Austin’s skyline might be getting taller, but the city’s soul is still tucked into its neighborhoods, back patios, and family-owned shops. If you know where to look, you’ll still find the heartbeat of Old Austin blending with the energy of New Austin—and it’s the best of both worlds.
Some of my favorite hidden gems:
- Cisco’s on East 6th: Open since 1950, Cisco’s is the kind of place where breakfast tacos come with a side of history. It's pure Austin—unpolished, proud, and still slinging some of the best migas in town.
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Donn’s Depot: Housed in an old train depot and packed with character, Donn’s is a live music institution. From swing dancing to piano bar nights, it’s where you feel like you’ve stepped into a story.
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Mount Bonnell at sunset: It’s iconic, sure, but it’s also pure magic—and still free, easy, and every bit as breathtaking as it was decades ago.
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Littlefield’s Tacos + Coffee: Tucked into Tarrytown, it’s the best kind of "new Austin"—laid-back, local, and full of neighborhood charm.
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South First Art Walks: You’ll find original artists, funky boutiques, and some of the best empanadas you’ve ever had (hint: La Ola Pop Shop).
Old Austin isn’t gone—it’s just sharing space with the new energy of a growing city. And honestly? I love that. It reminds me that Austin’s not about buildings—it’s about heart. About places where stories still get written, one coffee, one sunset, one taco at a time.
