You know you're from Austin, Texas, when...
1. Torchy’s Tacos gets you pumped
Whether it’s the #3 breakfast taco with eggs, cheese, and chorizo or the brisket filled taco with a perfectly sliced avocado wedge on top (The Democrat-my personal favorite), seeing those big fiery red letters has never felt so good.
2. Queso hunting is your area of expertise
Are you a queso blanco kind of person? Or maybe you like your queso with chunks of chorizo at the bottom? Or how about a deep creamy pit of guacamole or spicy salsa in the center? No matter the preference, you can always count on Austin restaurants to have your perfect blend of warm cheesy goodness.
3. Kerbey Lane and Magnolia Cafe holds the key to your heart
On morning runs or (pancake runs), my high school cross country team and I would show up to school, run to Kerbey and order a plethora of warm, face-sized, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. If you’re in the mood for a classic diner Sunday brunch-esque vibe, with a gooey brownie sundae bowl in front of you, KB is the place for you pal. Magnolia Cafe, on the other hand, is for you if you like the rush of 24 hour diners with eccentric waiters and space for those let’s-try-to-figure-out-our-lives conversations.
4. You get wanderlust on South Congress
Where you can find several famous Austin Landmarks, including various shops for the Antiquer, the Thrifter, or that one person who will spend $50 at Hey Cupcake.
5. Grafitti Signs are in at least one of your Instagram posts
Whether it’s taking a cheesy Polaroid in front of the “I Love You So Much” sign or “You’re My Butter Half” sign or combine it altogether and you have the infamous Castle Hill wall, if you don’t have a picture in front of one of these places, I mean.... are you REALLY from Austin?
6. Swims at Barton Springs feels like a second baptismal
70 degree water year round. Polar Bear plunge. Sunburns and tan lines. Midnight swims. Bright, colorful, and sugary snow cones. The 20 minute mental preparation you do before you get in. Why wouldn’t you want to hang out here?
7. UT Austin games means burnt orange everything
Even if you’re an A&M fan, there’s no doubt that you haven’t been pulled into a UT event... and enjoyed it. In my mind, burnt orange is almost a neutral in my wardrobe. Games, meets, competitions, and anything UT related will put Austinites into a frenzy.
8. You scold bad drivers in the rain
Normally when you’re leaving school or work your mood slightly depletes because you’ve hit Austin traffic, but add a string of explicit curse words and an excessive amount of road rage and you’ll understand what it means to be an Austinite in bad weather.
9. ACL feels like home
One of the most famous events in Austin, this music festival is held on the city’s holy ground: Zilker Park. You can count on at least one of your favorite artists to perform a breathtaking show here. (Also, be mentally and physically prepared to experience the most passive work out of your life.)
10. SXSW planning is an actual thing
For this two week long media, film, and music festival, it doesn’t matter if you want to re-live your ACL glory days or interview a panelists on new education reforms (shameless bragging-sorry!) or maybe even see the newest Indie film, you won’t regret coming out and spending the day exploring your favorite things.
11. Your heart swells at the mention of food trucks
Ms P Electric Cock, SnoBeach, Hey Cupcake, and Gourdough’s are just some of an Austinite's favorite places. If you haven’t had a chance yet, go eat at Gourdough's and order the Nutty Valentine. Nutella, cinnamon, and strawberries on a warm donut can be my substitute for a boyfriend ANY DAY.
12. Lake Austin is where some of your best memories are made
If I’m ever in the mood for canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, or just a lazy lake day with sunny skies and good conversations, you can find me traipsing this lake with my friends, a towel, and a pair of cheap flip flops.
13. Breakfast Tacos fuels your motivation to succeed
Papalote, Torchy’s, Kerbey Lane, Magnolia Cafe, Maria’s Taco Xpress, or even Tacodeli should be on your checklist for feel-good breakfast tacos. These are just my favorite spots though, and in the words of my main man Aladdin- there’s a whole new world (for undiscovered breakfast taco hotspots).
14. You crave Amy’s Ice Cream all day everyday
Creamy, cold, thick ice cream that makes you consider staying home and eating your entire weight in Mexican Vanilla ice cream topped with M&M’s and Gummy Bears. Perfect for post concert sweet-tooth cravings.
