Check out this savvy woman’s guide to the best sights, meals and more.
By Elizabeth Ucles
Breakfast at 24 Diner ($15 to $20)
Start your day with a classic breakfast at Austin favorite 24 Diner. The popular breakfast spot is bound to have a bit of a wait, so get your place in line and stroll next door to Waterloo Records to pass the time. Once it’s time to choose your breakfast meal, you can’t go wrong with the breakfast platter or fried-egg sandwich. But if you’re craving something a bit sweeter, the French-toast platter is a must. And don’t worry about your caffeine fix. 24 Diner has all the coffee you need, from the standard drip variety to cold-brew coffee and even chai lattes.
24 Diner
Open 24/7
600 N. Lamar Blvd.
512.472.5400
Rent a bike or scooter ($7.50)
Once you’ve recovered from a post-breakfast food baby, rent a scooter by downloading the Bird app or rent a bike at Barton Springs Bike Rental, and ride around Lady Bird Lake or downtown while soaking up some sun. The least expensive bike at Barton Springs Bike Rental costs $7.50 per hour. Some of the best sights in Austin can be seen for free from the seat of a bike or scooter. Austin’s various bike lanes and trails make this experience easy, fun and worthwhile.
Barton Springs Bike Rental
Open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1707 Barton Springs Road
512.480.0200
Lunch at Dee Dee ($14)
Head to East Austin for a Thai lunch at Dee Dee, a food truck located just off East Sixth Street. The wide-ranging Thai menu is full of delicious and filling (and sometimes very fiery) meals that hit the spot. The pad kaprow, a spicy stir-fried pork dish with a fried egg and fried basil, is a fan favorite. If you’re sensitive to spice, order the dish with “spice down.” Order a Thai iced green tea to cool off. For the amount of food and quality, Dee Dee’s prices are hard to beat.
Dee Dee
Available for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday
2500 E. Sixth St.
Walk around historic East Austin (Free)
After lunch, explore East Austin and the various Instagram-worthy murals. Noteworthy murals include the “You’re My Butter Half” mural on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the “’Til Death Do Us Part” mural on East Seventh Street and the “Let’s Band Together” mural on East Sixth Street. This list from do512.com provides a good roadmap.
Dinner at El Tacorrido with a view (about $9)
You can’t spend a day in Austin without some authentic tacos. Located in a variety of spots throughout town, including in South Austin, El Tacorrido has a variety of reasonably priced tacos made fresh to order. Whether you’re craving tacos, tortas, gorditas or quesadillas, this drive-thru and pick-up taco shop will not disappoint. If you need a little pick-me-up, the El Equinox iced horchata, served with a shot of espresso at El Tacorrido, will definitely put some pep in your step. After you’ve picked up your food, drive to the Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360 and nosh your tacos while the sun sets over the water. You can’t beat an Austin dinner with a view.
El Tacorrido
Open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight
2316 S. First St.
512.912.1939
See a show at Cap City Comedy Club (Ticket prices vary, but some shows cost as little as $7.)
End your day in Austin on laughing terms. Austin-based Cap City Comedy Club has performers hitting the stage almost every night. After more than 33 years, the comedy club’s raving reviews definitely confirm you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
Cap City Comedy Club
8120 Research Blvd., Suite 100
512.467.2333