East Austin, just east of downtown across I-35, is where many visitors go for Texas barbecue, East Sixth Street nightlife and murals. Visit Austin calls it arguably the fastest-growing neighborhood in the city, with new restaurants and shops alongside long-established community history. Visit for food and a more local feel; expect lines at the most famous barbecue spots.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Barbecue, craft cocktails and bars on East Sixth, murals, and learning about East Austin's African-American community history |
| Trade-offs | Popular restaurants can have long waits or sell out; neighborhood is spread out, so plan rides; ongoing development means businesses change often |
| Distance | Adjacent to downtown; many visitors reach it by rideshare or bike |
| Getting around | Walkable in clusters (such as East Sixth) but not as a whole; CapMetro serves the area |
| Nearby | Downtown, Rainey Street, Mueller |
What to see and do
Visit Austin lists East Sixth Street as a popular nightlife district with bars, restaurants and music venues, and names Suerte (Mexican cuisine with a patio on East Sixth) and la Barbecue (brisket and other meats smoked over oak; 2401 E. Cesar Chavez St.). Franklin Barbecue, whose chef-owner Aaron Franklin also opened Uptown Sports Club, is a widely known Austin barbecue destination listed by Visit Austin.
Visit Austin also points to East Austin's role in the city's African-American community through walking tours, exhibits and music, and to murals across the district. The Texas Craft Brewers Festival is among the events it associates with the area.
Practical notes
Barbecue restaurants can sell out when the meat runs out. Check each restaurant's own website or social channels for current hours, ordering rules and reservations before you travel; this guide does not publish prices or hours because they change. For a broader food overview see the restaurants guide.
Our assessment
East Austin rewards a half-day built around one meal and one walk. Combine a barbecue lunch with a mural walk, then head to East Sixth for the evening.