Kelly Stocker

There are plenty of ways to let someone know you appreciate them, whether it’s a dinner date, drinks in their favorite neighborhood, or an all-out staycation. But when you just want to keep things simple, yet effective, flowers are always the way to go. Discover Austin’s best flower shops from our pick below and you’ll find so much more than droopy blooms picked up at a gas station. Oh no, these bouquets have grace and grandeur. From exotic flora to terrariums and locally-grown handpicked florals, these florists really are going all-out. So pick up something really special, why don’t you? RECOMMENDED: The best places for brunch in AustinThe most romantic restaurants in AustinThe best hotels in Austin This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Austin is not short of options when it comes to rooftop bars. The city is blessed with year-round sunshine, meaning there’s seldom a time when a rooftop is out of bounds. Fine, a couple of weeks in the winter can get a bit chilly, but that’s what fireplaces and blankets are for. And double fine, for a couple of months in the summer, the temperatures may peak on three digits, but that’s what umbrellas and pools are for. You see, Austinites will always make an excuse to enjoy the great outdoors, especially where good liquor and sexy views are concerned. You may as well join ‘em. No matter what you’re in the mood for, be it a rave, a date, a photoshoot, or a happy hour with pals, do it up on the roof. The best rooftop bars in Austin are guaranteed to quench your thirst for fun close to the sun. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Austin

Good Korean food isn’t the easiest to track down in Texas, but the scene’s steadily growing in Austin. In recent years we’ve seen Jjim come and shake up our understanding of barbecue, and northside’s H Mart has only become one of the coolest spots to hang out (because who can resist Blackpink on loop with bargain Soju in the food court?!). Asian food in ATX has upped its game; you only have to come to sample the best Japanese, the best Thai, and the best Chinese restaurants as proof. Here, we have plenty of reasons to pull out a pair of chopsticks and feast on delicious slurps of noodles and meat-filled dumplings. For fans of all things K, more specifically, it’s all about Bibimbap, Kimchi, Bulgogi, Tteokbokki, and fried chicken. Pro tip: always say yes to an egg on top. Here are our picks of the best Korean eats in the city.

Chinese food in Austin has never had the best reputation, but that’s mainly amongst new transplants who don’t know where to look. Here in ATX, there’s no Chinatown per se, but rather, little clusters of far east goodies dotted all over the city. If you’re looking to try your luck, the best bet would be to hit up Airport Blvd, where the biggest concentration of Asian businesses lie, but why throw the dart and hope for the best when you can follow our tried and tested guide instead? After all, we love juicy dumplings, trays of dim sum, slurpy egg noodles, and roasted duck with hoisin sauce more than anyone. And since this is Texas, a little bit of brisket fried rice to substitute works wonders too. Whether you’re looking for little mom-and-pop eateries that haven’t yet caught up with electronic payments, or funky diners serving trusted Chinese-American stir fries with a lychee cocktail, these restaurants bring the sauce. These are the best Chinese restaurants in Austin, Texas.

Though Austin’s reputation for Thai cuisine isn’t quite the best in the state, that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. The city does have some solid, authentic Thai cuisine; you just have to search a little harder to sniff out those trusted spots that the locals have discovered over time. When you do, well, you’re in curry heaven (and more). The scene is growing, and what’s great about the best Thai here is that it’s still mostly hole-in-wall type of places, run by Thai families who bring their delicious fish sauces, herbs, and chiles to the far-east creations you’ve been craving. Seriously, Asian food in Austin doesn’t deserve the bad rap it’s gotten over the years (check out the best Japanese, Chinese, and Indian restaurants to see for yourself!). If Thai’s what tickles your fancy, we’re pleased to bring you the best spots across town for pad thai, green curry, papaya salad, spicy soup, and even coconut ice cream.

