A neighborhood located in South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. Also known as SoCo it has been a popular place for its shopping and cultural district for its amazing restaurants, music and art venues, eclectic small retailers and so much more.
South Congress begins at the Colorado River and Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and runs south towards Ben White Boulevard. The area is a border and to the west is the Bouldin Creek. Its humble beginning started in 1850, South Congress Avenue where it has been transformed from a rural country road to the capital city gateway and to the shopping district that is known for today.
In the present day, South Congress has been Austin’s biggest shopping, tourist street, and entertainment and it has a very rich history. If you are visiting Austin, Texas make sure you visit SoCo for its good central “home base” easy access to other parts of the town, and great restaurants to fill up the solid weekend of dining.
Shopping
You can wander up and down the street and stop anywhere for something. There are lots of fun places to shop in SoCo. One of these are:
- Allen’s Boots: iconic store with more than 4,000 pairs of boots on display. Find all your western wear here. Bed Bug Exterminator Austin
- Big Top: a candy store with retro sweets you haven’t seen since your childhood. Limbo Jewelry: pretty handmade pieces and other small souvenirs.
- South Congress Books: used and vintage books. You will find some pretty cool stuff here.
- By George: An upscale apparel boutique with designer items.
- Lucy In Disguise with Diamonds: Austin’s best costume shop. You could wander this place for hours looking at all the elaborate, hilarious clothes.
Dining
Perla’s
An upscale seafood restaurant that is perfect for date nights with your loved ones. Perla’s has a gorgeous outdoor patio with a shaded giant Oak tree with charming twinkling lights.
Otoko
A 12-seat omakase restaurant located at South Congress Hotel. Just pay $150 for tickets and have to purchase ahead of time.
Address: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
South Congress Café
South Congress Cafe is a staple on SoCo, and if it’s your first time in Austin, this is a safe bet for breakfast. Be sure to try their migas or carrot cake French toast.
Central Standard
A new American restaurant with the most beautiful interior. Their very much loved weekend brunch, too.
Address: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
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