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April Fools' pranks in Austin that we almost fell for

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:19:25 GMT

Did you get fooled? Austin-based businesses took the pranks up a notch on April Fools’ Day this year. Here are some of the best ones we saw while scrolling our feeds.

CapMetro Ferry

The folks behind CapMetro brought a new mode of transportation to the table: ferry service across Lady Bird Lake with nine stops along the channel. While it isn’t real, imagine taking the ferry to ACL Festival in the fall.

Post via @ausairport

Armadillo Therapy

Traveling can be stressful, and no one knows that better than the staff at Austin Bergstrom-International Airport. In the spirit of keeping calm Texas-style, this year’s prank was rolling out an armadillo pet therapy program, complete with critters who are skilled in scurrying, tail-wagging, and rolling around. Actually, this one doesn’t sound so bad.

Budget Blend Whiskey

If Still Austin Whiskey’s typical lineup is a little rich for your taste — literally or figuratively — the distillers joked about creating “The Accountant,” a faux blend of whiskey only aged for a year. The spirit has to be aged for at least two years (preferably four) to even be considered bourbon, so it probably wouldn’t be very good.

Fake Plant Society

Not everyone has a green thumb, which makes it hard to build a loyal customer base at The Plant Society, so the owners joked about rebranding as “The Fake Plant Society,” where the plants never die and never need to be watered.

Post via @austinfoodmagazine

Frivolous Food Festivals

If you’re adventurous enough to attend a Liver + Onions Festival with a friend, Austin Food Magazine’s post of fake food festivals might not have tripped you up. We’re going to put a hard pass on Hospital Food Fest, but there might be some potential to School Cafeteria Fest.

Lake Water Latte

Do you ever look at the water in Lady Bird Lake and think ‘that looks refreshing’? If so, you’re not alone. The baristas at Quack’s Bakery debuted a fake Lady Bird latte, which looked... ahem, delicious.

Did you see a prank you liked? Send it our way.

Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:25:00 GMT

Easter eggs aren’t just for kids anymore. Hop to one of these adult Easter egg hunts this weekend to spark a little nostalgia.

Volente Beach Resort | Friday, April 3 | $25
For the second year in a row, visitors will search for eggs in the waterpark with a background of live music and drink specials. Each contestant can grab up to three eggs — which all contain a prize — in hopes of winning things like a three-night stay in Lake Tahoe.

Sweet Eats | Saturday, April 4 | $35+
Get cracking at this nighttime hunt featuring prizes large and small. Arrive early if you want to visit with farm animals.

Blue Owl Brewing | Sunday, April 5 | $28
Hunt for eggs containing prizes and treats at 1 p.m. in this brewery’s space. Plus, a ticket includes two beers for an egg-cellent time.

Desert Door Distillery | Sunday, April 5 | Cost of purchase
Enjoy a delicious sotol-based cocktail before hunting for eggs at 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. Goodies from last year’s hunt included swag, tour tickets, cocktail coupons, and a 50ml bottle of the distillery’s famous spirit.

Plan Ahead: Don't miss these events happening in Austin

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Lucky you. You just found ATXtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events taking place throughout Austin each month.

Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to in April. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back — we update our guide monthly.

Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.

Festivals + Fairs

Concerts

Several big artists are set to perform at ACL Live at The Moody Theater this summer. | Photo via @michaelstarrrocks

Comedy

The Paramount will host a slew of world-famous comedians this January.

Photo via Bells and Whistles Productions

Theater

Relive the story of “some pig” in a whole new way. | Graphic via Zach Theater

Active + Sports

Go to our Events page.
Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.

ATXtoday's takeaways from SXSW 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:53:55 GMT

The dust has settled, the crowds have died down, we’ve caught up on our sleep, and we’re finally ready to talk about SXSW 2026.

The first year of SXSW sans Austin Convention Center, which is expected to be complete in time for SXSW 2029, the 40th edition of the festival was shorter and more streamlined than previous years, but equally jam-packed with events.

We wanted to share some of the things we’re taking with us beyond the festival.

Some of our favorite SXSW 2026 quotes:

“The food’s great, the people are great. [...] (Austin’s) not like other cities.” — Lisa Kudrow, “The Comeback” Season 3 premiere
“I’m so talented. There are so many areas open to me, it’s hard to pick sometimes.” — Comedian Larry David (We need some more of this energy sometimes)
“Education is the only thing that no one can take away from you.” — Masterclass CEO David Rogier
“There are two types of people: those who use AI so they don’t have to learn anything and they just do what it says, and those who use AI so they can learn anything.” — “Shark Tank” Investor Mark Cuban

Nearly every session was secretly about AI

While we did attend plenty of sessions that were explicitly about AI, we weren’t expecting to hear Andy Cohen talk about his new AI avatar in the “Bravoverse,” or listen to YouTubers Rhett + Link talk about their partnership with AI-powered advertising platform Agentio, especially since it wasn’t mentioned in the session descriptions.

The takeaway: AI isn’t its own conversation anymore — it’s a piece of daily life.

Cuban said he frequently talks to Chat GPT while in the car to learn about burning questions he has. | Photo by ATXtoday

Speakers said AI will not replace humans, but it could dramatically change our lives

Mark Cuban took to the stage to talk about how he frequently uses AI, but that doesn’t mean he thinks it’s going to surpass, or even reach, the abilities of humans.