Like its population, Austin's sushi scene is booming, and despite being landlocked, the city is never short of the ocean’s best. Yes, there was a time when only a handful of sushi restaurants existed, but now we are spoiled for choice. Goodbye, average Japanese restaurants and supermarket packaged maki dominating the scene. Hello, to acclaimed sushi chefs, uber trendy omakase speakeasies with Texas-sized waitlists, and creativity worthy of a Michelin star. Whether you are after a romantic candlelit omakase, a trusted takeout spot, or conveyor belt sushi like they do in Tokyo, the chefs of Austin are bringing the freshest seafood, ingredients, and talent. Here are 12 quality sushi spots to please even the pickiest palate. Recommended: the best Japanese food in Austin  

Austin is known for its live music venues, the best BBQ around and a slew of the city's best breweries, but what about shopping? While most people head to downtown Austin for dining or drinking (or work), there are some exceptional options when it comes to the best shopping in downtown Austin. Folks looking to stroll and shop from Second to Sixth Street will find a number of spots offering retail therapy in this buzzy district. While South Congress, South Lamar and South First have their own special appeal, unique boutiques offering kitschy gifts—from a grand piano cheese board to funky Japanese toys, fancy one-of-a-kind dresses to blingin’ bangles—litter downtown's city blocks. Here are our favorites. 

What does an ideal night in Austin look like? Start out by taking down a couple of shots while admiring the city skyline at the best Austin rooftop bars, proceed to a fancy dinner at one of the best Thai restaurants in Austin, head to the best dance clubs in Austin and boogie to great music all night long and finish off your evening eating comfort food at the best diners in Austin, from greasy spoons to luncheonettes. 

Now that the Super Bowl is over, you're probably foregoing sports bars for Austin's most romantic restaurants offering Valentine's Day dinner options. Whether you’re coupled up or looking for the best singles bars in town, opportunities abound to make it a memorable night. And restaurants are more than happy to oblige, serving prix-fixe menus, specialty dishes and the promise of a fabulous evening. From steaks to sushi, French restaurants to delicious dumplings, here are our picks for the best Valentine’s dinner options in town. Who knows? You might even get a proposal at the end. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to Valentine's Day in Austin

We saw a surge of openings in the last year—including some of our city’s best Italian restaurants and Japanese spots—but nothing will ever top the best French restaurants in Austin for a sophisticated night out. The French layer flavors like no one else: soup with rich, silky onions, dark broth and melted gruyere; a fluffy omelette with fresh grown herbs; a hearty cassoulet with a buttery, broken crust. And the wine! It’s almost criminal to linger over a French dinner without pairing a glass of France’s finest (or you could just head to one of Austin’s best wine bars). Read on for our favorite “ooh la la!” dining options in town, fellow Francophiles.

When you’re tired of pasta at the best Italian restaurants in Austin or plates of veggies at Austin's top vegetarian and vegan restaurants, head to our city's best seafood restaurants for oysters, lobsters and fish. Towers of bivalves, stuffed crab and more fill the menus here, serving the kind of food that locals crave—especially after a night of drinking at the best dive bars in Austin. We may not be close to the ocean, but we can certainly pretend.

We love our meat in Austin, and while we're famous for the stuff that comes from the pit (check out our guide to the best BBQ in Austin if that's your thing), our Austin steakhouses are some of the finest odes to the cow in Texas. Rib eyes, filet mignon, tomahawk, sirloin, NY strip and wagyu hold sway over many a menu in town and we wouldn’t have it any other way—getting a taste of some of that action should be near the top of your list of things to do in Austin. Whether you’re looking for charred, crusted, topped, smothered, slathered, buttered or blue, there’s an Austin steakhouse willing to oblige your deepest carnivorous desires. And of course, a set of great bars in Austin to wash it all down at once you're done. Bib up, and get eating.

The Rattle Inn has some true-to-Texas roots. Downstairs, those looking for a boot stompin' good time will find the whiskey lounge and Ray (Benson’s) Stage, where live music is offered on a near-daily basis. Upstairs, a rooftop deck is the perfect happy hour spot to take in city views or watch your favorite team play.

