Things We’re Loving in Mueller Right Now

There’s always something to love about life in Mueller. Sometimes it’s a new neighborhood treat, and sometimes it’s something familiar that feels especially enjoyable this time of year.

From favorite local stops and shady streets to unexpected wildlife encounters and nature so nature-y it can make you forget you’re just four miles from downtown Austin, here are a few things our team is loving in Mueller right now, why we love them, and how you can check them out for yourself.

1. Coffee and Snacks at WhichCraft

Why We Love It

Known for its expansive selection of craft beer and wine, WhichCraft also opens early and serves a full coffee menu all day long. We love stopping by in the morning for a quick coffee and snack or a relaxed catch-up with a friend. The atmosphere often feels a little less hectic than your standard coffee shop, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

Check It Out for Yourself

WhichCraft is located near the the eastern edge of Girard Kinney Park (formerly Mueller Lake Park) Address: 1900 Simond Ave #200, Austin, TX 78723

2. Shady Walks Through Mueller’s Oldest Streets

Why We Love It

Walking through Mueller’s oldest residential sections is especially enjoyable during the summer. The beautiful canopy provided by Mexican sycamore trees over the sidewalks of some of the older streets like Scales or Threadgill provide welcome relief from the Austin sun.

Mueller was designed to be walkable, but the shade makes a big difference when temperatures rise. These tree-lined streets are also a reminder of how much the neighborhood landscape has grown and changed over the years.

Check It Out for Yourself

Here’s one of our favorite leisurely - and mostly shaded - strolls through Mueller: Start at the east side of Girard Kinney Lake Park at Mueller on Mattie Street, take Camacho around the park then hang a left down McCloskey St, then head back north on Threadgill until you’ve come back to Camacho where you’ll turn again and head back to where you started. A smaller but just as enjoyable loop is to take Mattie to Scales to McCloskey, then back up Mattie Street. 

Honestly, there are so, so many great walking/running routes in Mueller. We’d love to hear your favorite!

3. Banana Nutella Cookies at ThoroughFare

Why We Love It

The banana Nutella cookies at ThoroughFare are impossible to resist. They’re soft, sweet, chocolatey, and an excellent excuse to treat yourself.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t say that we are also currently in love with the turkey sandwich and browsing the little market they have inside!

Check It Out for Yourself

ThoroughFare is located at 1905 Aldrich St #110.

4. Listening for Purple Martins Along the Southeast Greenway

Why We Love It

Mueller’s parks, ponds, and greenways offer plenty of opportunities to notice the wildlife sharing the neighborhood with us. This time of year, we especially love listening for Purple Martins along the Southeast Greenway. After nesting season, they gather in large communal roosts before migrating south to Brazil. Keep an eye, and an ear, out during an evening walk. You might catch this incredible summer tradition right here in Mueller.

Source: Travis Audubon 

Check It Out for Yourself

Take a walk along the Southeast Greenway (southeastern edge of the residential neighborhood and Manor Road) and listen for birds near the trees, open green spaces, and water.
*Pro Tip* Download the free Merlin Bird ID app before your walk and use its Sound ID feature to help identify the calls you hear.

5. Our Neighbors

Why We Love It

Whether we’re at the MRG office or at home, we’re surrounded by neighbors who go far beyond lending a cup of sugar. They bring in packages, consider sharing the reason for grilling, treat your pets like family, and just genuinely look out for one another. That sense of connection is one of the things that makes Mueller feel like more than a neighborhood. It feels like home.

Check It Out for Yourself

Say hello on your next walk, attend a neighborhood event, support a local business, or spend some time at one of Mueller’s parks and gathering places. Become a regular at any one of these spots, and before you know it, you just might find yourself stuck with a whole new group of neighbor friends.