“What we’ve considered to be brilliant, genius AI isn’t as smart as my puppy, isn’t as smart as a 2-year-old, and it probably won’t be for the foreseeable future,” Cuban said, adding that he would trust said puppy to lead him across a busy street before he trusted AI.

That said, Cuban also said he believes using the technology will eventually allow employees to cut their workload by hours, and that early adopters of AI will be the winners in their fields in the end.

The takeaway: “People always have the advantage. Always.” — Mark Cuban

SXSW doesn’t need a convention center to survive or thrive

Even though this version of the festival was shorter by a few days, there was still equally as much, if not more, to explore. Since most SXSW sessions took place in venues other than the Austin Convention Center in years prior, we found it easy to adjust to the festival without a home base. In fact, we didn’t really notice a difference without the convention center, but the compressed schedule made our days packed.

The takeaway: We’re excited for the new Austin Convention Center, but SXSW’s growing pains seem minimal in the interim.

Local musicians took center stage

166 artists with ties to Austin took the stage, which is the most since 2023, when 175 locals performed. Both years represented much more than 2025 and 2024, which featured 112 and 108 local musicians, respectively.

The takeaway: As long as Austinites keep performing, they have a place at SXSW.

Local love: ATXtoday's growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Did you know? The phrase “Keep Austin Weird” was popularized as a call to action for residents to support local businesses and organizations.

Austinites are so good at supporting local that USA Today named the Capital City the best city in the US to start a business last year. In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.

We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.

Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Editor Figi’s picks

Vinca USA | Jewelry
"(My favorite piece is) the Chopped Heart Hoops. They’re really fun to wear and people comment on them.” — Owner Amanda Dimova

From knife hair clips famously worn by Aubrey Plaza to cursor-shaped earrings, Vinca stocks jewelry for fans of all things quirky and whimsy. Vinca jewelry can be found in dozens of retailers in 26 states and counting, plus, it has been featured in magazines like Nylon, Seventeen, and Tribeza.

KG BBQ | Food + drink
"(Trying Texas barbecue) was literally a life-changing experience. I was blown away by all of what I was absorbing with my senses. I grew up loving barbecue in Egypt and the Middle East — it’s very different.” — Owner + Chef Kareem El-Ghayesh

Helmed by an avid home cook from Cairo, Egypt, El-Ghayesh’s barbecue has earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction and been recognized by the James Beard Award Foundation since opening his food truck in 2022.’

Behold, the “Taro-zo” with strawberry heart jelly.

Photo by ATXtoday

Terrazzo Tea | Food + drink
“Our drinks are paired with multiple ‘toppings’ — if you look at it, it kind of looks like the patterns in the terrazzo tiles.” — Co-owner Vi Nguyen

This boba shop was born to fill a space the owners felt was missing in the Austin area, inspired by their love of tea, street wear, music, late hours, and Instagrammable drinks.

Food + Beverage

We’re dying to try the squid tentacles sando or the roasted tomato sando. | Photos by @choo_sando_omakase

Choo Sando | 5222 Burnet Rd., Ste. 535
“We focus highly on quality, making it our goal to keep grab-and-go meals made with love and fresh ingredients. All our food is made fresh daily and will be first-come, first-served.” — Owner Jamie Choo

You’ve likely seen this business’s milk bread sandos — with fillings ranging from pork katsu to strawberries and whipped cream — on social media, garnering huge lines to taste their fare. The shop also specializes in sushi and bowls, so there’s a little something for everyone.

Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee | 4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 304c
“Merfolk’s is a summation of my passion for coffee and storytelling. It has one main mission: to keep creativity alive.” — Owner Justin Monroe

Monroe said Merfolk’s — a mystical, themed coffee shop — was born out of his interest in Dungeons + Dragons after getting sober. Each month has a themed menu (think: cryptids and “whimsigoth”), so you’ll want to stop in often to try them all.

You can find this coffee truck at southeast Austin’s Drinks Backyard and at The Lawn off South Congress Avenue.

Photo by Drew Elaine Photography

Later Gator Coffee Co. | Multiple locations
“Later Gator was created in loving memory of my late grandmother (MawMaw) Betty Sue Chance after she passed in February 2024. Later Gator is proud to be a 100% woman-owned and operated business.” — Owner Jenna Griffis

Whether you’re looking for seasonal sips or beignets, this Louisiana-themed shop is known for its colorful drinks. Try this: “The Pelican,” a bananas foster flavored latte named after the state bird of Louisiana.

Health + Wellness

Invictus Martial Arts | 9800 N. Lake Creek Pkwy., Ste. 140
“Invictus isn’t just another gym offering club but a transformational resource for the community in health, wellness, and protection.” — Owner Selynda Garza

This gym offers MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, jiu jitsu, and self-defense for everyone ages 3 and older. Try this: Invictus offers complimentary MMA classes for first-time patrons.

Jump! Gymnastics | Multiple locations
“We teach real gymnastics in a positive, non-competitive environment, using skill deconstruction and a proprietary level system so every child is challenged appropriately and advances through achievement.” — Owner Natalie Egan

Voted the best gymnastics gym and best camp in Austin by Campity Camp, Austin Fit Magazine, and Austin Family Magazine, this gym gives children an energetic and confidence-building place to grow and develop healthy ways to engage their bodies.

