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Grab your friends and get ready for a sun-soaked day filled with flavor and laughs because June 8 is National Best Friends Day. Whether you’re craving spicy bites, dance parties, or hidden gem hangouts, this roundup has your dream itinerary covered.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Spice up your day with a Southern favorite that made its name in Nashville — Hattie B’s. Located in the buzzing South Lamar area, this counter-service hotspot is known for its fiery hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings, with heat levels ranging from mild to “shut the cluck up.” Don’t skip the Southern sides (black-eyed peas, pimento mac & cheese, and banana pudding!) for a down-home meal your crew will talk about all year.
Handsome Dan’s

Vintage diner meets modern brewery vibes at Handsome Dan’s, which is also actually the home of Austin’s first non-alcoholic beer. Tucked away in East Austin, this hidden gem offers everything from Turkey & Swiss melted paninis to ice cold beers (both the real deal and non-alcoholic kind!). It’s a laid-back hangout where retro design and great food set the stage for easy conversation and midday chill.
Barton Springs Pool

No girls’ day in Austin is complete without a dip in the iconic Barton Springs Pool. Nestled in the heart of Zilker Park, this spring-fed, 68-degree natural pool is the ultimate way to cool off and relax under the Texas sun. Whether you’re lounging on the grassy hill, snapping cute pics with your crew, or taking a dip in the pool, Barton Springs offers a refreshing reset between meals and adventures.
Fareground

This sleek downtown food hall makes decision-making a breeze. Whether your crew is craving ramen, tacos, sushi, or fresh salads, Fareground has something for everyone under one roof. Grab a bite, enjoy the stylish seating, and toast your friendships with craft drinks in this all-weather-friendly indoor/outdoor space. Tip: Take your drinks outside if the weather is nice and play a game in the courtyard.
The Carillon

Located in the AT&T Center on the University of Texas campus, this seafood and steakhouse is tucked away and not known by a lot of Austinites. With easy parking in the attached garage, which is validated at your dinner service, this fine dining restaurant is popular for shows that happen on campus at Bass Concert Hall or Moody Theater. But at other times, it’s the perfect hidden secluded dinner spot for an elevated experience.
They are known for their three-course dinner ($55) that includes a starter, entrée and dessert. The steak and sea bass are popular menu items, but they also feature scallops, pork chops, and a vegetarian tamale entrée. Highly recommend the puréed carrot hummus for the table, the wedge salad, and the perfectly seared sea bass. Pair with a reasonably priced bottle of wine. The ambience is spot on for a special dinner.
Velvet Taco

With locations spread all over the Austin area, it’s easy to pop in to a Velvet Taco and enjoy some of the most creative and innovative tacos in Texas. We’re big fans of the Korean fried rice that features slow roasted pulled pork, egg fried rice, pickled red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. The Mexicali shrimp is packed with blackened shrimp, Napa slaw, avocado, and roasted corn pico.
Of course you can get the more tame tacos like rotisserie chicken, grilled steak, grilled salmon, also. If you are a fan of a healthy bowl, they offer five bowls packed with delicious goodness. Pro tip: We really like the combo where you can get two tacos, an individual side and a fountain beverage. They are also known for their one and only fan favorite dessert: red velvet cake.
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Cover Photo credit Austin Parks and Recreation
Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid.