Dustin Lance Black’s Austin

Photo of Dustin Lance Black by Raul Romo | Other Photos: Courtesy of Locations.

Since winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his moving 2008 Harvey Milk biopic, Milk, Dustin Lance Black has continued to advocate for the LGBT community. As a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the writer-director helped sponsor the federal court case that would overturn Proposition 8, allowing same-sex couples to marry again in California. It’s a victory that undoubtedly paved the way for the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide this year.

Black is now working on the ABC miniseries When We Rise, which chronicles the history of the queer rights movement from its origins in San Francisco to the present day. Here, the Texas-raised filmmaker shares his must-dos for the Lone Star State’s capital.

“This is an actual house turned tchotchke haven and hot spot of art, music, and culture, with a bar, ballroom, and café. For me, it’s the best place in town to get a little morning writing in.” 2906 and 2908 Fruth St.; SpiderHouseAustin.com 

2. Juan in a Million

“Wake up early and head here for breakfast. If you want to gorge on the most popular, gargantuan breakfast taco there is, order the Don Juan.” 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St.; JuanInAMillion.com

“You’ll want to hit the line for Franklin Barbecue at or before 11 a.m. to not risk missing out — they often run out of brisket, ribs, or pulled pork by noon! This is the taste of Texas. I miss it every day that I’m not in my home state.” 900 E. 11th St.; FranklinBarbecue.com 

4. Gourdough’s

“The doughnuts here are massive, drenched with goodness of every kind — and will most certainly kill you quicker. This is truly a post-lunch must.” Multiple locations; Gourdoughs.com 

5. Barton Springs Pool

“Burn off all those doughnuts with a hike and a swim. Barton Springs Pool is just where the greenbelt hike meets Town Lake (a.k.a. Lady Bird Lake) in Zilker Park. It’s a great two-for-one. You can also get 18 holes of disc golf in, if that’s your thing.” 2201 Barton Springs Rd.; AustinTexas.gov

6. Sixth and Waller Food Trucks

“Barbecue, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, and deep-fried anything. It’s all there, it’s all delicious, and you don’t need a reservation — just a fistful of napkins.” Sixth Street and Waller Street

7. Elephant Room

“I highly recommend an underground jazz show here. It can get packed, and there may be a small cover, but it’s a great place to finish a perfect day.” 315 Congress Ave.; ElephantRoom.com