Kayla Hui

Austin is gearing up to host one of its biggest annual events: South by Southwest (SXSW). The nine-day festival will be one for the books, featuring keynotes from CEOs like Bluesky’s Jay Graber, live talks with actors, CEOs and professors, as well as music performances from international talent, including Mexican singer Justin Morales and Japanese sensation Shiho Yabuki. Celebrities are also expected to make appearances, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey set to discuss HBO’s Emmy-winning series “The Last of Us.” With so much to see and do, SXSW can be overwhelming, but we got your bases covered. From this year’s sessions to securing tickets, here’s your complete guide to SXSW 2025.  What is SXSW? Imagine the biggest names in tech, music, education, film and culture all in one place—that’s SXSW. Each year offers something new, but you can expect keynotes, workshops, film screenings and performances from rising and established artists alike. SXSW is where innovation, technology, culture and entertainment collide, and it has even propelled the careers of notable artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper and Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion.  When is SXSW 2025? SXSW 2025 will take place over nine days, from March 7 to 15. Sessions and performances vary daily, so be sure to check the SXSW website for the full schedule.  How to get tickets to SXSW 2025? You can purchase tickets directly online at the SXSW website. There are four different pass options:  Platinum ($

If you ask any Austinite where to get tacos, they’d probably point you toward East Austin, home to neighborhood taco joint Nixta Tacqueria. You can’t miss it; the eatery’s exterior is painted a vibrant blue with pink trim, and it’s helmed by two taco masterminds: Michelin Young Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico and co-founder and operational head Sara Mardanbigi.  Rico’s experimental spirit, combined with Mardanbigi’s upbringing in rural Arkansas, where she learned the craft of flour tortillas, is why you’ll find unconventional ingredients like beets and avocado crema together on a tortilla, aka the beet “tartare” tostada.  For Rico and Mardanbigi, Nixta Taqueria is more than just tacos—it’s about community. Since opening in October 2019, the duo has built a community garden and even piloted a 24/7 community fridge. “Our mission is to provide imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, tradition and finesse for our community,” says Mardanbigi.  Having run their own taco spot, Rico and Mardanbigi know a thing or two about tacos. Here are their favorite taco spots in town. 

From Black cowboys who shaped Lone Star ranches to the opening of the first Black-owned boutique hotel, Black people have long contributed to Texas' history. While it’s important to celebrate Black History year-round, February is an opportunity to highlight the contributions that Black people have made to Texas through food, culture, art and more. Thankfully, Texas is so big that there’s plenty of ways to celebrate this month-long event. 

Time Out loves cities. We love talking about them and guiding you to explore them and, once a year, we even rank them with help from you, our readers. The results of our annual survey—which polls city-dwellers around the world about what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns—give us insight into what makes a city great. Your views on current culture trends, nightlife, and the things that make you love where you live, such as green spaces and access to beaches, help us compile our global ranking of the world’s best cities and this U.S.-specific list. Below, you’ll find the top 10 places in America, along with insider info from locals on why this year is the right time to visit. Now, without further ado, the best cities in the U.S. right now.

Looking to brighten up someone’s day? A beautiful bouquet of blooms should do the trick. While Texas is more often considered a cacti-laden land, the bluebonnets always find their way through the dust. And there’s much more where that came from. Flower shops are rearing plants from all over the world so that in Austin, you’ll literally find a bloom for every taste, be it for roses, orchids, tulips or carnations. So when you're searching for the perfect arrangement to say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or a way to communicate something else, we have just the cuts. Plucked from both nationwide biggies and boutique family-run businesses, these flower delivery services cater to an ATX audience and are primed for a heartfelt gesture. And while you’re in the spirit of spoiling, consider our guides to the most romantic restaurants or the best spas in Austin for an extra sweet treat. Here are the finest florists to get a bouquet delivered. RECOMMENDED:🍫Complete the gift with the very best chocolate shops in the USA🌹Check out the best flower shops in Texas🌻Or head to The best flower shops in Austin How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelin

