There is nowhere in Austin like the SoCo neighborhood on a sunny day. Excellent dining establishments, stylish pubs, trendy stores, and live music venues. Live music is a must. Read our guide to the area and start exploring if you’re unsure of what to do or where to find the best dining places, art galleries, or book stores on South Congress Avenue.
Top 8 Things To Do in South Congress Austin
The perfect embodiment of Austin’s distinctive vibes can be found in South Congress, which combines eccentric and fashionable elements.
Some of the city’s most popular hotels, stores, art galleries, and restaurants may be found in Austin’s South Congress area, sometimes known as “SoCo” to locals. Although there are some quiet areas as well, it is a walkable, stylish, and obviously popular area.
- Go to South Congress Books and Discover New Books
South Congress Books may not have the sheer number of, well, volumes that Austin’s famous Book People hosts, but it nevertheless guarantees an intimate setting where voracious readers can locate worthwhile works. Since 2011, it has become a fixture in the community and offers a remarkable collection of first editions. Classical literature, ancient philosophy, and strange conspiracy theories are all included in the inventory. A variety of old posters and other pieces of art are also available at the shop. The staff is quite knowledgeable about their stock and can guide a curious consumer toward a unique book that will appeal to all tastes.
- Embrace your inner child at Monkey See, Monkey Do
Searching for a potentially obscene gag gift? As long as you have a wicked sense of humor and a serving of nostalgia for the ’80s and ’90s, Monkey See, Monkey Do has you covered. While most of the toys in the store are intended for adults, some are not. You’d have a hard time finding another store nearby that sells tin Star Wars lunchboxes from earlier decades, plus there is a ton of vintage action figures. If toys aren’t your thing, Monkey See, Monkey Do also carries a wide selection of oddball books, clothes, and magnets.
- Go to a Nice Dining Place
Looking for some of South Congress’s top eateries, stores, and works of art in the Austin area? Consider visiting South Congress, a hip area of Austin that keeps getting better and better every year. The Boulevard is progressing thanks to recent additions of upscale shops and exquisite restaurants. The perfect embodiment of Austin’s distinctive vibes can be found in South Congress, which combines eccentric and fashionable elements.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar can easily be called the best restaurant in South Congress. Hopdoddy is not your typical burger restaurant. The burger joint is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser because it offers a vast assortment of beef, chicken, fish, bison, and plant-based burgers. The several options for French fries are my personal favorites on the menu. There is a French fry for everyone, whether you want creamy truffle parmesan or crispy sweet potato.
- Look at the Brilliant Street Performers
Austin is well-known for its music and art, and there, many creative people welcome unconventional audiences and settings. Amateur performers have a fantastic opportunity to display their own talents during South Congress. Beat poets, mimes, living sculptures, musicians, dancers, and other performers are just some of the gifted people who frequently line the streets. Their presence contributes to the joyful and lively vibe that permeates South Congress. Few will ever charge, but it’s polite to give them a few bucks.
- Visit the Dog Art Gallery
Yard Dog Art Gallery now offers a wide range of works from artists all throughout North America, as opposed to its earlier focus on southern American art. It has been the location to buy art on South Congress since 1995. Reg Mombassa, Jon Langford, and Camp Bosworth are among the artists whose work is in the collection. The gallery is constantly looking to expand its list of artists, and will even take entries that are sent in by mail. The gallery is free to see, but purchasing anything could result in a large expense as many of the works cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Have some Amy’s Icecream
Amy’s Ice Creams often voted as Austin’s greatest ice cream vendor, offers thousands of constantly-changing flavors that lure customers in. It has swept the state and moved to Houston and San Antonio since debuting in 1984. An enjoyable cone pairs wonderfully with a stroll down the main street at the South Congress location, where there is never a shortage of customers. Amy’s is frequently open past midnight, usually shutting at or near that time.
- Eat Some Good Pizza At Home Slice Pizza
Few Austin residents will challenge Home Slice’s hegemony when their weekly (or daily) appetites for pizza strike. If that weren’t proof enough of its appeal, Home Slice actually has two neighboring shops, the first of which is a dine-in pizzeria and the second of which, appropriately named More Home Slice, is more of a take-out establishment. Genuine New York-style pizzas are available at both locations, along with calzones, salads, sandwiches, wines, cannolis, and cheesecakes. There is no finer restaurant on South Congress to grab dinner because of its gigantic pies, which measure 18 inches (46 cm) for large ones.
- Go to the Herb Bar
The Herb Bar has been in business since 1986 and is a cozy, ivy-covered store selling a wide selection of essential oils, tinctures, and other natural health and body care goods. Here, among the thoughtfully curated (and delightfully aromatic) assortment of locally produced astrological art, handcrafted cards, Texas flower essences, sunscreen, and hair care products, you’ll probably discover the ideal souvenir.
Conclusion
The largest entertainment, shopping, and tourism street in Austin are South Congress, and it has a long history. When a new bridge was constructed and streetcar lines were extended across the river in 1910, it was initially paved with concrete. Since then, it has continued to develop into what it is today. If you are planning to visit South Congress, then don’t forget to have some fun and look into the activities mentioned in this article.
