Erin & Ben

What to Do

We're so excited to have you in Austin!

Here are a few of our favorite places to eat, get outside, hear music, and explore while you’re in town.

A note for wedding week: SXSW Music Festival runs March 15–21, so Austin will be extra lively. There will be concerts and events throughout the city; some require a badge or wristband, but many unofficial shows and parties are free or separately ticketed. Check SXSW Schedule, Do512 SXSW, and The Austin Chronicle SXSW guide for event details closer to the date.

Nature & Outdoors

  • Zilker Botanical Garden — A beautiful, peaceful 28-acre botanical garden near Zilker Park and Barton Springs. We got engaged here!
  • Barton Springs Pool — A classic Austin spring-fed swimming pool near Zilker Park.
  • Lady Bird Lake Trail — Easy walking, running, and skyline views right through the middle of town.
  • Zilker Park — Austin’s big central park; great for a casual walk or picnic.
  • Mount Bonnell — A quick climb with one of the best views of Lake Austin.

Nice Dinners & Reservations

  • Red Ash — Our favorite fine-dining Italian spot in Austin, known for handmade pasta, wood-fired steaks, and a lively, special-occasion feel. Book early.
  • Aba — Incredible Mediterranean food with standout dips, mezze, kebabs, seafood, and cocktails. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and extremely shareable.
  • Odd Duck — Creative, seasonal Austin food in a relaxed but special-feeling setting. A favorite of Ben’s.
  • North Italia — Modern Italian restuarant known for its handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh, seasonal dishes. One of Erin’s favorites.
  • Canje — Bold, vibrant Caribbean food in East Austin, with incredible jerk chicken, pepperpot, curry, cocktails, and big celebratory flavors. A true Austin standout.
  • Uchi — Austin’s iconic sushi and Japanese-inspired fine dining spot. Also check out Uchiko and Uchibā.

Barbecue & Smoked Meats

  • LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue — Michelin starred modern Austin barbecue with creative smoked meats and excellent sides. Highly recommended, but get there before they open.
  • Franklin Barbecue — The famous brisket pilgrimage; go early and expect a line.
  • Terry Black’s Barbecue — Classic Central Texas barbecue near downtown; very visitor-friendly. Not quite at the level of LeRoy and Lewis or Franklin, but still great, and an easier way to experience good Austin BBQ.
  • Loro — Casual Asian smokehouse from the teams behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue; great patio and group option. A favorite of Ben’s.

Casual Austin Favorites

  • Veracruz All Natural — Beloved breakfast tacos; the migas taco is a classic.
  • Torchy’s Tacos — Austin-born tacos; get the queso. We think they have the best queso in Austin!
  • Via 313 — A go-to Austin spot for thick, square, Detroit-style pizza.
  • Phil’s Ice House — Erin & Ben’s favorite fast burger spot in Austin: casual, local, kid-friendly, and perfect for an easy burger, fries, and shake.
  • Cabo Bob’s — Big burritos and bowls with fresh-pressed tortillas.
  • Bird Bird Biscuit — Flaky, buttery biscuit sandwiches from a beloved Austin favorite.
  • Kerbey Lane Cafe — Austin diner standby for pancakes, queso, and comfort food.
  • Amy’s Ice Creams — Local ice cream classic with unique flavors and several locations around town.
  • Mozart’s Coffee Roasters — Lake Austin coffee shop with great views, desserts, and a classic Austin feel.
  • Radio East — Erin & Ben’s first date spot, with coffee, drinks, food trucks, and a laid-back Austin vibe.

Fun Around Town

  • Alamo Drafthouse — Austin-born dinner-and-a-movie institution; a great low-effort option if you want to catch a film, order snacks, and relax. You can’t properly complain about the new ordering system if you’ve never been.
  • Congress Avenue Bats — Around sunset, watch Austin’s bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Around 1.5 million bats live under the bridge during peak season. March is early in bat season, so sightings can vary, but it’s a classic Austin experience if they’re flying.
  • Cidercade — Big arcade on Lady Bird Lake with unlimited free-play games after admission; fun for groups, dates, and low-stakes hanging out.
  • Blanton Museum of Art — UT’s major art museum, with a strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.
  • LBJ Presidential Library — Presidential history, civil rights, the Great Society, and a look at 1960s America on the UT campus.

Planning Tips

  • Make dinner reservations early (months in advance if you can), especially during SXSW.
  • Expect more traffic, crowds, and rideshare demand downtown.
  • Check hours before heading to pools, parks, barbecue spots, or live shows.
  • For barbecue, earlier is usually better. We try to get there before they open, even when it’s not SXSW.