Austin's Perfect Trio
Hey new friends & TikTok refugees! After countless weekends exploring Austin's food scene, I've cracked the code on the ultimate Austin Three-Piece Set ā a foolproof combo that takes you from brunch bliss to sunset buzz. Whether you're a local looking for a perfect Saturday itinerary or a visitor wanting to hit the highlights, this trio delivers flavor, views, and vibes in equal measure. Let's dig in! š š„ Stop 1: Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum Where Brunch Becomes an Art Form š 1203 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703 Nestled in the trendy West 6th district, Lin Asian Bar is the dim sum destination that'll ruin you for all other brunch spots. This isn't your average strip-mall dumpling house ā it's a modern, Instagram-worthy space with floor-to-ceiling windows, velvet banquettes, and a cocktail program that'll make you forget it's only noon. What to Order: Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) ā Delicate wrappers burst with rich, hot broth. Pro tip: Nibble the edge, sip the soup, then devour in one bite. 𤤠Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns) ā Cloud-soft steamed buns with sweet-savory pork filling Shrimp Har Gow ā Crystal-clear dumplings stuffed with whole shrimp Dan Dan Noodles ā Spicy, nutty, and utterly addictive Lychee Martinis ā Because dim sum without cocktails is just sad The Vibe: Weekend brunch is buzzy but not chaotic, with jazz playing and groups sharing lazy meals. The patio is prime real estate on sunny days ā perfect for people-watching the West 6th crowds. Prices hover around $15-20 per dish, so expect to spend $40-60 per person for a full feast. Pro Move: Make a reservation via OpenTable ā walk-ins face long waits on weekends. Arrive at 11 AM to beat the rush and snag the best lighting for food photos. š§ Stop 2: ChiCha San Chen The Boba Tea That'll Change Your Life š 6501 Airport Blvd 100, Austin, TX 78752 After stuffing yourself silly with dumplings, you'll need something refreshing for the road trip ahead. Enter ChiCha San Chen ā the Taiwanese bubble tea chain that takes "high-end boba" to a whole new level. Don't let the airport-adjacent location fool you; this is absolutely worth the detour. Why It's Special: Single-origin tea ā They source from specific farms and brew each cup fresh No powders, no syrups ā Real tea, real milk, real fruit Creama top ā A thick, salted cheese foam that's savory-sweet perfection Customizable sweetness & ice ā Your drink, your rules Must-Try Drinks: Osmanthus Oolong Creama ā Floral, creamy, and utterly unique Dong Ding Oolong Tea Latte ā Rich, toasty, smooth af Fresh Mango Pomelo with Aiyu Jelly ā Tropical paradise in a cup Brown Sugar Boba Milk ā The OG, but elevated The Experience: The minimalist, modern interior feels more like a high-end coffee shop than a typical boba joint. Baristas wear lab coats and carefully measure each ingredient. Drinks run $6-9 , but you're paying for craftsmanship. Wait times can be 15-20 minutes ā they make each cup to order, no shortcuts. Pro Move: Order the creama top and don't use a straw ā sip from the edge to get that perfect tea-to-foam ratio. Trust me, it's a game-changer. šŗ Stop 3: Oasis Texas Brewing Company Where Beer Meets Billion-Dollar Views š 6650 Comanche Trail Suite 01, Austin, TX 78732 You've had your brunch. You've got your boba for the 45-minute drive. Now it's time for the grand finale: Oasis Texas Brewing Company, perched 450 feet above Lake Travis in the iconic Oasis complex. This isn't just a brewery ā it's a sunset sanctuary. The Beer: Award-winning craft brews made on-site. Standouts include: Lake Travis Lager ā Crisp, clean, perfect for hot days Oasis IPA ā Hoppy but balanced, with citrus notes Texas Skyline Ale ā Named for the view, and it delivers The View: Panoramic vistas of Lake Travis and the Hill Country. The multi-level terrace is designed for maximum sunset appreciation. Grab a table on the upper deck around 6:30 PM and watch the sky paint itself in oranges, pinks, and purples. It's pure magic. š Food: Elevated pub fare ā think brisket tacos, artisan pizzas, and loaded nachos. Nothing groundbreaking, but solid enough to soak up the beer. Prices: $12-18 per dish. The Vibe: Laid-back and family-friendly until sunset, then it transitions to a buzzy date-night spot. Live acoustic music on weekends. Pet-friendly on the patio! Pro Move: Skip the Oasis restaurant (overpriced Tex-Mex) and head straight to the brewery on the 3rd floor. Same view, better beer, lower prices. Parking is $10 in the Oasis lot, but it's worth it. šÆ How to Connect the Dots: Your Perfect Saturday 11:00 AM: Brunch at Lin Asian Bar (reservation secured) 1:00 PM: Boba run at ChiCha San Chen ā grab drinks for the road 2:00 PM: Drive to Oasis (45 mins), explore the complex, shop for souvenirs 6:30 PM: Grab a table at Oasis Brewing, order a Lake Travis Lager 7:30 PM: Watch the sunset, toast to Texas, post that perfect Golden Hour pic 9:00 PM: Head back #US #Texas #Austin