Campus Curated: Top Places to Dine, Drink & Discover Near UT Austin
Study up on these top picks for coffee, cocktails, culture, dining and lodging around The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin and its surrounding neighborhoods have long been a draw for visitors to the capital city. From the striking Spanish Revival architecture on campus to the lively shops and restaurants along The Drag, UT Austin is worth exploring even if your college days are behind you. We’ve rounded up our favorite can’t-miss spots and longtime classics that help define this youthful corner of an ever-changing Austin.
Coffee
Trippy Buck
Coffee on the UT Austin campus practically rains down with the abundance of options, but one stands out for its superior espresso pull. Trippy Buck is a trailer located by the World’s Largest Longhorn just to the west of the Drag in the parking lot behind the University Co-Op, making it the best bet for a spot to grab an excellent cup before exploring the campus. The coffee itself is nothing short of exceptional. Sourcing their beans from one family in Ecuador, Trippy Buck’s espresso is consistently excellent. From traditional choices to their own macchiato latte, toss them a few bucks for the best brew by campus.
Lunch
Dirty Martin’s Place
A longtime favorite near the UT campus, Dirty Martin’s Place has been serving burgers since 1926. The no-frills spot has remained a fixture for generations of Longhorns and is one of the city’s enduring old-school burger joints.
Dinner
Acre 41
If dinner at UT Austin conjures up images of big steaks and bigger hats, then you’re in luck. While the food scene by campus offers a robust selection of Asian restaurants, Acre 41 is a return to the classic steakhouse—perfectly deserving for a town of well-educated Longhorns. Named for the original 41 acres of campus, the interior is a thoroughly modern space with classic plates of Tomahawk ribeyes and filets with their signature steak served with lump crab, asparagus and black truffle béarnaise. The palate is rich and the flavors are beyond refined for a dining experience you’ll never forget.
Dessert
Bananarchy
Bananarchy has more than your average chocolate-covered banana, a popular treat in many South American countries. Get your half or full-sized banana drizzled in caramel, peanut butter, marshmallows, graham crackers, or all of them, and discover the joy of a simple yet delicious dessert.
For the Gram
UT Tower Stairs between College of Nursing Sciences & Dorothy L Gebauer Building
Tucked between two buildings on the northeast side of the UT Tower, this stone stairwell offers one of the campus’s more understated photo spots. From the bottom of the stairs, the surrounding architecture naturally frames the tower for a striking view.
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Drinks & Music
Cactus Cafe
The definition of a hidden gem, the historical Cactus Cafe sits nestled within the Student Union building on campus, and yet, multiple nights a week, the listening room and bar opens to the public for various intimate stage performances. Cactus Cafe opened in 1979 and has hosted performances by names such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and The Chicks. Its legacy as a starting point for many music careers lives on, and, supplied with a full bar, comfortable seating and unbeatable ambiance, anyone can enjoy some charming acoustic tunes and unwind after a long day.
Campus Favorite
UT Turtle Pond
Just north of the UT Tower, the Turtle Pond offers a quiet pocket of nature in the middle of campus. The three ponds, used by the College of Natural Sciences, are home to a variety of turtles and have become a favorite spot for students and visitors to stop by between classes or while exploring campus.
Museum
The Blanton Museum of Art
Located on the southern edge of the UT campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is home to a wide-ranging collection of modern and contemporary works, European art and Latin American art. Highlights include Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” a freestanding stone building filled with colored glass and geometric forms, as well as the 12 towering “petals” across the museum grounds, which cast patterned shadows over the Moody Patio on sunny days.
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Hidden Gem
“The Color Inside,” a Skyspace by artist James Turrell
Perched atop UT’s William C. Powers Jr. Student Activity Center, James Turrell’s “The Color Inside” is one of campus’s most distinctive art experiences. The installation frames the sky through an opening in the ceiling while shifting colored light transforms the space around it, creating an especially striking effect around sunrise and sunset. Reservations are free and available on the Landmarks’ website.
Hotel
Hotel Ella
While we have a great assortment of hotels near the UT Austin campus, it’s hard to beat legacy. Named after Ella Wooten, one of the first women to graduate from UT, Hotel Ella is housed in a stately Greek Revival mansion with sprawling porches, rocking chairs and plenty of old Austin charm. Grab a bite at Goodall’s or settle into the patio and enjoy one of the more stylish stays near campus.
Dive Bar
Cain & Abel’s
A UT campus favorite since 1991, Cain & Abel’s is known for cold beer, burgers and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that has made it a longtime hangout for students and alumni.
Cool Cocktails
Otopia Rooftop Lounge
After a day around the UT campus, head to the top of The Otis Hotel for cocktails and a pretty unbeatable view of downtown Austin. Otopia is especially worth a stop around sunset, when the skyline does most of the work. The drinks hold their own, too, with colorful cocktails and a couple of tasty mocktails.