The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Austin’s Mueller Development
![Camp Gladiator has locations and times all over Austin](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cg-joey.webp)
After the 1999 closure of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the City of Austin worked with Catellus Development on plans for a mixed-use urban village. Nearly two decades later, the Mueller development is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the country. From fried chicken to the farmers’ market, there’s something for everyone in our guide to the best things to do and see.
Support Austin farmers at the Sunday Farmers' Market
Farmers' Market, Market, Fast Food
![Organic kale from Johnsons Backyard Garden, just one of the vendors at the Mueller Farmers Market](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1945531.webp)
Every Sunday, hundreds of vendors line the street and set up shop near the Browning Hangar for an afternoon of fun, music, and shopping. Stop by to support your local organic farmers; browse local goods, listen to local musicians, and enjoy fresh veggies and artisan foods between 10 am–2 pm. The event also just launched free community composting on April 23, 2017.
Get an interactive science lesson at The Thinkery
Museum
![The Thinkery in Austins Mueller Development](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thinkery.webp)
The Thinkery has been one of Mueller’s main attractions since it opened in 2013. An evolution of the Austin Children’s Museum, founded in 1983, the original concept’s mission was to provide local children with more educational and cultural opportunities. After several iterations through the years, this one provides the Mueller community with a variety of exhibits and programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
Sit back and see a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse
Movie Theater
![Alamo Drafthouse Mueller](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1945530.webp)
The highly anticipated sixth Austin location of Alamo Drafthouse debuted in Mueller in March, just in time for SXSW. Like the other 20-plus locations around the country, the newest outpost features six state-of-the-art auditoriums, and it premiered its first inclusion of gender-neutral bathrooms. Set your footrest for a movie experience like no other, with a seat-side menu of cocktails and creative bites. With The Thinkery located nearby, the Mueller location showcases more family-friendly activities during the day, as well as a carnival-inspired bar and event space, Barrel O’ Fun.
Enjoy a pint at B.D. Riley's
Pub, Irish
![B.D. Rileys new Aldrich Street location is open](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1945536.webp)
A Sixth Street staple, B.D. Riley’s—Austin’s go-to for sports TV and pub food—just opened a second location on Mueller’s Aldrich Street in April. You can now find classic Irish pub fare on the ground floor of the Diamond Building, a 56,000-square-foot (5,203-square-meter) complex, which also includes two floors of office space. The successful soft opening launched in April, and the full lineup will include brunch and British classics such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and more.
Tuck into legendary Texas fried chicken at J.T. Youngblood's
Restaurant, American
Chicken is the main attraction at this reincarnation of an old Texas favorite. Youngblood’s originally opened in Waco in 1945, spreading across the state until 1969. When local Austin restauranteur Jeff Weinberger managed to secure the secret recipe with the help of a Youngblood family member, he enlisted the talents of Chef Todd Duplechan of Lenoir to reimagine the menu and reestablish the Youngblood name. Guests can choose from classic fried or rotisserie chicken, with Southern comfort food sides such as mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Currently open for lunch, the team expects to launch full dinner service in May.
Bribe your sweet tooth at Bribery Bakery
Bakery, American
![Bribery Bakery Mueller](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bb.webp)
An Instagrammers dream and baked goods mecca, the lush décor at Bribery Bakery is as much a feast for the eyes as the fare is for the sweet tooth. Walk up to the mouthwatering glass case to find everything from savory favorites such as the ham, egg, and cheddar biscuit or sweet cinnamon rolls the size of your face. As the group’s website states, “Dessert is the most important meal of the day!”
Get outside with Camp Gladiator
While the park is a great place to take the dog for a stroll, get your sweat on with a group workout led by the trainers at Camp Gladiator. The monthly program focuses on different exercises each week, from endurance and high interval training to strength and agility; and unlike the gym, you can’t get bored with the view! Check the website for weekday times and other nearby locations, or try out a free community workout at 8:15 am on Saturdays.
![Joey Kelly, one of the trainers at Camp Gladiator’s Mueller location](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cg-joey.webp)
Cool down with Lick Honest Ice Creams
Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream
![Licks newest location opened in Mueller in April](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/lick_muellerscoops_041917.webp)
One of Mueller’s newest additions is the fourth location of Austin’s favorite ice cream chain, Lick Honest Ice Creams, known for its commitment to sourcing fresh, local dairy and its unique, seasonal flavor combinations. The highly anticipated Mueller location opened its doors at the end of April 2017—just in time to help you cool down as Texas weather starts to heat up!
Go loco for local fare at L’Oca D’Oro
Restaurant, Italian
![LOca dOro](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/loca-doro.webp)
The team behind L’Oca d’Oro began hosting pop-up dinners as early as 2013, finally opening their first brick-and-mortar in the Mueller development just last year. Inspired by a nickname for Chef Fiore Tedesco’s daughter, the name means “Golden Goose” in Italian. The ingredients are seasonal and carefully sourced, with in-house pasta made from freshly milled grains, plus homemade bread, cheese, different kinds of vinegar, and liqueurs. The space is bright and airy, a perfect happy hour destination, and just minutes from the new Alamo Drafthouse for a fancy dinner-and-a-movie date.
Bow down at Bao'd Up
Restaurant, Fast Food, Sushi, Chinese
Opening in 2017, keep your eyes and ears peeled for the soon-to-launch second concept from the team behind Xian Sushi and Noodle. Also located in Mueller, just minutes down Berkman Drive, Xian has already made a name for itself with its famous house-made noodles and all-day Sunday sushi happy hour. Bao’d Up will feature Chinese steamed buns, and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.