Austin Favorites

Things are about to get weird for the Shookman’s…because we’re moving to Austin! After 6 years in Chicago and a lifetime of midwestern winters, it’s time to fly south – for good! I’m excited to trade in my snow boots for the kind cowboys wear and Moose doesn’t know it yet, but he’s living for the days he can lay belly up in the sun, beached whale style. More to come on what’s bringing us to Austin (a girl can’t divulge all her secrets at once), but in the meantime, I’m sharing my growing list of Austin favorites — food, fitness and fashion spots. Read on for the full list and help a newbie Texan out – share some of your favorites in Austin!

I was just taking a trip down memory lane, scrolling through my Insta feed reminiscing about my time in Chicago and lo and behold – almost three years ago exactly, I posted a photo from our first trip to Austin with the hashtag, #whencanimovehere? Little did I know that I’d make that pondering a reality just a few years later. On that trip, Jeb and I fell in love with the freedom of biking along Lady Bird Lake (which isn’t even a lake, but that’s Austin for ya) and the thrill of hunting down the best Tex Mex in the city (current front-runner: Chuy’s). Since then, I’ve taken a half dozen trips to Austin, but have barely scratched the surface. All I know, is I’m gonna like this place.

To set the record straight, I’m by no means an Austin expert. However, my husband can attest to my obsessive nature for finding the best of the best when I travel to new places. FOMO, is my biggest fear. And working in food innovation, means it’s literally my job to hunt down what’s trending and what’s worth the hype. So drumroll, here it is, my top 10 in food, fitness and fashion in Austin.

Austin Top 10

1.) But First, Coffee at Picnik
Or really, just about anything at Picnik will give you that breakfast fix. From the butter coffee to the golden milk matcha latte (shown above) to the Siete breakfast tacos and gluten-free avocado toast (also shown above), you really can’t go wrong. Picnik is known for their butter coffee though, which is a blend of organic coffee, grass-fed butter and MCT oil that is creamy and has major staying power, without a caffeine crash. Food-wise, get there early since once they’re out, they’re out. Personal favs are the chorizo frittata and avocado toast (a half order was perfect with a butter coffee). Everything on the menu is gluten-free, corn-free-peanut-free and soy-free for anyone with allergies. And the scene at the South Lamar food truck is quintessential Austin – rustic wooden trailer with an attached patio and space heaters for those rare 50-degree mornings. There’s a standalone restaurant too, but I’ve yet to venture to that neck of the woods.

2.) Then Let’s Taco ‘Bout Tacos at Veracruz
It’s high praise for a Chicagoan who just got back from Mexico to say…literally, these are the best tacos I’ve ever had! This food truck is conveniently situated next to Radio Coffee & Beer in South Lamar. At first I was appalled by the hour-long wait on a Saturday afternoon, but there was plenty of coffee and beer to keep us company while we waited. And the wait – so worth it. I ordered the Migas Originales (shown above) and La Reyna on the house-made corn tortillas. Both of these breakfast tacos were exploding with the fixin’s. The Migas was a creamy crunchy mix of eggs, tortilla chips, Monterey jack cheese, tomatoes and avocado – the texture was like the best crunch wrap you’ve never had. La Reyna was brimming with egg whites and the kitchen sink of vegetables – mushrooms, carrots, spinach, bell peppers and avocado mixed with melted Monterey jack cheese. I’m drooling just reminiscing about these tacos again. 

3.) After We Eat, We Crush It With some HIIT
Austin is one of the fittest cities according to Shape magazine, so I knew I’d find some killer workouts and studios in the city. One that I go back to every time I’m in Austin is Crush Fitness, a high intensity interval training workout that alternates between treadmill drills and weight-based exercises on the floor. I went big the first time I visited the studio, signing up for the 75-minute class on a Saturday morning after indulging a bit too much during my food explorations earlier in the week. The dark room with red lights added to the intensity…and also allowed for some anonymity. If you’ve been to a Barry’s Bootcamp or Shred415, the format will be familiar. While the “red room” may look intimidating, you can make the workout as intense as you want – you control the speed of the treadmill and choose the weights. Good for all levels and a spot I look forward to checking out on the reg – plus, Picnik is a scooter ride down the road. Just sayin’…

