Austin’s Top Realtors Share Their Favorite Places to Eat, Drink, Shop and Play
Sponsored Content
Kevin Burns // Seaholm & Downtown
Merit Coffee — 222 West Ave., Suite 120
Originally from San Antonio, this new neighborhood coffee shop is my favorite place to stop into every morning.
Irene’s — 506 West Ave.
The best neighborhood bar – it has a fresh aesthetic with great drinks and food.
Seaholm Plaza — Walter Seaholm Dr.
Our neighborhood gathering spot is perfect to unwind after the workday while my kids and dogs play.
Violet Crown Cinema – 434 2nd St.
This is the best movie theater in town, and I love coming here with my kids when we find time for a movie night.
Ranch 616 — 616 Nueces St.
Best restaurant to meet up with friends and enjoy a Ranch Water. What’s that, you ask? Stop by and find out.
Whole Foods — 525 N Lamar Blvd.
I mean, who isn’t obsessed with this giant grocery store? You cannot beat the fish counter for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Urbanspace Interiors — 801 W 5th St., #100
This place is a market leader for modern furnishings and design. You’ll find great stuff here to up your interior space.
Moody Theater — 301 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
Amazing place to grab a drink, listen to live music, and experience the best of Austin.
Library — 710 W Cesar Chavez St. Coolest Library in the world.
True Food Kitchen — 222 West Ave., Suite HR 100
Great patio for people watching and my go-to for a healthy meal.
Laura Gottesman // Old Enfield + Old West Austin
content/uploads/2018/05/lauragottesman.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”“I love Austin and everything it has to offer – the people, the food, the activities, the natural resources – I am such a fan of the Austin lifestyle. It’s this enthusiasm for Austin that led me to residential real estate, a career about which I am passionate!” Laura is photographed in Pease Park in front of the Yippee Ki Yay statue.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”]Laura Gottesman, Broker-Owner of Gottesman Residential Real Estate, is widely known throughout the city for her energy, professionalism, and knowledge of the Austin real estate market. She has consistently been among the top agents in Austin. Working with buyers and sellers, Laura has a knack for thinking creatively and offering “out of the box” solutions. Two of her favorite neighborhoods are Old Enfield and Old West Austin, because of their historic atmosphere and convenient locations. The streets are lined with stunning Live Oak trees, and the homes are beautifully maintained, making it one of the most prestigious areas in Austin.
laura@gottesmanresidential.com | 512.657.4966 lauragottesman.com
Laura’s Old Enfield & Old West Austin
Caffé Medici — 1101 W Lynn St.
Best latte in town and a cool old school bungalow to hang out in.
Jeffrey’s — 1204 W Lynn St.
One of Austin’s best restaurants is actually a neighborhood institution. Don’t miss the warm and moody bar area. It is a perfect place to meet up for a cocktail after work.
Good Company — 918 W 12th St.
Great finds for women’s clothes, jewelry, and home goods.
Kick Pleat — 624 N Lamar Blvd.
Beautifully designed store with fabulous women’s clothing and accessories – great shoes, too!
Wildflower Organics — 524 N Lamar Blvd., #101
They sell the very best in linens and home accessories. My addiction to Legna sheets started at Wildflower.
Clark’s Oyster Bar — 1200 W 6th St.
It just makes me happy to go here! Try June’s sparkling rosé with the Crab Louie salad. Divine!
Third Space — 1013 W Lynn St.
This darling salon is home to some of the best stylists anywhere!
Josephine House — 1601 Waterston Ave.
The absolute best place to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Outdoor Voices — 606 Blanco St.
Tyler Haney started an athletic apparel cult. If you are #doingthings in Austin, you are wearing Outdoor Voices.
Wally Workman Gallery — 1202 W 6th St.
Wally represents some of my very favorite artists like Diana Greenberg, Mallory Page, Honora Jacobs, and Joyce Howell.
