Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Entrance to Jester King Brewery (Credit: Jester King)
Most Austinites are well aware of the craft beer oasis located 20 minutes south of downtown Austin, known as Jester King Brewery. Founded in 2010 on three acres of Texas Hill Country, Jester King has grown to 61 acres. It now includes a burgeoning vineyard, goat farm, 700 annuals, and a lush melon patch. Simultaneous to its growth in our hearts has been its consistent climb to the international stage of superlative beer places.
Margherita pizza at Lunar Pizza in South Austin
Austin residents aren’t pizza-deprived. We’ve got New York-style at the iconic Home Slice Pizza, Chicago-style at Conans Pizza, and even Detroit-style at the mouth-watering Via 313.
With Lunar Pizza opened on South 1st Street, we can add New Jersey thin crust pizza to the list. Or more specifically, as I learned from founder Zach Adams, “Jersey Shore boardwalk pizza.”
Build the stage, bring the bands, and your audience will follow (Credit: Parker Jazz Club)
Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in downtown Austin. Situated underground like all the coolest clubs, Parker Jazz Club acts as an incubator for the music and the sensibility of another era. Set your sights on a whole new music experience, complemented by classic cocktails and a sultry aura.
Despite Austin’s outspoken love for live music, we are somewhat lacking in world-class, traditional jazz. Parker Jazz Club intends to change that. Jazz music evokes a host of strong feelings for many, calling to mind a different time and place. Walking down the staircase into the dark, elegant club, I felt as though I could be in Chicago, New York, or Paris in the ’20s or ’50s. By design, Parker Jazz Club stands apart from the typical downtown Austin bar. [Read more…]
Credit: Bill Tucker
If the Austin food and drink scene was a farm, and every business type was an animal, then craft beer would be a flock of rabbits. Every month, a new brewery opens its doors to a population thirsty for hops, malt, and yeasty goodness. Grabbing a foothold in this crowded pen can be a challenge. But for the brothers Ziebarth of Oddwood Ales, an underground cult following has grown into a brewpub with big dreams.
With approachable beer, tantalizing food, and a warm, cozy exterior, this brand new east Austin hangout is exactly what the neighborhood ordered. [Read more…]
Want fresh strawberries, swirls of Nutella, and biscotti chunks? Order Strawberry Nutella Toast gelato at Tèo
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)
You scream, I scream, we all scream for…gelato! This popular saying typically ends with “ice cream,” but after you try the award-winning gelato at Tèo Expresso Gelato & Bella Vita, I’m pretty sure you’ll consider the permanent switch like I have.
For the past few months, I’ve been secretly working with Tèo owner, Mathew Lee, in his kitchen to create my own one-of-a-kind flavor for the Tèo Flavor Creation Contest. Strawberry Nutella Toast is the result of my work, and I’m proud to say it’s every bit as good as it looks and sounds.
Eager for a taste and more info on how you can support Austin Pets Alive!? Keep reading.
Artessano’s Colombian bowl with chicken
The list of must-try eateries in east Austin is overwhelming. Don’t expect reading about Artessano to make things easier for you. Artessano’s food trailer, located on East Sixth Street, has been delighting customers with authentic Colombian food for years. I met with owner, Carlos Quitian, and his nephew, Andres Amaya, to hear how they bring Colombian culture to Austin.
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.
Aiko Lyne, Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye
A high schooler who knows exactly what she wants to be professionally is a rare find. I remember my high school days. I was only concerned with making a C in all my classes, in the hopes of getting out of my parents’ home soon. If someone asked what I wanted to be, I didn’t have much to say.
But I recently met an extraordinary 20-year-old here in Austin. Her name is Aiko Lyne, and she’s Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye. On her day off, the two of us sat down for a chat at the restaurant. When I asked what she was doing there, she told me her definition of a day off is to help in the kitchen and plan for the next service.
This response gives you an idea of how much Lyne loves what she does, and how much she enjoys being at Emmer & Rye. [Read more…]
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…]