Let a new type of exercise sweep you off your feet. | Photo courtesy Laché Movement Co.

Laché Movement Co. | 8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 701
“The word ‘Laché,’ commonly used in parkour, means ‘to let go.’ And this is what Laché Movement Co. encourages: to let go of fear, let go of doubt, let go of excuses, let go of the preconceived notions of what your body can and cannot do.” — Co-owner Cali Thompson

If your typical exercise class isn’t cutting it, explore the art of aerial arts, pole, and parkour while guided by professionals. Plus, you can try three classes for $60 to get started.

LeBody Spa And Wellness | 14001 ShadowGlen Blvd., Ste. G, Manor
“Your body is a work of art, (and) we maintain the masterpiece. When you look good, you feel good. We are confidence builders.” — Spa Director Kendra Siewe

Whether you’re looking for laser treatments, body sculpting, facials, or massage therapy, this spa can do it all for you under one roof. Psst — the owner recommends trying one of the Korean skincare facials first.

Man Flow Yoga | Online
“I started Man Flow Yoga because this was the yoga I wish I had when I first got started. I was a college lacrosse player at the time, and I knew yoga could help me feel stronger and move better. It exposed a lot of weaknesses I didn’t know I had, but I couldn’t relate to the way traditional yoga was presented.” — Owner Dean Pohlman

An on-demand platform teaching yoga tailored to men, Man Flow Yoga offers an “Absolute Beginner’s Challenge” for men who are brand new to yoga, and a “Strength Foundations Challenge” for a more intermediate challenge.

Meet yourself with compassion at one of Open Form Yoga’s intimate classes.

Photo by Likeness Studio

Open Form Yoga + Wellbeing | 2900 E. 12th St.
“Rather than approaching the studio with a ‘growth above all’ mindset, we set out to create something softer, more thoughtful, and true.” — Owner Jasmine Mobasseri

Classes at this local studio are capped at 15 people, so they’re small enough to emphasize personalized attention on your yoga practice. Try this: $65 two weeks unlimited for new students.

OutWellness | 211 E. Alpine Rd., Ste. 100
“I started this business to better serve the queer and trans community. I wanted to make sure that our community had access to the best care possible, without the emotional labor that often comes with going to healthcare appointments.” — Owner Syd Young

This inclusivity-focused gym offers personal training, physical therapy, financial literacy classes, health classes, and free weekly workouts.

Instructors at Pure Pilates can help you make the most of your workout. | Photo via @purepilatesaustin

Pure Pilates Austin | Multiple locations
“Positive encouragement and helping people feel strong is the name if the game. I just want people to have a spot to do hard things and feel supported from the moment they walk in the door with the best instructors in Austin leading the way.” — Founder + CEO Allison Slapnicka

There are three boutique Lagree studios — where trainers recommend starting with a class on the Megaformer — to visit where you can take 45-minute classes to strengthen and tone your body. Psst — try two classes for $34 or 10 classes for $180 if you’re a first-timer.

Personal services

AllClean ATX | Online
“I started the business because I know how the condition of where we live impacts our whole life, from daily tasks, to mental health. I believe everyone deserves a clean space.” — Founder Gabriel Jamison

Home cleaning services from this local business are set apart by the use of eco-friendly products and add-on services that include refrigerator + oven cleaning.

Austin Shoe Hospital | Multiple locations
"(Using these services) saves the environment and all articles are custom repaired by hand the same way we have been repairing shoes and boots for over 100 years.” — Owner Carroll Kelly

With over a century’s worth of experience caring and repairing for the items you use most in everyday life, Austin Shoe Hospital also works with bags, belts, luggage, and all kinds of leather goods. Figi here — Austin Shoe Hospital is where I take all of my purses when they need a little TLC.

Bougie Bougie Tattoo | 520 E. Oltorf St.
“We started this studio because we believe tattoos deserve the same level of intention and excellence you’d expect from a three-MICHELIN Star experience. Tattooing has always been more than an art form — it’s a way for people to express their stories, mark their growth, and carry something meaningful for the rest of their lives.” — Owner Ihor Kaika

Artists at this studio specialize in fine-line, micro-realism, cosmic-inspired work, and even host artists from around the world in their space. If you visit, try and spot the disco balls displayed around the studio.

Queen of To Do | Online
“Queen of To Do was founded to solve a problem we saw everywhere: capable, successful people overwhelmed at home. Busy professionals were carrying invisible labor that drained their time, energy, and relationships. We built a service that provides consistent, proactive support so our clients can focus on their work, families, and lives without the constant mental load.” — Co-owner Heather Snaman

If you thought personal assistance was just for celebrities, think again. This company, which has been serving Austin since 2011, helps with home organizing, in-home laundry, running errands, meal prep, house checks, and more so you can relax when you get home.

VLS Hair promises a warm and welcoming environment when you come in for your style. | Photo courtesy of Maigan Pearson

VLS Hair Braided Beauty Studio | 2700 W. Pecan St., Ste. 301, Pflugerville
“I wanted to create a space where women could not only receive quality protective styles but also feel empowered, confident, and cared for. Hair braiding has always been more than a service to me, it’s a cultural art form, a way to preserve healthy hair, and a means of building community.” — Owner Vandy Vanderhorst

Professional stylists and braiders at this salon specialize in protective and beautiful styles, hydration treatments, silk presses for men and women’s natural hair.

