A guide to local favorites in East Austin Austin
An object lesson in gentrification, Austin’s east side — from East Cesar Chavez to East Seventh streets — continues to be a mix of traditional Mexican restaurants and service businesses catering to struggling artists and musicians alongside trendy new bars, dozens of food trucks and, increasingly, boutique hotels and shops.
Meet your local
Omar has lived and worked in the Austin area since 1997. He’s watched the city change and still loves how friendly and open to new experiences people are here. He’s always looking for that perfect bowl — not just a cup — of queso.
omarg omargeeWant to get in touch? Email bytheway@washpost.com
Where I live:
A German town named New Braunfels that’s south of Austin, but work frequently brings me back to the city. I previously lived in deep South Austin, about 20 minutes from downtown.
Best way to get around the city:
Parking is tough downtown, so it’s easier to do ride hailing, take an electric scooter (they are controversial!) or rent a bicycle. My vote is usually a bike, electric or traditional.
Don’t leave without having:
Three things: A migas breakfast, a Mexican martini and a good bowl of queso.
But the local favorite is really:
Topo Chico, a Mexican mineral water that has a devoted local following. Don’t try to tell anyone in Austin that La Croix is better.
If I moved, I’d most miss:
The film-geek scene, plus local musicians who still frequently play Austin, including Wild Child, Riders Against the Storm and Grupo Fantasma.
East Austin
Stay Gold
One of East Austin’s coolest lounges is home to jazz and soul and plenty of signature and classic cocktails.
Stay Gold, 1910 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Tex. 78702
Prohibition Creamery
You’ll find boozy ice cream treats at this speakeasy-styled parlor with flavors including Black Magic, sangria, Irish coffee and signature bourbon.
Prohibition Creamery, 1407 E. Seventh St. Austin, Tex. 78702
George Washington Carver Museum
Formerly a public library, the site is a museum and genealogy center that’s frequently hosting community events and well-curated exhibits.
George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. Austin, Tex. 78702
La Barbecue
Once a popular trailer, it’s now a grocery, bar and barbecue restaurant serving some of the best brisket and ribs in Central Texas.
La Barbecue, 2027 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Tex. 78702
Juan in a Million
Bring your appetite for inexpensive Tex-Mex fare, from huevos rancheros to chorizo and egg tacos to fajita platters and caldo de res.
Juan in a Million, 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Tex. 78702
Hoeks Death Metal Pizza
Relocated from its longtime home on Sixth Street, the trailer serves up big late-night slices to downtown partyers who don’t want to go home on an empty stomach.
Hoeks Death Metal Pizza, 1606 E. Sixth St. Austin, Tex. 78702
Omar L. Gallaga
Omar has lived and worked in the Austin area since 1997. He’s watched the city change and still loves how friendly and open to new experiences people are here. He’s always looking for that perfect bowl — not just a cup — of queso.
@omarg @omargeeIlana Panich-Linsman
Ilana is a contributing photographer for The Washington Post based in Austin. When not traveling on assignment, she’s swimming laps in Deep Eddy Pool; hiking the trails with her chocolate labradoodle, Dottie; or holding forth about the best barbecue in Austin.
@ilanapl
