Charming Austin Neighborhoods: Tribeza’s Guide to Hyde Park

Hyde Park is truly the quintessential Austin neighborhood! Defined by 38th Street to the south, 45th Street to the north, Duval Street to the east, and Guadalupe Street to the west, Hyde Park is located in the heart of the city.

It is difficult to imagine that this adorable neighborhood was once considered Austin’s first suburb, developed in 1891 by Monroe Shipe. Shipe oversaw the development of this land, which was once the home of the Texas State Fair (1875-1883), and was first advertised as an incredibly affluent area, filled with majestic residences that could be reached by the newfound streetcar system.

While several of these original Hyde Park beauties still stand today, the neighborhood mainly consists of charming bungalows and small cottages located on canopy tree-lined streets. Hyde Park contains two historic districts and showcases a varying mix of architectural styles. Everything from late 1800’s Victorians to Modern Farmhouses are on display in this neighborhood. In addition to great architecture, Hyde Park offers a friendly vibe, many classic Austin haunts, and some of the city’s most celebrated places to dine.

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Things to Do in Hyde Park

First Light Book Shop

This charming, new addition to the neighborhood was an instant hit and somehow gets better with each day. The vibe at First Light Books is one of “the heart of the neighborhood” and it’s seemingly impossible to not feel right at home when you enter this book shop. It’s small but the selection is excellent, the vibe is cozy, and the spacious patio area is the perfect place to enjoy food and drinks, a good book, or just watch the world go by in the center of Hyde Park.

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Flightpath Coffeehouse

Flightpath has been a staple in the neighborhood since it opened in 1992. It continues to offer delicious coffee with locally sourced snacks in an art-filled, quiet atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the vibe is chill, and you can’t help but respect the fact that this treasured spot is still here, doing what it does best, for over 30 years.

Shipe Neighborhood Park

Shipe Park is beloved by Hyde Park residents and Austinites alike. While it may be on the smaller side (2 acres), it packs a lot into its limited space without feeling cramped. Shipe Park offers everything from a playground, tennis courts, swimming pools, picnic spots, a community-funded mosaic mural, and an original log-cabin from 1928 that has served as a community center to the neighborhood for almost 100 years.

Places to See in Hyde Park

Elisabet Ney Museum

This gorgeous castle-like, former home and studio of the German sculptor Elisabet Ney is an absolute must-see. Built in 1892, the property is set back from the street in the midst of purposefully overgrown grounds. While the exterior is strikingly beautiful, the interior is even more striking, as it houses the world’s largest collection of this remarkable woman’s work. “Miss Ney” was an early leader in the Texas Women’s Movement and a passionate advocate for Civil Rights, education, and the arts. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5PM.

Moonlight Towers

The Moonlight Towers in Austin are the only moonlight towers left in the world — and THAT is reason enough to take a peek at the one located on the southwest corner of 41st Street and Speedway. The city originally erected 31 towers in 1894 to light-up the ever growing city and only 13 of those towers remain today.

Where to Eat in Hyde Park

Bureau De Poste by Tiny Grocer

Hyde Park’s newest restaurant just opened this past October in the historic former post office, located at the corner of 43rd and Speedway. Bureau De Poste is the sweetest French bistro and offers French classics with a modern twist.

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Hyde Park Bar & Grill

It’s an Austinite right-of passage to eat at Hyde Park Bar & Grill and enjoy an order of their locally loved french fries. The interior doesn’t appear to have drastically changed from its 1982 origins and we love that about this place. If you’re in the mood for old-school Austin vibes and solid comfort food, this is your spot.

Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

Antonelli’s is a cut-to-order cheese shop that offers everything from tasting classes to a monthly cheese club. Their motto is “Why a Cheese Shop? The answer is simple: It Makes People Happy.” Is that not the purest and best answer ever? Antonelli’s also regularly gives back to the community, takes pride in inclusivity, and practices sustainability. What’s not to love?

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