4.) Back to Ridin’ the Sugar Wave at Gourdough’s
The donuts at Gourdough’s can be defined as fried art with some Texas sass. This donut truck is anything but just another Airstream on South First. The donuts are fried up fresh with inventive flavors and cheeky names like Blue Balls (shown above) and Dirty Strawberry. My favorite: the Blue Balls – donut holes with a crispy exterior drowning in blueberry filling and blue cream cheese icing. Hubs preferred the Dirty Strawberry – a donut bathed in chocolate and grilled strawberries.

5.) Worth the Venture for Vegan Milkshakes at Milky Way
If you’re on campus, this food truck parked behind the Spider House won’t be as much of a trek. If you’re not, it’s worth the trek. The shakes are made with a blend of almond and coconut milk, making them 100% vegan and still 100% delicious (and yes, this is coming from a dairy-loving Wisconsin native). The shakes have psychedelic flavors like Oreo Borealis (mint, fudge, Oreos and glitter star sprinkles) and Violet Beauregarde (blueberry, lavender, meringues and a candied violet, shown above). The edible glitters and house-made meringues are totally Insta-worthy, but even if they weren’t so pretty, I’d make the journey again.

6.) Wholly Portabella Bun at Wholly Cow Burgers
When I visited Austin in January, I was on Day 25 of Whole30 and was dreading eating salads all weekend long, but dedicated to finishing out the challenge. Then, I came across this gem – a Paleo/Whole30 burger made with grass-fed beef between two portabella mushrooms buns and gushing with mustard, lettuce, tomato and pickles. It made all my Whole30 dreams come true. The joint is situated in a totally divvy convenience store, but don’t let the facade fool you. This might be the best hidden gem in Austin.

7.) Then I Was Mesmerized By Donuts Again at Voodoo Doughnuts
While walking down 6th Street, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the pink exterior of Voodoo Doughnuts. What can I say? I have a weak spot for donuts and bright colors. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the turnstile at the counter with a rotation of cereal, sprinkle and candy-coated donuts in all shapes and sizes (yes, there was one the size of a small pizza). I went for the fruity Viscous Hibiscus with black sprinkles, but had my eye on the School Daze PB&J for next time (a raspberry jelly filled yeast donut topped with peanut butter and a side dip of crushed peanuts).

8.) If I Still Fit in My Clothes, I’ll Probably Buy Everything at Austin Rocks
I happened upon Austin Rocks, a clothing shop on 2nd, on my way to dinner one night at La Condesa. It’s always dangerous when I have time to kill before a reservation with shiny objects sparkling in clothing store windows. Like this rainbow skirt that absolutely HAD to come home with me, especially when paired with a neon yellow wire knit sweater. The store has an eclectic array of music-inspired t-shirts, over-sized sweaters, artsy dresses, skirts and jewelry that will inspire you to put together unexpected outfits.

9.) The Best Southern Biscuits at Fixe
It’s funny how something as simple as a biscuit can be mind-blowingly good. Like at Fixe Southern House, where the biscuits are golden and buttery on the exterior and arrive soft and warm on your plate. They’re paired with lightly whipped butter, house-made jam and local honey, but honestly they don’t need much to melt in your mouth. The whiskey cocktails are also note-worthy, so I just might make a thing of biscuits & whiskey.

10.) When Your Heart Wants to Dance and Your Body Wants to Bike, RIDE
This former spin instructor definitely felt at home at RIDE Indoor Cycling in downtown Austin. Even at 6am it felt like an all-night rave during the 45-minute rhythmic ride. For those looking for a more performance-driven ride with stats to validate, Flywheel is probably more your speed (and some days, mine too). But if you just want to feel the beat and ride with everything you’ve got, this is the place to be.

This Midwesterner is reeling with excitement about making Austin home – especially if finds like this are just the start of the fun. Got other recos on food spots, fitness studios and places I should hit up? Help a sister out because this newbie is rolling into Austin in two short weeks!  What are your Austin Favorites?