I’ve loved east Austin ever since I moved to Austin in 1996. It has experienced a lot of growth and change since then. The challenge we face is how to manage the growth without harming what makes it so great in the first place. If you love it too, you can support our current businesses so we don’t lose them. I have provided several links on this page to find out more about local businesses.
East Austin is home to one of Austin’s most impressive redevelopments. Transforming the area surrounding the old Robert Mueller airport, the Mueller development is an award-winning community that is accessible to all income levels. The development includes Dell’s Austin Children’s Hospital, The Thinkery, LEED-registered HEB, single-family homes, townhomes, affordable housing, apartments, retail and plenty of green space with walking trails. It also has one of the city’s best farmers’ markets every Sunday.
A unique partnership between the city of Austin and the Austin Film Society recycled our former airport into a 20-acre film/video production facility with old airport hangars now acting as sound stages. Just more proof we live in one of the coolest towns in America. For tour information and a list of on-site businesses. austinfilm.org.
Restaurants
Hoovers – some of the best homestyle cooking in Austin; Franklin’s BBQ is renown thanks to a little article by Bon Appetit naming it America’s Best BBQ; Veracruz All Natural serves some of the city’s best tacos, no question. It was started by two sisters bringing their mother’s authentic Mexican recipes to Austin. I especially love the El Differente taco; Mr. Natural Cafe has a cafeteria-style vegetarian menu and the store sells fresh-baked breads, cookies and pastries. El Chilito on Manor is a great place for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try the puffy tacos.
Retail
Texas Coffee Traders is an artisanal coffee roaster and local specialist in all things coffee. Since 1994, they have provided the freshest beans and most hospitable service to Austin and the surrounding area with a commitment to sustainability, quality, and community – they give back! Stop by, take a tour, get a cup of coffee or have your espresso machine repaired.
Eastside is also home to the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex or the “Mill”. It’s my favorite place to vote but they are mostly known for their skating rink, bowling alley, basketball courts, movies and arcade. The Texas Junior Roller Derby team trains there on Wednesday nights.
Not to be Missed
The East Side Studio Tour takes place over two weekends in November when hundreds of local artists open up their studios to the public. The caliber of work is impressive and local! Boggy Creek Farm is the farmers’ market to some of Austin’s best chefs and it is a local Austin treasure.
Call me at 512.925.9720 if you need more ideas.