Lucky Robot

If you find yourself in Lucky Robot’s be prepared for sushi and other Asian inspired dishes mixed with pop culture. The atmosphere is on the verge of fine dining but without the stuffy demeanor. The quality of the food makes you feel as if you should dress up, but the decor makes the dining experience feel SoCo casual. When you walk in you are greeted by a waitress who’s wearing Sailor Moon-style outfit. They hand customers menus filled with pop culture references. While the menu is full of colorful names it’s also filled with colorful food items. The food they serve is made with the freshest vegetables and fish, making it a satisfying dining experience.— Mary Griffis

 Home Slice

Home Slice is a cool experience since it was my first time going. As soon as I walked towards the pizzeria I noticed that there was also another building right next to the main Home Slice that was named “More Home Slice”, that one was mainly to order and go. When I first walked in Home Slice I first noticed the tasty aroma of the pizza. I really enjoyed the atmosphere it was a dim building that featured a bar on one side and the bar had a great view of the Chefs cooking. As you continue to walk around you can see they have the walls painted with humorous quotes from their mascot “Slicey”. The menu has a nice choice of food not necessarily just pizza, they do have like meatball subs soups, spaghetti etc.  —A. Guajardo Jr

Big Top Candy Shop

Big Top Candy Shop is known for having over 300 types of bulk candy which is priced by quarter pound bags and its selection of more than 2,000 types of pre-packaged/wrapped candy. The fun circus-themed look of the places provides a unique ambience that makes it a famous fixture on SoCo. This one of a kind business is located at 1706 S. Congress Ave. between Milton and Annie Streets. Aside from all the candy that Big Top Candy has it also has its own unique beverages like the Chupacabra, which consist of RC Cola, Vanilla, Root Beer and Cream. They also serve the Fiji Mermaid which has blue coconut, lime juice, lime syrup and cream. — Brenda Amaya

Uncommon Objects

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary this is the place. While I was walking through the store, I felt like I was at a museum because of rare materials that I wouldn’t see at any other store. There is so much to see in this store, from cases of costume jewelry to wall-mounted antlers, rustic furniture to boxes of old photographs, old signs, and pinball machines. Uncommon Objects was created by 20 antique sellers, who got together and made a huge collection of raw materials. I liked about the store is that is well organized as it is divided into different hallways and every hallway have a different color and a different theme. You could easily spend a couple hours in here discovering treasures. — Melissa Ortiz

Magnolia Cafe

“Sorry, we’re open” reads the sign outside Magnolia Cafe, giving customers a hint of the fun and relaxed vibe inside of this South Congress institution. Magnolia Cafe, known for it’s 24-hour service and diverse menu, has been open in its current form since 1988. It’s the perfect place to stop after a late night concert downtown. This place is a very Austin atmosphere. Magnolia cafe is full of paintings from the inside, gives the place a charm. Magnolia Cafe is in close walking distance of several other Austin institutions such as Uncommon Objects and several clothing stores. you’re missing out in one of the BEST places to eat in Austin. Even our President Obama has been here. — Amy Rodriguez