Retail

This is a sign to expand your jewelry collection with this shop.

Photo by Devil’s Details Boutique

Devil’s Details Boutique | 1628 S. 1st St.
“It’s a place of connection. Women sell their older jewelry and younger generations shop for style.” — Owner Rebekka Adams

Visit this boutique to play dress-up with vintage costume jewelry from the 1900s through the 1980s.

Estilo | Multiple locations
“Before founding Estilo, I worked as a child and family therapist. Combining a love of people with a passion for fashion, Estilo was created to make shopping fun—like stepping into your best friend’s closet.” — Owner Stephanie O’Neill

Shop women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing for all occasions at this local store that has been in business since 2005. Try This: Ask one of the stylists to pull the perfect look for you.

You can even convert your charm into a necklace or bag charm later for a $5 fee. | Photo by Rachel Furnish

La Looma Loca | Online
“I started La Looma Loca because strangers kept commenting on my earrings! They would tell me how the subject of my jewelry reminded them of someone in their life - they have an aunt who collects umbrellas, or a sister who loves pigeons. I realized that what I wore could create community and I wanted to share that experience with as many people as possible.” — Owner Rachel Furnish

If you’re looking to give a gift that shows you really listen, this artist-owned business creates tiny little beaded tapestries to wear as earrings, bag charms, necklaces, and bracelets.

This local boutique makes fashionable clear bags for every occasion. | Photo courtesy of Margo Paige

Margo Paige | Online
“When I couldn’t find stylish, affordable, clear handbags that actually lasted (especially for game days and concerts!), I decided to create them myself. What started as a search for the perfect clear bag evolved into something bigger — a brand committed to delivering sustainable, approachable fashion that doesn’t compromise on style or values.” — Founder Margo Perkins

Gone are the days of bland clear handbags. This boutique’s flagship product puts a stylish spin on clear bags + totes. New customers can get 10% off their first purchase. Plus, bags from this brand are made using thoughtfully sourced materials, minimized impact on the environment (through initiatives like the product takeback program), and supply chain transparency. New customers can get 10% off their first purchase.

Parker + Scott | Multiple locations
“We started Parker + Scott because we wanted to create the kind of shop we wished existed in our own neighborhood—a place that felt like home, reflected our values, and made it easy to shop more sustainably.” — Co-owner Ian Haisley

Sustainability is at the forefront of this colorful store, which offers goods from 250+ women-owned brands, 190+ Texas-based companies, and a plastic-free refill bar.

Paws on Chicon | Multiple locations
“We started this in 600 sqft, and it was just a place to take my dogs to work with me. As a certified pet nutritionalist, I wanted to spread my knowledge.” — Owner Keith Zeiler

This local pet supply shop is best known for its soft-serve dog/cat froyo, but it specializes in helping pet lovers help navigate allergies and nutrition needs.

Whether you’re new to plants or have a veritable green thumb, there’s something for you at The Plant Society. | Photo by Drew Elaine photography

The Plant Society | 1912 E. 12th St.
“There’s something deeply therapeutic about being surrounded by greenery — caring for a plant and watching it grow. I wanted to create a space where I could share that joy, inspire others, help newcomers feel confident in becoming plant parents, and offer seasoned plant lovers access to an affordable and unique variety.” — Owner Casey Buckingham

Step inside a little shop of floras (including some rare specimens), ceramics, supplies, and gifts. Don’t miss the “mystery propagation wall,” where you can get a random cutting for $5.

Step inside Austin’s mod paradise with enough color to make a rainbow jealous.

Photo by John Pesina

Pop Vintage | 2505 E. 6th St., Ste. C
“I started this business with my sister because I am obsessed with vintage clothing and the art of self-expression through dressing. Our shop is unique because we focus on two specific decades of vintage (1960s + 1970s) and the funnest wildest prints and colors we can find.” — Co-owner Linda Harrold

If bright colors, bold prints, and statement pieces are what you seek when looking for clothes, Pop Vintage is a must-shop destination to add to your list.

Sunny & Shady Designs | Online
“What makes my business unique is that everything is handmade in small batches, so no two pieces are the same.” — Owner Clarissa Perez

One-of-a-kind, colorful cement planters from this independent maker are a perfect piece for lovers of plants, but Sunny & Shady also sells ring holders, catch-all dishes, and more.

Travel + Leisure

Owners of Frame Hotel recommend practicing stillness in one of their hotel courtyards. | Photo via @frame.hotels

Frame Hotel | Multiple locations
“We started Frame Hotels with a simple yet powerful intention: to create a space where people could truly disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with themselves.” — Co-owner Lauren Lent

Whether you want a staycation or a great place to recommend a friend coming to town, Frame Hotels offers a tranquil stay at two locations near South Congress Avenue. The owners recommend soaking up the Austin air + stillness in one of the hotel’s courtyards.

Rosedale Travel | Online
“At Rosedale Travel, we believe that every trip should feel like your best day ever — on repeat. We specialize in luxury travel planning that’s anything but ordinary, crafting tailor-made adventures for curious, discerning travelers.” — Owner Kirsten Billhardt

Planning a vacation can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be, according to the folks at Rosedale Travel. Wherever you want to go, this service can help you make the most of your upcoming vacation.

