Back in the good old days, the city of Austin wasn’t even allowed to build skyscrapers taller than the capitol building. When nearly 150 people started moving here a day, changes had to flash in a blink of an eye. You can’t breeze down I-35 anymore, and you’re hard pressed to find an affordable town home. If you look hard enough, though, you’ll find a few gems from Austin’s past scattered around the city. These are 7 places where you can still experience old Austin.
- The Cloak Room
Shawn R./Foursquare This covert little bar was built in the 1970s and it’s full of intrigue. Tucked away in a unique historic building west of the Texas State Capitol, this underground speakeasy was home to several scandals in the ’80s. Politicians loved coming here for an after-work beer, and it’s rumored that several under-the-radar deals were made within these walls. The Cloak Room sits at 1300 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701. To learn more about its storied past, read our feature article here.
- The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse
The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse/Facebook When you dine at Hoffbrau Steakhouse, you aren’t just experiencing a juicy, buttery steak. You’re also soaking up a bit of Austin’s history. This little diner has stood in this same spot for nearly 90 years, which is no small feat for a city with such a rapidly changing real estate market. Come where the food is plentiful and the beer never stops flowing. The original Hoffbrau Steakhouse is located at 613 W 6th St., Austin, TX 78701. To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Dry Creek Café & Boat Dock
Dry Creek Café & Boat Dock/Facebook Austinites have been enjoying Dry Creek Cafe’s friendly atmosphere and cold brews for decades. Whether you’re watching the sun set on the deck or listening to Willie Nelson play over the jukebox, you’re sure to be in good company at this local watering hole. As the outside world swirls with change, Dry Creek Cafe sticks to its roots. This local joint is located at 4812 Mt Bonnell Rd., Austin, TX 78731.
- Deep Eddy Pool
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons Deep Eddy Pool is the perfect place to unwind. This man-made swimming hole is the oldest one in Texas and features a Depression-era bathhouse. The refreshing waters are slightly warmer than Barton Springs, making it super easy to cannonball into. Deep Eddy Pool is located at 401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin, TX 78703. To learn more, read our feature article here.
- Scholz Garten
Counse/Flickr Scholz Garten has been a part of Texas history since 1866. In fact, General Custer used to dine here! Today, it’s a popular spot to celebrate a UT Longhorn victory, watch presidential debates, and catch a live band. Scholz Garten is located at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.
- Hill’s Cafe
Hill’s Cafe/Facebook Savor the flavors of old Austin at Hill’s Cafe. This cozy eatery has been in business since 1947, and they serve some of the best chicken fried steaks in town. Come for the southern comfort and stay for the live music. You can enjoy a slice of the good old days at 4700 South Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78745.
- Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery
Antone J./Foursquare Satisfy your late-night donut cravings at Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery. Unlike most bakeries, this Austin business opens at 7:30 pm. Fresh, hot donuts can be yours until midnight every day of the week. Come see why this place has been a local favorite since 1948. Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery is located at 4909 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751.
What are some other places that take you right back to old Austin?
Shawn R./Foursquare
This covert little bar was built in the 1970s and it’s full of intrigue. Tucked away in a unique historic building west of the Texas State Capitol, this underground speakeasy was home to several scandals in the ’80s. Politicians loved coming here for an after-work beer, and it’s rumored that several under-the-radar deals were made within these walls. The Cloak Room sits at 1300 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701. To learn more about its storied past, read our feature article here.
The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse/Facebook
When you dine at Hoffbrau Steakhouse, you aren’t just experiencing a juicy, buttery steak. You’re also soaking up a bit of Austin’s history. This little diner has stood in this same spot for nearly 90 years, which is no small feat for a city with such a rapidly changing real estate market. Come where the food is plentiful and the beer never stops flowing. The original Hoffbrau Steakhouse is located at 613 W 6th St., Austin, TX 78701. To learn more, read our feature article here.
Dry Creek Café & Boat Dock/Facebook
Austinites have been enjoying Dry Creek Cafe’s friendly atmosphere and cold brews for decades. Whether you’re watching the sun set on the deck or listening to Willie Nelson play over the jukebox, you’re sure to be in good company at this local watering hole. As the outside world swirls with change, Dry Creek Cafe sticks to its roots. This local joint is located at 4812 Mt Bonnell Rd., Austin, TX 78731.
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons
Deep Eddy Pool is the perfect place to unwind. This man-made swimming hole is the oldest one in Texas and features a Depression-era bathhouse. The refreshing waters are slightly warmer than Barton Springs, making it super easy to cannonball into. Deep Eddy Pool is located at 401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin, TX 78703. To learn more, read our feature article here.
Counse/Flickr
Scholz Garten has been a part of Texas history since 1866. In fact, General Custer used to dine here! Today, it’s a popular spot to celebrate a UT Longhorn victory, watch presidential debates, and catch a live band. Scholz Garten is located at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.
Hill’s Cafe/Facebook
Savor the flavors of old Austin at Hill’s Cafe. This cozy eatery has been in business since 1947, and they serve some of the best chicken fried steaks in town. Come for the southern comfort and stay for the live music. You can enjoy a slice of the good old days at 4700 South Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78745.
Antone J./Foursquare
Satisfy your late-night donut cravings at Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery. Unlike most bakeries, this Austin business opens at 7:30 pm. Fresh, hot donuts can be yours until midnight every day of the week. Come see why this place has been a local favorite since 1948. Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery is located at 4909 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751.
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