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La Holly sits on the corner of Pedernales and East Sixth Street
Change is inevitable. But with change comes a bit of trepidation. Simon Madera, owner of La Holly, knows this feeling well. He took over Kellee’s Place last summer, yet kept the longstanding Tejano bar open as he worked on his project because he wanted the original building to stay intact. The outcome of Madera’s efforts is a modern cantina that respects east Austin’s history and aims to retain the neighborhood’s core essence.
On a recent visit to Houndstooth Coffee, I discovered the concept of a classic, neighborhood coffee shop still exists. Not only did I find delicious coffee, but the vibe was so friendly. I befriended strangers (all local), and we talked about the neighborhood, living in Austin, traveling on the MetroRail, etc. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings a good coffee shop should give.
During my time there, I learned Houndstooth Coffee will be expanding its drink menu, adding cocktails at the newest location in east Austin. Transitioning from day to night never sounded so good.
Wine tasting in the Perissos vineyard
(Credit: Matt McGinnis)
When I sent in my RSVP for the annual Roll Out the Barrel event, I was signing up for three winery visits in one day. Although I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, certified sommelier Matt McGinnis clued me in. Roll Out the Barrel is a Texas take on the time-honored tradition of hosting en primeur tastings of newly available wine for journalists and wine professionals, traditionally held in Bordeaux each spring.
Although far from France, Texas Hill Country is definitely becoming known for wine. Thanks to my intimate, first-hand experience during Rolling Out the Barrel, I now have a better understanding of why. Here’s what I learned from three day-trip-worthy Texas wineries.
Thank you to the vineyards featured in this article for allowing me to attend Roll Out the Barrel at no charge. All opinions are my own. [Read more…]
Greater Goods’ east Austin location has ample parking and seating
A good cup of coffee and a quality conversation can do wonders. But Greater Goods coffee does even more. With a second coffee shop now in east Austin, Greater Goods serves “coffee with a splash of kindness”…literally.
South Austin tends to feel like the epicenter of independent coffee shops. We have so many, in fact, that narrowing this list down to 12 places was a challenge! What they all have in common is what makes them so south Austin: a combination of organic, locally-roasted beans, free Wi-Fi, food to nosh on, and dog-friendly areas. Despite their similarities, each of these South Austin coffee shops holds a unique allure and has a legion of devotees. [Read more…]
Fill out a quick form about your coffee preferences and–voila–Creature Coffee shows up at your door
(Credit: @creaturecoffeeco)
As an avid coffee drinker, I’ve had my share of good and bad brews. I’m particular and I know what I like. As a result, I tend to frequent the same coffee shops around Austin. But then, I discovered Creature Coffee.
Pitchfork Pretty’s Garden Water cocktail is one of the many ways you can indulge in citrus season
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)
Citrus season is in full swing in the Lone Star State. In celebration, I tirelessly scoured the city to find citrus-inspired cocktails. And I’m not just talking palomas and margaritas! I discovered expertly mixed drinks to please gin, vodka, and whiskey drinkers alike. Without further ado, here’s my roundup of some of the best citrus cocktails in Austin. [Read more…]
The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse’s vintage bar (Credit: Hoffbrau)
Yes, you read the title correctly. I am indeed talking about bootlegging during the Prohibition. The Original Hoffbrau opened its doors in 1932, a year before Prohibition came to an end. Brothers Robert “Coleman” and Tom Hamby put in $125 each to buy the property now located in one of the most coveted parts of town: West Sixth Street. Now in its 83rd year with the fourth generation of family ownership, The Original Hoffbrau has become an iconic Austin steakhouse.
Outside Austin Eastciders’ taproom
Don’t look now, but bars across America are being invaded by Austin’s own. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is king of cocktails and PBR has been ousted by Shiner as the hip beer of choice. (Shiner isn’t quite Austin, but it’s close enough.) Now we can add Austin Eastciders to the list.
In the span of four years, Austin Eastciders has grown from a humble cidery on Springdale Road to a nationally-recognized brand with two locations, distributing to over a dozen states. Not bad for a small town operation with giant dreams.
Nickel City is the new bar to meet people and hang out off East 11th Street (Credit: Hunter Townsend)
If there’s one thing that’s certain in Austin, it’s the ever-changing scenery. Condos, hotels, and establishments keep popping up in and around our beloved neighborhoods, and too many Austinites don’t know where to seek refuge anymore. Fear not, locals! Nickel City is the spot where you can walk in, pull up a chair, and drink to your heart’s content.