Psst — if you’d like to see a small business included in ATXtoday, make sure to submit it here.

Escape the city (and the 21st century) at Sherwood Forest Faire

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Hear ye, hear ye. The gates of Sherwood Forest Faire, aka Austin’s nearest Renaissance festival, are open every weekend now through Sunday, April 19.

Set across 25 wooded acres in McDade — 35 miles east of Austin — the immersive festival transports visitors to a mystical era of knights, fairies, and fantastical creatures.

Need to spruce up your attire? No problem. Get a henna tattoo, have your hair braided, make your own jewelry, and more.

Photo by ATXtoday

Grab tickets and don your finest garb to visit the medieval village. Here’s what to expect:

150+ shows each day include jousting, falconry, fire juggling, knife throwing, music + dance performances, comedy shows, sword fighting, and a castle siege.
170+ local artisans set up shop in over 100 permanent buildings on the property, offering handmade goods like pottery, armor, glassware, jewelry, and more. Live demonstrations from craftspeople like silversmiths occur daily.
30+ food and drink vendors serve everything from bangers and mash to chocolate-dipped worms and strawberry pickle lemonade to Thorin’s Viking Mead.

Carve out time to shop at Sherwood Forest Faire and be sure to bring a bag to stow your purchases.

Photo by ATXtoday

Psst — consider on-site camping for an overnight experience.

Meet the Austin founders on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:28:17 GMT

More than a dozen Austin-based entrepreneurs landed on the 2026 edition of Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list. The roundup highlights women leading companies and nonprofits across the US, and this year, 14 of those businesses call the Capital City home.

Innovators

Cheryl Sew Hoy, Tiny Health | Biotech & Pharmaceuticals

This company performs at-home microbiome testing for both adults and children.

Pranitha Patil, Function Health | Healthcare & Medical

Rooted in an ethos of giving people the tools to live for 100 years, Function guides people through hundreds of lab tests to arm them with knowledge about their bodies.

Sarah Mayes, Alafair Biosciences, Inc. | Healthcare & Medical

Products from this company help surgeons reduce scarring and speed recovery through soft-tissue innovation.

Trailblazers

Jacqueline Samira, Howdy.com | Human Resources

This platform helps companies of all sizes scale by matching talent to their brand.

Katie Fang, SchooLinks | Software

A higher education readiness program, SchooLinks helps students understand their career path options and evaluates their goals.

Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble | Software

No longer just a dating program where women make the first move, Bumble also helps people connect with new friends and even network.

Change makers

Kirsten Maitland, Rebel Cheese | Food & beverage

A plant-based cheese maker cut Mark Cuban’s fastest deal yet during a run on “Shark Tank,” and fellow Shark Kevin O’Leary said there is “no way” to tell the brand’s vegan brie from the real thing.

Power brokers

Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott | Consumer products

The renowned jewelry brand needs no introduction in Austin and has continued to grow and launch new products for nearly 25 years.

Serenity Carr, Serenity Kids | Food & beverage

This baby nutrition-focused brand has sold 35+ million pouches of its baby food, which is made with farm-fresh ingredients.

Mountain climbers

Hannah Hembree Bell, Hembree Bell Law Firm | Legal

Recognized for utilizing AI to improve communication and case management, this family law firm offers free case evaluations.

Holly Elabed, Lab Alley | Business Products & Services

A lab chemicals supplier, this local company is leading the charge on sustainability efforts by reevaluating packaging and planting 85,000+ trees.

Lindsey Ip, VIO2 | Consumer products

With accolades from People, Goop, and Good Morning America, this brand’s mouth tape is meant to help consumers get a better night’s sleep and improve health.

Trendsetters

Luna Aziz, Legendairy Milk | Consumer products

Pregnancy, postpartum, and women’s health are paramount with this brand, which ships supplements internationally.

Bloom’s products can be found in stores all over the country, including Costco and H-E-B.

Photo courtesy Bloom Nutrition

Wellness warriors

Mari Llewellyn, Bloom Nutrition | Biotech & pharmaceuticals

Protein, superfood powder, clean energy drinks, creatine — this brand does it all and makes sure it tastes great on top. Figi here — I put a scoop of Bloom’s greens powder in my smoothie each morning, so I’m thrilled to see a brand I love on the list.

While you’re here, check out some of our readers’ favorite local businesses.

14 hot spots where celebrities like to eat and party in Austin

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

When in Austin, you’ve got to get your grub on, and celebrities have a knack for picking some of the best food the Capital City has to offer.

Whether A-listers are flocking to Austin for SXSW, ACL Festival, or just a weekend trip, our local restaurants leave a lasting impression. So where do they go? Let us show you.

Bonus: Where would you tell a celebrity to eat in Austin? Drop your recommendations.

Amy’s Ice Creams

On his two-night “Chromakopia” tour stop at the Moody Center, Tyler, The Creator told the crowd he enjoyed a scoop of the locally beloved ice cream while in town. He didn’t disclose the flavor, but we hope he tried the Mexican vanilla.

