Cabo Bob's - casual spot with build-your-own burritos and tacos

Clark's Oyster Bar - seafood with fresh oysters and classic fish dishes in downtown Austin

Counter Cafe - diner serving breakfast and lunch

Fonda San Miguel - upscale, interior Mexican food

June's All Day - bistro offering brunch, coffee, cocktails, and French-inspired food

Maudie's Tex-Mex - classic Tex-Mex dishes and margaritas

Matt's El Rancho - an iconic Tex-Mex (get the knockout martini and a Bob Armstrong dip)

Perla's - seafood restaurant on South Congress

Ranch 616 - downtown Tex-Mex spot with Southwestern flavors

Taco Flats - Merritt's favorite tacos and spicy frozen margarita

Terry Black's Barbecue - authentic Texas barbecue

Deep Eddy Cabaret - old-school Austin dive bar

Donn's Depot - Christmas year-round honky-tonk

Mean Eyed Cat - Johnny Cash–themed bar

Parlor & Yard - indoor-outdoor bar on 6th Street

The Rustic Tap - 6th Street outdoor bar with live music

Bob Bullock Museum - Texas history museum

Explore South Congress - lots of shopping and restaurants

Visit The University of Texas - start at the UT tower and walk through campus

Walk Lady Bird Lake - park at Austin High School and take the 3 or 4 mile loop around the lake

Austin's Bats - visit the South Congress bridge at sunset to see the large colony of migratory bats

Barton Springs Pool - a natural swimming hole in the middle of the city