A few blocks east of I-35 along Sixth Street is an oasis of trendy, mostly outdoor restaurants, lounges, and bars. East Side Drive-In — a collective of food trailers including The Local Yolk, The Vegan Yacht, and Pig Vicious — is home to the free Mess with Texas Fest on March 19.

Sound track: “Jesus,” by Dom

The just-opened W Austin has the scene, spa, rooms, poolside, and urban appeal you’d expect from the chain. An unexpected plus: It’s home to the new ACL Live at The Moody Theater.

Sound track: “Our Hearts Are Wrong,” by Jessica Lea Mayfield

There’s no drought of mouthwatering eats in Austin, but the most refined are found at Uchiko. Sushi master Tyson Cole’s Japanese farmhouse bites are simply transcendental.

Sound track: “Transcendental Light,” by Black Lips

A departure from the nearby shot bars (Maggie Mae’s if you must), Swan Dive serves strong, properly mixed classic libations to handlebar mustaches looking for live folk, bluegrass, swing, soul, or jazz when night falls.

Sound track: “Clamor,” by Balmorhea

Who needs a cab when you have the PubCrawler: a bike contraption with room for fifteen that serves beer as you pedal (steered by a sober professional).

Sound track: “Satellite,” by The Kills

Snagging a reservation is an accomplishment at Olivia, home to a polished, local-centric menu. The best bet is brunch: Order pink champagne mimosas, picnic fried chicken with house-made gherkins, and potato salad.

Sound track: “My Body,” by Young the Giant

West Sixth is like East Sixth (bar, bar, pizza, bar) without the fist pumps, jock barf, and stickiness. Kung Fu Saloon has free Skee-Ball and excellent Sunday Funday specials to help you pick up where brunch left off.

Sound track: “Under Cover of Darkness,” by The Strokes

Ancient, lazy oaks overlook the art and rock ’n’ roll-themed Hotel Saint Cecilia. The estate is more secluded than sister spot Hotel San José but has equal quirky, retro, quintessentially Austin charm.

Sound track: “Baby’s Arms,” by Kurt Vile

The Highball bowling alley, dance hall, and karaoke uses antique lanes and machines reclaimed from a ’50s Louisiana establishment.

Sound track: “Most Wanted,” by Cults

New, dark, and vaguely British, Haddingtons serves the city’s best non-BBQ pork (shank, shoulder, double bone-in chop). Portions are small, so order the duck liver mousse and the lamb pot pie. We won’t tell.

Sound track: “Slow,” by Twin Shadow

Check your bank statement before hitting By George’s Lamar flagship, which stocks minimalist, avant-garde pieces by Givenchy, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten, and Gary Graham to name a few.

Sound track: “Fashion Party,” by Das Racist

Pizza is serious business in the college town. Forgo Home Slice’s crowds for Red House Pizzeria’s cheap thin-crust pies, tree-shaded patio, and icy beer.

Sound track: “Nothing’s Wrong,” by Cloud Nothings

Make a reservation at one of SoCo’s many amazing restaurants, then stroll to Hotel San José, sit outside in the arbor-covered courtyard, order a michelada, and look over to the next table. Chances are we’re at it (in spirit). Oh, and the rooms aren’t too shabby either.

Sound track: “Sadie,” by Fences

South Lamar’s Odd Duck Farm to Trailer is BYOB, so grab a bottle of pinot noir and Solo cups, then feast on small plates of Central Texas poultry and meat (quail, venison sausage, pork belly).

Sound track: “Heart in Your Heartbreak,” by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Gourdough’s on South Lamar fries pansy-free pastries. Order the Slow Burn (habanero pepper jelly, cream cheese topping) or the Flying Pig (bacon, maple syrup icing) and a wheelbarrow to help you back to your car.

Sound track: “Pray on Me,” by Kill It Kid

Austin’s best vintage is at Feathers Boutique on South Congress. Despite the climate, it stocks pristine fur stoles and capes, and most cost less than a Benjamin. A tip: Hit SoCo’s First Thursday for local artisan pop-ups, late hours, free drinks, and live music (naturally). 

Sound track: “Rose Gives a Lilly,” by Yuck