Aug 17, 2022
3 min read
A Guide to Austin by a Health and Wellness Coach
Rachel Katz
is an Austin-based modern health-and-wellness renaissance woman. She’s a nutritional scientist, wellness-embodiment coach, yoga teacher, podcast host, and travel and lifestyle content creator.
Rachel lives to travel and considers herself very fortunate to have seen so many beautiful corners of our planet. Some of her favorite destinations to date include Paris, Hawaii, Australia, and Israel.
Until November 2021, Rachel called Los Angeles home. She is now a resident of Austin, Texas, and she’s sharing all of her recs and local knowledge with us. Read on for Rachel’s personal guide to Texas’ capital city.
Where to stay
What are your top three hotels in Austin?
The
South Congress Hotel is my recommendation if you’re looking to stay in South Congress. I love the rooftop pool, and you can just walk downstairs and you’re right in the heart of everything – so many fun shops, restaurants, and live music venues in this area.
The Fairmont
is my favorite hotel in the Domain area. The location is amazing – within walking distance of all of the bars, restaurants, and shops in the area.
The Austin Marriott Downtown
is my top pick for staying in the Downtown area. I love their rooftop tiki bar, and the location can’t be beat.
Tip: visit all of these neighborhoods in Austin (even if you’re not staying there) to get a true feel for the city.
Eat & Drink in Austin
Where are your go-to spots for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
Breakfast:
All of the biscuit sandwiches at
Bird Bird Biscuit are amazing. Plus, their gluten-free biscuit is SO good – you can’t even tell it’s gluten-free!
Lunch:
Honest Mary’s
is perfect for a quick, healthy bite. I love making my own bowl with black rice, chicken or steak, lentils, sweet potatoes, veggies, pumpkin seeds, and their creamy poblano sauce.
El Alma
has super yummy cocktails, enchiladas, and tacos.
Two Hands
is one of my favorite places to get a coffee and a salmon quinoa bowl.
Terry Black’s
has the best BBQ in Austin in my opinion. I love their cheddar-jalapeno sausages and beef ribs. Don’t skimp on the sides, either. I go for the cornbread, Mexican rice, green beans, or mac ‘n’ cheese.
Dinner:
Curra’s Grill
is one of the best authentic Mexican places I’ve found here in Austin. Everything is amazing, but my favorites are their guacamole and enchiladas.
Ichiban
has incredible, authentic sushi. I love this place for a date night.
Inka Chicken
is also not to be missed, they have the best Peruvian food.
Is there anywhere you’d recommend for a great solo dinner?
I love going to
True Food Kitchen for a nice solo dinner. The environment is super laid back and the food is healthy and delicious.
Coffee
What’s your favorite coffee shop in Austin?
Merit Coffee
! It’s a great atmosphere to work in, the coffee is incredible, and I love that they sell my favorite yogurt (I highly recommend adding the homemade granola).
What’s your order?
An iced oat milk cappuccino with a splash of lavender.
Workout
What’s your workout of choice in Austin?
Since I love working out outdoors, my favorite part about Austin is all of the walking/hiking trails.
Where’s the best place to do it and why?
I love walking around
Zilker Park,
Barton Springs, or
Lady Bird Lake. I also teach private yoga classes in the park.
Working in Austin
To log on for a Zoom meeting, or answer a few emails, where’s your go-to spot?
I love the
Capital One Café in the Domain Area. It’s the perfect place to work solo, hold meetings with others, and get a yummy coffee. There are also so many cafes around there to walk to for lunch, and the Austin library is a beautiful spot as well.
