Austin Essentials
Where to Stay
Former fire station, Firehouse Hostel, has the perfect downtown location and private rooms as well as bunks. The stylish lounge is all red walls, flickering candles and bespoke cocktails. The entrance is quirkily concealed behind a sliding bookshelf.
Inn at Pearl Street is a lovingly restored property, decorated in a plush European style. Rooms are across two buildings, Victoria House and Burton House.
Hotel San José is the vision of local hotelier Liz Lambert, who revamped a ’30s-vintage motel into a chic retreat with minimalist rooms, a bamboo-fringe pool and a courtyard bar that’s known for its celebrity-spotting potential.
The Know-How
Meals on wheels – Food trailers are a permanent fixture in Austin – even if they can move around at whim. Clusters of these can often be found in these spots:
South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery. This seems to be a rather settled trailer community, with a fence, a sign and picnic tables. Look for Torehy’s Tacos, which whips up some of Austin’s best.
1503 S 1st St. You’ll find a cluster of food trailers, such as Gourdough’s, which serves gourmet doughnut combos, including a doughnut burger.
South Congress Ave. Between Elizabeth and Monroe, there are lots of food options, including the decadent Hey Cupcake!
East Austin. There’s a little enclave, conveniently located among the bars on the corner of E 6th and Waller Sts. Five blocks east is East Side King, serving excellent Thai (dinner only).