View this post on Instagram

Aris

While in town for the premieres of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “The Sun Never Sets” during SXSW, the Fanning sisters and Michelle Pfeiffer were snapped at a restaurant that Reddit sleuths discovered was Aris, a Mediterranean steakhouse.

View this post on Instagram

Cheer Up Charlies

Ok, it’s not a restaurant, but Will Poulter — who was in town for the SXSW premiere of “Death of a Unicorn” — and prominent YouTubers Rhett & Link were pictured enjoying a drink and partying at the Red River staple bar.

El Arroyo

The TODAY Show’s Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager — who is an Austin native — made a trip to the famous Mexican restaurant known for its cheeky signage while filming in the Capital City. As an honorable mention, they also raved about the barbecue ribs + pepper jelly at Lamberts.

Franklin Barbecue

Celebrities can’t get enough of this world-renowned barbecue spot, which is known for lines around the building, and neither can locals. Former President Barack Obama, Gordon Ramsay, Jimmy Kimmel, and Anthony Bourdain. Some reports also say that Pedro Pascal also visited Franklin this month.

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La Barbecue

The list of celebrities who picked this MICHELIN-starred barbecue joint for a meal goes on and on. The restaurant has served the likes of Dua Lipa, Seth Rogen, food critic Keith Lee, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Indulge in a fresh, chef-crafted menu of brunch offerings at Lutie’s, where the chef-owners think outside the box.

Photo courtesy Commodore Perry Estate

Lutie’s

Figi here. A lot of the celebrities we met on red carpets were staying at Commodore Perry, and had nothing but good things to say about the on-site restaurant Lutie’s. We’ve also eaten at Lutie’s, and it’s a great place to visit both for a delicious meal and a taste of local history.

ONETACO. Taquería

The mayor of Flavortown himself — aka Guy Fieri — is permanently enshrined on the wall at this local mini-chain from when he visited with his TV show.

The Salty

While in town for the SXSW film premiere of “Another Simple Favor,” actress Blake Lively took a tour all over Austin, including a visit to decadent donut shop The Salty.

The A-list actor and friends headed across the street from the Austin Convention Center to visit Taqueria De Diez.

Photo via @blakelively

Taquería De Diez (10/10)

Another stop on Lively’s Austin tour, this no-frills hidden taco shop made the list. Lively also shopped at Allen’s Boots and took a dip in Barton Springs Pool.

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Terry Black’s BBQ

What’s a trip to Austin without a stop at this famous Barton Springs Road barbecue spot? Ed Helms, Justin Timberlake, and Post Malone have all been caught enjoying the restaurant’s delicious cuts.

Torchy’s Tacos

“The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal was spotted dining at the casual taco shop (at what appears to be the South Congress Avenue location). Plus, Bryan Cranston and even former President Barack Obama have paid the restaurant a visit.

Toshokan

“New Girl” actor Jake Johnson told ATXtoday that he tries to visit omakase restaurant Toshokan each time he visits Austin.

Whole Foods

Tyler, The Creator is not shy about his love for the flagship Whole Foods, noting that the health foods store is the first place he visits when he comes to Austin. He’s long had a love for the grocery store — he also mentioned enjoying its food at ACL Festival in 2021.

Know of another celebrity favorite that isn’t listed here? Shoot us a message.

Inside the annual Potluck dinner, fundraiser, and concert at Luck Ranch

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:20:07 GMT

In the words of Willie Nelson, “you’re either in Luck or you’re out of Luck.” If you’re fortunate enough to attend an event at the legendary country musician’s ranch, you’re definitely in Luck.

Your friendly ATXtoday editors got the chance to attend Luck Present’s annual Potluck — a family-style dinner served by local and visiting chefs for just 300 guests — which supports sustainable food practices through Farm Aid and The Texas Food and Wine Alliance.

Inside the chapel is a stage for performers during Luck Reunion, so it’s unlikely to see it this empty unless you attend Potluck. | Photo by ATXtoday

Figi here — if Luck Reunion is intimate with 3,500 people, Potluck is practically a family gathering. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, made in part by local chefs Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria and Julian Maltby + Daniel Gaspar of Mercado Sin Nombre. The meal is served under a tent with twinkling lights, where you’re encouraged to chat with your neighbor and break bread over wine before Willie performs.

We arrived early to explore the grounds and peek inside the chapel, which was too crowded for us to get inside last year. If you’ve read our recent coverage, you know that the chapel and other surrounding buildings were part of a movie set that was saved from being burnt down after the filming of “Red Headed Stranger.”

Our favorite bite was the mole tlayuda + wagyu sirloin served by Los Angeles-based Chef Bricia Lopez. | Photo by ATXtoday

Morgan here. Luck Ranch has become my personal slice of paradise, so I’m excited to share a few of my favorite sights on Willie’s land.

First up: disco balls in the trees. Inside the VIP lounge at Luck Ranch — a tree-canopied patch of grass dotted with retro couches, colorful rugs, and neon sculptures — disco balls of all shapes and sizes hang overhead thanks to local disco pop-art company The GLOWBs. It’s like stepping into a sparkling, disco cowgirl’s dream.

