South Lamar, vibrant neighborhood just south of Lady Bird Lake, is home to iconic spots like the legendary Broken Spoke, Matt’s El Rancho, and Alamo Drafthouse. This area has welcomed Austin’s legends and luminaries, and with a range of living options—from apartment complexes and condos to single-family homes and duplexes—South Lamar has something for everyone. Its proximity to downtown, Zilker Park and Barton Springs makes it a hub of activity and development, with unique dining options further boosting its appeal.
HISTORY
Before the construction boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s, South Lamar was a working-class neighborhood. It easily became an attractive spot for artists and musicians drawn by affordable rents and easy access to downtown music venues.
Photo Courtesy of Charlie Gandy

There was a lighthearted rivalry between the “good ol’ boys” from south of the Colorado River and the tech crowd from North. This North vs. South feud peaked in 1987 when hundreds of Austinites joined in a tug-of-war across Lady Bird Lake, then called Town Lake. South Austin triumphed, and the Northerners ended up soaked.
TO EAT
Uchi | 801 South Lamar Boulevard | @uchirestaurants
Uchi, meaning "house" in Japanese, was founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole. Known for its perfect blend of refined cuisine and exceptional service, Uchi serves innovative Japanese dishes, including signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase experience.
Odd Duck | 1201 South Lamar Boulevard | @oddduckaustin
After outfitting a trailer with a wood-burning grill, Bryce launched Odd Duck. The trailer quickly gained popularity, earning Bryce national recognition and helping put Austin's food scene on the map. He began sourcing whole hogs, eggs from a local farm. He championed the farmers market, fostering relationships between local producers and chefs—a shift that continues today through Odd Duck’s focus on local ingredients.
Photo Courtesy Matt's El Rancho

Matt’s El Rancho
Matt Martinez began selling tamales from a pushcart near the Texas Capitol in 1923 when he was just six years old. In 1952, Matt and Janie opened
El Rancho in downtown Austin, serving homemade dishes with seating for 40. Today, their South Lamar location seats over 500. Still family-owned and operated by their daughters, Matt’s El Rancho continues to make everything from scratch, including fresh tortillas and margaritas made with squeezed lime juice.
Ramen Tatsu-ya | 1234 South Lamar Boulevard | @ramentatsu_ya
Ramen Tatsu-ya is the result of a collaboration between chefs and DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. After honing their skills at Austin establishments and Tatsu’s experience at the two Michelin-starred Urasawa in Los Angeles, they created Tatsu-ya to bring authentic, high-quality ramen to Austin.
Loro | 2115 South Lamar Boulevard | @loroeats
Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar founded by the award-winning chefs behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue. They combined their passion for Asian flavors and Texas barbecue to create unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
TO DO
Dancing at The Broken Spoke | 3201 South Lamar Boulevard | @brokenspokeaustintx
The Broken Spoke is Texas' iconic dance hall, voted "Best Dancehall in Texas" by Texas Highway. Since 1964, owners James and Annetta White have built a world-famous reputation for live country music and Texas cuisine. The Broken Spoke has hosted presidents, governors, the Queen's entourage, and stars from all genres. They all visit because the Broken Spoke is the real deal — no gimmicks, just authentic Texas.
Photo Courtesy Alamo Drafthouse

Movies at Alamo Drafthouse
1120 South Lamar Boulevard | @drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse was founded in Austin by Tim and Karrie League, driven by a love for movies, food, and beer. What started as a single-screen theater at 409 Colorado Street showing second-run films quickly grew into a cultural hotspot. The venue hosted film premieres and visiting filmmakers, leading to the opening of more theaters with a mix of Hollywood and indie films. Today, Alamo Drafthouse has locations across the U.S., maintaining its commitment to great food, drinks, and unique film experiences.
Austin Art Garage | 2200 South Lamar Boulevard | @austinartgarage
Austin Art Garage showcases emerging local artists and offers art lovers of all backgrounds the chance to invest in community-made art. It’s your opportunity to check out unique pieces early in an artist’s career. Whether you're a budget-conscious student or a seasoned collector, there is truly something for everyone.
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. | 1305 West Oltorf Street | @theabgb
The ABGB began during the 2006 ACL weekend, when Amos' homemade beer was brought to music festivals, turning good times into lasting memories.
This inspired the idea of creating a festival with their own beer, leading to a leap into commercial brewing and full immersion into Austin's craft beer and music scene. The vision grew into something bigger — a way to benefit the city they love — and that became The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
Living in South Lamar
Living in the South Lamar offers a vibrant, eclectic mix of urban convenience and laid-back charm. Known for its central location, it provides easy access to many of Austin’s top attractions, restaurants, bars, and outdoor spaces.
SoLa attracts a range of residents, including young professionals, families, and students. The neighborhood's variety of housing options, from duplexes and condos to mid-century homes, creates a dynamic and vibrant community.
The area is also home to a mix of renters and homeowners, with a higher percentage of renters due to the many apartment complexes and multi-family residences.
The neighborhood is just minutes away from Zilker Park, one of Austin's largest and most beloved green spaces. The park offers trails, sports fields, a botanical garden, and even the Barton Springs Pool for swimming in natural spring-fed water. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of places to explore, including the Lady Bird Lake Trail for biking and running.
South Lamar’s central location also lends itself to easy access of several schools. Zilker, Becker, and Barton Hills Elementary Schools serve the heart of the neighborhood, while Joslin Elementary caters to those in the southernmost area.
While South Lamar is centrally located, it still maintains a relaxed, neighborhood feel. The area is a mix of residential spaces and commercial businesses, creating a balance between urban living and a sense of community. You’ll find a lot of locally owned stores, cafes, and boutiques that contribute to the area’s unique character.
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