Hello!

I'll be in Austin this weekend for a convention, staying at the Hilton (downtown on 5th St.) I've read that there's a lot going on on 6th Street. Can anyone recommend restaurants within short walking distance of the Hilton? I'm looking for casual, fun places, nothing expensive. Oh, and I'm a vegetarian, so no steakhouses or seafood places, please.

Also, are there any laid-back bars you recommend in this area? (read: no frat-boy beer-guzzling rowdy places). Doesn't have to be fancy, just a good place to have drinks with some friends.

Thanks in advance,
Carol

Hi CarolM,

First, if you are not looking for frat boy, beer-guzzling places then Sixth Street is not for you!

I would recommend you go to the Warehouse District instead (Fourth Street). I recommend Saba Blue Water Grill, Malaga, and Cedar Street Courtyard. All are right next door to each other. For laid-back beer and pool atmosphere, try Ginger Man, also on Fourth.

Can't help you with a strictly veggie restaurant close to the Hilton but Saba has really good shareable plates and lots of those are veggie only, I think. Definitely get the spring rolls!!

If you want to experience a great Austin tradition, go to Esther's Follies (on Sixth Street). It's a vaudeville/comedy/magic show and it's awesome!! Make reservations.

Also, the restaurant at the Hilton, Finn and Porter, is really good.

AustinTraveler, thank you SO much for your recommendations. I went online and took a look at Malaga (didn't even need to go further... lots of veggie stuff on their online menu) and these places look great. Thanks for the "warning" about 6th Street.

One thing: do you know if these places are walkable from the Hilton (on 4th between Red River St. and Neches St.). On the map it looks like it's about 5 or 6 blocks... but not sure about the size of an Austin block! (Not like a long NYC block, I assume...)

Thanks again!
Carol

I liked south 4th Street (Warehouse area mentioned), South Congress and South Lamar. I'm not that familiar with vegetarian places. I'll check with my daughter who goes to law school at UT.

CarolM, to me it's totally walkable. Downtown Austin isn't big at all! Also, wanted to mention Whole Foods. Lots of great vegetarian options there and it's an awesome place. The headquarters is here in Austin so the store is extra big and special.

I hope you have a great time!!

Sounds great. I'm glad downtown isn't too big... sounds like an easy walk, then. The warehouse district sounds perfect, and I don't have to find strictly vegetarian places... I can usually find something to eat in most places.

Whole Foods is a great thing... we have several here in my area (South Florida), but I heard about the headquarters being in Austin, and I'd love to see the huge version! Thanks for your replies.

Whole Foods is fantastic. That's agreat tip for a Vegitarian. There'a a small chain in Austin called Kerbey Lane Cafe, that has quite a few vegetarian options. One is just north of downtown near the UT campus. Our daughter took us there for lunch last August and it was very good.