You can find a unique place to sit and gaze at disco balls in the VIP lounge. | Photo by ATXtoday

Wandering the property, cheeky hand-painted signs never fail to make me smile. A forbidden staircase bears a sign that reads “No, not even you.” Inside a white weathered church, two affirmations flank the exit: “Let Nothing but Good Come to Me” and “Let Nothing but Good Go From Me.” Every corner feels deliberately playful yet heartfelt.

The attention to detail reached its peak at dinner. The tablescape is effortlessly enchanting: uncorked bottles scattered across the wooden tables, vintage goblets, party favors hand-stamped with Willie’s Remedy logos, and flowers so fantastical they looked like they’d sprung from a Dr. Seuss illustration.

Long story short: Visiting Luck Ranch is like being welcomed into a world where you’re treated like family and Texas royalty all at once.

40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Austin

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary.

Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times.

Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We listed 40+ of brunch options, along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em. All you have to do is plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.

Note: All times listed are brunch hours only.

You won’t want to miss the pastries at épicerie.

Photo by Sarah McIntosh, @epicerie_austin chef/owner

Farm-to-table

Épicerie | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday | 2307 Hancock Dr.
The menu changes often at this French-American bistro, which is inside a house and uses simple furnishings that will make you feel right at home.

Geraldine’s | 9 a.m.-2 p.m Saturday + Sunday | 605 Davis St.
Named after the guinea fowl that once roamed Rainey Street, this restaurant serves new American favorites like buttermilk biscuits, chilaquiles, and upscale cocktails.

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge | 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 624 W. 34th St.
Try an Asian-American take on brunch classics, like stuffed French toast, the Seoul hot Slapjack, and shakshuka.

Treat yourself to an upscale southern meal at Josephine House’s brunch.

Photo by @foodfialoves

Josephine House | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily | 1601 Waterston Ave.
At Josephine House, it’s brunch time on all days that end in “y.” This is the place to grab pastries, fruity pancakes, and a full wine selection.

It’s hard to beat a brunch combo of Brussels sprouts and bacon, eggs benedict, and Seoul hot slapjacks at Honey Moon Spirit Lounge.

Photo by @tasteoftashh

Instagrammable

El Alma | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | Multiple locations
Come for the $5 mimosas or micheladas and chilaquiles verdes.

Elizabeth Street Cafe | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1501 S. 1st St.
This French-Vietnamese cafe offers a healthy mix of macarons and bánh mì from its picturesque patio.

Gabriela’s | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | Multiple locations
This colorful Mexican brunch spot doesn’t take reservations, but it does offer cocktails in souvenir cups, birria tacos, and a killer happy hour if you’re late to brunch.

Group Therapy | 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily | 400 Lavaca St.
Stay awhile and fill up on aguachile ceviche, brioche french toast, and a choose-your-own-adventure mimosa.

Mattie’s Austin | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 901 W. Live Oak St.
Enjoy a perfect mix of sweet and savory options, from the milk punch french toast to the chipotle pork chilaquiles.

Serenade American Brasserie | 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily | 200 Lavaca St.
Enjoy blue crab Benedict with an espresso martini in the indoor-outdoor dining room, or people-watch while sipping bubbles with French toast with mascarpone on the patio. Psst — we recommend ordering the housemade gougères for the table.

When visiting Summer House on Music Lane, ordering an array of cocktails is key.

Photo by @crissyfish

Summer House on Music Lane | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1101 Music Lane
Nestled in the new Music Lane development, we recommend starting with the eggs in purgatory and a Mary Magdalene cocktail.

For a special occasion

Aba Austin | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1011 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. #2, Ste. #180
This Music Lane spot is ideal for people-watching on the patio while you nosh on five different kinds of hummus, whipped feta, kebabs, cocktails + coffee.

El Naranjo | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday | 2717 S. Lamar Blvd.
The chef at this restaurant is a James Beard Award winner, so prepare yourself for a treat. Start with some raspberry bubbles and the ceviche of the week.

Forthright | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday-Monday | 35 Brazos St.
Don’t skip the al pastor and make sure you scour the expansive drink menu before you choose a specialty bev.

La Condesa | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 400 W. 2nd St.
We recommend the chilaquiles or the churro waffles, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Indulge in a fresh, chef-crafted menu of brunch offerings at Lutie’s, where the chef-owners think outside the box.

Photo courtesy Commodore Perry Estate

Lutie’s Garden Restaurant | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays + Sundays | 4100 Red River St.
This picturesque and historic hideaway serves up thoughtfully curated pastries, a luxurious seafood tower, waffles with roasted bananas, and rotating soft serve flavors. Pro tip: the servers here are very knowledgeable about the menu, so don’t skimp on their opinions.

Paperboy | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday | Multiple locations
You’re going to want to plan ahead if you want a table at Paperboy, which is notorious for its long waitlist and eclectic menu.

Pecan Square Café | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1200 W. 6th St., Ste. B
Expect rotating menus at this seasonally inspired kitchen, which has a modern rustic interior and specializes in Italian and French influences.

Suerte | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1800 E. 6th St.
Start out with one of Suerte’s many special brunch cocktails before diving into a plate of salmon tostadas.

Teddy’s Restaurant and Bar | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday | 1601 W. 38th St., Unit #1
Nosh on some southwestern comfort food at this new restaurant, which offers classic meals like steak and eggs + chorizo breakfast burritos, plus adventurous options like stuffed quail and waffles or huckleberry pancakes.

