IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD | Austin – Billy Reid

The Austin City Guide

In our series, In Our Neighborhood, we’re taking you on a journey through some of our favorite cities. Cities where having a shop has resulted in building a community of neighbors that we now get to call friends. In the series we’re sharing where to eat, stay, and play. First up? The heart of Texas. Welcome to Austin!

Olamaie

TO EAT

Our friend, Chef Michael Fojasek, is a good friend to have. He's a great guy, bursting with talent, and the executive chef and owner of the award-winning Austin hot spots Olamaie, Little Ola's, and Maie Day. You won't get a bad meal at any of his places, but we have a soft spot for Olamaie – Michael's first restaurant and an Austin must. With a farm-to-table approach and an ever-evolving menu, you'll experience some of the best Southern dishes.

Food Trucks

TO EAT

Austin has no shortage of food trucks. But what might shock you is just how good they all are. It’s hard to pick a favorite with so many and a truck lot in almost every neighborhood, but if we had to recommend a single spot - we’d point you to Cosmic Coffee and Beer. Grab a coffee and a bite in the morning for remote work and switch gears to a cocktail when the clock chimes happy hour. It’s a laid-back, buzzy atmosphere.

The Roosevelt Room

TO DRINK

Located in the heart of downtown in Austin’s historic Warehouse District is The Roosevelt Room. A moody, approachable, award-winning cocktail bar perfect for cocktail connoisseurs or those just looking for a good time. Our favorite drink of choice? Death Valley. It features Topo Chico (an Austin staple), Absinthe, and lime juice. Simple yet sublime.

Justine's

TO DRINK

Come for the wine, stay for the vibe. A quintessentially “Austin” award-winning spot with a cheeky atmosphere, suburb French cuisine, and a rather extensive wine list. We like it all, but there’s something special about a Saturday night, a big glass (or two) of red, and an order of Justine’s Moules Frites.

Texas Playboys Baseball Club

TO DO

When in Austin, Billy always tries to get some time in with the Playboys and his friend (Playboys founder), Jack Sanders. Founded in 2006, this rag-tag baseball team of artists and adventurers are the undisputed leaders of the Sandlot Revolution. The Playboys are fun, a bit wild, and pretty damn good. Try to catch a game at The Long Center while in town – you’ll be glad you did.

Keith Kreeger's Studio

TO DO

Our friend and ceramacist, Keith Kreeger, makes his studio on the Eastside of Austin. Keith creates limited-edition porcelain ceramics and dinnerware. In fact, he fashioned the dinnerware for our Shindig No. 8 dinner, as well as all of the dinnerware for Olamaie (mentioned prior). He also boasts a few light fixtures that live within SOHO House Austin. Visit his website for more and be sure to schedule a studio appointment to score some one-of-a-kind pieces.

Billy Reid South Congress

TO DO

We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend spending some time in our shop located at 1202 S. Congress Ave. The shop makes its home in one of the oldest buildings on South Congress, and its historic charm is unmatched. Explore the neighborhood, visit with our shop team, enjoy our curation of art and antiques, preview our latest collection, and let us pour you a drink if you’re so inclined.

SHOP MEN SHOP WOMEN

The Continental Club

TO LISTEN

Another favorite of Billy’s? The award-winning Continental Club. This historic club situated on South Congress is the self-proclaimed “granddaddy” of all local Austin music venues, and we’d be inclined to agree. It’s played host to legendary artists and up-and-comers alike, but it always maintains quality and good vibes. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the neon sign… and a few hot rods parked out front.

C-Boy's

TO LISTEN

Although the newer little brother to the Continental Club – C-Boy’s comes with its own unique vibes, personality, and is making a name for itself - all by itself. A neighborhood juke joint that hosts live music and top-notch talent seven nights a week – it also features a Japanese GI-inspired bar - The Jade Room. But our favorite part of C-Boy’s is timing it just right and catching our friends THEBROSFRESH on stage. Frequents of this hot spot and an undisputed good time with a funky sound.

The Line

TO STAY

It’s all fun and games in Austin until the bartender issues the last call. So when it’s time to rest your head - we’d recommend a night at the The LINE. Situated next to the beloved Lady Bird Lake, it’s a beautiful spot with a historical past - once home to a jazz club that broadcast live on local radio in the 1960s. You’ll experience great food, drinks, service, and rest. And PS - all hotel guests at The LINE Austin will receive a Billy Reid VIP card for use at our Austin location.

Bunkhouse Properties

TO STAY

Bunkhouse Properties hosts a whole slew of Austin hotels that we love dearly, so we felt it best to include them all. However, one of Billy’s personal favorites would be Hotel Magdalena. His favorite part? “The simple yet chic rooms done in that signature Liz Lambert style.” Other honorable (and award-winning) Bunkhouse mentions include: Hotel San José, Hotel Saint Cecilia, Carpenter Hotel, and Austin Motel. Each spot is unique and memorable – in the best way.