Updated in 2018 with recommendations, neighborhood profiles, interviews, maps and more. The very best barbecue, swimming holes and dive bars, deep from the cosmic heart of Texas.

"When you grow up in Texas, and you're a little bit different, all roads lead to Austin."

LIZ LAMBERT

LOCAL STORIES, TRAVEL INTEL AND MODERN LORE, INCLUDING:

• A map of the city's top barbecue joints

• Our bests list of coffee, hotels and weekend plans

• Interviews with an architect, soul singer, chef and more

• Where to find the top swimming holes

• Essays from award winning writers and journalists

• Three decades of Death Row final statements

• An ode to the late, great Doug Sahm

• Words from Lyndon Johnson about his hometown

• The best places for queso, mezcal, late night steak frites and more

HOTELIER

LIZ LAMBERT

Founder and creative force behind the Bunkhouse, which owns properties in Austin, San Antonio, Marfa , as well as Baja Mexico, Liz Lambert has reshaped the South Congress neighborhood, starting with her iconic property the Hotel San Jose, redesigned nearly 20 years ago. She shares her story through an interview in the guide.

ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR

CHRIS BILHEIMER

Bilheimer’s career began in Athens, Georgia, where he worked as in-house designer for R.E.M., kicking off one of the most notable careers in album cover art, packaging and poster work. He went on to work with Weezer, Green Day and Neutral Milk Hotel, among others. Since moving to Austin, his design clients include Alamo Drafthouse, Helm Boots and Wildsam.

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STORIES - AUSTIN