Bill Tucker - The Austinot

Yard Bar Creates Dream Playground for Doggies and Their Owners

January 20, 2016 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

This is the face of a dog who needs a visit to Yard Bar

Mr. Ming was looking to get outdoors. After a long holiday season spent watching his humans shop, wrap presents and go out, it was his turn. His time to sniff, bark and be merry.

Enter Yard Bar, Austin’s newest venue for furry friends to run, jump and be social. By combining food, drink and a variety of fun activities, this hidden gem on Burnet Road is quickly becoming the city’s premier doggy destination.

Born From Necessity

Like most things awesome, the inspiration for Yard Bar came from need. While frequenting the dog runs at Auditorium Shores, owner Kristen Heaney realized the sad reality of dog parks: there’s not much there for people to do. What if there was a place where pet owners could grab a drink and a bite while their dog frolicked in the park?

After testing a number of business models, Heaney leased the lot on Burnet Road where the old Putt-Putt Golf and Games used to live, and began building the dog park of her dreams. When it opened in August 2015, word quickly spread among Austin’s pet friendly community. Yard Bar was the place to be. [Read more…]

8 Fun Ways to Get Fit in Austin During 2016

January 4, 2016 by Bill Tucker 4 Comments

Fair warning: I am not a fitness guru. Between writing for three blogs, weekly visits to Alamo Drafthouse and an unhealthy obsession with “Fallout 4,” my life is a relatively sedentary one. My weekly exercise consists of long walks around town that inevitably end up at a craft beer bar. And I can’t stand gyms.

So, if I’m going to work out, it has to be fun. Running for hours on a treadmill doesn’t do it for me. Lifting weights makes me self-conscious. Luckily for those in the same boat as me, our city is filled with exciting ways to lose those pounds. Get up and get fit in Austin with these fun-filled suggestions. If they can motivate me to turn off the PS4, they can motivate anybody! [Read more…]

Your Guide to a Memorable Austin Christmas Staycation

December 21, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Friends, food and family. The three F’s of the holiday season. Amid the chaos, lights and Amazon wish lists, there’s one constant: the old-fashioned family get-together. A chance to reconnect with the ones you love.

But not everybody heads home for the holidays. For whatever reason, many of us will be hanging out in Austin for the holiday season. And Austin can become a ghost town over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

But don’t despair. Put on some real clothes, turn off Netflix and head out on the town. For those doing an Austin Christmas this year, here are eight events that’ll make your holiday full of memories and fun. [Read more…]

Casa de Glaze Delivers Sweet Treats by Bicycle

December 2, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Jenny Grayson welcomes you to Casa de Glaze (Credit: Casa de Glaze)

Whenever you’re rambling around downtown Austin, you’re guaranteed to see something new. Be it a local artist selling paintings, a brand new food truck or a spellbinding street performer, there’s no shortage of cool things to discover. It’s how we roll.

So, when I discovered a bakery selling cupcakes from the back of a bike last week, I shouldn’t have been surprised. But Casa de Glaze is more than a quirky experiment. Built on rock solid recipes and fueled by the energy of its charismatic owner, this mobile eatery is quickly making a name for itself in the Austin baked goods scene. [Read more…]

Adelbert’s Brewery Crafts Classic Belgian Beer With ATX Kick

November 9, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Wall of beer barrels at Adelbert’s Brewery

Walking into the taproom at Adelbert’s Brewery is like stumbling upon a country chic party. Hip music fills the air. Dart boards, foosball and ping pong tables stand ready to be played. Racks full of barrels containing sleeping beer, some resting for weeks, others for years, serves as the back wall. An inviting combination of warm and cool.

In the ever-changing ocean of Texas beer, Adelbert’s has been brewing Belgian styles for years. And with a heart towards charity, innovation and quality, it remains a flagship brand in the expanding craft beer scene.

Old School Innovation

Founded in 2011, the Adelbert’s mission has never wavered: create authentic Belgian beer in Austin, Texas. Thanks to this focus, they became one of the first “widely [Read more…]

8 Days, 8 Films at Austin Film Festival 2015

October 26, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

From heart-wrenching dramas to quirky comedy, there’s something for everybody at Austin Film Festival 2015. Known in movie circles as the “Writers Festival,” this year’s festival will feature more than 100 films over the course of eight days.

To help you navigate the jam-packed schedule, keep reading for one film pick each day during your week of cinematic magic. I’m even giving back-up options–just in case. [Read more…]

Your Guide to Austin Beer Week 2015

October 19, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Credit: Matthew Peoples via Flickr CC

Navigating beer festivals can be daunting. With dozens of brewers slinging styles from every corner of the beer world, it’s easy to get lost. Austin Beer Week, a nine-day celebration of all things local and boozy, is no exception.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to have fun during this event. Whether you’re new to Austin’s beer scene or a certified cicerone, there’s plenty to do and see during local beer’s biggest week. [Read more…]

Churro Co. Delivers Authentic Flavor With ATX Twist

October 2, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Pick a dish, any dish. You can’t go wrong at Churro Co. (Credit: Churro Co.)

If you close your eyes, spin around and throw a rock in Austin, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a Mexican restaurant. From down home Tex-Mex to authentic eateries, cuisine from south of the border is well-represented.

Now, thanks to Churro Co. on Riverside, dessert is covered, too. By taking a traditional pastry and applying an ATX twist, Churro Co. is bringing an authentic Mexican classic to the local foodie stage. [Read more…]

Treaty Oak Distilling Brings Heritage to Dripping Springs

September 21, 2015 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

Barrels and barrels of delicious spirits await you at Treaty Oak Distilling Co.

The sun sat low against the Hill Country skyline, blanketing the ground with yellows, reds and browns. Buildings fashioned out of reclaimed wood and discarded fences dotted the landscape. The air breathed clean as the sound of clinking glasses and laughter trickled from the wooded pavilion behind me.

If this sounds like a country fantasy, brace yourself. By embracing the majesty and power of the Hill Country, Treaty Oak Distilling Company isn’t just changing addresses. They’re building a fantastic new locale for food and spirits, and inviting good times for the whole family. An Austin classic just got a whole lot better. [Read more…]

Austin Newbie Guide to Assimilation

September 7, 2015 by Bill Tucker 20 Comments

Welcome to Austin, Texas! (Credit: Stuart Seeger via Flickr CC)

Two years ago, my wife and I packed a U-Haul to the brim and drove 1700 miles from New York to Austin, Texas. What we found was a vibrant city full of culture, music and undeniable energy. And, most importantly, it wasn’t New York. It was something entirely different.

In honor of my two year anniversary here, here’s a handy Austin newbie guide for everyone yearning to become a card carrying local. Whether you’re a UT freshman or relocated techie, welcome to Austin! Now it’s time to become an Austinite. [Read more…]

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