Welcome to Zilker
Austin’s hippest up-and-coming neighborhood
Zilker is a well-known neighborhood in South Austin. The area is most known for its abundant green space and Zilker Park. It is Austin‘s largest and most cherished park and is home to many of Austin’s festivals. This hip district is growing quickly, with many new million-dollar homes being built in planned neighborhoods.
For over 100 years, Zilker Park has been the cornerstone of this neighborhood. At one time, the park contained a firing range that was used for training by both cowboys and police officers. Although the firing range is no longer in place, many of the trees and spring-fed pools that originally helped build the park are still in place and enjoyed by Austin residents today.
What to Love
- Close to downtown’s many amenities
- A hip and bustling energy perfect for live festivals
- An eclectic assortment of dining and shopping
Local Lifestyle
Zilker residents embrace the “keep it weird” Austin mentality, which is reflected in their lifestyle and the amenities offered in the neighborhood. Live music is very popular, as is an eclectic array of shopping and dining choices. The people who choose to live and play in this area enjoy experiencing the hippest trends and the bustle of Austin life. One of the benefits of living in Zilker is that these residents can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities while also being steps away from bustling nightlife.
The homes in Zilker are just as varied as its citizens. Walking the streets, you will notice many mid-century southern bungalows mixed in with modern new builds. There are apartments and condominiums available, with upscale amenities, gorgeous views of the hills, and green spaces within the neighborhood.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Uchi is one of the restaurants belonging to Chef Tyler Cole. You can sit with friends in the dining room or at the traditional sushi bar and enjoy a signature-tasting menu, the seasonal omakase, or indulge in decadent fresh sushi. The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating to ensure you have an exceptional experience.
For Japanese delicacies in a tatami room restaurant, make a reservation at Neighborhood Sushi. They serve outstanding traditional dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. Their beautiful dining area is an elegant option for a Japanese night out with friends or loved ones.
Odd Duck is a locavore’s paradise, only working with ingredients that can be locally sourced. Their menu constantly changes, but this unpredictability creates an exciting, imaginative, and delicious dining experience. You can be sure that your meal at Odd Duck is fresh and created with care.
Aba is the Mediterranean gem of Zilker. Featuring classic Mediterranean dishes and drinks, this restaurant has an open and airy atmosphere with inviting decor. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are perfectly intertwined with the natural environment, creating a unique dining experience.
Try out Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar for fresh seafood in an airy atmosphere. This eatery has a bright, coastal vibe and a delicious menu packed with fresh seafood, surf and turf, and cocktails. Outdoor dining is in high demand as diners flock to Perla’s for the fresh oysters flown in daily from both coasts.
Gibson Street Bar is a popular meeting spot for Austin residents. Popular for its enthusiastic decorations during each holiday season, this bar has a multitude of craft beers available on site, both on tap and bottled, as well as custom-made cocktails, wines, champagnes, and spirits. The pub regularly hosts game nights and has dog-friendly outdoor seating available.
Things to Do
Zilker Park ensures the citizens of this neighborhood are never bored. The park hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the world-famous Austin City Limits Music Festival. The annual party takes place over two weekends and brings music lovers together with their favorite musicians across nine stages.
The Austin Food and Wine Festival is held annually at the Auditorium Shores in Zilker Park. This festival invites restaurants across Austin to present their favorite dishes and wines to Austin citizens, who enjoy the open-air experience with tastings, seminars, giveaways, and community dinners.
South by Southwest Festival, also known as SXSW, is another large festival held partly in Zilker Park. This music festival is held over nine days and focuses on bringing together creative individuals at the intersection of art, music, technology, literature, and film.
The Holiday Trail of Lights is an annual tradition in Zilker Park dating back to 1965. The two million lights, especially the Zilker Holiday Tree, can be seen glowing from various parts of Austin, but the tradition is much more incredible up close.
