9 Best Things To Do in North Lamar, Austin

Located just north of downtown Austin, the North Lamar District is home to some of the city’s best spots for dining, shopping, and spending time with friends. This area blends an upbeat city lifestyle with a beautiful, calm residential vibe.

As you move through the neighborhood, you’ll notice a transition into a green, tree-lined area filled with locally owned businesses, natural markets, and some of Austin’s favorite staples like Rudy’s and Dan’s Hamburgers.

Although the area offers tons of options, we’ve narrowed it down to the top spots in each category: food, shopping, and experiences, all worth checking out.

In the food category, we’re featuring Barrett’s Coffee, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, and Nervous Charlie’s Bagels, perfect for satisfying any craving, from caffeine to comfort food.

Grab your wallet and your favorite shopping pals, because in this category, we’re highlighting Austin Books and Comics, Blue Elephant Boutique, and Revival Vintage, each offering something unique.

And when it comes to fun, we’ve picked Rowan, Austin Karaoke, and The Art Garage as some of the best things to do in North Lamar to make lasting memories.

Whether you are visiting Austin for the first time or are an Austinite at heart, there is something in store for everyone. Let’s dive into these local gems and explore what makes them so special.

9 Best Things To Do in North Lamar, Austin

What better way to start your day in North Lamar than with a caffeine boost?

This local coffee shop roasts and brews all of its coffee in-house, ensuring a fresh, high-quality cup of joe with every visit.

Barrett’s Coffee offers all kinds of caffeine necessities, from hot lattes to freshly made cold brews, and even features house specialties like the Nitro Root Beer Float, Sunrise Cappuccino, and Chocolate Orange Blossom Latte.

In addition, Barrett’s also serves locally sourced beers and seltzers. The shop prioritizes sustainability, keeping guests caffeinated while using compostable packaging and partnering with Trashless to reduce dairy waste and support a zero-waste mission.

Be sure to check out this Austin staple before heading out for a day of exploring the area.

  • Good for: Morning coffee, casual meetups, remote work
  • Suitable for: Friends, Students, Remote Workers, Coffee Enthusiasts

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

This next spot will wow your party with how seamlessly technology and sushi come together, leaving everyone eagerly eyeing the conveyor belt for the next roll.

Located in The Crescent Shopping Center, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers signature sushi rolls, flavorful ramen, and a variety of select dishes, all delivered via a rotating conveyor belt.

Guests can grab as many rolls as they’d like straight from the belt or order specialty items through a tablet, which are then delivered directly to the table by an express lane system.

As you dine and collect plate after plate, guests can also win prizes by dropping their empty plates into the table’s plate drop-off slot. The more you eat, the more you win!

  • Good for: Casual dinners, family outings
  • Suitable for: Families, Friends, Kids, Groups

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

Fresh tri-state ingredients make their way to Austin to give us Nervous Charlie’s Bagels.

Nervous Charlie’s opened its doors in 2018 and has made its mark in the Austin area since, leaving Austinites craving these delicious bagels.

This bagel shop serves fresh New York City–style bagels each day, with a variety of bagel and cream cheese options to choose from.

Along with these bagel choices, they also serve breakfast and lunch sandwiches on the guests’ choice of bagel.

You can never go wrong with a classic plain-on-plain bagel or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try The Ultimate Italian, filled with ingredients like Black Forest ham, Genoa salami, and provolone cheese.

This is a spot you do not want to miss!

  • Good for: Breakfast, Lunch, Casual Meet-ups
  • Suitable for: Families, Friends, Students, Bagel Enthusiasts

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

4. Austin Books and Comics

Austin books and comics

5002 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Austin Books and Comics has been the city’s superhero headquarters since 1977.

The store houses a collection of over 250,000 comics, spanning countless heroes, stories, and adventurous tales.

It also features a wide variety of action figures, books, and pop culture merchandise, perfect for anyone looking to expand their collection.

Beyond the comics, the store has built a strong bond with the local community, regularly hosting author signings, meetups, and fan events to keep the bond of their fandom alive.

As you explore the store, there is a strong possibility that you will not leave empty-handed, so be prepared to gather your comic buddies and dive into the great stories of these amazing superheroes in a classic Austin staple.

  • Good for: Comic fans, collectors, casual readers, pop culture lovers
  • Suitable for: Families, Friends, Solo Browsers, Collectors, Nerd Culture Fans

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

This locally owned boutique is bringing all of the newest trends, stylish pieces, and bedazzling jewelry not only to the North Lamar District but to Austin itself.

Blue Elephant Boutique opened its doors in 2005 and has been showing its love for Austin through its beautifully crafted clothing and accessories ever since.

