Downtown Austin! So many feelings and thoughts about that place. It’s bustling almost all the time these days. It turns into a bit of a ghost town in August when, like the rent, it’s too damn (high) hot, but otherwise the influx of buildings – oh the never ending cranes – businesses and tourists/bach/rette parties.
Walking up and down Congress is fun for the kids as there’s a lot going on; the Capitol is worth a visit and the major arteries that jut off of Congress have their share of sights and sounds worth checking out. But, after all that walking around, site seeing and people watching, you can build up quite the appetite. Or, maybe you’re just in the mood for something downtown to make you feel like you’re in the city!
On the whole, downtown is a bit tougher going for finding kid friendly X, Y or Z since it is a downtown that mostly caters to adults, and young adults with money to spend on drinks and non-kid-friendly food.
Before we hop in a quick note on what we’re defining as “downtown”: Cesar Chavez as the southern border, MoPac as the west, I35 as the East and 15th street as the north.
- Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill – just a great spot to eat, period! And, it’s kid friendly. Moonshine is damn near always packed – good sign – so I’d vote for getting there before peak time as they do not take reservations. It’s located just south of Dirty 6th and far enough away from it that it’s relaxed. The building is super cool (goes back to ~1835 as part of the original Austin settlement), the food is southern (tasty! chicken and waffles!) and kids are welcome! – 303 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
- Galaxy Cafe – located in the western half of what we call downtown, Galaxy Cafe is snuggly situated within a neighborhood, Clarksville. There are a cozy number of businesses in that area that give you bit of the older Austin feel: walkable in this case and chill. The food is affordable, tasty and, if you need it, there’s both a kids and gluten free menu! – 1000 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703
- Whole Foods – a grocery store, you say? Yes! This is one of the nicest grocery stores we’ve been in and we’ve had the good fortune of both living and traveling across the US and abroad. We think it’s worth a visit generally, great people watching, and the food/drink stations are excellent: taqueria, Bar Lamar (draft beer and wine with seating for you and your food as well), Bowie BBQ, juice bar, allegro coffee bar, 5th street seafood, next level burger. It’s all made right there in front of you – 525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
- Amy’s Ice Cream 6th Street – no, this isn’t a restaurant in the pure sense (it only serves ice cream), but who doesn’t need dessert after lunch or dinner (or breakfast…?)? Certainly not you and your family. Family friendly by definition, this is an Austin institution, so support local! The ice cream is quite decadent too; a few options from the past: Texas Dirt Cake, Shiner Bock, Maple Bacon, Zilker Mint Chip, Raspberry Vegan Chocolate, Tito’s the Dude – 1012 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703