If you're hungry then get ready to eat well in San Antonio. Boasting some of the most diverse foods and cultures in Texas, the Alamo City's culinary scene rarely disappoints. While Houston, Austin and Dallas definitely have a fantastic food culture, San Antonio brings something different to the table. From reliable neighborhood haunts that are tried and true to new popular bistros and pop-ups, there is a little something here for everyone. A new wave of development over the last few years has meant a revitalization of certain areas of The Pearl, which has become a culinary hub, among many others in the city. Whether you're after authentic Texas barbecue, mouthwatering Tex-Mex, Naples-style pizza, juicy Chinese char siu or elevated Asian fusion, you will find it all at the best restaurants in San Antonio. After you eat your way through different neighborhoods, you'll want to check out all the exciting things to do in San Antonio while also hitting up its vibrant nightlife. Now that your taste buds are watering, here are the best places to eat in San Antonio right now. Recommended: The best bars in San Antonio This guide was updated by San Antonio expert Anni Irish. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Ever heard of a Texan pour? If the answer is no, you’re in for a welcome surprise in Dallas. Here, they don’t just pour drinks. They pour them big. Imagine your regular cup, but doubled: that’s the drinks you’ll get served at the best bars in Dallas.  The other best part about drinking in Dallas is that it’s got pretty much everything you can think of: dives, speakeasies, glistening hotel rooftops, lounges and wacky cocktail bars. So for all things spritzes, cocktails, beer and more, here are our picks of the absolute best bars in Dallas.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best Dallas nightlife spots🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas📍 The best things to do in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas This guide was written by James Wong, a writer based between Dallas and the UK. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

As one of the best destinations for foodies, Houston’s naturally a haven for brunch. The city has long been praised for its swanky, diverse international dining scene. In addition to the traditional Texan fare, Houston is home to excellent Vietnamese, Italian, Cajun, Chinese, South African, Thai and Lebanese food, to name just a few of the city’s culinary traditions and top Houston restaurants. This stellar foodie reputation extends to brunch, too. In fact, there are an outrageous number of great brunch spots in H-Town, from long-standing cafes to new hip establishments. Brunching is quite the popular thing to do in Houston, as well as a great activity for kids if you're looking to plan a weekend family outing. Anywhere you go is likely to be jam-packed, but hey, that just means more time for pre-meal champagne cocktails and bottomless Bloody Marys (for the adults, of course). Here are the best places to do brunch in Houston.

January 29th marks the start of the Lunar New Year, and Texas is brimming with festivities to welcome the Year of the Snake. From spirited lion and dragon dances to cultural performances and market pop-ups featuring Asian-owned businesses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up the best events happening across the state to help you celebrate. 

With temperatures starting to dip in Austin, now’s the best time to jet-set to cozier (and warmer) environs. From dozens of domestic to international departures out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the opportunities to relax are endless. In under four hours, you could find yourself soaking up the sun in Los Angeles, or, if an international getaway is calling, Cabo San Lucas is just a quick three-hour flight away. Prefer to stay closer to home? Texas offers plenty of destinations within a reasonable drive.  Wherever you’re wishing to go or itching to do, here are the best getaways from Austin. 

Texans might get the occasional eye-roll from out-of-state relatives when they announce they’re celebrating the holidays in the Lone Star State. Sure, Texas isn’t exactly known for wintry snowflakes or puffer jacket weather, but holiday cheer? There’s plenty to go around. From free community events to extravagant ticketed experiences, these holiday light shows prove that Texas knows how to sparkle.  

While I can’t call myself a native Texan, I have seen this state grow astronomically in the past two years since calling Austin my home. From visiting dozens of restaurants, museums and events to uncover the best things to see, eat and do across the Lone Star State, I’ve witnessed chefs pushing culinary boundaries and techniques, artists using recycled materials to bring communities together and city dwellers putting their own spin on viral events. To say that 2024 was an amazing year for Texas would be an understatement.  Ahead, explore Time Out’s “Best of the City” picks for 2024 and join me in celebrating the people, places and moments that shaped Texas this year. 

Even two years after the Barbie movie premiered, the hype around this pink-loving icon is still going strong. Case in point: Austin-based Barbie fans have something major to look forward to: a Malibu Barbie Cafe is finally making its way to the 512 after pop-ups in New York, Chicago, Miami and Houston.  Spearheaded by Bucket Listers and Mattel, the pop-up will offer an immersive experience, where visitors can expect to live out their Barbie dreams. Expected to open April 4, the cafe will feature a retro beachside setting inspired by 1970s Malibu complete with a roller rink and a vibrant fast-casual restaurant. Think disco balls, neon pink and yellow rollerblades and playful menu items like birthday cake pancakes and cupcakes served via Barbie’s Dream Boat. Yup, you heard that correctly.  Courtesy Malibu Barbie CafeBarbie Dream Boat cupcake tower Beyond the Barbie-themed decor and bites, the experience also includes exclusive merch, from branded t-shirts and hats to mugs and, of course, iconic Barbie dolls. Tickets are $25 and include select food and merchandise. They’ll be released via a notification system, so be sure to join the waitlist to snag yours before they sell out. 

