Back to School Time: Your A+ Guide to Downtown Austin’s 2nd Street District
New School Year Style: Trends for Day One
Seriously Good Food: Bites for Every Mood
Say Yes to You: Have Some Feel-Good Fun
Grab your notebook, it’s time to take notes — the 2nd Street District is ready to kick off the upcoming school year with all things food, fashion, and fun.
Located in the vibrant heart of Austin, the 2nd Street District’s beautiful, tree-lined streets are perfect for an afternoon or evening out on the town as you celebrate the start to an exciting school year.
We’ve put together a study guide filled with some of the best places to dine, shop, and relax, sure to help you ace your visit to the 2nd Street District! Whether you're a student or a parent, there’s something for everyone waiting in downtown ATX.
New School Year Style: Trends for Day One
It’s time to turn heads as you show up to school in the latest fashion finds. From trendy outfits to stylish accessories to classy kicks, there's something for everyone in downtown Austin. The 2nd Street District is the one-stop shop for college students, professors, and visitors alike to start their school year wardrobe off right.
Sneakerheads and casual shoe fans alike, step up your shoe game with the latest sneakers and athletic footwear from Sneaker Politics. With iconic brands and limited edition styles, this is your premier destination for the perfect back-to-school kicks.
For the fashion-forward woman, Hemline has stunning dresses perfect for both school days and weekend outings. Curate your closet with their newly released fall arrivals.
Discover beautiful jewelry pieces from Eliza Page to complete any outfit. Choose a design from one of their featured collections like their Summer feature or explore a custom creation to fit your perfect style.
Find top brands at unbeatable prices at UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) where you’ll discover unique vintage designer goods sure to elevate your wardrobe. As a liquidator, quantities can be limited, so if you see something you like, grab it before it’s too late.
Protect your eyes and enhance your back-to-school look as you walk around town with a new pair of shades from Sunglass Hut.
At Second Street Boutique, explore a wide range of clothing that combines comfort and fashion for a confident start to the school year. Shop local and find one-of-a-kind pieces!
Seriously Good Food: Bites for Every Mood
After an afternoon of shopping for the perfect back to school wardrobe upgrade, refuel and relax with a quick bite to eat & coffee pick-me-up or opt for a top-notch full dinner experience. From healthy, farm-to-table delights to globally-infused courses, and even fine steakhouses, the 2nd Street District has a dining option to satisfy those cravings for the perfect off-campus meal.
Seafood lovers will be in heaven with a meal at Bill’s Oyster. The seafood tower of fresh oysters, shrimp, clams, and crab is a MUST TRY when in Austin. Keep your cool in the late summer heat by trying the refreshing watermelon and tuna tartare (pictured below). Bill’s Oyster’s signature cocktails are the perfect pair to any seafood plate or raw bar order.
Fuel your stroll through downtown with a drink from Jo’s Coffee. Cool off with a delicious iced matcha latte or mix it up with a “Laura Palmer” – a lemonade, hibiscus tea, and soda water drink for a fun refreshment to sip while strolling. If you’re hungry, you can grab one of the best burgers in town. Don’t miss “Burger Me Tuesdays” for 2 for 1 burgers every Tuesday from 11AM-4 PM.
Embrace the local flair when you dine at Local Foods and feast on flavorful dishes made from fresh, hyper-seasonal ingredients. For the greens lover, order the Bubby salad made with house smoked Faroe Island salmon, house prepared labneh, sunflower sprouts, and other local ingredients. Or for the sandwich lover, dig into the Borracho Beef or Avocado BLT. No meal is complete without the decadent Miso Brown Sugar Cookie.
You can’t make a visit to Texas without indulging in some good old fashioned BBQ, and Lamberts is the place to visit with the family. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere and top-notch hospitality when you order Texas Prime Brisket, Crispy Wild Boar Ribs (pictured below), or the Blackened Shrimp & Green Chili Grits. Pair it with a local beer, classic cocktail, or new world wine to complete the spread.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining option to celebrate the start of a big year ahead, III Forks Steakhouse provides a sophisticated club-like ambiance with an elegant bar and lounge. Reward your taste buds with any steak on the menu before you head out to the patio for a premium cocktail and picturesque views of Town Lake in the fresh evening air.
Relax and unwind with a glass of wine and evening bite to eat at CRÚ Food and Wine Bar. Enjoy the downtown Austin ambience with a seat on their outdoor patio as you spend quality time with your loved ones. And for weekday visits from 3-6PM on Monday-Friday, don’t miss the exceptional Happy Hour eats like the Ahi Tartare or the Goat Cheese Beignet.
Say Yes To You: Have Some Feel-Good Fun
Before the craziness of a new school year is in full swing, say yes to building good self care habits. At the 2nd Street District, we’ve got you covered for all your fitness goals and self care staples. And if you’re in town visiting, we have the perfect place for you to lay your head as you enjoy all the district has to offer.
Start the school year off right with a premium cut and shave from Finley’s Barbershop. The old-fashioned barbershop craft is alive at Finley’s with their straight razor shaves and hot towel facials. Feel fresh and ready to tackle the year ahead with a new look that makes you feel confident.
Make sure to pause and say yes to your wellbeing with a relaxing treatment from milk + honey spa. Experience a calm to set the tone for the upcoming school year with a deep tissue massage, natural mani/pedi, or skin rejuvenation med spa treatment. Book your appointment today!
Bring on the sweat! Barry’s Bootcamp offers dynamic, high-intensity workouts filled with community, high energy, and effective exercise. First timers, here’s a gift for you — your first class FREE! For returners, email austin@barrys.com and mention "2nd street district" to unlock 3 classes for $80 (*expires August 31, one-time redemption only).
Keep the blood pumping at Orangetheory Fitness! Grab some new friends and bring them with you to this HIIT total-body workout. You’re prioritizing YOU when you exercise at Orangetheory.
After a busy day of shopping, dining, and family time, unwind at W Austin. Stay right in the heart of downtown Austin with stunning views right outside your window. Fully relax with a trip to the AWAY Spa at The W for a much-deserved massage or facial. And if you’re a local, don’t miss the 30% discount on Massages, Body Treatments and Facials & 20% discount on Nail and Waxing Services from Mondays-Thursdays (excluding holidays).
Conclusion:
With school back in session, the 2nd Street District is the go-to destination for an escape from studying. From elevating your fall style to sipping a must-try cocktail on a shaded patio to enjoying a full body massage, downtown Austin is the place to be as you say bye to summer and hello to an exciting school year ahead.
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