Mirella Gonzales, Author at The Austinot

Shrimply the best – Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Austin

August 15, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

With many lakes in Austin, you might be reminded of the ocean and how far away good seafood is. We get it. With the ocean far, it can make you hesitant. So, if you’ve yet to dive into some of the seafood restaurants in Austin, now is your chance, because these are some that are shrimpy the best!

Austin Seafood Restaurants

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Clark’s serves lunch, dinner, and even brunch. It’s one of the upscale seafood restaurants in Austin. The menu has a wide variety of oysters to pick from. So, if oysters are your favorite type of seafood, you’ll have to try Clark’s.

Where: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

Café Blue Downtown Austin

Café Blue is a local favorite for seafood restaurants and oyster bars. There are two locations in Austin, and both have indoor and outdoor seating. On Monday, happy hour is all day.

Where: 340 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Turf N’ Surf Po Boy

Po’Boy is a common seafood sandwich. But Turf N’ Surf serves up more than that. They also serve salads, chicken, and plates that’ll have your mouth watering for more.

Where: 407 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

Kasian Boil

Austin seafood boil is hard to come by. But at Kasian Boil, it’s made for you to order. While they do have the traditional seafood boil, they also sell shrimp bowls and offer family-sized meals so everyone can enjoy.

Where: 13717 Mopac Service Rd #250, Austin, TX 78727

Poke-Poke

Poke in Austin — Image courtesy: Poke Poke

Seafood places in Austin that are independent are sometimes the best. Poke-Poke is a family-owned and operated seafood restaurant. They start every poke with fish and promise that nothing is pre-made.

Where: 3100 S Congress Ave Suite A, Austin, TX 78704

Terry’s Seafood and Chicken

Seafood and chicken… Terry’s has the best of both worlds, that is if someone in your party doesn’t like seafood. The place started as a fish market, but since 1976 Terry’s has been frying and serving up good seafood in Austin at a great price.

Where: 1805 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78702

Da Boot Po-boys Seafood & Soulfood

Seafood sandwhich — Image courtesy: Da Boot Po-Boys

Cajun seafood is the best seafood, there are no arguments about that. Da Boot Po-Boys offers Austin a little taste of New Orleans. If you love cajun and Po-boys then you’ll have to visit this seafood truck.

Where: 4204 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Marisco Grill

Located in a shopping plaza, Marisco Grill is a small and hidden seafood place. If you haven’t guessed by the name, Marisco Grill is a Mexican seafood restaurant. So plan to have a margarita with your meal.

Where: 9515 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Salty Cargo

Seafood in Austin — Image courtesy: Salty Cargo

There are a few markets in Austin. Salty Cargo is located in one of them. This casual seafood restaurant takes Hawaiian staples and gives them an Asian twist. It’s also a bonus that there is a market because they have easy access to fresh fish!

Where: 1700 W Parmer Ln #100, Austin, TX 78727

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking

Salt Traders is an upscale seafood restaurant in Austin. Everything is seafood-centric. This place takes pride in sourcing its fish from the Texas coast.

Where: 2850 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock, TX 78681

As you can see, there’s a lot of places in Austin to get seafood. With the option of seafood markets to fancy seafood restaurants, you shouldn’t be as hesitant now. These seafood restaurants in Austin are worth a dive.

Not a fan of the sea? Check out some of the top BBQ spots in Austin here.

10 Best Austin Parks – Must Visit Recreation Areas

August 13, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

For being a city, the parks in Austin are abundant. With plenty of spacious greenery for recreation or to escape the city, it can be hard to pick which park to visit. Depending on where you are in Austin, one of these parks is bound to not be far, so get ready to hop in your car and head to one!

Parks in Austin

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is probably the most popular park in Austin. After all, it is in the heart of downtown and is over 350 acres big. At Zilker, you can take part in a variety of recreational activities with a horizon view of the city. A few being sand volleyball or biking.

Where: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney State Falls is a Texas State Park. There is a daily entrance fee. However, it’s not that expensive, and there are many things you can do, like hike, mountain bike, or even boulder off the rocky edges! This park is beautiful in the summer.

Where: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744

Pease District Park

Located in central Austin, Pease Park is urban with rich cultural history. Pease Park often hosts community events like luminarium and squirrel fest. Both haven’t happened yet, so check out their website to learn more!