In less than a week, the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin will unveil In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships, a new exhibit exploring how human connection drives creativity through three unique artistic collaborations. “Artists have inspired one another for centuries,” said Simone Wicha, the museum’s director, in a press release. “In Creative Harmony demonstrates how these exchanges push the boundaries of creativity by beautifully weaving together three transformative partnerships and more than a hundred artworks.”  The exhibit highlights: José Guadalupe Posada and Artemio Rodríguez: A cross-generational dialogue between the renowned Mexican printmaker and contemporary artist Rodríguez. Arshile Gorky and Isamu Noguchi: A showcase of abstract paintings and sculptures tracing their creative trajectories. Nora and Eliza Naranjo Morse” An immersive display of pottery, drawings and graphic arts that blend ancestral knowledge and storytelling.  Courtesy AccuSoft Inc.Noguchi, Yellow Landscape The exhibit will be open to the public on February 16, 2025 and runs through July 20, 2025. Blanton will also host a series of public events to celebrate the collection: Friday, February 28, 2025 | 7-11pm – B Scene art party  Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 4pm – Art with an Expert: Artemio Rodríguez on art practice and the influence of Posada  Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 4pm – Art with an Expert: Claire Howard on Noguchi and Gorky’s artistic partnership For m

Driftwood might not be the first place that comes to mind for great food, but don’t sleep on its growing restaurant scene. Case in point: Whiskey Ridge, a restaurant specializing in locally sourced meat, Gulf Coast seafood and an impressive selection of whiskey and distilled spirits. Since opening in late 2024, it has been making waves in the Hill Country food scene. I made the 40-minute drive from Austin to see what all the buzz was about—here’s my honest review.  After a warm “welcome home” from the staff, I was seated at a table with a mix of banquette-style seating and loose chairs. We kicked off the evening with several appetizers: hot queso and chips, which leaned a little salty; a rich Texas gumbo and my favorite, the Gulf Coast oysters, broiled in herb butter, finely cut jalapeños and bread crumbs.  Our server Kef, who also happens to be Buffalo Trace certified, recommended we try some bourbons. He brought out Weller CYPB, a light, citrusy pour with smooth caramel notes and spiced apple undertones, followed by Heaven Hill Grain To Glass, which featured hints of oak, caramel and toasted almonds. But the real standout? A pour of Pappy Van Winkle, aged over 20 years at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. With only limited quantities produced each year, Pappy Van Winkle is notoriously hard to find, and few restaurants carry it. If you’re a bourbon drinker, Whiskey Ridge offers pours, but be prepared to splurge.  Courtesy Kayla HuiAssortment of bourbons from Whiske

Houston’s Restaurant Week is still a couple of months away, but its sister event Eat Drink HTX, is making a return for a fourth year. This two-week dining event offers prix fixe menus at dozens of casual and fast-casual restaurants across the city. A portion of each meal purchased benefits the Houston Food Bank and Kids’ Meals, which provides nutritious meals for preschool-aged children.  If you’re planning to participate, here’s everything you need to know: When is the event?  Eat Drink HTX runs from February 15 to February 28, 2025.  How much is it?  Two-course brunch and lunch: $15 Two-course dinner: $25  What restaurants are participating?  Dozens of restaurants will take part, offering diverse prix fixe menus that highlight a range of cuisines, from Filipino and Tex-Mex to Southern and European fare.  Some highlights include jumbo chicken wings and caramelized onion smashburgers from B.B. Lemon to dan dan noodles and house-made dumplings from Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Mala Sichuan. You can browse all participating restaurants and menus online.  Do I need a reservation?  Reservations are not required, but policies vary by restaurant. Be sure to check each restaurant’s menu page to see if they accept walk-ins.  When booking a table, let your server know you’d like to order from the Eat Drink HTX menu, as some restaurants may be offering their regular menus. 

Coach, the beloved American fashion house, has seen a resurgence in recent years, fueled by Y2K nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for quality craftsmanship at an accessible price. Now, the brand is expanding beyond handbags and accessories, venturing into the coffee scene with The Coach Coffee Shop.  After debuting its first location in New Jersey in late 2024, Coach has now brought its café concept to Austin’s The Domain, marking its second location and the first in Texas.  You can expect to find a selection of hot and iced coffee drinks, from lattes to matcha, as well as soft serve and baked goods like brownies, sugar cookies and the standout Tabby Cake, a chocolate bundt cake with shell frosting, shaped like the brand’s iconic purse. Shoppers can also browse Coach-branded apparel and homeware, including t-shirts, baseball caps, totes, and mugs and saucers.  The new Coach Coffee Shop is located at 11401 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 121 and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm. 

