"Fresa's Chicken al Carbon is an Austin-owned restaurant serving charcoal-grilled, locallyraised chickens, freshly prepared tortas, salads, sides, homemade ice creams, aguas frescas , anda selection ofbeer and wine. The family-style meals feature the highest quality pasture-raised birds from Vital Farms. Either marinated in achiote and freshly squeezed citrus or rubbed with fresh oregano and cracked pepper, the chicken is grilled slowly over hardwood charcoal and served with house-made tortillas, rice, beans, and fresh salsas. Don't leave without orderingthe cajeta churros for dessert!"

"This impressive modernist building, designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft, houses the legacy of the 36th president of the United States of America. Central Texas native Lyndon Baines Johnson was one of the most colorful and powerful men in the history of the state of Texas. This 10-story library was dedicated in 1971 and contains 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos, and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Johnson's long political career, during which he was involved in highs and lows includinglandmark achievements in civil rights as well as U.S. military action inSoutheast Asia. The library also features exhibits in collaboration with other institutions that touch on other parts of Texas and U.S. history."

"Find smoked meat worth waiting for at this Austin trailer and picnic table setup. Whilestanding in line, keep your fingers crossed that therewill be brisket left when you reach thecounter, as each party in front seems to orderpounds and pounds of barbecue.The pink smoke line runs deepin the brisket, and you can taste it in every bite. The pulled porkis also delicious. It's hard to squeeze side dishes in, but the cheese gritsare worth that extra effort, and if you have room forpie, order it."

"In this modern age of Spotify, iTunes, and Pandora, record stores often seem sad and bitter places. Not so Waterloo, where music lovers—both staff and customers—celebrate the art. Bands playing Austin come in for in-store performances and signings, and you may recognize a few famous faces browsing the new and vintage vinyl and CD sections. As expected at a record store, the staff have big opinions but are friendly, and can help you navigate the 6,400-square-foot space. A highly recommended, if dangerous (prices are very reasonable but the desired objects are many), shopping stop."

"Celebrated Austin restaurateur Larry McGuire (Jeffrey’s, Perla’s) turned his passion for style and design into a second career when he purchased this retail brand. With locations on hip South Congress and near the Whole Foods flagship, By George sells chic clothes for men and women (think brands like Our Legacy, Protagonist, and Jenni Kayne). The home-goods section of the store gives the chance to outfit your dining room (oak bowls, scented candles), pamper your four-legged best friend (plush, round dog beds), and, since it’s Austin, broadcast music anywhere in your house with a speakerdesigned to look likeaclassic Marshall amplifier. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a pop-up from alocal restaurant."

"It might be a part of the Colorado River—a man-made reservoir carved out of the river in 1960—but everyone calls the body of water bisecting Austin Lady Bird Lake. On hot summer days, scores of walkers and joggersmove alongthe lakeside paths through nearby Zilker Park, but you can also take to the water by canoe, kayak, water bike, or stand-up paddleboard. You can't swim here, but the left fork (heading west) in the river will take you to Barton Springs Pool, a popular Austin hangout,where you can splash in the water to your heart's—and body temperature's—delight."

"Texas summers are hot! When the heat hits, the people of Austin flock to the Barton Springs Pool to cool off and chill out. The $8 summer entrance fee(for nonresidents)buys you a whole day of fun. Get your hand stamped for reentry if you need to head out to hit one of the many restaurantsalong Barton Springs Road (food anddrinks are not permittedat the springs). The pool is popular year-round because the water temperatureremains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). The people-watching at the free-spirited pool is spectacular, and you can count on hearing acoustic music and drumming on the lawn."

"Want to get thatsmall-town-ice-cream-shop feeling in a big city? Head to Lick forfresh and unique seasonal ice cream. With each lick of your cone, a new complexity of flavor is revealed. Ice cream hereis made with only wholesome ingredients, most locally sourced, andis free of high-fructose corn syrup,artificial colors or flavors,and preservatives.A double scoop—Caramel Salt Lickatop Pecans & Cream—is highly recommended."

"The tiny cocktail bar Small Victoryopened in a sequestered nook of a parking garage (you read that correctly), replacing divey Mike’s Pub. Mike’s undoubtedly had its fans, but finding cocktails made with such care and so little pretense is pretty popular too. The bar, in a narrow, shotgun spacethat's all low lights and exposed brick, was the brainchild of a couple of bar veterans who apply their experience andcreativityto Small Victory. Asmall food menu that includes a great selection of cured meats and cheesesmeans you don’t have to wander off for a bite after your second Manhattan."

"You'd never know that the little house near the Texas State Capitol building was a restaurant, andits inside resemblesa tony private residence.Chef-owner Michael Fojtasek—named one of Food & Wine 's 2015 Best New Chefs in the restaurant’s first yearof operation—hascreated a menubased on refinedSouthern dishes. Chilled melon gazpacho with crab salad, elevated ambrosia with granita, hoppin’ John, and grapefruit icebox pie are just a few of the dishes that blend Texas and the South to stunning results."

"Part of keeping Austin weird means you might end up eating a five-star meal in an old gas station and laundromat. The 10-foot paintings of speakers aren't the only things that blow your mind. The food is delicious—especially the fried olives and pimento cheese to start. Brick chicken is a crispyand juicy specialty of the house, and anytime you throw a burger on challah we're in. Don't forget to pick up a six-pack of beer from the bodega that shares a parking lot: It offers a great selection and is open late!"