Where: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703

Waterloo Greenway

Waterloo Park closed for a while for reconstruction. But, is now re-open and has free events and programs for anyone who lives in or visits Austin. Waterloo is a park that has art and trails in one space. It’s now one of the best parks in Austin.

Where: 1111 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Walnut Creek Metro Park

Northeast of Austin is where you can find Walnut Creek Park. It’s one of the fun parks in Austin if you like to do a bunch of outdoor activities. There are paved hiking trails with nine creek crossings, better prepare a snack and water!

Where: 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Red Bud Isle

Part of the Austin Parks Foundation, Red Bud is popular for being an off-leash dog park and area to go kayaking or canoeing. It’s one of the best parks in Austin to take your dog.

Where: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746

Harper Park

This park in Austin has an upgraded playground area for the kids. While it’s not as big as the other parks in Austin, it still has plenty for people to do. For example, soccer fields, a trail, and sand volleyball.

Where: Harper Park Dr, Austin, TX 78735

Bull Creek District Park

Bull Creek is part of the Greenbelt in Austin. Its main focal point is the stream that passes through it. So it only makes sense that this park is most known for its recreation on the water and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a cool park to swim at it would be this one.

Where: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Mary Moore Searight Metro Park

This metropolitan park in Austin is a local favorite. At Mary More, there are trails for hiking and even areas to go fishing. There are even horse trails if you feel up for the ride.

Where: 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748

Mabel Davis District Park

Mabel Davis has a pool for the public, basketball courts, and is home to an Austin skate park. That’s right. Mabel Davis District Park rounds out this list by making sure that every park in Austin is as cool as the city.

Where: 3427 Parker Ln, Austin, TX 78741

As you can see, Austin parks offer many activities and a variety of fun for everyone. The parks in Austin are open, while the state parks require a reservation, the public Austin parks don’t. Whenever you feel like going outside, you can visit one of these parks anytime.

Do you prefer lake days? Check out the lakes in and around Austin here!

Best Italian Restaurants in Austin: 10 Best Italian Food Places

July 31, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

Austin Italian Restaurant Enoteca — Image courtesy: Enoteca Austin

It’s no doubt that pizza is automatically categorized as Italian. You may even be a frequent pizza delivery stop for the Domino’s delivery guy. But what about pasta and other carbs that come from the family of Italian cuisine? If you’ve been neglecting the options, check out these Austin Italian restaurants.

Italian Food in Austin

Enoteca Vespaio

Located in SOCO, Enoteca is more than just a Cucina Italiana (Italian kitchen), it’s also a very popular wine bar. This cozy spot is perfect for a Sunday brunch. Or, if you want to get dressed up it makes for the perfect dinner before you hit the streets of Austin.

Where: 1610 S Congress Ave S, Austin, TX 78704

Taverna Austin Downtown | The Baci Room

Italian Food in Austin — Image courtesy: Taverna Austin

Looking for a more laid-back Italian restaurant? Try Taverna Austin. More like a lounge set up, this spot hosts events and live music and serves up bites with their wines. It’s a place to go for a good time.

Where: 258 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Olive & June

Olive & June is located in a three-story building and offers the largest selection of Italian wine in Austin. While it’s an upscale Italian restaurant, the service and taste of the food will have you feeling just like family.

Where: 3411 Glenview Ave, Austin, TX 78703

Johnny Carino’s

If you’re looking for a quick but good Italian restaurant in Austin, check out Carino’s. This place is simple yet knows what good food is.

Where: 9500 S IH 35 Service Rd #2, Austin, TX 78748

Juniper

Austin Italian Resturant — Image courtesy: Juniper

This is one of the well-known Austin Italian restaurants. It can be hard to decide what’s better, the food or the beautiful setting. With homemade risotto or puffy potatoes on a lit-up patio, you might find yourself wanting to book a flight to Italy.

Where: 2400 E Cesar Chavez St UNIT 304, Austin, TX 78702

Juliet Italian Kitchen

Modern and spacious, this kitchen is in the heart of Zilker Park. While Italian food can be fancy, this is a more relaxed experience for those who truly just want some food Italian food in Austin.

