Austin Neighborhood Guide: The North Loop

If you’re planning on moving to Austin, TX, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Austin, and which one would be the right fit for you. The North Loop is located just north of the University of Texas and Hyde Park, and is the perfect home base for young professionals with its cool coffeehouses, vintage shops, and relaxed nightlife. 

Long considered an up-and-coming Austin neighborhood, the North Loop is both quirky and historic—and, best of all, an affordable area when compared to other parts of the city. Locals love its tree-filled, walkable streets and indie vibes. What this neighborhood doesn’t have in urbanism (aka, chain restaurants and big-box retailers), it makes up for in its eclecticism. You know the slogan, “Keep Austin Weird?” The North Loop neighborhood has it covered. 

Thinking about moving to the North Loop in Austin, TX? Here’s our guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, outdoor attractions, gyms, nightlife, and transportation in the neighborhood. 

Where to go out to eat in the North Loop neighborhood

Barley Swine offers farm-to-table cuisine and shared plates that make it possible to explore its extensive menu over a delicious glass of wine. Make sure you include the Shiitake Dumpling in your tasting repertoire, along with the scallops with masa butter and the dry-aged Akaushi ribeye (with a donut!). This restaurant is on the pricier side, but trust us—it’s worth it. Another great dinner spot in the neighborhood with farm-to-table cuisine is Foreign & Domestic. 

You’re not an Austin resident until you find your favorite go-to taco spot, and Tacos Yo Soy is a top contender. We recommend pairing the barbacoa tacos with a glass-bottle Mexican Coke.

If you’re looking for a great breakfast spot in Austin, check out Nervous Charlie’s, a bagel shop on North Lamar Boulevard that’s named after the owners’ adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Try an unpretentious bagel with cream cheese, or the Longhorn breakfast sandwich with fried eggs, cheddar cheese, breakfast potatoes, hot sauce, and your choice of protein. 

Where to get groceries in the North Loop neighborhood

Whether you’re going on your weekly grocery shopping trip or just picking up a few items, there are plenty of grocery stores in the North Loop neighborhood to satisfy your needs. Nearby Target has grocery items (along with its classic Target goodness), and you can also hit up H-E-B or Natural Grocers.

Where to get coffee in the North Loop neighborhood

Epoch Coffee on West North Loop Boulevard serves up coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and ice tea and boasts a cute, homey feel that will make you feel instantly at home. This Austin coffeehouse is also open 24 hours a day and has board games you can play with friends! 

Zucchini Kill Bakery—whose name is inspired by the ‘90s feminist riot grrrl band Bikini Kill—is a female-led bakery serving vegan goods and coffee grounds you can take home with you. Try the rosemary chocolate chip cookies, Vanilla Cream Coffins, and the Strawberry Cheezecake Cupcakes (oh my!). 

Be sure to check out Flightpath Coffeehouse on Duval Street, which is the perfect neighborhood spot to post up with your laptop and get some work done. Enjoy a hot or cold coffee with a pump (or two!) of your favorite Italian syrups, or try the chai latte. 

Local gyms in the North Loop neighborhood

There are plenty of places in the North Loop neighborhood to work up a sweat. Check out Gold’s Gym in nearby Highland, Vitality Pilates, or GrassIron Fitness. Or, if you’re into yoga, CorePower Yoga has your back. 

Additionally, many apartments in the Austin area offer an onsite fitness center as an amenity, so be sure to check out apartment listings—you might just be able to save a bit of money in gym membership fees! 

Nightlife in the North Loop neighborhood

The aptly named DrinkWell serves up mind-blowing house cocktails, such as the What Comes Next?, with coffee-infused tullamore dew Irish whisky, toasted peanut and coconut flake orgeat, cream, and aromatic spices. Want a snack? Try the crispy Brussels sprouts and the cheese and charcuterie board. 

The Tigress Pub features incredible cocktails, and if you’re looking for some food, we definitely recommend trying their grilled cheese sandwich. 

Be sure to also stop by the Workhouse Bar, an upscale Austin dive with tons of beers on tap and an affordable food menu. This cozy neighborhood bar also has a patio you can sit out on (and even bring your dog!). Don’t leave without trying their French fries. 

Things to do in the North Loop neighborhood

Everything you need for a great day out in Austin is on North Loop Boulevard, which is chock full of unique shops filled with vintage goods, records, and other quirky items. Room Service Vintage, Big Bertha’s Paradise, and Blue Velvet Vintage are three spots you won’t want to miss. Music fans will also love Breakaway Records, an all-vinyl record store in the North Loop. 

Book lovers, rejoice! MonkeyWrench Books, a community-run bookstore and social club in the North Loop, hosts screenings, performances, and local assemblies for all things radical, and includes a wide selection of books focusing on social and economic justice. 

Transportation in the North Loop neighborhood

You can access the North Loop neighborhood from other parts of Austin via CapMetro’s 3 bus. When moving to Austin, it’s also recommended that you bring your own car. You can also get a Lyft or an Uber in this area. This neighborhood is also a short drive away from Downtown Austin.

Land in a great apartment in the North Loop area

If you like the idea of moving to the North Loop in Austin, TX, Landing offers furnished apartments in Austin, TX, with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in the North Loop, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.

Still looking for the right Austin neighborhood for you? Browse our other Austin neighborhood guides:

• Your Guide to Barton Hills
• Your Guide to Downtown Austin
• Your Guide to East Austin
• Your Guide to Hyde Park
• Your Guide to Milwood
• Your Guide to Mueller
• Your Guide to South Congress
• Your Guide to South Lamar
• Your Guide to The Domain
• Your Guide to Zilker