Austin’s East Eleventh Crowned Third Coolest Street Globally by Time Out

In a recent celebration of global urban street culture, East Eleventh Street in Austin, Texas, has been named the third coolest street in the world. This recognition came from the popular publication Time Out. The street was only outranked by High Street in Melbourne and Hollywood Road in Hong Kong in a list comprising 30 unique selections from across the globe.

‘This is the Heart’ of Austin on East Eleventh

The vibrant, eclectic charm of East Eleventh Street is not well-known just by locals, but also by the rest of the world. It reflects Austin in a way that blends its history, diversity and creativity. According to Time Out’s global network of contributors and local expert editors, East Eleventh Street “encapsulates the city’s spirit more than this quarter mile of pavement east of I-35.”

In addition to architecture and atmosphere, the selection also accounts for the array of businesses and amenities the neighborhood offers. Shout-outs went out to various establishments, including exceptional food and coffee destinations – Paperboy and Franklin Barbecue –, unique shopping locales like the Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar, as well as HELM or Kenny Dorham’s Backyard that hosts performances. The area’s local hub, Busy Signal, along with Frances Modern Inn, also received recognition.

A Symbol of Cultural Heritage

Historically, East Eleventh is well-known as the heart of an African American cultural heritage district. It is home to significant sites like Victory Grill and the African American Cultural Heritage Facility. East Austin, including East Eleventh, was originally identified as the “Negro District” in the city’s 1928 urban plan, a controversial decision that shaped the city’s culture and history.

In 2004, efforts were made to “revitalize” this part of East Eleventh – a testament to the city’s commitment to celebrating diversity and preserving cultural heritage. This revitalization sparked a new life into the neighborhood, inviting diverse businesses, revitalizing historic venues, and enhancing cultural opportunities amidst a racially charged history.

The Top 10 Coolest Streets in the World

1. High Street, Melbourne
2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
3. East Eleventh, Austin
4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires
5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver
6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
7. Rua da Boavista, Lisbon
8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro
9. Chazawa-dori, Tokyo
10. Consell de Cent, Barcelona

In conclusion, East Eleventh Street’s recognition as one of the globe’s coolest streets affirms Austin’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich city. This prestigious accolade inspires other cities to embrace history, culture, and authenticity in urban development.