Austin City Guide Logo

2nd Street District

4.6 1434 votes

214 Guadalupe Street

(512) 745-8413

Visit Website
About Gallery Map Featured

Loretta Adams Last updated on Sep 04, 2024 by

Take a stroll through Austin’s 2nd Street District and enjoy what this section of the city has to offer. Within walking distance from Congress Avenue and The Captiol and filled with great shops, restaurants, and more! They say "where Texas warmth meets Austin Cool" and you’ll find just about anything your heart desires in this area. Scroll down to find recommendations for the best dining, shopping, and activities (and a full directory list at the end).  



2nd Street Dining 


Bar Chi Sushi
At Bar Chi Sushi you can enjoy delicious cutting edge Japanese cuisine at a competitive price, be sure to take advantage of their daily happy hour specials featuring discounted appetizers, sushi, maki rolls, cocktails and $1 robata grill skewers. Take a glimpse into Bar Chi Sushi.

La Taverna
The first restaurant to open in Austin's 2nd Street District (underneath the AMLI building on 2nd and Lavaca), La Taverna has a way of pulling you in off the street! But it's not just a neighborhood restaurant for AMLI residents, the quaint atmosphere and selection of Italian dishes is enough to keep anybody coming back.

Uchiba
This is Uchi’s cocktail bar extension of the restaurant family. You can now dine on superior sushi and high quality cocktails at the same stop. You’ll find familiar favorites from the Uchi menu as well as a selection of yakitori grilled items, Japanese whiskey, and more.

Hestia
Feast Like a Goddess


One of Austin’s top fine dining restaurants, Hestia is a prime place for a celebration or romantic dinner. They specialize in wood fired food and well curated wine. Named after the Goddess of Hearth and Home, this restaurant creates an elevated atmosphere while maintaining the comfort and warmth of the family fireplace.

Torchy’s
This is a classic Austin spot that has spread now nationwide. If you’re looking for a quick bite that will still satisfy your foodie cravings, Torchy’s Tacos will definitely delight. Don’t miss our trying the famous Trailer Park (and if you are a cheese lover tell them to “make it trashy”).

Jo’s Coffee
Another Austin staple that will make your wandering more wonderful with a genuine cup of jo! Originally found in Austin’s other famous shopping district, SoCo, Jo’s has now opened other convenient locations throughout town. Try their tasty Iced Turbo or make it half sweet with a Belgian Bomber.  
 



2nd Street Shopping 


Toy Joy
A World of Wacky Wonder


More than just a toy shop, Toy Joy has been providing Austin with the best gifts and entertainment that a store of its kind can offer since the 80’s. Truly exemplifying Austin’ rich and weird culture, with their own unique spin. Here you can find practically any type of toy, game, or gift you could ever need.

Yummi Joy
The sweetest spin off we could ask for. Yummi Joy takes the same sentiment as their mother store and plays it out through candy. If you need a fix, this place is a palace filled with sweet treats. You are likely to see products here you’ve never seen or heard of, along with vintage classic candies and modern mouth watering morsels.

Sneaker Politics
These are 2nd Street’s sneaker guys. Here you can find reliable, high quality, in style fashions. More than just shoes, this store also offers a comfortable atmosphere, cool merch, and fun events to attend with DJs, contests, and more! Run to Sneaker Politics and buy your next favorite pair of kicks.

Austin Rocks
Whether you are a resident or just visiting for a while, everyone eventually needs a good gift to share with someone special in your life. 2nd Street is a great place to go and Austin Rocks is a hip music based gift shop. Find fun and comfortable merch here from Austin City Limits and more!

Wild About Music
Austin is the live music capital of the world so of course we have the only art gallery/gift shop that revolves entirely around music. Wander to Wild About Music and shop around the original art, instruments, apparel, and more. They have been running for 25 years and even have some resident shop cats to pet while you explore!