Find Fabi + Rosi in the most adorable house on a little side street off of Lake Austin Boulevard. While their menu is technically modern European, the menu is heavily French influenced. It’s also one of the most elegant spots to dine in Austin, with huge windows, low-slung banquettes and tea lights in hanging glass orbs. Their boards are beautiful (and $10 during happy hour), though you’ll also want to try the escargot, duck and the black pepper ice cream with peaches.

This French bistro mini-chain does a remarkable job of emulating Parisian cafes with its sidewalk cane-back chairs, warmly lit atmosphere and surprising old world appeal—not to mention a length wine list. This won’t be a light evening; the foie gras, duck confit, and dover sole meuniere (along with a smattering of decadent desserts) aren’t to be missed. And for the aficionado, the special is half off French wine on Wednesday.

Build your own sweet and savory crepes at this adorable food trailer on South First. Choose from a wide variety of add-ins—runny eggs, creamy goat cheese, caramelized onions, salty bacon—or go sweet with caramel butter, cinnamon and sugar. Can’t make a decision? Get one of their combos with both. Pro-tip: They also have gluten-free options.

Find this unassuming blue trailer off of South Lamar serving galettes and French tacos. The owner is French through and through and creatively fuses French and Texan cuisines. He uses only farm fresh ingredients and herbs grown around the trailer and there are options for vegetarians and vegans. Build your own galette or taco with everything from vegan cheese to smoked brisket, queso to avocado. The fact that it’s BYOB makes it that much sweeter.

This unassuming cafe is not the spot to frequent if you’re on a diet. Expect meat heavy sandwiches, fried plantains, black beans and rice, tostones, macaroni salad and more. The menu features mostly Cuban staples alongside some American items (hamburgers) and Mexican breakfasts and tacos. This is also a panaderia, which means that the bread you’ll be devouring will be the perfect combo of fluffy, buttery and semi-sweetness.

Serving a variety of Caribbean specialties, including Peruvian and Cuban cuisines, Isla’s menu leans towards tasty food experiments. Revel in the extensive list of rums and crafty cocktails to pair with half-off select foods during happy hour. Sunday brunch is available from 11am to 3pm.

This Austin original was a pioneer in the urban farming movement, sourcing many items for their menu straight out of the on-site garden. Nearly everything at Eastside Cafe is made from scratch, with an entire menu section of gluten-free items including enchiladas, fresh seafood and locally-sourced proteins. The portions are generous and the pricing is reasonable. Don’t skip dessert!

This campus eatery is a mecca for those who have celiac disease. They serve 100% gluten-free breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and are famous for breads, pies, cookies and cakes. Many local restaurants source from Wildwood, so you’ll find their wares on menus about town as well. The bakehouse has done well enough to open a second location on 7th Street with a sweet rooftop patio. Indulge in fried calamari, chicken fried steak and chicken tenders without regret—or at least without the regret that comes with gluten consumption.

Buttery leather bags, petite backpacks, that crucial crossbody—ESPEROS specializes in beautiful bag design with a conscience. Their mission is appealing and hopefully represents where the fashion industry is going in terms of global giving. With every product they sell, they fund a year of education for a child in the developing world. Their bags are pricey but no more so than any other major brand, and each style is simple, well-made and comes in a range of colors for whatever outfit you’re rocking.

“Internationally inspired modern fusion jewelry” is how this spot describes its own style. The store is skinny but long with wide-plank floors, jewelry littering every surface and cutouts in the walls displaying larger pieces. Sikara’s proprietors travel around with designers, crafting each piece to reflect the cities and countries they visit. Mandala-like rings inspired by India, dangly necklaces with an Egyptian cast, Amazon leaf earrings, blue pendants reminiscent of Amalfi. You can shop by material, type of piece or country of origin.

If Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, then this is its tribute store. Staffed by musicians, you get the feeling that they really know their stuff. And they should: With guitars and musical accessories available for sale, you want to trust the staff to help. The casual browser will love their selection of affordable posters, art and autographed items. There’s also a huge amount of apparel for the music fan. (It feels a little like walking into Spencer’s in the ’90s to find that perfect band T.) Oh, and as you might expect, their shopping soundtrack is top notch.