Bill Tucker - The Austinot

6 Austin Fish and Chips Plates You Won’t Regret Ordering

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Beer with fish and chips at Black Star Co-op

Here at The Austinot, we have lists of the best bagels, grilled cheese, and even pho in Austin. But what about that comfort food from across the pond: fish and chips?

Wonder no more, savvy eater! My arduous journey through the length and breadth of Austin’s foodie scene revealed six spots you’re guaranteed to love. From legit Irish pubs to a tiny hole in the wall off Manchaca, these local restaurants are sure to satisfy your craving for all things crispy, flaky, and savory.

[Read more…]

Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar Delivers Upscale Pub Grub to Area Hungry for Flavor

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Oasthouse's veal schnitzel northwest Austin

Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar’s veal schnitzel is one of a dozen reasons to visit this fun and friendly culinary destination

When my wife and I moved to northwest Austin in search of cheaper rent and closer proximity to family, our downtown friends sighed and asked, “Where are you going to eat?” Upon first glance, the stretch of FM 620 between Steiner Ranch and Lakeline Mall offers little in terms of tasty grub not sourced from a freezer. Our culinary outlook seemed grim.

Fortunately for us, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar lies minutes from our garage and steps from my son’s daycare. An oasis of upscale yet accessible culinary delight, this neighborhood gastropub has become my family’s go-to for bar bites, date nights, and everything in between.

[Read more…]

5 Neat Spots to Sip Whiskey in Austin, Texas

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Best Whiskey in Austin at Vince Young Steakhouse

The extensive whiskey list at Vince Young Steakhouse is a sight to see

In a city of craft beer, cocktails, and margaritas, whiskey can be an afterthought. Often viewed as a mix-in for the old fashioned or fodder for shots, drinking whiskey as God intended can seem outdated. But for me, relaxing at the bar with a splash of bourbon or enjoying a cigar with two fingers of single malt is classic.

To celebrate this spirit, here are five of my favorite places—in alphabetical order—to sip the best whiskey in Austin.

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5 Family-friendly Restaurants in Austin

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Bill Tucker

It all starts with a whimper. A slow-building, blood-curdling moan of discontent. One minute your little one is gleefully coloring in a pizza pie maze on the back of a paper place mat. The next, he’s reaching for your glass of chardonnay. Horror washes over you like a tidal wave. Little Johnny is over sitting in his kiddie chair and the appetizers haven’t even arrived yet.

Anyone who’s tried to bring their child to a restaurant knows the struggle. Regardless of age, temperament, or the mountain of toys you bring to keep the kids occupied, some eateries are more suited to families than others. Here are six of my favorites family-friendly restaurants in Austin in alphabetical order.

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9 Podcasts in Austin for Those Times You’re Stuck in Traffic

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Elizabeth McQueen This Song Austin Podcast — Elizabeth McQueen interviews local and national acts on “This Song” podcast (Credit: “This Song”)

Traffic on MoPac can be an absolute nightmare. In a city where rush hour starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m., entertainment is mandatory. Luckily, Austin is chock-full of homegrown podcasts covering every imaginable subject and topic. Here are a few of the top podcasts in Austin that have us listening right now.

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Unplugged at the Grove Series Celebrates 25 Years of Free Music

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Swimming With Bears Unplugged at the Grove

Swimming With Bears performs during Unplugged at the Grove (Credit: KGSR/John Gutierrez)

In the midst of Austin’s ever-evolving landscape, there are places and events that should never go away. Spots like The White Horse and shows like Austin City Limits are crucial to the fabric of our fabulous city. If The Broken Spoke turns into a Jamba Juice, then I’m high-tailing it to Asheville, North Carolina…

Unplugged at the Grove is one of our local institutions. Five months out of the year for 25 years, Thursday evenings at Shady Grove have been synonymous with exceptional music at the lowest price humanly possible. And thanks to long-time partner KGSR, this year’s lineup is filled to the brim with local talent.

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Musicians’ Living Wage Advocates Fair Pay for Austin Musicians

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Bill Tucker

BLXPLTN tears apart The North Door during Musicians’ Living Wage kickoff event (Credit: Nicola Gell Photography)

Instead of a candy dish or ironic red stapler, imagine a tip jar on your work desk. In lieu of a paycheck, a manager swings by, smiles politely, and drops a couple of singles in your jar. Sadly, he isn’t able to actually pay you. You’re there for exposure.

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Oddwood Ales Delivers Brews and Bites to Growing East Austin Scene

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Bill Tucker

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…]

Who Wins the SXSW Music 2018 Superlative Awards?

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Bill Tucker

The stages are gone. The out-of-towners have all flown out. All that’s left of SXSW Music 2018 are discarded badges, swag bags filled with branded koozies, and a brain full of ear-ringing memories. It was draining yet fun, numbing yet inspiring.

Over six days during SXSW Conference and Festivals 2018, I walked 125,000 steps, traveled 61 miles, and saw 33 bands and artists. If I was walking southward on I-35, I would have ended up in New Braunfels. From my wanderings, I’ve selected the following acts for my annual Superlative Awards. And the winners are… [Read more…]

15 Must-see Austin Artists at SXSW Music 2018

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Clockwise: Austin bands Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, Los Coast, The Lagoons

It’s a week before SXSW Music 2018 and I’m already exhausted. I also couldn’t be more stoked. In a few days, I get the opportunity to cannonball into a maelstrom of sights and sounds, showcases and songs. For seven days, Austin literally becomes the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Over 2,000 bands will play official SXSW showcases this year. Among them are over 260 locals, ready to rep ATX and highlight what’s amazing about the greatest music city ever.

To help you prepare to listen local, I’ve listened to every Austin band playing official SXSW shows and hand-picked 15 must-see artists. Done right, SX is an incredible experience, and these musicians will help you celebrate what’s good and beautiful about Austin music.

[Read more…]

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