South Congress Avenue Attractions & Landmark
Shopping and Dining Districtbetween Riverside and Oltorf Streets
Austin,
TX, 78704
United States
Overview
Cross the river from downtown and enter the wonderful South Congress Avenue District. Browse through its many shops and check out eateries that tantalize the taste buds and the pocketbooks. Check out Uncommon Objects, a wonderful import and knick knack shop, or The Armadillo Market, which carries everything Texas. For the famished shopper, there are more than enough options: Tex-Mex at Guerro's, Fran's Hamburgers, or the eclectic Magnolia Café are all favorites with the locals. Enjoy a cup of coffee or light lunch at Texas French Bread after you browse the retro resale shops along the avenue.This is dumb. Its just a bunch of stupid people yelling out random crap and playing stupid music
I am a native Austinite and this is by far my favorite part of town. Yeah yeah so we have great Tex Mex, out of this world music scene, and a large bar district. The best part is this eccentric, vintage, and wonderful side of town with excellent food (vespaio), clothing, furniture, and you name it randomness (Lucy in Disguise, Monkey Store). I completely disagree with a previous reviewer who claims false "keep austin weird" commercialization. Some of these shops have been here since the beginnging. These stores sell designed clothing from local artists and differ from the mainstream. Austin Motel is amazing in the fact that you can choose what feel you want for a room. First Thursday is the best for live music, local artists, and the most wonderful people. It is the epitome of Austin and let's keep it that way. Austin is a blue dot in a large sea of red.
Okay, it is unique, so you should go. But it is trying REALLY hard to be unique and "different" and thus loses some of its appeal. Newly arrived Austinites will like it, as will travelers, but this is more of the manufactured "weirdness" of Austin. The one place that has been there before the excessive commercialization is Electric Ladyland.
Every First Thirsday of the month around 8 pm, Austinites flock to South Congress. This is an event that can't be missed if you happen to be in Austin at the time. But South Congress is worthwhile any time.
i love visiting south congress avenue. the shops are so unique and personal. last time i left with an awesome pair of shoes, tons of great jewelry and even an antique chair! i shop in lots of cities and south congress is one of my favorite places to find inspiration. the buildings are beautiful too! you can also eat great food in between the shopping.



