Travel
The City Column: Discover H&H’s Guide To Austin
Updated on May 8, 2024
This city’s top-notch hotels, restaurants and shops are reason enough to visit.
Scroll down for our guide to Austin!
Where to Stay:
A European country retreat in the middle of the city? That’s the vibe of the recently opened Commodore Perry Estate. Re-envisioned by designer Ken Fulk, the circa-1928 property is now a glamorous resort. The original Italian Renaissance Revival mansion serves as the hub, where you’ll find Lutie’s restaurant and the refined mansion suites.
4100 Red River St.
Classic: The Driskill
This landmark hotel has been offering warm Texas hospitality since 1886. Located downtown with fantastic views toward the Colorado River, The Driskill boasts decorating with a historical touch — think nightstands that look like old travel chests and seating layered with hides. Take an audio tour to learn about the art on display, and enjoy a meal at one of three charming restaurants on-site.
604 Brazos St.
Where to Eat:
New: Diner Bar
James Beard award–winning chef Mashama Bailey recently opened this resto with John O. Morisano as a sister restaurant to The Grey, their popular eatery in Savannah, Ga. Chef Kristine Kittrell guides the kitchen, which turns out Texan and international takes on Southern cooking, including foie gras and grits, and curried duck.
500 San Jacinto Blvd.
Classic: Jeffrey’s
This intimate, French American restaurant is a pillar of fine dining in Austin, known for its curated wine list and expertise at the grill. Steak is the specialty here, with cuts aged by a local butcher that are then grilled and roasted over oak. Book ahead to take advantage of happy hour on Mondays, or Sunday evenings, when bottles of wine are half price.
1204 West Lynn St.
What to See:
New: Wonderspaces
Order a signature cocktail and check out this immersive art show featuring 15 largescale installations. Ranging from multimedia project Submergence by Squidsoup, where 8,000 lights change colour in response to music, to Human Study #1, 3RNP, where a visitor becomes the model for a life-drawing class of student robots, Wonderspaces goes inside art.
1205 Sheldon Cove, Suite 2-A
Classic: The Contemporary Austin
This art museum has two locations, and both are must-visits. The Jones Center, downtown, features Jim Hodges’ installation With Liberty and Justice for All (A Work in Progress) along the exterior of the building, and Laguna Gloria, on Lake Austin, is home to a beautiful sculpture garden that helps make art accessible to all.
700 Congress Ave.
Where to Shop:
The indie fashion brand, known for hand-dyeing fabrics using sustainable and natural dyes, has expanded into homewares. Here you’ll find textiles, vases, planters and kitchen essentials from women-owned and independent brands, as well as local makers.
1211 E 11th St., Suite 101
Classic: Thompson + Hanson Garden House
Located in a Victorian cottage in Austin’s Kerbey Lane Village, this nursery is packed with plants, and antique furniture and home accessories inspired by nature. The chic glassware and beautiful textiles are standout accents.
1515 West 35th St., Building B