South Austin

South Austin Neighborhood Guide (78704): Best Things to Do, Top Bars & Restaurants

TOP THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT SOUTH AUSTIN

Welcome to South Austin — the city’s creative core just across the river from downtown. From Barton Springs and Zilker Park to South Congress, Bouldin Creek, and South Lamar, this area blends nature, music, dining, and classic Austin character.

Days start on the trails or the lake and roll into nights at live shows, patios, and chef-driven restaurants. Historic bungalows sit beside modern builds. Cafés, food trucks, and boutiques line walkable streets. Everything feels close and easy.

Why 78704 Matters

78704 is one of Austin’s most iconic ZIP codes, covering Zilker, Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, and SoCo. Walkability, park and water access, and proximity to downtown make it one of the city’s most desirable areas.

Local Highlights

Barton Springs Pool in South Austin with clear spring-fed water at a constant 68 degrees, swimmers lounging on grassy hillsides, and direct access to Zilker Park in the 78704 neighborhood — **Barton Springs Pool** – Spring-fed, 68°F year-round.

Wide lawn of Zilker Metropolitan Park with downtown Austin skyline backdrop, open fields for festivals and picnics, and families enjoying one of South Austin’s largest green spaces in 78704 — **Zilker Park** – 350+ acres for picnics, concerts, and festivals.

ZACH Theatre stage in South Austin during a holiday production with actors, lighting, and audience seating, representing the cultural heartbeat of the Zilker and Barton Springs area — **ZACH Theatre** – Beloved Austin performing arts institution.

Barton Creek Greenbelt trail with limestone cliffs, shaded trees, and flowing creek water providing South Austin hikers, bikers, and climbers a natural escape minutes from 78704 homes — **Barton Creek Greenbelt** – Trails, waterfalls, and climbing spots.

The Picnic Food Truck Park on Barton Springs Road in South Austin with shaded picnic tables, multiple local food trucks, and casual diners steps from Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool — **The Picnic Food Truck Park** – Casual eats on Barton Springs Road.

Signature sashimi dish at Uchi Austin with delicate slices of fish, chili oil, and garnish, showcasing high-end Japanese cuisine on South Lamar in the South Austin restaurant corridor — **Uchi** – Renowned modern Japanese restaurant on South Lamar.

Eberly restaurant interior in South Austin featuring the historic Cedar Tavern bar, ambient lighting, and glass-roofed dining room for upscale New American dining on South Lamar Boulevard — **Eberly** – Iconic Cedar Tavern bar and glass-roof dining space.

South Congress Avenue street scene in South Austin with locals and visitors walking past boutiques, neon signs, and murals that define the SoCo dining and shopping district in 78704 — **South Congress (SoCo)** – Shops, murals, and vibrant street life.

Top 10 Bars & Restaurants in South Austin

Radio Coffee & Beer

Laid-back South Austin patio with live music, quality espresso, rotating craft beers, and popular taco trucks.

Coffee • Beer • Live Music • Food Trucks • South Austin

Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

Sustainability-focused oasis with craft cocktails, local beer, ponds, gardens, and destination-worthy food trucks.

Cocktails • Beer • Outdoor • Sustainability • Nightlife

June’s All Day

Chic South Congress bistro and wine bar pouring thoughtful bottles alongside elevated all-day plates and snacks.

Wine Bar • Bistro • SoCo • Brunch • Dinner

Matt’s El Rancho

Legendary Austin Tex-Mex institution serving the famous Bob Armstrong Dip, sizzling fajitas, and strong margaritas.

Tex-Mex • Margaritas • Family-Friendly • Austin Classic

Aba

Modern Mediterranean restaurant with a lush patio, sharable mezze, and creative cocktails made for warm Texas nights.

Mediterranean • Patio • Cocktails • Date Night

Loro

Asian smokehouse collaboration from the teams behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue with shareable plates and frozen drinks.

Asian Smokehouse • Shared Plates • Patio • Casual

Eberly

Design-forward New American spot anchored by the historic Cedar Tavern bar, ideal for cocktails and celebratory dinners.

New American • Iconic Bar • Design-Forward • Cocktails

Odd Duck

Farm-to-table pioneer turning Texas ingredients into inventive small plates with a strong cocktail and wine program.

Farm-to-Table • Small Plates • Seasonal • Cocktails

Uchi

Destination-worthy Japanese dining on South Lamar with pristine nigiri, inventive tastings, and impeccable service.

Japanese • Sushi • Chef-Driven • South Lamar

South Congress Dining District (SoCo)

Walkable strip of South Austin restaurants, bars, cafés, and patios—perfect for progressive dinners and people-watching.

SoCo • Dining District • Nightlife • Walkable

Neighborhood Schools in South Austin

South Austin is served by Austin ISD with several highly regarded campuses. Specific attendance zones depend on your exact address, but these are some of the key schools nearby.

Zilker Elementary and Barton Hills Elementary – Walkable, community-focused schools with strong arts and outdoor programs.
Travis Heights Elementary – Dual-language and enrichment at the heart of the SoCo neighborhood.
O. Henry Middle School – Strong academics and arts with robust extracurricular offerings.
Austin High School – Historic campus along Lady Bird Lake with advanced coursework and rich traditions.

View Our Austin Restaurant Guide

AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

DOWNTOWN

NORTH LOOP

EAST AUSTIN

NORTH AUSTIN

EASTON PARK

SOUTH AUSTIN

Keep Austin Full of People Who Love It

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.

Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.

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