Kumara Wilcoxon // Pemberton
Knockout Boxing — 1211 W 6th St.
Boxing is a great workout and the perfect way to relieve stress. I always leave Knockout feeling energized and ready to tackle the day.
Pool Burger — 2315 Lake Austin Blvd.
This eccentric new burger joint has a tiki bar vibe and serves cocktails and burgers from a 1968 Airstream.
Valentines — 1515 W 35th St.
Valentines is the cutest! I love that I can run in last minute and find an outfit for any event.
Castle Hill Fitness — 1112 N Lamar Blvd.
Castle Hill has the best trainers and offers a multitude of classes. Amid is the most amazing trainer!
Josephine House — 1204 W Lynn St.
This restaurant is my go-to spot to meet clients and friends. It has the perfect outdoor patio.
Estilo Boutique — 2727 Exposition Blvd.
Estilo has such an amazing and unique collection of clothing. Stephanie, the owner, has the best taste and has curated a wonderful selection of clothing and accessories.
Pease Park — 1100 Kingsbury St.
You have to check out the new art installation by Patrick Dougherty!
Aloe Skin + Body — 2414 Exposition Blvd. #203
I love Aloe’s holistic approach. You have to try the hydrafacial!
Wildflower Organics — 524 N. Lamar Blvd.
I love their bedding and bathroom accessories. Their Legna sheets are life changing!
Uchiko — 4200 N Lamar Blvd.
Sushi is my favorite food. Uchi/Uchiko has the best Sushi and most creative dishes.
Jude Galligan // Rainey District
Waller Creek Boathouse — 74 Trinity St.
From renting kayaks to chilling out at Alta’s Cafe overlooking the lake, this is one of the most peaceful spots in downtown Austin.
L’Estelle House — 88 1/2 Rainey St.
The owners have been Rainey believers since the ‘90s and bring authentic comfort and culture to the neighborhood.
Royal Blue Grocery — 51 Rainey St.
This neighborhood bodega is an indispensable part of the Rainey Street district.
Hotel Van Zandt — 605 Davis St.
This hotel has moved the district forward into the next era, and boasts a great restaurant-lounge, Geraldine’s.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden — 79 Rainey St.
Banger’s hits the Rainey vibe just right. We’re excited about their expansion, too!
Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The trail is a great bike and pedestrian connector to Lady Bird Lake and the rest of downtown.
Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts Truck — 74 Rainey St.
Because donuts.
G’raj Mahal — 73 Rainey St.
The best Indian pakoras I’ve ever eaten. Full stop.
Icenhauer’s — 83 Rainey St.
Michael Hsu Architecture worked on this bar’s renovation, setting a high bar for bungalow rehabs on Rainey.
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
The MACC, as it’s known, is quietly one of the best-architected buildings in downtown.
Amy Deane // Rollingwood
RedBird Boutique — 3663 Bee Caves Rd., #2C
RedBird Boutique is a fashion sweet spot known for its thoughtfully curated mix of emerging and known designers.
Bay Hill Design — 3663 Bee Caves Rd., #4C
Just minutes from the heart of Rollingwood, Brooke Anderson and her team offer everything you need to freshen the style of your home!
Rollingwood Park and Playground — 403 Nixon Dr.
I’ve spent countless hours with playgroups at this wonderful park. Call ahead and request use of the Pavillion for birthday parties.
Yeti — www.yeti.com
Don’t get caught walking the streets here without a YETI tumbler in hand. The founders are Rollingwood neighbors, and we fell in love with the neighborhood while building their homes.
Austin Nature and Science Center — 2389 Stratford Dr.
ANSC offers amazing hands-on discovery and science programs for all the children of Austin. Their summer camps are a favorite for kids who love to get dirty and explore!
Yoga Vida — 3620 Bee Caves Rd.
This was my first place to try yoga in 1999 when it opened as Austin’s first hot studio. A great place to exercise the mind, body, and spirit.
