Driving through Austin: 10 places to check out along Riverside Drive
Spanning from Butler Shores just west of Lamar Boulevard to Greenwood Cemetery just past U.S. 183, Riverside Drive winds through a diverse portion of Austin south of the Colorado River. The drive passes by notable arts and entertainment spots worth checking out. Here are 10 places to visit when traveling down the six-mile road:
202 S. Lamar Blvd.
Technically the address is on South Lamar, but the theater borders the western starting point of Riverside Drive. Between the local productions and national touring shows that come to town, there’s an event for everyone’s interest.
201 Lee Barton Drive
The nine-hole golf course is open every day until nighttime and offers gear rentals, snacks and beer at its clubhouse. Dogs are also allowed during certain hours.
900 W. Riverside Drive
Previously (and still colloquially) known as Auditorium Shores, the nearly 50-acre park comes complete with a small parking lot, restrooms, water fountains and open grassy fields on the water. Dogs are allowed to roam leash-free on the western edge, and the park has direct access to the hike-and-bike trail. Known and loved by locals.
301 W. Riverside Drive
The historic restaurant built next door to the late Armadillo World Headquarters serves up southern food, drinks and a healthy dose of nostalgia for Austin’s historic music scene. The venue continues to host live music performances.
Norwood Estate Dog Park
1009 Edgecliff Terrace
At just under two acres, four-legged friends have plenty of space to roam, run or just sniff around. The park is broken into two areas, with a section set aside for small dogs. A fountain provides fresh water, and there are multiple waste disposal stations on site.
1911 E. Riverside Drive
The taco trailer landed on American-Statesman food critic Matthew Odam’s list of “taco all-stars.” In his words: “In a town full of al pastor tacos, this is one of the best.” It’s not uncommon to see a long line, but these tacos are worth the wait.
1505 Town Creek Drive
Located just north of Riverside Drive, the 24-hour coffee shop also offers drinks on tap, including a healthy selection of flavored liquors infused in-house. The shop hosts community events and multiple food trucks on site.
2015 E. Riverside Drive
The concert venue may not be downtown anymore, but it’s kept the same energy and continues to draw crowds with everything from rap to yes, emo music.
6100 E. Riverside Drive
If you’re looking for a fun eatery, this should cover a lot of bases. The menu features traditional Mexican snacks and food like elote, fruta rayada and tortas as well as classics like burgers and ice cream.
RELATED: 5 places in Austin to find elotes, mangonadas and other Mexican street foods
7207 E. Riverside Drive
The food trailer gives customers a lot of food for their buck. And don’t forget to bring your bucks to this cash-only joint serving Honduran staples like baleadas, tajadas and pupusas.