The video above takes you on a quick tour of old downtown Manor, Texas — one of the faster-growing suburbs sitting about 15 miles northeast of downtown Austin. Manor has a population just below 20,000 people right now, and while it's technically part of the Austin metro sprawl, it still carries a genuine small-town feel. You'll notice open fields along the roads heading into town, and the historic downtown strip is a compact little stretch with a water tower, some murals, a handful of restaurants, and a few food trucks. David Bridwell stopped through Manor on his way to a gig in nearby Hutto and took the time to walk around and grab some food before heading out.
What Is Manor, Texas Known For?
Manor is primarily known as a bedroom community — people live here and commute elsewhere for work and entertainment. Highway 290 splits the town and serves as the main artery into Austin, which makes the commute quick and straightforward. The city sits close to the new Samsung development, the Tesla Gigafactory, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, all of which are fueling the area's rapid growth. That said, Manor is currently short on retail and entertainment options. New developments are in the works to change that, but it's going to take a number of years before the town fills out with the kind of dining, shopping, and nightlife options you'd find in more established Austin suburbs like Round Rock or Cedar Park. Right now, the old downtown area and the newer suburban developments feel like two different towns entirely.
Does Manor, Texas Have Live Music?
Manor isn't a live music destination in the way that Austin or even some of the surrounding suburbs are, but there are a few spots worth knowing about:
- Good Luck Grill — A casual spot in Manor that hosts live music and serves solid food. The BLT was a good find before heading out for the evening.
- Downtown Hall of Fame (Hutto) — Located in nearby Hutto rather than Manor itself, this is where David Bridwell played a set the same night. It's a fun local venue that books live performers and draws a friendly crowd.
If you're living in Manor and looking for a night out with live music, your best bet for now is to head into Austin or check out what's happening in neighboring towns like Hutto, Pflugerville, or Taylor. As Manor continues to grow, more options should follow, but the entertainment scene is still in its early stages.
Getting to Manor from Austin
The drive from downtown Austin to Manor takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes via Highway 290, depending on traffic. It's one of the more direct routes out of the city, though the highway can get busy during peak hours since it doubles as Manor's main commercial corridor. If you're heading out to explore the old downtown area, it's a short detour off 290 and easy enough to walk in just a few minutes.