9 Best Things To Do in North Lamar, Austin
Elena Ivonye
July 31, 2025Located 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
- $5 – $15
- 713 W St Johns Ave, Austin, TX 78752
- Website +1 (512) 677-7667 Menu
- Daily: 7 AM to 7 PM
This is a pretty good cup of coffee. My wife and I were looking for a coffee shop with similar coffee to what we enjoyed in Shanghai and, wow, this might be it. She got the cappuccino and I got a latte. Dain, our barista, was really nice and took good care of us. The environment is very niche. It feels like back alley that happened to serve coffee one day, particularly with the bars on the windows. Everything was clean and the cups even have a nice weight to them. Honestly would come back again! All photos directly out of camera, Fuji X-T5 with a 10-24mm @ f/4, in black and white because I’m weird like that.
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
- $20–30
- 6929 Airport Blvd Suite 125, Austin, TX 78752
- Website +1 (737) 209‑8799 Menu
-
- Mentioned on
- Best Things to Do in North Austin
- Mon–Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 10:30 PM, Sat: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Sun: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
This place is so cute and fun! I adore the atmosphere of the place it's very clean and service was very quick. We were seated immediately. They have the cutest little waiter (robot) who brings out your drinks. I love the ways to get gatchapon toys (little block figurines to build yourself) if you hit a certain number of plates! They do show you how to get the plates out of the conveyor belt so don't worry about that lol. The sushi is made fresh there and tasted amazing. I love that the serving size was 2/3 pieces so we could sample a lot of different kinds. They also have a screen where you can order sushi and other menu items. Overall I recommend this place and will go back again 10/10.
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!
- $10–20 New York City‑style Bagels Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches Cream Cheeses
- 5501 N Lamar Blvd Ste. B101, Austin, TX 78751
- Website +1 (512) 366‑5305 Menu
- Daily: 7 AM – 3 PM
We had a great time at Nervous Charlie’s! The lox bagels we got were perfectly toasted, delicious - up to par with some of the best bagels I’ve had from all over the states. The cold brew slaps too. Good music, and the workers were really kind and quick to get our meal to us on a Saturday afternoon! Thanks y’all.
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
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
- $2 – $100+ (depending on item/collector’s editions)
- 5002 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
- Website +1 (512) 454-4197
- Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
We happened to be driving by Austin Books and Comics and decided to stop—so glad we did! We were blown away by the size of the store and how clean and organized everything was. The wide selection is fantastic, and my son was thrilled to find some comics he’s been hunting for (Battle Beast). Every staff member we encountered was super helpful, and the manager was especially awesome, super friendly & knowledgeable. This place is a true gem for comic lovers. We’ll definitely be back!!!
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
- $20 - $200 (approximate)
- 4001 N Lamar Blvd #510, Austin, TX 78756
- Website +1 (512) 371-3259
-
- Mentioned on
- A Guide to Life in North Lamar - Austin
- Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
We just so happened to pass this place and stopped in to look. We ended up getting so many goodies! They have name brand clothing like Billabong as well as some locally made items. They also have greeting cards, gifts, and a wall of cute socks! I ended up getting a very nice dress from the sale rack for a great price. Good spot for gifts!
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!
- $$ (varies—typically $10–50 for clothing, more for furniture)
- 5201 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
- Website +1 (512) 524-2029
- Sunday to Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Friday: 12 – 6 PM, Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wonderful selection of affordable furniture, great men's and women's clothing, some nice light fixtures and other knick knacks for your home, very friendly staff highly recommend coming here.
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
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
- $35 per single piercing; $50 for double (plus the cost of jewelry)
- 4001 N Lamar Blvd #520, Austin, TX 78756
- Website +1 (512) 220-1219
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
We had such a great experience at Rowan! Recommend it for kids and adults who want their ears pierced. My 5 year old daughter got her ears pierced here, and we came back 3 weeks later to have her first change out. Tam was an absolute professional and was so caring and loving to my daughter. She helped her pick out new earrings, and walked her through all the steps of changing them out. Thank you Tam for making my daughter feel so comfortable!
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
- Approximately $15–70 per hour, depending on room size and time
- 6808 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
- Website +1 (512) 531‑9198
-
- Mentioned on
- Best Things to Do in North Austin
- Sunday to Thursday: 6 PM – 2 AM, Friday to Saturday: 6 PM – 4 AM
I went again after the store after being contacted by the owner, and we had a very good experience this time so I'm changing my rating! We went on a Monday night, and weekdays are cheaper which is nice, and we had most of the place to ourselves too. This time, the room we went in was very clean, from the tables to chairs to tablet. The tablet in our room was very good this time, and didn't lag at all which was fantastic. Was about $12 per person in a 6 person party this time, for two hours. Was about $15 per person for 3 hours starting at their discount time, and it's also discounted if you have a student ID. Very good price! However, the facilities were kind of sticky and run down. We booked in advance like the store suggests, but since one of our microphones wasn't working we had to relocate to another room and the table there was unpleasantly and strangely sticky. One of the seat cushions was also loose, and a phone slipped underneath it. Underneath the seat cushion was straight up concrete and metal bar supports of the foundation of the furniture. The best part about this place is that you can play YouTube karaoke videos, so my friends and I were able to sing whatever we wanted to our hearts content. Depending on the room you get though, the tablet for using YouTube can be more slow and the internet more spotty. In our new room we had a good connection. The rooms are also NOT SOUND PROOF, it's very apparent what other people are doing and singing. We had a lot of fun in the end.
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.
- $10 – $50
- 11190 Circle Dr, Austin, TX 78736
- Website +1 (512) 852-9900
- Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
The Art Garage is for big kids too! The owner and her family have cultivated a friendly, fun, and calm place to create beauty and connect with friends--with staff that are always helpful and pleasant. I've tried every type of project they offer, and I love (and display) them all! My husband has especially enjoyed finding and glazing their largest ceramic Christmas pieces each year--so much so that I have trouble finding places to showcase all the fun (which is a good problem to have!).
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

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.

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