Where: 1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

North Italia

North Italia is a top Italian restaurant. The location in the Domain is an enjoyable atmosphere for a delicious meal. North Italia uses fresh ingredients to create each meal from scratch, and they also have beautifully crafted cocktails.

Where: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 124, Austin, TX 78758

Tony C’s Pizza and Beer Garden

Pizza and beer? No need to say anything else. This authentic Italian restaurant in Austin has all the stops. From garlic knots to chicken parmesan, you may not even have room for a cold one.

Where: 2900 W Anderson Ln Bldg B, Austin, TX 78757

Artipasta

Pasta in austin — Image courtesy: Aripasta

The best Italian food is no doubt pasta. Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes. At Artipasta, they offer a wide selection of the best, from long to compacted – discover your new favorite guilty pleasure.

Where: 7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745

The Garden at Ellera

Located in Bee Cave, The Garden is still a great Italian restaurant near Austin. With the option of indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal in any way you’d like. They also offer gluten-free friendly options, that way everyone can get their Italian on.

Where: 12432 Bee Cave Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738

With plenty of Italian food in Austin to pick from, there’s no reason to keep overdoing pizza. Because sometimes the best Italian food is right around the corner from you.

Looking to top off your meal with something tasty? Check out some of the Best Ice Cream Shops in Austin.

10 Best places to take pictures in Austin

July 25, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

South Congress in Austin — Image courtesy: The Honest Shruth

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. But yours could be worth more than that – if you know the best places to take pictures in Austin. Luckily, this list has some of the top photoshoot locations for you to plan a session or grab a quick pic. Get your captions ready because these places to take pictures are worth double posting!

Where to take pictures in Austin?

Zilker Park

If you’re a hippy a heart or just like to keep it natural, check out Zilker Park. It’s over 350 acres of greenery in the heart of Downtown. Here you can snap a shot sitting on the hill with the whole city behind you. Or you can wait until sunset and get a beautiful hue in your photo.

Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78746

Austin Motel

It’s iconic. This swanky motel is surrounded by restaurants and shops. It makes for the perfect Austin backdrop. But what this motel is most known for is its sign, which often changes with fun sayings.

Where: 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Lady Bird Boardwalk

Boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake — Lady Bird Lake boardwalk just below South Shore District

Sometimes a photo by the water is all your feed needs. This boardwalk trails right off Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a casual picture. But try to get to this location early because it’s a favorite for locals and tourists.

Where: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Tav Ceti Mural

mural in austin — Image courtesy: Do 512

Austin is known for its talented artists and weird culture. Many of its buildings have murals. Tau Ceti is the tallest mural and is located downtown. It’s truly one of the best places to take pictures in Austin, especially when the sunlight refracts from the gradient.

Where: E 2nd St &, Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

ATX Sculpture

Another iconic piece located in Downtown Austin is the ATX sculpture in front of Whole Foods. This rainbow-striped piece will let everyone know you’re in Austin.

Where: 5th St and Lamar, Austin, TX 78703

South Congress

South Congress is one of the vibrant neighborhoods. This district is known for the restaurants, shops, and just overall good atmosphere. On this strip, you can find several places to take pictures, go see for yourself.

Where: South Congress, Austin, TX 78704

The Capitol Building

You can tour it. Or just marvel at the architecture by standing outside of it and taking a photo. The grounds around The Capitol are beautiful. If your feed is dedicated to informing people, this would be a great chance to display some Texas history!

Where: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Stubb’s

This Bar-B-Q joint and music venue is a great place to take pictures. Some of the best acts of music have been played here. If you’re into music, then show off that you’ve set foot on the ground of Stubb’s.

Where: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 7870

The Domain

Domain pictures in austin — Image courtesy: The Domain Northside

This modern shopping center has tons of areas for a photo op. From decorated walls of plants or corridors with murals, you won’t even know where to start!

Where: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758

Sixth Street

Known for its nightlife, Sixth Street is full of fun photoshoots. It’s colorful and lively. With tons of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, let everyone know you’re having a good time.

Where: W 6th St., Austin, TX 78703

While the city is big, some of the best places to take pictures in Austin are pretty close. So, if a few of these has caught your eye then try to coordinate the locations out. In case you don’t, know that on almost every corner there’s usually always a place to take a photo.

