Matt's El Rancho, Austin

National GeographicSep 25

Austin, Texas: The College Town That Became a Metropolis but Kept Its Soul

With its boisterous UT football games, brisket worth standing in line for, great vintage shops, and legendary live music scene, the capital of the Lone Star State scores highly with students and ...

Famed for strong margaritas and Bob Armstrong Dip

25 things in this story

Barton Springs PoolSightOutdoor pool that stays chilly year-round
Congress Avenue BridgeSightWatch Mexican free-tail bats emerge at dusk
Lady Bird LakeSightMan-made oasis with ten miles of paved trails
Terry Black’sRestaurantOld school barbecue with picnic tables and beer
Continental ClubBarFounded in 1955 on buzzy South Congress Avenue
South by SouthwestFestivalDebuted in 1987, later diversifying into film and tech
Austin City LimitsFestivalLive music festival launched in 2002, held in October
University of Texas TowerSightTallest building in Austin for 35 years after 1937
Capitol BuildingMuseumOffers free daily tours highlighting terrazzo floor and agriculture room
Bullock State History MuseumMuseumOffers significant insight into Austin itself
LBJ Presidential LibraryMuseumLearn about the man himself and take a look at the chapters and defining moments of Lyndon B.
Blanton Art MuseumMuseumCollection includes contemporary American paintings and Latin American sculptures
Broken SpokeRestaurantHonky-tonk dance hall open since 1964
ACL Live at the Moody TheaterSightVenue where the Austin City Limits show is filmed
Antone'sNightclubBlues focused venue
Allens BootsSightCowboy boot store on South Congress
Devil's Details BoutiqueSightJewelry and accessories boutique in a stone bungalow
Texas Memorial StadiumSightHome football stadium with tradition, fireworks, and drone shows
Franklin BarbecueRestaurantBest barbecue, sells out by 11 a.m.
Matt's El RanchoRestaurantFamed for strong margaritas and Bob Armstrong Dip
UchiRestaurantNontraditional Japanese with a Texas twist
Powder RoomBarSmart cocktail lounge
Hole in the WallPubCampus adjacent dive bar slinging shots since 1974
Scholz GartenPubServing beer and hosting performances since 1866
Driskill HotelHotelGrand Romanesque Revival building with Western touches

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Matt's El Rancho

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Austin, Texas: The College Town That Became a Metropolis but Kept Its Soul