City Guides: Austin, Texas

Macaila Britton

Austin, Texas is an emerging leader in sustainability. While the city is well known for its environmental justice movements and dedication to building more resilient communities, the local government has invested in more sustainability resources to put the area on the map. When locals and tourists visit and utilize the green resources available, this helps spread the sustainability movement beyond certain zipcodes (that’s post codes to us Brits!) or tourism sectors. 

The following are recommendations for anyone looking to include more sustainable and conscious choices in their upcoming itinerary in Austin…happy *sustainable* travels…

Where To Stay


Brava House Bed and Breakfast

Brava House is one of the original Victorian homes in Austin, restored to accommodate travelers looking to experience meaningful moments amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Each room is full of character, heart, and history. The B&B serves breakfast daily and offers guests the opportunity to hear from locals about the best things to do and hidden gems — like Austin’s apparent best cobbler for luxury brands and craftsmanship, alike. Stay at this family-run home away from home the next time you’re in the city. The best part is that if you’re renting a car or bike, there are accessible and free parking spots on the property. Plus, the B&B is a comfortable 10-minute walk from the capitol and other popular destinations. The central location encourages connectivity with nature and makes more crowded destinations — like the Capitol, easier to access by foot, bike, or ride share.

There are refrigerators, microwaves, and reusable utensils in each room/ suite. This helps conscious travelers to make the most of local grocery stores and farmers markets during their trips. 

Travel Tip: Ask the hosts if you could store any food items in their kitchen. They’re incredibly kind people and as long as guests respect their boundaries and rules, we’re sure they can provide a plan to accommodate your food needs and sustainable travel priorities.


Colton House Hotel

The luxury boutique hotel is minutes away from the popular South Congress area. Check into a suite — ranging from studios to one bedroom— and explore the halls lined with pieces curated by local artists. Upon request, the hotel can provide vegan toiletries. Within the hotel is Simona’s—a coffee and cocktail bar— and La Taquicardia, the Mexican food spot. Both offer select vegan and vegetarian menu items. 

Colton House Hotel is a great alternative for sustainable travelers because there are kitchens available in the suites. This allows guests to save on food waste when eating out and to reduce their plastic or single-use waste from otherwise takeout orders. Plus, the hotel provides reusable items needed for cooking and eating.

Where To Eat

Austin has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options.


Fabrik

Fabrik offers 100% plant-based, low-impact cuisine. Alongside Chef Je Wallerstein, Fabrik’s goal is to “utilise as much of each ingredient as possible to reduce waste, and compost anything remaining.” The restaurant sources its produce and other ingredients from local growers and provisioners. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Fabrik’s tables fill up in advance. 


Two Hands

Two Hands is a chic café & restaurant in the South Congress area that offers vegetarian and vegan options. The indoor and outdoor dining options help curate the perfect dining environment. Two Hands sources ingredients from local partner farms in Texas and supports other charitable organizations. 

Uniquely, there is a coffee pick-up window along the side of Two Hands. Many people brought takeaway cups and mugs, which the baristas happily accommodated! 


Neighborhood Sushi

Neighborhood Sushi is a great spot for pescatarians. Also located in the South Congress area, this spot makes a great pit stop to fuel up for a night on the town. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options. The kitchen also tries to accommodate those with nut allergies. Please tell your server any dietary restrictions ahead of ordering and they will guide you through the menu and provide recommendations for your pallet. 

One thing to note is Neighborhood Sushi has a minimalistic vegetarian and vegan selection but it is still worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyable.


JoAnn’s Fine Foods

The best way to describe JoAnn’s Fine Foods would be fine dining meets Hollywood diner aesthetic. The vintage diner and one of the city’s noteworthy buildings— the iconic Austin Motel— was restored and updated to build community and connection one plate at a time. JoAnn’s is centered around a TexMex menu but offers vegan and vegetarian options.  

Where To Drink

From speakeasies to coffee bars, Austin has something that will quench your thirst. 


Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar

Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar is known as Austin’s living room. The family-owned bookstore is located in the historic 140-year-old building outfitted with stories for every reader! Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar serves coffee and tea for those who want a non-alcoholic option. Plus, check out their live music, author events, trivia nights, and more.


White Horse 

Before you leave the Lone Star State, try out two-stepping! White Horse offers donation-based two-step lessons Thursday-Saturdays. No experience necessary!


Inn Cahoots

The four-story boutique hotel has public bars located within the space. For a more intimate moment head to Bar Mischie, where the only  20-seat bar embraces the art of mixology. IYKYK is the rooftop bar with live music backlit by the Austin skyline.


Speakeasy Austin

Speakeasy Austin is a siren for celebrities, literary buffs, and tourists alike. Spread across three levels, there is a unique setting to enjoy the roaring 20s vibe or the serenity of the rooftop view. This venue embodies discovery and the vibrancy of blending old with new.


Powder Room

For a more upscale and intimate speakeasy, head to the Powder Room. Drinks are served table-side and paired with live music that recalls the timelessness of this era. Photos and videos aren’t allowed in this space.


Bennu

The 24/7, fair-trade, and family-owned coffee shop is the perfect spot to sip and stay awhile or fuel on the go. Bennu offers select vegan and vegetarian menu options.

What To Do Outdoors

Austin is an incredibly active community. When asking locals for recommendations or researching what to do, fitness is a popular suggestion. However, Austin is more than sweaty gyms and intense cardio machines!


Austin Ruck Club

The Curator of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Austin hub leads a group of Austinites on a walk while carrying weights. Join their weekly ruck club and learn about how the Global Shapers and partners are spreading climate awareness in the city and finding creative ways to serve the community.


McKinney Falls State Park

This city offers wanderers luscious greenery at the McKinney Falls State Park. Spend the day reconnecting with nature by geocaching, hiking, and bouldering. Or, for a more immersive nature-based trip, stay overnight at one of their 81 campsites.

Where To Thrift

Think of Austin as Texas’ thrifting capital. There are plenty of vintage, designer, and independent maker pieces floating around secondhand boutique stores.


Moss Designer Consignment 

Moss Designer Consignment exclusively features luxury fashion items and fashion houses. From Céline, Chanel, and Hermes to Saint Laurent and Valentino. This secondhand boutique pairs shoppers with their dream designer outfits fit for every occasion. Staff can help shoppers build a wardrobe that goes beyond trends and instead curate a closet full of items that will be reached for over and over again.


Blue Velvet Vintage Clothing

For the past 30 years, Blue Velvet Vintage has been a go-to for vintage finds. This woman-owned boutique was awarded the Best Vintage Store seven times and offers shoppers a chance to bring a sliver of the past into the future, as they wear pieces that will become part of their own fashion history.


Breakaway Records

Breakaway Records is a beloved Austin staple for music lovers. The store “strives to keep the best collection of used 45s in Austin.” So, stop by and expand — or start your music collection.

Where To Co-Work 

For those on a work or hybrid trip, Austin has great co-working spaces. Stop by any of these recommendations for work to feel a little more fun.


Austin Public Library

The rooftop at the Austin Public Library is not only a great view but a great workstation. Plus there’s always something going on in the library and at one of the local cafés.


Impact Hub

The Impact Hub Austin merged with Vuka’s co-working space. Impact Hub is a community of people and organizations dedicated to a “global movement for good”. Rent a desk for the day or call the space at Vuka your headquarters to create positive change.


SoHo House

The members-only club offers strong wifi, locally sourced food and beverages, and cozy workspaces. Plus, their ESG goals and annual reports allow members to see what their dues are helping to support. SoHouse Austin offers non-members the opportunity to book a room at their hotel, pending availability. 

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