Chestnut & Blackland Neighborhoods

Words Ainsley Gaines & Ashley Bowling

Stretching from Manor Road to East 12th, the Chestnut and Blackland neighborhoods are classic East Austin: deeply rooted, proudly lived-in, and quietly cool long before it was trendy. Historic bungalows and long-standing community ties set the tone, while today’s food and drink scene keeps things current. You’ll find pizza worth obsessing over at Sammataro, pastries with purpose at Comadre Panadería, and a sense of awe-worthy art inside The Cathedral. Neighborhood staples like Market, Austin Daily Press, Juiceland, and The Wheel round out the vibe: all proof that Chestnut and Blackland honor their past while eating very, very well in the present.

Blackland History 
Blackland is a cornerstone where East Austin’s history still lives on the block. Shaped by generations of Black Austinites in the early 1900s, it became a place to buy homes, build community, worship, and look out for neighbors, especially during eras when opportunity was limited. Today, you’ll find tree-lined streets, historic bungalows, and longtime families alongside new growth. Blackland isn’t just a location on a map; it’s a reminder of East Austin’s resilience, identity, and pride.

Este 
Este channels coastal Mexican flavors with a bright and modern energy. The menu spotlights pristine seafood: crudos, aguachiles, wood-grilled fish paired with mezcal cocktails best enjoyed on the patio. It’s an easygoing neighborhood favorite that somehow still feels fresh, whether you’re popping in for citrusy ceviche or lingering over a full feast. esteatx.com, 2113 Manor Rd.

Other Racquet Social Club  
A pickleball social club in East Austin, yes please. This place pairs premium courts with a full bar, a food truck, a dining lounge, and a locker room with showers. More than just a place to play, it offers a community-driven atmosphere that feels intentional. Whether you’re booking a court, signing up for monthly memberships with perks, or just dropping in to check it out, Other Racquet is the real “dill.” otherracquet.com, 2717 Manor Rd.

Built in 1964, the Della Phillips House is a Mid-Century Modern landmark designed by John S. Chase, Texas’s first licensed Black architect. Located in East Austin’s historic Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross district, the home was commissioned by educator Della Phillips for hosting community events and remains a symbol of Black professional achievement in the neighborhood.