Brad Stuver’s Guide to Austin
Goalkeeper for Austin FC Brad Stuver has been named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year three times and earned his first MLS All-Star selection in 2025. Off the field, he and his wife, Ashley, launched The Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation to support nonprofits advancing equality, education and community initiatives, while continuing their longtime commitment to The Laundry Project. Stuver also serves on the board of Equality Texas and is a two-time ESPY-nominated humanitarian.
As one of TRIBEZA’s Curators, Stuver shares what he loves about the city and his favorite local spots.
How long have you lived in Austin?
Brad Stuver: I am the goalkeeper for Austin FC, and I moved to Austin in 2021. Before that, I was in New York City for three years, and in Columbus, Ohio, for five years.
What do you love about Austin?
BT: When I first moved here, I lived in The Domain. I used the next six months to figure out what part of Austin my wife and I loved most — exploring the different areas and the different vibes of every community — and we ended up buying a house in South Austin because we loved what South Austin represented. We loved the vibes down there and the community. The people who make up this city captured us from the very start.
What’s your perfect day in Austin—from morning to night?
BT: A perfect day is an off day. It starts with waking up, going to brunch or getting coffee. I like a breakfast sandwich on a bagel. I go to coffee shops and take the dog on a walk when it’s not 100 degrees outside. Then, if my wife and I want to go out that night, we’ll sit on a patio at one of our favorite restaurants. We like to explore Austin and enjoy the weather.
Where do you take out-of-towners to show them the “real” Austin?
BT: My wife and I are a little bit out of the box, so we like taking visitors to the public library downtown. We also like skipping around town — going to East Austin, and going to some bookstores and coffee shops. I like coffee, but my wife is more of a matcha girl. So we have to find a place that has both and is good. We go to Desnudo Coffee or Paper Boy.
Are there any lesser-known Austin gems that you’re willing to share?
BT: I like the breakfast bagel from Wholy Bagel and Rosen’s Bagel Co. For bookstores, I go to Vintage Wine and Books, First Light Book Shop and Book People.
What do you hope never changes about Austin, even as the city grows?
BT: I hope the people never change. When I first got here, I learned the whole mantra, “Keep Austin Weird.” People were worried that transplants would come in and not fully understand the culture of Austin. Not growing up here, I hope that I’ve learned what that culture is all about and can continue that tradition. I think just being part of the community — experiencing the live music and going to local stores — captures what Austin is, and I hope that never changes.
Stuver’s Austin Favorites
Favorite taco: Veracruz
Favorite music venue: Antone’s
Favorite art gallery: WaterWork
Favorite park or trail: Zilker
Favorite BBQ: Terry Black’s
Favorite spot for date night: Oseyo
Favorite nonprofit: The Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation, APA!, Equality Texas, Engage Current’s The Laundry Project, AVOW, Texas Gun Sense, Bobby Jones CSF and Zilker Theater Productions