Today, Austin has been named as one of the best cities in America. According to our annual survey—where readers like you choose the cities that make life great—Austin claimed the 7th spot, and it’s easy to see why. World-class cuisine, a vast network of hiking trails, major festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits and near-perfect weather (except for summer, iykyk) make the city a standout. And while it may have lost the title of the fastest growing metro in the U.S. to neighboring Dallas, Austin remains—and will continue to be—the “weird” city people have come to know and love. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s plenty to see and explore.  Where to even begin with all the reasons people love Austin? As one of the greenest cities in the U.S. (ranked No. 7), Austin dedicates roughly 15% of its land to parks, gardens and urban green spaces. That means endless opportunities to get outside, whether it’s hiking one of the 147 scenic trails or catching some rays at Zilker Park.  When temperatures dip or soar, you can always find refuge at one of Austin’s best restaurants, which encompasses Michelin-starred barbecue and fresh Italian to Tex-Mex and new-age Caribbean joints. Whatever your taste buds desire, Austin will likely have it. In 2024, Austin earned seven Michelin stars and 14 of the 45 Bib Gourmand distinctions, cementing its place as a must-visit culinary destination. Sports-wise, while Austin might not rival major cities like Chicago, New York, or Los Angel

I’ve always dreaded cardio—the thought of slogging through a treadmill session isn’t my idea of fun. But then I found DivaDance in Austin, and suddenly, getting in shape feels less like a chore and more like a night out with friends. Here’s how this dance studio is changing the way I move.  My DivaDance experience DivaDance offers a variety of classes throughout the week, from hip hop to dance fitness, with difficulty levels ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging. I decided to sign up for a hip-hop class set to Sticky by Tyler, The Creator.  When I arrived with my guest, I was greeted by Taylor, the lead instructor, and the DivaDance staff. They introduced us to the space—a large studio lined with tall mirrors. After stashing our belongings in cubbies, the class started with an easy warm-up to loosen up our muscles before diving into the choreography.  Taylor broke the routine into five sections, teaching each one slowly and without music first. Since Sticky is a fast-paced song, she took time to explain every move, making sure everyone could follow along. Once we got comfortable with a section, we added music to practice at full speed.  As someone who’s relatively new to hip-hop dance, I found the choreography challenging—but in a good way. Taylor offered alternative moves to accommodate different skill levels and body types, ensuring no one felt left behind. She also opened up the floor (pun intended) for questions about any of the dance sequences, creating a support

Saying goodbye is hard, especially when it’s to your favorite restaurant. Unfortunately, Dallas has had to bid farewell to a few eateries this month. From a bistro and cozy wine shop to a beloved sushi joint, here are the latest restaurant closures to know about.  City Works Eatery and Pour House This brewpub closed its Frisco location earlier this month. Since opening in 2017, City Works Eatery and Pour House was a go-to spot for craft beer and good pub food. However, challenges in the restaurant industry ultimately led to its closure in Dallas. The chain will continue operating its existing locations, with potential plans for expansion.  Pangea Restaurant & Bar On January 29, chef Kevin Ashade announced the closure of Pangea via Instagram. While he didn’t specify a reason, chef Ashade wrote, “Though this chapter has come to a close, I am excited to continue serving the community through catering.” Pangea was lauded for its standout seafood and meat dishes, so its closure is sure to leave a void for loyal patrons.  Sushi Marquee at the Star After eight years, this beloved sushi restaurant has closed its doors, citing rising costs, payroll and rent as major factors, according to CultureMap Dallas. Before shuttering, Sushi Marquee was a favorite for its quality sushi, sashimi, rolls and warm dishes served in a lively casual setting—so it’s no surprise that its departure stings for many.  Trova Wine + Market  This under-the-radar wine shop and bistro abruptly announced its clos

