East Sixth · East Cesar Chavez · Holly · Unsplash @whaleitsjessica
Know Your Corner · Neighborhood I
East Austin
Late-night tacos, craft cocktails, dive-bar bookings.
Late-night tacos, craft cocktails, dive-bar bookings.
The east side is where Austin still sounds like Austin. Marquee taquerias share blocks with backyard mezcal bars, and the best show of the week is usually in a room that holds eighty people. It's the neighborhood most likely to eat up your whole night — in a good way.
Roughly: East Sixth from I-35 out to Chicon, down through East Cesar Chavez and the Holly. Park once, walk everywhere.
The picks we actually send friends to.
Fermín Núñez's East Sixth flagship. The suadero tacos — confit brisket, house-nixtamalized tortillas, black magic oil — have a deserved cult following.
James Beard winner Edgar Rico's heirloom-corn taqueria. Duck carnitas and beet tostadas that convert skeptics.
Suerte's sunlit sibling — oysters, ceviche, tuna tiradito. One of Bon Appétit's best new restaurants when it opened, still cooking like it.
Detroit-style squares with crisped cheese edges. The move after (or before, or during) a show.
Mezcal, tequila and sotol with taco trucks parked out back. The back patio swallows entire afternoons.
Look for the lit-up duck. Lively patio, espresso martinis, and a speakeasy upstairs.
Wander East Cesar Chavez and Holly for an ever-rotating open-air gallery — bring a camera, go at golden hour.
The self-described bar-and-daycare-for-adults runs karaoke Tuesdays plus DJs and live sets all week.
Suerte to Nixta to the La Holly trucks is a walkable triangle. Pace yourself.
Open seven nights, arguably the best room in town for up-and-coming rock. The Volstead Lounge next door is one of Austin's most danceable clubs.
At Inn Cahoots on East Sixth — live music Wednesday through Sunday in a garden setting.
Start at La Holly's back patio around 5. Tacos from the trucks, one round of sotol, then walk to Hotel Vegas for whoever's playing. Zero reservations needed, best night on the east side.