Texas Honey Ham — 3736 Bee Caves Rd., #6A
It’s my weekly stop for ranchero ham and egg breakfast tacos and the best chef salads.
Tide Dry Cleaners — 3267 Bee Caves Rd.
Tide Dry Cleaners is eco-friendly, and offers a high-quality, personalized service to help customers keep things fresh and clean.
Ruby & Violet — www.shoprubyviolet.com
I love all of Austin’s talented local artisans, and this neighborhood artist is one of my faves! Megan makes hand-crafted jewelry with pave diamonds, labradorite, druzy, horn, and more!
New Alternative Skin Care — 3355 Bee Caves Rd., #606
BB Keville at New Beginnings provides the most amazing organic facials, keeping my skin dewy and hydrated.
Anna’s Tarrytown
Aloe Skin + Body — 2414 Exposition Blvd. #203
This spa is great for holistic skin care, especially the arcona pure facial and the 80-minute deep tissue massage.
Breath and Body Studio — 2415 Exposition Blvd.
Power Vinyasa is a great class to get your sweat on while focusing on mind and breath.
Laguna Gloria — 3809 W 35th St.
This is the best place in Austin for looking at art and taking classes. It brings back childhood memories for me of when Fiesta was held on the grounds!
Maudie’s — 2608 W 7th St.
My favorite Tex Mex spot in Austin!
Deep Eddy Pool — 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
I love swimming and watching movies here in the summer.
Mayfield Park — 3505 W 35th St.
My sanctuary for escaping and finding a respite from this ever-growing city.
Fabi + Rosi Restaurant — 509 Hearn St.
Delicious, locally-sourced food that is made in-house. And the atmosphere is very enjoyable!
Tarrytown Pharmacy — 2727 Exposition Blvd., #105
I have used this pharmacy since it was located in Tarrytown Village and had a soda fountain station.
Party Cat in Casis Village — 2727 Exposition Blvd., #119
The colorful little shop is the perfect place to grab personalized gifts for anyone on your list.
Lions Municipal Golf Course — 2901 Enfield Rd.
One of the city’s most popular courses. In 1924, the Lions Club opened Lions Municipal, the first public golf course in the city.
Carl Shurr // Travis Heights
A Travis Heights resident and top-producing Realtor in the 78704 zip code, Carl is involved in many aspects of the South Austin real estate market. He works with long-time residents, transplants, builders, developers, and business owners in the area. One of his favorite features of the Travis Heights area is the walkability. This, combined with such proximity to Downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake make it his favorite neighborhood in Austin.
carl@carlshurr.com | 512.944.5977 | carlshurr.com
Carl’s Travis Heights
Central Standard — 1603 S Congress Ave.
I love their patio for drinks, amazing food and great people-watching.
Stacy Park — 700 E Live Oak St.
Walk your dog on the trails, enjoy the creek, and swim at Big Stacy Pool.
Enoteca Vespaio — 1610 S Congress Ave.
Hands-down my favorite Italian food in Austin.
South Congress Ave.
Walk the Ave., stop for a slice at Homeslice Pizza, shop at Stag or Sunroom, or enjoy a coffee overlooking Congress at TOMS Roasting Co.
Rippner Tennis at South Austin Center — 1000 Cumberland Rd.
Play tennis or join a clinic with some great pros.
Ellen Troxclair + Elizabeth Matson // Lake Austin
Troxclair Residential Real Estate is a luxury brokerage that brings exceptional industry knowledge, expert negotiation skills, and full spectrum customer service to all of their clients. The cornerstone of their referral-based business is building lasting relationships with each client and delivering results. Whether serving on non-profit boards, supporting local businesses, or spending time outdoors with their families, they love building community in this unique city.
ellen@troxclairresidential.com elizabeth@troxclairresidential.com
512.710.7010
Troxclair + Matson’s Lake Austin
West Lake Beach — 2509 Westlake Dr.
