Artsy, trendy, young, and hip: what more would you expect from the part of town that’s home to a toy-nostalgia museum and a cat café? This vibrant part of town—from the south bank of Lady Bird Lake to Airport Blvd north, and 35 and Springdale to the east and west—maintains a charming weathered grit from its earlier days, which still shines through in the graffiti murals, hole-in-the-wall bars, bodegas, and piñata shops. Closer to downtown is indie millennial favorite East 6th Street, lined with nightly music venues and dive bars of every taste, from 60s retro, to honky tonk to tattooed biker joints—all complete with outdoor patio picnic tables and late-night taco trucks. You’ll find some of the most authentic Mexican fare Austin has to offer here, in local favorites Juan in a Million, Las Cazuelas, and more. If you’ve got time, stand in line for Bill-Murray-approved Franklin BBQ. For something a bit more low-key—and culinary inspired—head slightly north to foodie heaven at Manor Road, for farm-to-table Eastside Café, El Chilito, or top-rated breakfast tacos and micheladas at Mi Madre’s for a perfect hangover cure. Whether it’s fixie bike culture and loud, live music you’re craving, or just a laid-back yoga-coffeehouse café like Cherrywood, you’re sure to find just what you need on the East side.
You’re never far from Austin’s best greenery here. From Lady Bird lake and the Hike and Bike trail just minutes away, to neighborhood parks like Keeling, Rosewood, and Boggy Creek, this is the perfect area for joggers, dog-parents, and all nature lovers alike. If you’re craving cool relief from the hot Austin sun, take a dip at Secret Beach just behind the Roy G. Guerrero Park.
East Austin sure knows how to have fun, but it’s also a popular part of town for sought-after living. The colorful bungalows of the Holly and Govalle neighborhoods offer front-row access to Lady Bird Lake and the constant nightlife of E 6th St and downtown. The modern apartments on Manor Road or the shady streets and Craftsman-style homes in quieter neighborhoods like Cherrywood and Mueller are perfect for families, young professionals, or anyone who wants to have it all—serene living and easy access to all the fun. No matter where you choose to make your home in East Austin, there’s a good chance you won’t want to leave.