Made in Austin Film Trail
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Visit Locations From Iconic "Made in Austin" Films & TV Shows
For more than 50 years, Austin has been a dynamic backdrop for filmmakers, setting the stage for hundreds of films and television series. From major box office hits to beloved cult classics, the city’s distinct character—its neighborhoods, landmarks, and unmistakable spirit—has helped bring unforgettable stories to life. Check-in to five locations to earn your choice of film poster!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
The Broken Spoke is front and center in Season 6, Episode 1 of Queer Eye, as the Fab Five set out to help Terri White, a longtime two-step instructor and part of the family behind the historic honky-tonk. Inside the iconic dance hall, they step onto the floor for a lively two-step lesson that captures the spirit, humor, and heart of this Austin institution. This location was also used in the production of the popular television show, Friday Night Lights.
The Continental Club makes a memorable appearance in Boyhood when Mason (Coltrane) and Samantha (Linklater) check out a country band with friends while Mason is scoping out Austin and UT. It’s a fitting venue for the scene — and not Linklater’s first time using it. This iconic South Congress institution was also featured in his earlier film, Slacker.
The Capitol building in Downtown Austin stands in as the seat of presidential power in Spy Kids, where Carmen (Vega) and Juni (Sabara) meet the President. The scene was filmed in the open-air rotunda, and eagle-eyed viewers can spot the building's iconic lone star as the kids get a birds-eye view while the Magna Men attack. The Capitol has also appeared in True Grit, The Tree of Life, Machete, and the television series “Walker.
In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 2, Lieutenant “Lefty'' Enright (Hopper) seeks vengeance for the death of his niece and nephew at the hands of Leatherface (Johnson), and shops for an arsenal of chainsaws right here. During the filming, this building was an actual chainsaw repair shop. It was converted in 2004 into the Johnny Cash-themed honky-tonk it is today. When you walk in, look up: the original “Cut-Rite Chain Saws” sign still hangs proudly above the bar.
Alright, alright, alright. In Dazed and Confused, Cynthia (Ribisi), Mike (Goldberg) and Tony (Rapp) kick off their night of cruisin’ with a pitstop at Top Notch — and it's here that Matthew McConaughey makes his on-screen debut as Wooderson, pulling up in his classic Chevy Chevelle. The old school drive-in restaurant still operates today with its classic remote ordering system, so you can stop in for a meal and feel like you stepped right in the film. This location also appeared in the Austin-made Varsity Blues.