Looking like my +1 and I may be visiting Austin in Feb for a few days. Want to check out the local music scene and see friends. I've already checked on some places for live music (particularly blues), but any recommendations for can't miss places, restaurants and sights would be appreciated. Also a nice B&B downtown if you know of one - is the Mansion at Judges' Hill good? Thanks!

 

I cannot help in regards to the B&B recommendation, but between these two sites you should find some blues information.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...c=Austin%2C+TX

http://www.austinbluessociety.org

 

I've been in touch with the Blues Society. Got some good info from them. Thanks.

 

Well, our trip is set for Feb 7-11. Got lots of great recommendations for stuff to do/places to see. Now I need some for good restaurants. I'll be checking out reviews, but some from y'all would be nice, too. We'll be staying downtown Austin.

 

Chuy's
Torchy's Tacos
Salt Lick BBQ
Hoover's
Shady Grove
Truluck's
Eddie V's
Z Tejas

All but the last few are casual, but have great food and a local vibe.

 

If you're looking for the best/fun restaurants in Austin, here's my list:

1. Salty Sow (off of Manor Rd. just east of I-35)
2. Lamberts BBQ (2nd and Guadalupe downtown)
3. Musashino sushi (off Loop 1 aka Mopac just south of Anderson Ln).
4. Contigo (near Airport Blvd)
5. Ruby's BBQ (near Guadalupe off of 29th St.)
6. La Condesa (2nd and Guadalupe or very close to it)
7. Justine's (east Austin)
8. Sway (off of South First just north of Oltorf)
9. Uchiko if you don't mind spending ridiculous money (off Lamar near the Ferrari dealership)

All the places Chris mentioned are great, but if you're going to make the trip here, you might as well try these.

Personally, I think staying downtown is a bit touristy. If you want a great B&B you can try this one north of downtown in Hyde Park (http://www.theadamshouse.com/). There's some cool places to eat and check out nearby like Antonelli's cheese shop, ASTI (Italian restaurant), Dolce Vita (coffee/sorbet/liquor) and Quack's (bakery).