Your neighbourhood guide to South Congress in Austin, Texas

Charming yet contemporary, this compact neighbourhood offers visitors a truly Austin experience.

You know a district has worked its way into the hearts of locals when it is assigned a portmanteau nickname. And so it is with SoCo, or South Congress for long. A vibrant cultural hub in Austin, Texas, South Congress offers some of the US city’s best shopping, dining and nightlife and it’s all packed into one eminently walkable strip.

Explore the vibrant cultural hub in Austin, Texas, South Congress. (Illustration: Mike Rossi)

This section of South Congress Avenue, with its unmatched view of the Texas Capitol, has seen numerous incarnations. More recently, its tenure as the city’s main conduit, connecting downtown to the city’s south side over the Colorado River, came to an end when Interstate 35 opened in 1962, leading traffic elsewhere. As a result, SoCo fell deep into its crime era, becoming a no-go zone complete with shuttered storefronts, until the 1980s when enterprising folk saw low rent and opportunities.

Small, unique businesses started to populate the drag, making way for the characterful neighbourhood that buzzes today. While modern architecture and ideas are now part of the fabric and the shopping includes some familiar and not-so-bohemian faces (hello Hermès), the colour and quirk endure, helping SoCo stay true to the city’s unofficial mantra, ‘Keep Austin Weird’.

Home Slice pizzeria is one of the buzzy spots on South Congress Avenue. (Image: Giant Noise and Julia Keim)

Where to eat and drink in South Congress

Out on the patio

Perla’s is the kind of place to while away the afternoon. Despite its position in landlocked Austin, the seafood here is fresh, abundant and an absolute must, and the frozen margaritas add a little extra zest to proceedings. Grab a table on the patio for a front-row seat to the South Congress action. 

Cup of Jo

Jo’s Coffee is an Austin institution and the South Congress location is arguably the most renowned, if only for the Insta-famous street art on the external wall. The I love you so much mural is the work of the cafe owner’s then-partner in what was intended as a public declaration after a lovers’ tiff, so the story goes.

Jo’s Coffee is an Austin institution. (Image: Alison Marlborough)

Moreish Med

When Chicago restaurant Aba landed in Austin in 2020, it came with great expectations. And those expectations are still being met four years on. Mezze-style dining dominates the extensive menu and the setting is just as inviting, in particular the greenery-filled patio. 

Handy find

An Australian in America on the hunt for a decent flat white. A cliché, to be sure. But the fact remains, I really need that flat white.

The cafe makes savoury brunch meals and a mean flat white, to the delight of Aussie travellers. (Image: Jon Scotty)

Mercifully, Two Hands has itself a South Congress outpost. Via its original Nolita locale, Two Hands was a pioneer of the Aussie-inspired cafe scene in New York City. 

Two Hands is an Australian-owned cafe in Austin. (Image: Soleil Roth)

A day out in South Congress

Morning

South Congress is mighty but small, so the perfect day out becomes a choose-your-own-adventure as you duck in and out of shopfronts that catch your eye. Since my day will always start with a flat white, you’ll find me at Two Hands. Café No Sé, Magnolia Café and The Meteor are worthy breakfast alternatives. Then, take a wander past SoCo’s always bright, often quirky murals.

You’re the Yee to My Haw, Willie for President (Nelson, that is) and Love from Austin are among those that illustrate the city’s creative chops.

Nab a spot in Café No Sé at South Congress Hotel.

Afternoon

For those keen to spend some hard-earned cash, Music Lane is a mixed-use precinct fit for retail therapy. Elsewhere, vintage and antique shoppers are particularly well catered for. See ‘shopping there’ for a note on SoCo’s commitment to western wear. When in Texas!

Evening

Austin is revered as the live music capital of the world so it would be remiss to leave the City of the Violet Crown without taking in a performance of some ilk. Enter Güero’s Taco Bar, where live music, hand-shaken margs and lunch in the form of interior Mexican favourites are served. Kick on at the award-winning Continental Club, a historic dive bar hosting live gigs nightly, ranging from country, jazz and swing to rock ’n’ roll and R&B.

Try these tacos from Güero’s Taco Bar. (Image: Richard Casteel)

More ways to explore

For a spectacular sunset, head north towards South Congress Bridge to catch the dramatic night flight of Austin’s beloved Mexican free-tailed bats. From late March to around October, the record-breaking colony (there are an estimated 1.5 million of the little critters right here) puts on a show each evening, first trickling and then pouring out from under the bridge they call home.

The sight is free if you can snare a position on the bridge or a vantage point on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. To elevate the experience, just add water… and a kayak. Rowing Dock offers a three-hour (give or take) Guided Bat Paddle tour, which comprises a six-kilometre round trip on the calm, clear waters of the Colorado River. 

Where to stay in South Congress

Locally designed, owned and operated, South Congress Hotel is an ever-so-stylish nod to its surrounds. The poolside views of Austin’s skyline don’t hurt either. For something a little more playful, check into the beloved Austin Motel, a revamped 1930s motor lodge with character to burn.

Chill out around South Congress Hotel’s pool.

Where to shop in South Congress

Well, howdy, visitors. It just wouldn’t be a trip to Texas without embracing western wear and South Congress will fit you out good and proper. Allens Boots is a Texan classic. Aisle after aisle, the leather sea of footwear lures tourists and bona fide cowboys and cowgirls alike. Want more boot for your buck? Pop next door and try Tecovas on for size.

Leather boots are on sale at Tecovas.