Phong & Phuong’s Guidebook
Our favorite restaurants
We tend to go to these specific places because they are children friendly and there is value for what you pay.
This is our go to place whenever we have a sushi craving. It’s all you can eat style that’s pretty good for the money. The staff there is very friendly and the place is welcoming even if you have little kids.
8 locals recommend
Sushi Junai 2
2500 W Parmer LnThis is our go to place whenever we have a sushi craving. It’s all you can eat style that’s pretty good for the money. The staff there is very friendly and the place is welcoming even if you have little kids.
This is our primary go to place if we want sushi after a long day at work. It is in the downtown area, so there’s street parking you’ll have to pay but it’s free parking after 6pm (18:00). This place gets busy after 6 so come early.
15 locals recommend
SUSHI JUNAI 1
1612 Lavaca StThis is our primary go to place if we want sushi after a long day at work. It is in the downtown area, so there’s street parking you’ll have to pay but it’s free parking after 6pm (18:00). This place gets busy after 6 so come early.
This is also another family friendly restaurant that we go to when we have a craving for Greek and Mediterranean food. It’s setup as buffet style. They have lamb shanks but you’ll have to request for it from the cooks.
8 locals recommend
Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet
12636 Research BlvdThis is also another family friendly restaurant that we go to when we have a craving for Greek and Mediterranean food. It’s setup as buffet style. They have lamb shanks but you’ll have to request for it from the cooks.
We love Korean when we lived in Houston but there’s not a lot of options in Austin. This is a pretty good one that’s close to our home. We like the lunch boxes on the weekdays and the bibimbap.
Chosun Galbi
713 E Huntland DrWe love Korean when we lived in Houston but there’s not a lot of options in Austin. This is a pretty good one that’s close to our home. We like the lunch boxes on the weekdays and the bibimbap.
I know what you are thinking. Chinese buffet?!? But hey, we tend to go here when we have a lot of guests so each one can get whatever they prefer without breaking the bank, if you know what I mean. They have snow crabs on the weekend dinner time.
Buffet King
5451 N Interstate Hwy 35I know what you are thinking. Chinese buffet?!? But hey, we tend to go here when we have a lot of guests so each one can get whatever they prefer without breaking the bank, if you know what I mean. They have snow crabs on the weekend dinner time.
Chuy’s is a popular Tex-Mex place. There are many locations but the one I’ve selected is on Barton Springs which is a pretty nice place to hang out afterwards, and there is Zilker Park close by for you to work off those extra fat you just ate.
412 locals recommend
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdChuy’s is a popular Tex-Mex place. There are many locations but the one I’ve selected is on Barton Springs which is a pretty nice place to hang out afterwards, and there is Zilker Park close by for you to work off those extra fat you just ate.
This is a good place for a view. It’s by the “lake” so the evening hours are pretty nice and romantic. They have a variety of food but I usually go there to hang out with friends over appetizers and a drink. It’s next to Mozart’s which sells coffee in case you had one too many drinks at Hula Hut.
269 locals recommend
Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BlvdThis is a good place for a view. It’s by the “lake” so the evening hours are pretty nice and romantic. They have a variety of food but I usually go there to hang out with friends over appetizers and a drink. It’s next to Mozart’s which sells coffee in case you had one too many drinks at Hula Hut.
I’m not a coffee drinker but Mozart’s is a good hang out place with an open patio and it’s by the “lake”. Great for a date night.
371 locals recommend
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin BlvdI’m not a coffee drinker but Mozart’s is a good hang out place with an open patio and it’s by the “lake”. Great for a date night.
Our favorite places for kids
These are the indoors places we go to with out little kids. The rest of the time, Austin provide many outdoor options.
We brought our kinds here since they were 6 months. There’s something about seeing them learn and explore that helps you find purpose in life.
272 locals recommend
Thinkery
1830 Simond AveWe brought our kinds here since they were 6 months. There’s something about seeing them learn and explore that helps you find purpose in life.
This is not the best aquarium by any stretch but they have tiny turtles that our little daughter loves to pet.
48 locals recommend
Austin Aquarium
13530 US-183This is not the best aquarium by any stretch but they have tiny turtles that our little daughter loves to pet.
Some local attractions
This overlooks the river and has a nice view of water front properties. I would probably just spend at most half a day here.
1082 locals recommend
Mount Bonnell
This overlooks the river and has a nice view of water front properties. I would probably just spend at most half a day here.
This place has peacocks roaming around and a few nice backdrops for photos.
178 locals recommend
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
3505 W 35th StThis place has peacocks roaming around and a few nice backdrops for photos.
This is a popular park in Austin. It’s next to the river so you can find a few water activities like canoeing/kayaking, paddle board, etc. There is a nice biking/jogging trail here as well that circles around Ladybird Lake, which is basically the river.
1533 locals recommend
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdThis is a popular park in Austin. It’s next to the river so you can find a few water activities like canoeing/kayaking, paddle board, etc. There is a nice biking/jogging trail here as well that circles around Ladybird Lake, which is basically the river.
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike TrailThe closest place to visit for water activities on a hot day.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs RdGreat for a peaceful stroll with family or a date.
This mini train is a hit with the little kids. Only 2 or 3 dollars. I think this ride is best during Christmas when the Zilker trail of lights are out on display because then you get to ride by and see the props.
20 locals recommend
Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train (temporarily Closed For Repair)
2100 Barton Springs RdThis mini train is a hit with the little kids. Only 2 or 3 dollars. I think this ride is best during Christmas when the Zilker trail of lights are out on display because then you get to ride by and see the props.
Some day trip ideas
When you have a day to spare, these are some slightly far away places that we would recommend to our visiting family and friends.
Great place to go if you want to get out the house but away from the Texas heat.
129 locals recommend
Inner Space Cavern
4200 S I-35 Frontage RdGreat place to go if you want to get out the house but away from the Texas heat.
Great day trip with the little kids. Buy the animal food so your little ones can feed the animals.
50 locals recommend
The Exotic Resort Zoo
235 Zoo TrailGreat day trip with the little kids. Buy the animal food so your little ones can feed the animals.
Decent size mall, 3 stories I think, with direct access to the popular San Antonio river walk. The boat tour is around $10-15.
159 locals recommend
Shops at Rivercenter
849 E Commerce StDecent size mall, 3 stories I think, with direct access to the popular San Antonio river walk. The boat tour is around $10-15.
San Antonio River Walk
610 River WalkVery lively atmosphere.