East Austin

East Austin is where Austin's past and future collide in the most interesting way. The neighborhood's roots are in the African American and Mexican American communities that were historically concentrated east of I-35 due to discriminatory city planning. Today, those cultural foundations remain visible in longtime taquerias, gospel churches, and community gardens — even as sleek new construction rises on adjacent lots. The food scene alone is worth the address. Franklin Barbecue draws pilgrims from around the world, but locals know that Nixta Taqueria, Suerte, and Dai Due are equally worthy of the buzz. The creative economy thrives here too — converted warehouses house recording studios, artist collectives, and tech startups. The annual East Austin Studio Tour opens hundreds of artist spaces to the public, revealing the depth of creative talent concentrated in this pocket of the city.

East Austin in Austin, Texas, United States