and sushi is ur thing ,give Uchi a go.
He swears by the place !

[AdequateEatin]

Sounds good, if we get sick of BBQ we will have to check it out.

[Panhead John]

Why has no one recommended visiting Hippie Hollow yet?….

https://www.austintexas.org/listings...ow-park/10028/

[AdequateEatin]

Well cancel all my plans I am just going to spend my whole trip there!

[Panhead John]

😂😂😂 Pics or it didn’t happen!

[RichieB]

And Panhead John has a lifetime pass along with his GF.

[efincoop]

If you're a fan of whiskey you can check out the Crowded Barrel. It is on my list to check out on my next visit. The characters that run it have a YouTube channel you can check out called the Whiskey Tribe. They are a little goof, but hilarious at times and know their whiskey.

[Texas Larry]

Let me add a couple of eateries we’ve enjoyed, on the upper end but worth it: The Salty Sow (east side) and Foreign and Domestic (up north).