East Austin

 

Holly and East Austin are energetic and exciting neighborhoods located just one mile away from Downtown Austin. Holly has been described by Time Out as Austin’s coolest neighborhood and one of the top 25 coolest areas in the world. Both Holly and East Austin offer an eclectic array of hip restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots.

 

Holly and East Austin are two of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Austin, and both have attracted lots of new development in recent years. Both neighborhoods feature broad tree-lined streets with classic single-story homes alongside larger new residences and contemporary condo developments.

Holly and East Austin are diverse and dynamic neighborhoods with a growing reputation as two of Austin’s hippest destinations. Holly is located along the Colorado River directly south of East Austin. These neighborhoods combine a great choice of trendy businesses with convenient access to Downtown Austin and recreation on the river.

Holly and East Austin offer a wide-ranging array of excellent restaurants. Located along Holly’s East Cesar Chavez Street, La Barbecue’s delicious brisket, pulled pork, and sausages have won over celebrity diners, including Beyoncé, Jay Z, and Justin Timberlake. Mr. Natural is another popular spot on East Cesar Chavez for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free baked goods and health foods. The nearby Juan in a Million has been a local favorite for Mexican breakfast and lunch plates since 1980. Other East Cesar Chavez Street highlights include sour mash craft beer at Blue Owl Brewing and the innovative vegan food truck Counter Culture. 

On Holly Street, Launderette has won rave reviews for its global small plates, delicious desserts, and great cocktails. In a city famous for its Tex-Mex, East Austin’s Suerte stakes a serious claim on the most delicious Mexican dishes in all of Austin. Bar and food truck combos are a signature of East Austin’s dining scene. The quirky Japanese spot Domo Alley-Gato is one of the best examples of this hip dining style, serving stiff highballs and cocktails alongside katsu curry and other flavorful eats. Inside a beautifully designed historic pharmacy, Hillside Farmacy offers thoughtful farm-to-table comfort eats and cocktails. 

 

Austin’s abundance of live music is a big part of the city’s appeal. The patio at Whisler’s frequently hosts live performances while patrons enjoy handcrafted cocktails, beers, and wines. The Historic Scoot Inn has been in business since 1871, making it the oldest continuously operating bar in Central Texas. This unique venue offers shows from some of the best up-and-coming indie acts. Holly and East Austin’s off-beat selection of independent retailers includes the handmade goods boutique Take Heart and vintage clothing treasure troves Charm School Vintage and Treasure City Thrift.

Located along Holly’s scenic Colorado River waterfront, Edward Rendon Metro Park is an attractive green space featuring an open-air swimming pool, BBQ grills, and a children’s playground. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center features four exhibition galleries exploring African-American history in Texas. The museum also has two rotating art galleries, a children’s exhibit on African-American scientists and inventors, classrooms, conference rooms, and a 135-seat theater.

Holly and East Austin are served by the Austin Independent School District.