Ask the people in Austin to explain what the core of their city is, and you will hear as many different opinions as there are people. For some, it will be the technology-oriented areas of Downtown, for others—the street of South Congress, filled with music. However, if you want to see the essence of this city, where you can find history, arts, innovations in cuisine, and all the spirit of a vibrant community—go to East Austin.
What was once an industrial area, populated by working class people, now is the most vivid and exotic place in Texas. It has changed greatly since the times when it used to be, but still has a unique character distinguishing it from other districts. If you are planning to move to this area, or just visiting, you need to know all about it.
A Rich and Complex History
To really understand East Austin today, one needs to know its history. Its character is greatly influenced by the 1928 Master Plan of Austin, in which East Austin was marked as the main residential place for Black and Hispanic populations. Cultural background has formed here during the middle of the 20th century through multi-generational family businesses, community gardens, historical churches, and architecture.
During the last decade, East Austin has undergone tremendous development. The old industrial buildings turned into beer factories and designers studios, whereas the small craftsman houses stood right next to the new ultramodern townhouses. Despite the problem of gentrification, the community members, artists, and business owners strive to keep the heritage of East Austin alive.
The East Austin Vibe: Where Creatives and Foodies Converge
How does one feel when walking in East Austin? Vibrant, walkable and full of creative energy – murals covering brick walls, music spilling out into patios and the smell of slowly smoked oak wood.
1. Food Playground
It is safe to say that East Austin is the undisputed center of the city’s culinary world. It combines legendary BBQ restaurants with innovative culinary ventures run by chefs.
Barbecue Icons: Visiting East Austin and not going to Franklin Barbecue for some delicious brisket is sacrilege. However, the neighborhood has more BBQ joints like la Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats which have legendary smoked meats and shorter queues.
Taco Culture: Mexican street food is a part of East Austin heritage – from food trucks serving traditional breakfast tacos to gourmet restaurants serving interior Mexican dishes like those of Suerte.
Third Wave Coffee Shops and Natural Wine Bars: Besides the famous tacos and BBQ, East Austin abounds in farm-to-table and farm-to-glass cuisine. Restaurants like Justine’s Brasserie provide late night bohemian French dining while places like Eastside Cafe set the trend for local farm-to-table.
2. Local Beers and Nightlife
Those who love local beers should definitely go to East Austin. It hosts an abundance of micro-breweries and taprooms. Places like Lazarus Brewing Co., Central Machine Works, ABGB and others become community hubs where dog owners, families and other locals come to enjoy the latest craft beer and listen to live music.
In the evening, the nightlife becomes quite different from the wild partying in Downtown’s 6th Street. Dive bars, dim lighting cocktail lounges and classic honky-tonk bar The White Horse allow enjoying cheap beers and learning how to do the two-step under red neon lights.
Art, Music, and Community Events
Creativity is the pulse that drives East Austin. The district has long been known for studios, galleries, and independents who bring it character.
East Austin Studio Tour (EAST): A yearly event that takes place every November, EAST allows visitors to visit the studios, galleries, and temporary exhibition spaces of hundreds of artists based in the area. It is perhaps the best way to immerse yourself into the vibrant and creative spirit of the neighborhood.
Street Art & Murals: If you want to admire works of art without stepping into any galleries, just go out on the streets of East 6th, East 11th, or Cesar Chavez Street. Here you will see many famous murals with images of famous civil rights figures to fun pop art pieces.
Green Spaces & Outdoors: To take some time off the urban adventure, the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail runs along the southern border of the district, where you can find miles of beautiful trails for running and paddling, as well as spectacular views of the cityscape.
Real Estate and Living in East Austin
Considering East Austin as a future home? The area’s real estate scene has a lot to offer.
East Austin provides a wide range of properties from historic homes to updated bungalows and modern condos to contemporary multi-levels. Being close to Downtown Austin, convenient to Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and highly walkable, East Austin has turned into one of the most promising real estate markets in the city.
Walkability and Public Transport: Contrary to other dispersed Texas communities, East Austin is extremely bike-friendly and walkable. Bike lanes are abundant in this part of the city, and there are plenty of transport choices for commuting into the city center.
Lifestyle: Having a coffee place, a yoga studio, grocery store, and a pub just within a 10 minutes’ walking distance from your doorstep is what being a resident of East Austin can be like. This area is attractive to tech workers, entrepreneurs, families, and people who have been living here for many years.
Key Streets to Explore
For those new to the city, navigating around East Austin is simple if you stay on some major arteries:
East 6th Street: This street should not be confused with its downtown equivalent. East 6th Street features lots of stylish boutiques, brew-pubs, food trucks serving tacos and cocktails, and cocktail bars.
East 11th Street: A street steeped in the history of African Americans and architecture. East 11th Street has comfortable coffee houses and specialty shops as well as historical landmarks such as the Southsville Neighborhood.
Cesar Chavez Street: Alongside the river runs a very busy street filled with amazing Mexican restaurants and trendy shops.
Final Thoughts: The Unmatched Spirit of East Austin
East Austin is not about its location. It is a mindset. It is a culture of mixing old traditions with modern concepts in a very functional manner. You will be able to enjoy delicious brisket served in a paper plate, admire the murals in the area, and attend a music performance in a hall. East Austin is definitely Texan. If you want to experience the true spirit of Austin, then go East!
Looking for more healthy spots? Check out our guide on the “Top Organic Restaurants in Downtown Austin“