Here, you can find Texas and Austin-themed pieces, accessories, and souvenirs that highlight some of the city’s and state’s most recognized monuments and murals, as well as Texas culture.

While visiting, don’t forget to explore the store’s bath and body section for signature fragrances, candles, and lotions.

Whether you grew up in the area or are visiting for the first time, you might just find yourself feeling proud to be a Texan after stopping.

  • Good for: Shopping, Gifts, Fashion Finds
  • Suitable for: Families, Friends, Fashion Lovers

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

For this next shopping experience, be prepared to go through the racks and find your inner vintage side.

Revival Vintage is a thrift store that takes items of clothing, furniture, and accessories and revives them to sell on the racks and eventually become a part of your collection.

You can find items dating back to the ’60s through the Y2K era, giving you the opportunity to add to your current style or discover your next one.

The shop also hosts the Sunday Revival Market on select Sundays throughout the month, featuring various vendors, tons of clothes to dig through, and endless fun.

If you’re looking for one of the best thrift stores in North Lamar, this is your spot. So grab your friends and get ready to unleash your inner stylist!

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

7. Rowan - Ear Piercing Studio

rowan - ear piercing studio

4001 N Lamar Blvd #520, Austin, TX 78756

As we get into our experiences category, this first spot has all the necessities you need to get a piercing.

Rowan, located in the Central Park Shopping Center, is all about making you feel special as you get some bling.

For this experience, Rowan’s top priority is ensuring guests feel comfortable and safe as they embark on their piercing journey.

Every piercer is a licensed nurse, and all of the jewelry offered is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.

Guests are able to choose from lobe, helix, or conch piercings and will be guided through the jewelry selection process.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to add some sparkle to your ears, this is the place to do it.

  • Good For: Ear piercings, licensed-nurse care, professional service
  • Suitable For: Individuals, Families, Kids, First-timers

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

If you thought singing in the shower was a great experience, just wait until you reserve a private room and sing your heart out with your friends.

Austin Karaoke has been bringing all the tunes to the city with its fun and unforgettable karaoke experience.

Guests can make a reservation for their party and will be placed in either a small or a large room, depending on the group size.

Reservations are made on an hourly basis and include an additional fee for extra guests.

Each room comes with two microphones and video screens, just in case you forget the lyrics to your favorite song.

Gather your friends, warm up your vocal cords, and book your next award-winning performance at Austin Karaoke.

  • Good for: Private parties, group fun, BYOB celebrations
  • Suitable for: Friends, Families, Groups, Karaoke Lovers

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

Are you looking to unleash your inner Michelangelo or Picasso? This final experience is the perfect way to do that while also bonding with your besties.

The Art Garage is a creative art studio that lets guests tap into their artistic side through a variety of hands-on activities.

Guests can choose from glass fusion, mosaics, or spend time in the pottery studio to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

The studio offers art classes for those trying to craft the perfect masterpiece or simply have some fun, as well as art camps for the little ones.

In addition to these classes, The Art Garage also hosts events for both kids and adults.

One example is their How to Train Your Dragon canvas workshop, which includes a movie screening, making it the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a fun, creative experience.

Amenities

  • Parking Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Private Dining
  • Non-smoking restaurant
  • TVs
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Reservations
  • Table Service
  • BYOB
  • Vegan Options
  • Wine and Beer
  • Full Bar
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Gift Cards Available
  • Accepts Credit Cards

Conclusion

The North Lamar District is filled with endless opportunities for fun, bonding experiences, and some of the best spots to grab a bite to eat. You can spend an entire day in the area without ever running out of things to do.

Start your morning with a coffee and bagel from Barrett’s Coffee Roasters and Nervous Charlie’s, search for your next statement piece at Revival Vintage or Blue Elephant Boutique, and wrap up the night singing your heart out at Austin Karaoke.

North Lamar is home to some of Austin’s greatest hidden gems and continues to be one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Its vibrant mix of culture, creativity, and community makes it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

As you explore and try out these places, you’ll also get to immerse yourself in the district’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re searching for art, fashion, good food, or fun with friends, this area truly has something for everyone. These featured spots are just a small glimpse into everything North Lamar has to offer.

Honorable mentions to add to the list include Central Market, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, and 85°C Bakery Cafe, each one worth a visit the next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Plan your next day out using some of these recommendations and make unforgettable memories in North Lamar

Elena Ivonye

Born in Houston, Texas, Elena is a senior Advertising major at the University of Texas at Austin. In her free time she loves both attending and planning events, traveling, and doing art projects with her friends. Elena is passionate about culture and bringing people together through experiences.