If you’ve lived in Austin any amount of time, you’ve surely heard hateful or disgusting comments directed at North Austin.
Some haters say anything north of Hyde Park or north of Allandale or north of Mueller or north of where 183 and Mopac intersect is not “the real Austin.” The phrase, “Don’t Dallas my Austin” is often heard directed at North Austin too, suggesting that part of Austin has become a corporate business park full of chain stores and prefab, single-family houses.
Despite the attitude of many South Austin’ers, there are reasons to defend North Austin from this abuse. Here are 10 reasons why North Austin is actually awesome.
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10.) The art
Just look at how many of the murals on our massive list of Austin street art are located in North Austin! Some of the best art in town can definitely be found on the north side.
9.) The hiking trails
A north Austin hiking trail. Photo: Flickr user Sean Loyless, creative commons licensed.
They’re everywhere. In fact, there are over 60 hiking trails in North Austin.
8.) The Drafthouse(s)
Just like everyone down south with easy access to downtown, North Austin also has Alamo Drafthouse — three, in fact: Alamo Village, Alamo Lakeline and the newest addition to the Drafthouse family, Alamo Mueller. Check out the 10 reasons you’ll fall in love with the new locale here.
7.) Sooooo many parks with bike trails
Two bikers at Walnut Creek Park in North Austin. Photo: Flickr user Bruce Turner, creative commons licensed.
North Austin hosts 155 parks, a number most other parts of town don’t even come close to. Most of them have bike trails. You know you love bike trails.
6.) The more laid-back Whole Foods Market
Vegetables at a Whole Foods Market. Photo: Flickr user Ines Hegedus-Garcia, creative commons licensed.
One of the most Austin-feeling grocery stores in town is not Whole Foods downtown. Whole Foods Market at Gateway takes the crown instead. Although not the Austin original, it’s still one of the company’s first stores, and the atmosphere is much more laid-back than the downtown location. It definitely captures the friendly vibe that attracted many of us to this city in the first place.
5.) Two words: Top. Notch.
Photo: Flickr user Gino, creative commons licensed.
Ever see “Dazed and Confused”? Then you know about the classic burger joint Top Notch on Burnet, which has been around since 1971. A simple menu and nostalgic-feeling, and the burger can’t be beat. (Bonus: North Austin also has P. Terry’s and Mighty Fine… So, there’s that too.)
4.) The International food
Mmmmmm, ramen. Photo: Flickr user JeffreyW, creative commons licensed.
North Austin has some of the best international food in the city, such as China Town and Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Ramen Tatsu-Ya in particular has probably the best broth and ramen you’ll ever have in your life — outside of Japan, of course. And if you’ve never been to the Asian market on North Lamar, you’re missing out.
3.) The ever-quirky Genuine Joe
Mmm, coffee. Photo: Flickr user Eric, creative commons licensed.
North Austin hosts one of the quirkiest coffee shops, Genuine Joe, which has its walls filled with local art and serves the insanely delicious beverage Bananarama, containing peanut butter, banana, cocoa and whey or soy protein. Just try it.
2.) Blackstar
Pub workers pour beer at Blackstar Coop. Courtesy photo.
North Austin has one of the best bars in town: Black Star Co-op. This cooperatively run, worker-owned brewpub isn’t just a revolutionary business model in action — they also serve an amazing rotation of house-made beers, and their grilled cheese sandwich is divine.
1.) Tech startups
Notice how many of these tech startups are up NORTH?
North Austin is home quite a few of Austin’s bustling tech startups. You can learn all about the tech startup culture and search for current openings on builtinaustin.com.
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Featured photo: Screenshot via YouTube.
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