Need something to fuel your photoshoot? Check out these Austin BBQ places!

10 Best Lakes in and around Austin

July 24, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

Lake Travis Austin — Image courtesy: Do 512 Family

Considering it’s the fourth largest city in Texas, you might be surprised that there are many lakes in Austin. High structured buildings and nightlife usually capture the eyes of many. However, it’s no competition to the natural scenery. Austin has been widely recognized as an eco-friendly city. Visit one of these lakes to see for yourself.

Lakes in and around Austin

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is one of the lakes that flows out from the Colorado River. Most of the shoreline around Lake Austin is privately owned. Luckily, you can still access entry to the shore banks at certain points. And there are two public boat ramps available for use as well. This is a perfect lake if you want to rent a boat for the day!
Where: 1600 Scenic Dr, Austin, TX 78703

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a huge lake. There is no single point of access. That’s why there are many things to do on and off of it. From kayaking, boating, floating in a tube, and more – it’s easy to forget time and spend the whole day on this lake.
Where: 1499 Graveyard Point Road, Lakeway, TX 78734

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird is among the popular lakes in Austin. You’re not allowed to swim or go into the waters of this lake. But there are still a variety of water activities for anyone to try. If you don’t want to rent any sort of paddle or fishing rod, then you can also hike or bike the trails off the shoreline.
Where: 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Mueller Lake

Located in Mueller Lake Park you can find a 30-acre area of greenery. You can’t do water activities on the lake. However, there’s a weekend farmers market with tons of trails to walk or bike on. The trails surround the lake, that way you can still have a beautiful view of it.
Where: 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Lake Lyndon B Johnson

Commonly known as LBJ, this lake allows swimming and fishing. It’s just an hour northwest of the city, which isn’t too bad considering the lake is over 21 miles long!
Where: 1924 Ranch Rd 1431, Kingsland, TX 78639

Lake Marble Falls

Marble Falls Park — Image courtesy: Visit Austin

If you’ve put it together, this reservoir was formed with the help of the Max Starcke Dam. This view is worth the visit, especially that it is only an hour drive from Austin. And if you head to Lakeside Park, you’ll be able to access the Falls to swim, enjoy a game of tennis, or grill out on the BBQ pits.
Where: 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654

Lake Pflugerville

This lake is a part of a park that has a 3-mile trail, playground, pavilion, and more. On the water, you can fish, swim, take a canoe out or even rent a boat for the day! It’s not the largest body of water, but it still makes for a great lake day.
Where: 18216 Weiss Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660

Lake Walter E. Long

Lake Walter sits along a local park too. This greenery features boating, jet skis, even sand volleyball courts, and more. If you’re into fishing, largemouth bass and hybrid bass can be found here.
Where: 6614 Blue Bluff Road, Austin, 78724

Lake Kyle

Kyle isn’t too far of a drive from Austin. Here you can catch and release fish or just enjoy the view.
Where: 700 Lehman Rd, Kyle, TX 78640

Meadow Lake Park in Round Rock

Meadow Lake Park is a large Round Rock community park that stretches across 76.50 acres of land. This park rests along the reservoir, which provides for a beautiful view. The 1.35 miles of trail welcomes runners, walkers, and bikers looking for a stroll or a quick workout. Meadow Lake Park offers a playscape and two horseshoe pits for those looking to get a game in. Other park amenities include a picnic shelter, eight picnic tables, three barbecue grills, and a drinking fountain.
Where: 2901 Settlement Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665

Whew, that was a lot! Remember, most of the lakes in Austin have rental spots or a place to grill out. With plenty of choices in or around the city, you can now plan the perfect lake day.

Did Marble Falls sound like a fun day away? Check out our article on a few parks in Marble Falls here.

10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Austin

July 16, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

Ice cream cones — Image courtesy: Candy Zimmermann via Unsplash

As the capital of Texas, it’s only right that the best desserts can be found all around Austin. When it comes to ice cream shops, there are plenty that’ll make you wish you had gotten a double scoop. From creamy, dreamy, to delicious, these ice cream shops are worth a pit stop.

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Austin Seafood Restaurants

Parks in Austin

Italian Food in Austin

Where to take pictures in Austin?

Lakes in and around Austin

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