TRAVELism Edition #3: Austin, TX

“There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.”
— Willie Nelson

Round three — and we’re heading straight to Austin, Texas. A city that’s equal parts rhythm and rebellion, where BBQ smoke drifts through neon air and “weird” is a way of life.

This edition covers everything we love about the Lone Star’s coolest capital: hidden speakeasies, late-night vinyl bars, riverside adventures, and the kind of tacos that ruin you for all others.

Scroll down for our hand-picked guide to Austin — the places to eat, drink, and dive in headfirst.

Salud,
The TRAVELISM Crew 🤠

The vibe: Graffiti-covered walls, vinyl shops, vintage finds, speakeasies, divebars, BBQ joints, and more flannel than a lumberjack convention.

The Line, Austin: Social, stylish, with vibe worthy communal spaces.

What makes it cool
🛋️ Communal energy > private rooms. Coffee-fueled lobby vibes ☕, DJs spinning vinyl by the pool 🎶, and plenty of places to post up and not check your email.

🍽️ Food & drink game: elite
Arlo Grey by Top Chef Kristen Kish = lakeside dining goals 🌅
P6 Rooftop = Mediterranean bites + sunset views 🫒
Cantero = tequila, mezcal & sotol magic 🍸
Veracruz = MICHELIN-awarded tacos 🌮🌮🌮

🦇 Rooms with a view
City lights or the iconic bat bridge—solid across the board, with upgrade-worthy suites.

TL;DR: Come for the tacos & vinyls, stay for the rooftop sunsets and good vibes all around.

💄 Powder Room
Step through the velvet curtain into a crimson dream of sculptural lights, mirrored walls, and disco-era glamour. Every cocktail is theatrical—equal parts art, attitude, and allure.
📍 301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown

🪩 The Treasury
A secret vault beneath East 6th hides candlelight, marble, and mystery. The cocktails? Glamorous. The vibe? Gatsby meets Austin. Bring your best secrets—and your best outfit.
📍 1016 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Neighborhood: East Austin

🍶 Watertrade
Slip through the side door of Otoko and you’ll find Watertrade, a Japanese-style speakeasy with 20 seats, low light, and meticulous cocktails that feel like ceremony.
The design? Minimal and mood-driven — glowing wood, soft shadows, and soundtracked serenity.
📍 2201 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Neighborhood: South Congress|

🧩 Red Headed Stepchild
A code-only doorway marked “Floppy Disk Repair Co.” Inside: neon lights, wild drinks, and chaotic charm. Austin’s weirdest speakeasy—and that’s saying something.
📍 119 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown

🍸 Midnight Cowboy
Velvet booths, hidden doors, and martinis that whisper “old Austin.” Book ahead—this 6th Street hideout feels like time travel with better lighting and stronger drinks.
📍 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown

🎪 Justine’s Brasserie
If the Mad Hatter opened a French brasserie in a velvet circus tent, this would be it. Oysters? 🔥 Impeccable. Steaks? NYC-level serious. The vibe is weird in the best way.
📍 4710 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
Neighborhood: East Austin

🍷 Red Ash
Book way ahead (like, now). Handmade pasta masterpieces + a killer wine list = totally worth it. Pro tip: sit at the bar for max fun 🍝🍾
📍 Colorado Tower, 303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown

🐷 Rollin Smoke BBQ
Posted up at Chalmer’s (one of the coolest sports bars around), this snug BBQ window serves up smoky pork sandwiches, tacos, and ice-cold frozen G&Ts. Big game on the screen, brisket in hand—what more do you need?
📍 1700 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Neighborhood: East Austin

⭐ La Barbecue
This no-frills BBQ counter is turning heads with Texas-style smoked brisket, pulled pork, and sausage—all courtesy of chef Ali Clem. Michelin-level BBQ in a chill outdoor setting? Yes, please. 🍽️🌟
📍 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Neighborhood: East Austin

🌊 Lady Bird Lake (The River), Austin
Everything revolves around the river here — and we love it. Paddleboards? Available right at the hotel. Want a show? Sunset kayak tours glide past the famous bat bridge, where thousands of bats take flight nightly. 🦇🌅

The river is Austin’s mirror — glassy, green, and alive with paddleboards, kayaks, and laughter echoing off the bridges. Locals glide past skyline reflections, dogs nap on docks, and sunsets turn everything copper. It’s less a landmark, more a lifestyle — equal parts energy, serenity, and effortless Austin cool.

☀️ Barton Springs Pool
Tucked inside Zilker Park, Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool that feels like the city’s collective heartbeat. Cold, clear water, sun-drenched lawns, locals sprawled on towels. You’ll see swimmers, musicians, yogis, and daydreamers — a laid-back, effortlessly cool Austin ritual where time slows and everything feels golden.

Pro Tip: In the summer, book the Boats and Bats mega paddle board tour. You’ll cruise through Barton Springs' crystal waters, then stop off at a floating party island — think DJs, beers, and a full-blown flotilla vibe. 💦🎶🍻

Austin hums with creative energy — live music, river swims, rooftop tacos, and design-driven everything. It’s sun-soaked, effortlessly cool, and always a little weird in the best possible way

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