Austin, the state capital of Texas, is bursting with history and charm. Art and music can be found around every corner. And let’s not forget the food: regardless of whether it’s winter or summertime in the city, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an empty patio seat on a Sunday in any area of Austin — brunch here is a year-round sport.
Cherrywood, the quaint neighborhood a mere three miles from Downtown, is no different. "Having grown up in Austin, I love the feeling of Cherrywood,” explains Ryan McElroy, co-owner of Bird Bird Biscuit, a local sandwich spot. “It's central enough to have a real buzz to it while still apart enough to be genuinely full of locals and have a mellow vibe. It's kind of the perfect blend of old and new Austin.”
The neighborhood was heavily developed during and after World War II. During the time, the target demographic for Cherrywood was described as “gentle folk of limited budget but of unlimited good taste.” Fast forward to the rising house prices of today, the average resident may have more disposable income than before. The area remains, however, a tree-lined oasis and a welcome break from the high-rises of Downtown Austin.
These are our favorite spots.
Bird Bird Biscuit
Arguably the best biscuits in Austin can be found at Bird Bird Biscuit. Here you can discover their flaky, buttery sandwich bites. And with a variety of chicken and egg combinations, they cater to both meat-eating and vegetarian diets.
Lola's Donuts
Bakeshop owner Olivia O’Neal’s Cherrywood donut shop is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. The delectable brioche creations come with a cinnamon cereal milk glaze, sprinkles, and are individually decorated on top.
Salty Sow
Austin loves a happy hour. One of the most popular destinations is Salty Sow. It serves new-American cuisine using sustainable ingredients. It’s ideal for large groups and celebration, or even a leisurely afternoon. We highly recommend the triple-fried duck fat fries — delicious.
Patrizi’s
The Patrizi family has been cooking from tried and tested traditional recipes from the old country for over 50 years, authentically infusing the Austin food scene with Italian flavor. Expect fresh pasta pulled to order, homemade sauces, and a friendly atmosphere at owner Nic Patrizi’s Cherrywood Italian food truck.
Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar
The only rooftop bar in the Cherrywood neighborhood, Techo is aptly named because the word translates to “roof” in Spanish. While the space can only hold about two dozen people at one time, meaning there tends to be a line at the bar, the drinks are definitely worth the wait. The bar is actually located right on top of Mi Madre’s restaurant, so why not grab a taco while you wait for your mezcal creation.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
This community coffee shop serves burgers, breakfast tacos, and Cajun favorites, while also offering free events such as yoga and children singalongs. With so many activities happening throughout the day — and evening, when there tends to be an impromptu board game night happening — part of the magic of this cafe is the seamless transition between coffee and beer o’clock.
Haymaker
Those seeking a livelier sort of buzz and environment can head to Haymaker. This is where Cherrywood residents go for choice: the plethora of beers on tap and variety of craft sandwiches make it a go-to for any occasion.
Thunderbird Coffee
If you like your caffeine with a side of fun, this is the coffee shop for you. Thunderbird offers a cool and contemporary latte selection like blueberry-lavender, among other coffee drinks and teas.
Oddwood Brewing
Beer, pizza, wine, arcades and the Terrible Love — the teeny tiny coffee truck with a passionate fan base — make this destination a must. Very much a vibe.
Dai Due
This relatively new Texan restaurant is regionally minded, so much so that even the beer and wine are exclusively from the state. Naturally, all the food is also sourced locally, so the bounties and scarcities of the seasons are always the theme here. Chef Jesse Griffiths’ Texas-forever menu includes everything from heavier dishes like giant rib-eyes, fried chicken, and wild boar confit, to lighter fare such as fresh salads.