Rainey Street in Austin, Texas, is considered one of the city's crown jewels. Besides offering plenty of food, beverages, hotels, shopping, and culture, Rainey Street is a hub of the downtown Austin area. This historic section of Austin features bungalows-turned-bars, high-end hotels, residential sky rises and even the city's famed Mexican American Cultural Center.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT GROWTH

In the four or so blocks around 701 River that make up the Rainey Street neighborhood, 11 residential highrises have either recently opened or are under construction. 

701 River, and the glass towers that rise around it, showcase the unprecedented growth that has come to Rainey in recent years. Roughly 3,800 apartments or condos and more than 6.4 million square feet of development have recently opened in a neighborhood that measures just a few square blocks. All that development has turned 701 River and the few other single-family homes left in Rainey into gold mines.

Especially in Austin, which ranks first among major American metros for new residents as a percentage of total population, change is inevitable, and real estate makes that change visible. In Rainey, the It Neighborhood of the It City, there’s plenty of change to see.

THINGS TO DO

The Mexican American Cultural Center is an impressive gem that showcases Latino culture through various events like concerts and film screenings. 

Stroll Tejano Walking Trail, a historic walking trail that guides visitors through the heart of the historically Hispanic East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods. The Tejano Walking Trail covers an expansive part of American history in a loop of just under 5 miles.

Daytime brings chilled-out day-drinking, families, dogs on porches, and groups of friends hang out and relaxed on porches at restaurants or scope out different food trucks while night is all bout bar hopping and live music. These refurbished bungalows house top-notch food and drinks, many with Texas roots, and whether you’re coming for a band, cocktail, or favorite dish, you’ll be joined by all types at this neighborhood street.

PLACES TO EAT

Banger's 

Grab a friend or grab your pup and head out to Bangers to enjoy some sausage and quality beer while you sit on the patio underneath the Texas sky. With family-style seating, 30 house-made sausages and over a hundred beers on tap, there is surely something for everyone, although we are partial to the good ol' bangers and mash! Vegan and vegetarian options available and non-sausage bites too.

Little Brother Bar & Bummer Burrito

89 Rainey St

Dive into a humongous burrito at Rainey's latest dig for eats. Best paired with a mimosa and a side of chips & queso, this bar and restaurant combo is a haven for hangovers.

Salvation Pizza

51 Rainey St.

Salvation is serving up New Haven style pizza, which means it has a distinctly thin and crunchy dough and crust. They also serve a variety of salads, calzones, and even chicken wings to choose from.

G'Raj Mahal

73 Rainey St. 

The brainchild of local chef Sidney Roberts, G'Raj started as a small food trailer in Rainey with a unique and festive ambiance. The restaurant has since burgeoned and it is now a welcoming brick and mortar with a beer and wine bar. Grab some curry and stay a while.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

303 Red River St. 

Situated in one of the oldest commercial buildings in downtown Austin, Moonshine is a dine-in experience to be reckoned with. Immerse yourself in some good old American comfort food (the chicken fried steak, the divinity of the macaroni and cheese and how well it all pairs with a Bloody Mary).

Via 313

61 Rainey St. 

Thick deep-dish pizza? Come to Via 313 and get The Cadillac because it's the best. Be sure to stop into Craft Pride to grab a beer. Even better? Craft Pride is a Texas-only craft beer bar so you are supporting local business.

NIGHTLIFE

Rainey Street District features some of the best bars in Austin. Rainey Street is considered one of the "booziest" parts of town during weekends and weeknights, with live events and shows happening throughout the year. It has become one of the cities hottest night life scene. In just half a mile you can find bar after bar, each with its own personality catering to a different crowd. 

Lustre Pearl

94 Rainey St.

Draft beers and signature cocktails here are a must. Order from the upstairs bar for an amazing and stunning view of the city skyline.

Parlor Room

88 Rainey St.

Enjoy drinks made with craft, heart and soul. Saunter on to the Stevie Ray Vaughan's tribute room to view photos, old articles and sheet music. 

Javelina 

69 Rainey St. 

Divey, super hip. Awesome patio and shuffleboards.  With a solid playlist over the speakers and a serious patio, we recommend spending a couple of hours here!

Geraldine's 

605 Davis St.

With skilled staff prepping classic and house drinks, experience happy taste buds and superb service. Geraldine’s offers scenic and diverse views of Austin: overlooks of downtown’s skyline, Lady Bird Lake and tanned bodies at the hotel pool. 

Lucille Patio Lounge

77 Rainey St. 

Enter on a weekend and a DJ is playing the best music on the patio. Pair it with signature cocktails that will knock your socks off.

Bungalow 

92 Rainey St

Every week Sunday Social - where doors open at noon for a reverse brunch from 3:00-6:00 pm. Indulge on $1 mimosas, $5 bloody marys, $2 domestics, $4 frozen margaritas, and of course, a free taco with the purchase of a drink. You can bring your pets while enjoy some live music too.