Between Takes: What to See & Do
Around the Austin Film Festival
Words by Kit Warchol
There’s nothing quite like Austin when the Austin Film Festival kicks off each year. You can feel the energy level rise, made possible by the influx of filmmakers, writers, and all sorts of other film and TV creatives flowing through Austin-Bergstorm International Airport and into downtown Austin.
If you’re here for AFF, you likely have plenty of plans — panels, screenings, happy hour catch-ups with former colleagues, and maybe even a good night’s sleep. Still, this is Austin, a city that’s alive with music and events. And we’ve all gotta eat. Here are some ways to fill your downtime between all the festival events.
SEE & DO
Walk Around Lady Bird Lake
Chances are you’ve seen the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail even if you’ve never set foot in Austin — it’s where all those glorious lake photos of Downtown Austin are taken. This is Austin’s closest thing to Central Park. If biking is more your thing than walking, the LINE offers free rental bikes for hotel guests. Stop by the front desk to inquire.
The Contemporary Austin
Take a breather from thinking and talking about film and TV to see some art of a different ilk. You’ll likely spot The Contemporary on your way through downtown Austin — it’s impossible to miss, especially when artist Jim Hodge’s “With Liberty and Justice for All” is lit up at night. With rotating exhibitions and events, you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the galleries. Or, if you feel like a jaunt outside of the city, The Contemporary’s second location, Laguna Gloria (right on Lake Austin), offers a sculpture park for a calming afternoon spent amidst nature and bronze-cast forms.
Waterloo Records
Whether it’s the in-store performances, the wildly knowledgeable staff, or the sheer variety of music selections, Waterloo Records has kept its doors open and its aisles busy for over 40 years. It also has an unmatched selection of local artists, so you can take some Austin home with you after the film festival ends.
Slow Flow Yoga & Sip Well Sundays at the LINE
Whether your preferred version of R&R involves mindful movement or wine, the LINE has you covered. Join us by the pool every Saturday morning at 9:00am for a slow-flow class taught by Megan of Jaguar High Priestess. Mats provided. On Sunday evenings, the LINE’s P6 turns into a wine-centric get-together, featuring $20 bottles from 4:00pm on, making it the ideal spot to gather with other Austin Film Festival attendees. Check out our events calendar for more.
The White Horse Honky Tonk
You can’t come to Austin without seeing some live music, and while it’s easy enough to stumble onto a show by simply walking around downtown, stopping into The White Horse is a guaranteed evening of drinks and dancing. They also offer donation-based Texas Two-Step lessons on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Eat & Drink
Figure 8 & Flat Track Coffee
One of the best ways to get to know a city is to spend each morning in a different coffee shop or cafe. Head for one Figure 8’s two locations to experience arguably the best espresso in the city. Meanwhile, directly east of the LINE across the freeway, Flat Track Coffee is the ideal spot to post up to answer emails and people-watch. They also roast their own beans, so grab a bag or two to take home as souvenirs (or as a thank-you gift for your dog-sitter).
Comadre Panaderia
Located behind Nixta Taqueria (also great), you’ll find some of the best pastries in town — and arguably the U.S. — at Comadre Panaderia. Mariela Camacho is the baker and brains behind the operation, which offers unexpected riffs on traditional Mexican pastries. The concha is the thing, but you might want to take a whole box of pastries to go. Share them with colleagues back at the hotel.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
It’s not a trip to Austin without a stop for barbecue, and while there are plenty of spots worthy of a visit, Terry Black’s is within walking distance of the LINE. It also has a few other things going for it: you don’t have to wake up early to get in line, it’s open Mondays (a rarity among BBQ joints), and it has a spacious dining room with a vibe somewhere between roadhouse and country music hall — meaning it’s as welcoming as the brisket is solid.
Suerte, Este, & Bar Toti
Three concepts from one incredible chef, Fermin Nunez. Nunez is a native of Torreon, Mexico and infuses each of the menus with flavors from his childhood in a way that feels distinctly Austin. At Suerte, the menu centers on homemade masa with a menu that includes suadero, confit wagyu brisket tacos with Nunez’ signature “black magic oil,” and a bar of rotating natural wines and agave cocktails. At Este, the name of the game is mariscos — think shrimp aguachile, machaca de atún, and oysters on the half shell. Bar Toti, tucked between Este and a half-acre garden, offers communal tables, signature cocktails, and share plates, plus a daily happy hour. If you’re coming hungry (or hungover), order the smashburgesa, which is as delicious as it sounds.
Justine’s Brasserie
Justine’s steak frites are renowned, but it’s the atmosphere that makes this spot a stand-out in a state known for steak. If you’re looking for a patio dining experience under the glow of string lights, surrounded by local creatives and food obsessives, you’ll find it here, executed to movie-like perfection.
Rosita’s Al Pastor
For a laid-back lunch or a late-night bite, head for Rosita’s, which has served family recipes to Austinites since 1985. The food trailer offers outdoor dining and a drive-thru for picking up tacos al pastor (of course) and an agua de jamaica, michelada, or margarita. Stop in on your last day in town to say goodbye to Austin in true Austin style.
For more on what to see and do in Austin, head for the LINE’s neighborhood guide or stop by the front desk to chat with our team. They’re always happy to share some favorite haunts.
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