This is a home-made oasis for those of us who believe in fairies. The painted alleyway boasts tiny hidden doorways and even provides a generous cup of glitter for true believers to disperse showers of shimmering magic among the fish and flowers.

A recent addition on the far edge of Austin's over-gentrified East Side, this converted gas station offers tasty small eats and a reasonable drink menu (though a bit light on taps), but anything it lacks in selection it makes up for in good vibes and a nicely mixed clientele. A bit on the pricey side, but they have an exceedingly pleasant outdoor seating area and a 'convenience store' of refrigerated products and odds & ends.

Casa de Luz is a macrobiotic cafeteria nestled behind a learning center, a series of alternative medicinal practices, and yoga studios. I like to go there in the summer after a swim at one of Austin's spring-fed pools, Deep Eddy or Barton Springs.

Situated in a beautiful building with a real art (biased here), Elizabeth St. serves the best breakfast báhn mî and makes you feel good just being there.

This converted shipping container in my neighborhood has the best iced coffee in the world.