Love, Tito’s
Another huge Austin claim to fame is that we are the home of the beloved Tito’s Vodka. Head to this outlet to find a Tito’s theme paradise with a leather clad lounge, Tito’s themed gifts, and vodka (of course). This branch of the company was created around community support, charity, donations, and other forms of philanthropy. Tito’s is dedicated to making Austin, and the world, a better place to drink! 



2nd Street Activities 


Upstairs Circus
Sit, Sip, Stitch, Splatter, Sing, and Smile!


Cocktails and crafting, what more could you ask for! Upstairs Circus is a wildly fun way to celebrate a special occasion or just to cool off inside while you roam 2nd Street. Here you’ll find all of the paint, wood, and materials you need to create a beautiful and/or useful piece to take home. You get to pick a project from a huge list of leather work, wall art, wood, jewelry, and they even have a collaboration offer with Sneaker Politics where you can design your own Nike AF1s.

Violet Crown
This is a local owned cinema that features new releases, indie, foreign and documentary films. An elevated movie theatre experience where you can enjoy gourmet food and drinks as well as cool new films and events. You can view popular new movies here along with specialty films that you won't find at the big theaters. The bar and restaurant are run and stocked by well loved local vendors and the movie line up is sure to impress.

ACL Live
One of the most famous activities in Austin is attending a concert or show at Austin City Limits Live. Get tickets to popular artists and bands, comedians, and special nights and enjoy a night of entertainment in a legendary venue. There is not a bad seat in the house at this venue so whether you're on the floor or in the balcony, you’ll have a fabulous night.

Austin Public Library
This is not your average public library. Austin’s downtown branch has multiple stories of fun and free things to do. Roam to their different sections and spend some time exploring what they have to offer. More than reading you can listen to music, print 3D designs, eat and drink at the cafe, enjoy the incredible lakeside views, and more! Each floor has a different purpose and theme and they even have a huge kids zone where children can play.

Milk + Honey
Pamper yourself with a trip to the spa. Milk + Honey is famous for their high quality spa treatments and other services. You can get relaxation packages, salon services, as well as medspa treatments. They offer a luxury setting and reliable staff that will ensure you leave feeling beautiful and refreshed.

Shoal Creek Trail
Another free activity that you can access in this area. Four miles of trail along Shoal Creek that you can pop in and out from the lake all the way to Hyde Park. Whether you need a small stroll after a delicious meal or some adventure and exercise, Shoal Creek Trail is a quaint and quiet escape from the city. 



Full List


 01 Local Foods
 02 Numero28
 03 Austin MacWorks
 04 The Well
 05 Bonobos
 06 Violet Crown Cinemas
 07 Barry’s Bootcamp
 08 La Condesa
 09 Lacquer
 10 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
 11 Orangetheory Fitness
 12 Urban Outfitters
 13 3TEN ACL Live
 14 ACL Live
 15 Trace
 16 Starbucks
 17 AMLI Downtown
 18 Taverna | Baci Room
 19 Jo’s Coffee
 20 Cru Food & Wine Bar
 21 Upstairs Circus
 22 sweetgreen
 23 Drybar
 24 [solidcore]
 25 BarChi Sushi
 26 SEV Laser
 27 RedFarm
 28 Bill's Oyster
 29 Apothetique at Finley’s
 30 Cathy’s Cleaners
 31 Finley’s Barbershop
 32 Royal Blue Grocery
 33 Which Wich
 34 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
 35 Love, Tito’s
 36 Blue Dot Furniture
 37 milk + honey Spa and Salon
 38 Lamberts
 39 Toy Joy
 40 Yummi Joy
 41 Indochino
 42 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
 43 Sushi Bar (Coming Soon)
 44 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
 45 Austin Rocks
 46 III Forks
47 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
48 Kind Body
49 Luxe Apothetique
50 Mugsy Jeans
51 Stella Dallas
52 NEW TENANT COMING SOON
53 Sneaker Politics
54 Sunglass Hut
55 Eliza Page
56 Hemline
57 SUGARED + BRONZED
58 Francesca’s
59  United Apparel Liquidators
60 RIDE Indoor Cycling


Featured Things To Do in Austin

© Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.