Known for its German history, wine-tasting and locally-owned shops, Fredericksburg has long been a charming getaway destination for local Texans and tourists alike. However, despite attracting nearly 1.2 million visitors yearly, the area had been lacking in hotel options. Enter the Albert Hotel, a 105-room boutique hotel named after architect and historic preservationist Albert Keidel.  After a much-anticipated two-year wait, the Albert finally opened its doors on January 3rd, inviting guests from all walks of life to experience Hill Country living with modern touches. While the property is located on bustling Main Street, much of it is tucked away, offering a relaxing and tranquil getaway. After checking in for a comped review a few weeks after opening, I quickly understood why the buzz hadn’t simmered down.  Courtesy Kayla HuiLobby of Albert Hotel My experience at the Albert Hotel My partner, Sasha (our dog) and I checked in on Friday evening and were greeted by friendly receptionists—dog lovers who seemed just as excited about the hotel’s pet-friendly policy as we were.  A receptionist escorted us to our room, a standard king on the 2nd floor, with nightly rates averaging $350 and $400. The room was spacious and cozy, with plenty of space for the three of us to move around without feeling cramped. The hotel even provided thoughtful pet amenities, including two dog beds, pet bowls, a bandana and bone-shaped treats, which Sasha devoured immediately. Once we settled in, I t

Following the Michelin Awards Ceremony last year, the Lone Star State continues to serve up culinary excellence, with Texas restaurants, bakeries and bars landing spots as 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists. While the winners won’t be announced until Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera House of Chicago, there’s plenty of time to check out the nominees until then.   Texas establishments and chefs clinched semifinalist spots across all categories, including Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Bakery, Outstanding Wine Program and more. The only category Texas didn’t make the cut in is Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Regardless, Texas is pulling all the stops to showcase its culinary strength, with standout chefs hailing from all over the state—from Marfa to Irving and the Culinary Capital of Texas, San Antonio.  Without further ado, check out the full list of Texas nominees:  Outstanding Restauranter Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, and Doris Metropolitan), Houston, TX Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer, Nobie's, Toasted Coconut, and Nonno's, Houston, TX Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Canje, Austin, TX   David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co., Seguin, TX   Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water ELEMI, El Paso, TX   Emerging Chef presented by S. Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water Suu Khin, Burmalicious, Houston, TX RJ Yoakum, Georgie, Dallas, TX

Austin’s culinary landscape is always evolving and with that comes the hard reality of restaurant closures. Just as Austinites were reeling from the news of Trudy’s shuttering its last location, another cherished eatery, Con Todo, is also closing its doors. Chef Joseph announced the decision in an emotional Instagram post.  “This is one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make,” Gomez wrote. “Con Todo wasn’t just a business—it was my livelihood, my passion, so deeply personal to me…I struggled a lot with the decision, but ultimately, [it] was the best decision for my family, and I hope y’all can understand that.”  Located within Celis Brewery, the small but mighty truck became a beloved destination for pairing brewskis and Belgian-style beers with dishes like bistec and chicken mole tacos on fresh corn tortillas. Since opening in 2021, Con Todo has been a heartfelt tribute to Gomez’s Mexican heritage and the Rio Grande Valley, a region that has profoundly shaped his culinary journey. In just three years, Gomez worked his way to earn prestigious accolades, including being named a semifinalist in the 2024 James Beard Awards for Best Texas Chef. While Con Todo’s chapter has come to an end, Gomez’s impact on Austin’s food scene and his contributions to the community will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the 512.

Long-time Tex-Mex chain Trudy’s has shuttered its last location in Austin, according to an announcement on Instagram this past Monday.  First opening its doors in 1977, Trudy’s quickly became an Austin favorite. It was beloved by the community for its scratch-made food and martinis. Despite its popularity, the chain struggled financially and filed for bankruptcy in 2020. That same year, Trudy’s, North Carolina-based venture capital firm Hargett Hunter acquired Trudy’s along with South Congress Cafe, in an effort to revitalize the brand.  Jeff Brock, a managing partner at Hargett Hunter, reflected his connection to Trudy’s in a 2020 statement: “I will never forget, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Literally, it was the first place we went [in Austin], so it’s something that I’ve just always connected with; I’ve always known about it and followed through the years.”  Courtesy Trudy's Tex-MexTacos from Trudy's Why is Trudy’s Tex-Mex closing its Austin location?  At the time of the acquisition, Trudy’s had three locations, with plans to grow the brand across Texas and the country post-pandemic. However, a series of closures followed: South Congress Cafe in 2021, Trudy’s Texas Star location on 409 W. 30th St in 2022 and Trudy’s South Star location on 901 Little Texas Ln in 2022.  Trudy’s cited several reasons for its closures, including fire damage, vandalism and conflicts with city zoning lines. In a press release, CEO Scott Taylor also acknowledged economic cha