Old West Austin Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood Life

From the moment you enter this area west of Downtown, you’ll see beautiful estates that would easily make it onto your Pinterest board of “dream homes.” Everyday, the neighborhood’s residents walk their great danes and chocolate labradors past stately-looking Southern mansions with centuries-old oak trees in the front lawn.

One of the most underrated parks in the entire city is located in Old West Austin — the Pease District Park, with volleyball and tennis courts, feels like a pleasant retreat from the buzz of the city.

Local Hangouts

Old West Austin is far from a “happening” spot for trendy restaurants and nightlife in the city; however, you can still find gems within the neighborhood’s radius. For example, residents recognize the original Kerbey Lane cafe, Austin’s well-known, diner-like establishment, for its famous, fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Spread & Co., where you can build the charcuterie board of your dreams while sipping on a glass of their draft rosé, stands out as well.

For floral aficionados, the neighborhood boasts the best flower shop in the city, Austin Flower Co., where you can literally stop and smell the roses to your heart’s content.

Things to know

The more residential areas of Old West Austin should pose no problem when it comes to parking — although the winding, curvy streets might require some getting used to when driving. As you get closer to the commercial center of the neighborhood, however, parking becomes a real hassle.

You’ll devote extra time to looking for that perfect parallel-parking spot there, especially on weekends, when the brunch traffic coursing through the area will make you wonder where all the residents have been hiding during the workweek.