Directly adjacent to downtown and, critically, the Austin Convention Center, Rainey Street is home to some of Austin’s best bars and restaurants. A unique mix of old and new, refurbished bungalows and sky-high condos, the district was primarily single-family homes until 2005, when a zoning change allowed bars and restaurants to pour in.

Today, Rainey is a popular night-out destination for locals, tourists, and so many bachelorette parties (as well as the source of some controversy). For a relaxed evening, look to local beer and pizza at Craft Pride or visit Lustre Pearl, a Rainey Street original.

In terms of food, try dishes from James Beard Award-recognized chef farm-and-grain-focused Emmer & Rye. Finally, have a fancy cocktails and apps with a view at Geraldine’s, the restaurant and bar of the hip Hotel Van Zandt.

Below is the map of the can’t-miss spots on Rainey. Be sure to also check out the downtown guide, and where to eat near the convention center.

For the purposes of this guide, the map covers Rainey Street between Driskill Street all the way down to Cummings Street. Check out Eater Austin’s other neighborhood dining guides too.

Is your favorite downtown restaurant or bar missing below? Have a suggestions for a future neighborhood guide? Let Eater know through the tipline or within the comments.