10 Famous Austin Spots Ranked From Worst to Best

Highly subjective and also 100% correct

Foreshadowing. (Photo: VisitAustin.com)

I’ve given y’all plenty of content relating to Austin things I like, don’t like, and simply tolerate, but for this one I’m taking some of the most “iCoNiC” places in town and putting them in order from least appealing to most.

A couple of caveats: (1) Being low on this list doesn’t necessarily mean something is shitty since the ranking is relative. But it’s highly suggestive that the destination is at least overrated; and (2) there are plenty of places that are worthy of inclusion on this list that didn’t make it. But 10 is plenty. Maybe I’ll do a sequel in the future.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

#10. Dirty 6th Street: Once considered a Crown Jewel of Austin nightlife, the area remains very popular, but substantially less so than even 10 years ago, as more trendy scenes have popped up further west on 6th, on Rainey Street, and east of I-35 just to name a few. It’s still a formidable mecca for bachelorette parties and bro nights out given the sheer number of themed bars/drink specials, and Esther’s Follies remains a banger, as do some of its live music offerings. But it’s easy to see why so many are turned off by its less varnished vibes and apparent uptick in crime.

#9. Themed Murals: I’m just lumping these all in together, because it’s what most of them deserve. Even if much of their Insta traffic is from out-of-towners, there’s still a silly amount of local hype associated with them. i love you so much at Jo’s, Greetings From Austin, and You’re My Butter Half (which was once briefly, and wonderfully, You’re My Butt Hole—a massive upgrade), are probably the three most 2024 Famous, and all have a strong cringe factor, feeling forced and not at all organic. (Note: Daniel Johnston’s Hi, How Are You kind of fucking rocks and is the only reason this one isn’t #10.)

I rest my case. (Photo: KTLA)