A local favorite, this casual swimming spot is full of activities for the whole family.
Laguna Gloria — 3809 W 35th St.
Whether you visit for a sophisticated wedding or a quiet walk in the sculpture garden, this historic venue is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
Lake Austin Spa Resort — 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd.
This peaceful retreat is the perfect place for a staycation.
Mount Bonnell — 3800 Mt. Bonnell Dr.
With iconic views of Lake Austin, bring a picnic, take a selfie, and stay for the sunset.
Hula Hut — 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Pull the boat up for margaritas, Hawaiian fajitas, and views of the lake. Head next door to Mozart’s for dessert!
Doug Roberts // Highland Park West
Doug Roberts grew up in a real estate family, and it is deeply embedded in his DNA. He has developed a reputation for working closely with his clients through every single detail involved in complicated real estate transactions. Doug finds great satisfaction and daily motivation in watching the thriving careers and growing families he has worked with for many years. Doug has been a top producer at Moreland Properties for 15 years and is the commissioner of the Texas Real Estate Research Center. Doug specializes in every aspect of central Austin real estate.
doug@moreland.com | 512.731.5105 | moreland.com
Doug’s Highland Park West
Fonda San Miguel — 2330 W N Loop Blvd.
I discover something new each visit, and I never get tired of spending time with friends and family amongst a culinary art gallery.
Highland Park Elementary — 4900 Fairview Dr.
Some of the best families in Austin, and it feels like our own little neighborhood secret.
Westwood Country Club — 3808 W 35th St.
Beautiful grounds to play year round.
Mayfield Park — 3505 W 35th St.
Mayfield Park is a great place to go on hikes down by the lake and socialize with the peacocks.
Pint House Pizza — 4729 Burnet Rd.
Fresh pizza and beer. Need I say more?
Mason Quintana // Bouldin Creek
Mason’s journey to Austin was common, falling in love with both the city and his wife while at the University of Texas. Mason started his real estate career in 2012 and was invited to join Gottesman Residential in 2015. Mason knows that buying or selling a house is difficult and isn’t above sweeping floors and moving furniture to help a client get ready for an open house. His favorite neighborhood is Bouldin Creek, which offers people a chance to live close to the Lady Bird Lake trail.
mason@gottesmanresidential.com | 512.740.8008 masonquintanarealtor.com
Mason’s Bouldin Creek
Fresa’s — 1703 S 1st St.
This is where my friends and family meet on Sunday afternoons to drink margs and eat tacos. No better spot in town!
Sandy’s Hamburgers — 603 Barton Springs Rd.
If you want an original taste of Austin, look no further. Must. Get. The chocolate-dipped soft-serve.
La Patisserie — 602 W Annie St.
The salted caramel macarons go great with an espresso.
El Alma — 1025 Barton Springs Rd.
I ride my bike past El Alma a few times a week and the smell of fajitas and fried chips gets me every time.
Caffé Medici — 1100 S Lamar Blvd., #2125
Technically not in Bouldin, but it’s a short walk for the best cortado in town!
Elizabeth Shands // Bryker Woods
Elizabeth was born and raised in Austin and is a graduate of TCU. She is an active member of The Junior League of Austin and other local charities. She loves exploring the tree-lined streets of Bryker Woods, walking to local restaurants and shops or running along Shoal Creek Trail. There is a sense of community and charm that is unmistakably Bryker Woods, and her family loves calling it home. As a Broker Associate at Gottesman Residential with over ten years of experience, Elizabeth is extremely thorough, detail-oriented and is a dedicated advocate for her clients.
elizabeth@gottesmanresidential.com | 512.695.4289 elizabethshands.com
Elizabeth’s Bryker Woods
Tiny Boxwoods — 1503 W 35th St.
My go-to for brunch and a chocolate chip cookie.
Austin Flower Co. — 1612 W 35th St.
My favorite for fresh blooms.
Breed & Co. — 718 W 29th St.
A one-stop shop offering everything from home repair necessities to gifts and household essentials.
Pilates on Kerbey — 3700 Kerbey Ln.
I love walking to this intimate studio for a full body workout.
Texas French Bread — 2900 Rio Grande St.
The best spot for a great cup of coffee and fresh-made bread.
Leah Petri // Westlake
After a decade in the high tech industry, Leah transitioned from the corporate world into residential real estate. At Gottesman Residential Real Estate, her vivacious personality, unwavering integrity, extensive business experience, and resourcefulness translates into long-term relationships with her clients. Leah is a native Austinite and Westlake High School graduate with knowledge and connections both professional and personal within the Westlake community. In Austin’s high demand, low inventory market, Leah has proven she can unearth the perfect home for her buyers while finding the ideal buyers for her seller clients.
leah@gottesmanresidential.com | 512.239.9964 | leahpetri.com
Leah’s Westlake
Bay Hill Design — 3663 Bee Caves Rd., 4c
My favorite spot for home furnishings and interior design.
The Grove — 6317 Bee Caves Rd., #380
Best joint for patio dining, pizza, salads, and take-out.
Orange Theory — 3300 Bee Caves Rd., #200
My pick for working out, rowing, and personal training.
Austin Country Club — 4408 Long Champ Dr.
My favorite escape for golf, tennis, and socializing with friends.
Valentines — 3801 N. Capital of TX Highway
Carefully curated selection of women’s clothing and personal styling, ask for Marcus or Rachel! All the credit for my outfit goes to them.
Mark Moore
Clark’s Oyster Bar
This light and bright restaurant has a great outdoor patio that is perfect for bringing along my dog, Frankie. The burgers are delicious, and they have ice cold Estrella Beer on tap for those hot summer days. The best part is they are less than a ten-minute walk from my home.
mark@gottesmanresidential.com | 512.771.7177 | markfmoore.com
Jen Berbas
Polvos on 1st
Polvos is my absolute favorite spot for Mexican food in town. The lively vibe, eclectic decor, and delicious frozen margaritas are what make it a South Austin institution. Don’t be scared away by long waits on the weekend — the ceviche, beef fajitas, and salsa Ahumada are worth it!
jenberbas@realtyaustin.com | 512.762.1470 | realtyaustin.com
Tim Grondin
Fareground
This is my favorite downtown lunch spot. It’s a great place to go with a group, as there is something for everyone. As an added bonus, it taps into the nostalgic feeling of hanging out in the mall food court as a kid, but with elevated offerings for an adult palate.
tim@vanheuvenproperties.com | 512.799.3448
vanheuvenproperties.com
Dave Van Heuven
Four Seasons
After a two-year stint in Zilker, I moved backdowntown to the Four Seasons Residences, and I love taking advantage of the 98 San Jacinto complex. I enjoy having a great weekend brunch at Forthright or Trio and then a nice walk/run or SUP on Lady Bird Lake to burn off those yummy calories afterward. The Four Seasons fireplace bar in the winter with the Gingerbread House display is a holiday must.
dave@vanheuvenproperties.com | 512.658.0096
vanheuvenproperties.com
Karen Kelly
South Congress Ave.
I love walking to Perla’s with my dog, Smooch, and sitting on the patio. It’s the best place to enjoy watching the world go by while sitting under a gigantic, centuries-old oak tree. On the weekends, I’ll pop into C-Boys or Continental Club for some live tunes.
karen@vanheuvenproperties.com | 512.569.5878
vanheuvenproperties.com
Robie Dodson
Laan Residences
My favorite spot at the moment is the LAAN Residences at 3100 Manchaca in the heart of 78704’s SOLA neighborhood. This community of Dutch farmhouse-inspired homes has everything Austinites want: modern finishes, proximity to downtown, and completely walkable lifestyle.
robie@reillyrealtors.com | 512.565.4701 | robiedodson.com