Quick and easy

Bakery Lorraine | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily | 11600 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. #100
This James Beard Award-nominated bakery brings a taste of French pastries to Domain NORTHSIDE, but you can also grab a quiche, avocado toast, veggie frittata, salad, or a huge selection of macarons.

Better Half Coffee + Cocktails | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 406 Walsh St.
A certain City Editor (hi, it’s me, Figi ) could spend the rest of her life at this upscale American restaurant. We recommend getting a “sloppee,” some cauliflower tots with beet ketchup, and blue corn buttermilk pancakes.

Cenote’s breakfast tacos are so big, you might need to eat them with a fork.

Photo by @konarik305

Cenote | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday| 1405 E. 7th St.
You can’t go wrong with Cenote’s breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwich, or elite coffee options. Psst — this spot is currently closed as it is in the process of moving.

Easy Tiger | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | Multiple locations
Grab a namesake Bengal spice latte and breakfast bowl combo next time you stop by.

Fifth Street Diner | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. daily | 506 San Jacinto Blvd.
A polished take on the classic American diner, this restaurant lets you have the option of diner coffee and buttermilk pancakes, an espresso martini + duck and waffles, or anything in between. Psst — don’t skip the bread pudding French toast.

Hillside Farmacy | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday | 1209 E. 11th St.
This legacy restaurant sources food locally and runs an old timey soda fountain. It’s walk-ins only during brunch, so don’t even worry about a reservation.

Magnolia Cafe | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily | 1920 S. Congress Ave.
Magnolia doesn’t limit brunch to morning — you can get Tex-Mex breakfast all day long at this cafe.

Proud Mary Cafe | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily | 2043 S. Lamar Blvd.
For a casual yet delicious weekend meal, this Australian shop is known for its high-quality coffee drinks, all-day breakfast menu, and light-filled interior.

Veggie focused

Bouldin Creek Cafe | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday | 1900 S. 1st St.
This vegan and vegetarian restaurant has been an Austin staple for those of all dietary preferences since the year 2000. Try the Renedict breakfast plate or the South Austin stir fry, and wash it down with an Island Fog tea latte.

It’s all vegan, but there’s something for everyone at Counter Culture.

Photo by @countercultureaustin

Counter Culture | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays + Sundays | 2908 Fruth St.
This all-vegan restaurant offers (cashew) cheesy American food options and $6.50 brunch mimosas. Read more about Counter Culture’s sustainability practices. This location is temporarily closed while the new spot in Windsor Park is under construction.

Phoebe’s Diner | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily | Multiple locations
Phoebe’s is another great option for midday breakfast lovers — we recommend the baked eggs and Brussels sprouts.

Weekend musts

Dai Due | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday | 2406 Manor Rd.
The menu changes frequently at this restaurant owned by James Beard award-winning chef Jesse Griffiths, so you can always expect it to be fresh. Typically, this restaurant serves up dishes with wild game (including boar and antelope), sourdough pancakes, and butternut squash kolaches.

Figi here — I found Ezov’s decor to be very inspiring, and it made the food that much better. | Photos by ATXtoday

Ezov | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday | 2708 E. Cesar Chavez St.
You only have a few hours to enjoy the brunch menu at this restaurant, which serves a Mediterranean-focused spread. Our favorite bites are the falafel Scotch eggs, loaded latke, and orange blossom bun.

Foreign & Domestic | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday | 306 E. 53rd St.
Don’t skip the gruyere + black pepper popovers, the Texas peach salad, and adding a scoop of ice cream to your coffee when you visit.

Grizzelda’s | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 105 Tillery St.
Get boozy at this Mexican brunch, which offers all kinds of cocktails, in addition to $20 bottomless mimosas with an entree purchase.

Hideaway Kitchen + Bar | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily | 4323 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Rd.
Have your pick of waffles, benedicts, sandwiches, soups, and more. Don’t forget to check out this spot’s “liquid brunch” menu.

Jacoby’s Restaurant + Mercantile | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 3235 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Dine on some old-fashioned American brunch and a full boozy bubbles menu, and finish it off with a slice of grandma’s strawberry cake.

Enjoy some traditional Greek brunch items when you dine at Yamas in northwest Austin.

Photo by Wen Fitzgerald

Launderette | 11 a.m.-2:15p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 2115 Holly St.
Try the pastry of the day with a plate of salmon gravlax paired with a mimosa.

Lucky Robot | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1303 S. Congress Ave.
While they’re not bottomless, Lucky Robot’s mimosa carafe is just $13. Whether or not you’ve got some bubbly, this Japanese brunch is one to write home about.

Perla’s Austin | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 1400 S. Congress Ave.
SoCo’s seafood staple, Perla’s is known for its oyster bar, $50 mimosa service, and views of the strip.

Wu Chow | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 500 W. 5th St.
Dim Sum brunch, here we come. Try as much as you can fit in your belly, but we recommend the chicken and taro eggrolls or shrimp and scallop shumai.

Yamas | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday + Sunday | 5308 Balcones Dr.
Try some traditional Greek brunch classics, like kayanas on bruschetta, beef carpaccio, pickled mackerel, Greek omelettes, plus coffee and mimosas.

Where’s your favorite spot to get brunch? Drop us a line.