Edgar Barguiarena, Author at The Austinot

The Ultimate Guide to Austin Beer Week 2013

October 23, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 5 Comments

Prosit!

Austin Beer Week (def): held shortly after Great American Beer Festival (GABF), a week dedicated to all things craft beer in the great city of Austin Texas, whereas brewers who are just getting over their GABF hangover celebrate their craft with the rest of the city during special keg tappings, meet-the-brewer sessions, anniversary parties, and the inevitable hangover or four.

On the brink of a record-setting run at the Great American Beer Festival (the granddaddy of all U.S. beer competitions) Austin is gearing up for its biggest week in beer yet. Six of the 10 Texas medals were earned by folks in the Austin area, including 2 gold medals (!). So you can be sure our favorite brewers are putting out their best stuff yet. Texas is still only 6th in medal count, but we are going up against the original regions that have always been known for craft beer. Given how young our breweries are, this is an impressive achievement. [Read more…]

Best Austin Craft Beer Joints: Wright Bros. Brew and Brew

October 10, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 2 Comments

Wright Bros. Brew and Brew is located at the former home of Progress Coffee, 500 San Marcos St.

The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers that Austin has to offer.

Continuing the tradition that Eric started with his Best Burger Joint in Austin series, I’m profiling and reviewing the best craft beer joints in Austin, with the occasional stop or two at bars that have room for improvement.

I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between.

Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think in a comment below.

First Impressions: Wright Bros. Brew and Brew

[Read more…]

Afghanistan Veterans Open Classy Jazz Club in Downtown Austin

September 17, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 4 Comments

Brass House now features a few food items to enjoy along with a full bar

Editor’s Note: Brass House closed in October 2016.

This guest blog article is by Edgar Barguiarena.

Every Marine does it. You’re down to your last deployment and you wonder what you’re going to do with your time and money.

“Most guys talk about opening a bar of some sort when they get out,” said Jason White, one of the owners of Brass House.

“I had spent 12 months in Afghanistan and didn’t get killed, so why not?” [Read more…]

Best Austin Craft Beer Joints: Craft Pride

August 27, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 4 Comments

Family crest of Craft Pride on Rainey Street

This guest blog article is by Edgar Barguiarena.

The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers Austin has to offer.

I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between.

Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think in a comment below.

First Impressions: Craft Pride

It’s the smell that hits you first, which wouldn’t make a good first impression at most bars. But as you first step into [Read more…]

Best Austin Craft Beer Joints: Whip In

July 15, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 4 Comments

You can admire Whip In’s bottle selection even while sitting at the bar

The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens up, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers Austin has to offer.

Continuing the tradition that Eric started with his Best Burger Joint in Austin series, I’ll be profiling and reviewing the best craft beer joints in Austin, with the occasional stop or two at bars that have room for improvement. I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between. Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think below in a comment.

First Impression of Whip In

“Would you like to try a new beer? It’s terrible!” asked one of the bartenders as I first walked in.

Immediately, I knew I was in the right place. [Read more…]

Summer Nights the Austin Way: Sound and Cinema at the Long Center

June 19, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Sound & Cinema at the Long Center

This guest post is by Edgar Barguiarena.

Austin has Wednesday figured out. Instead of being driven indoors during 100+ degree weather in the thick of summer, we flock towards the siren call of free, live outdoor events.

Fortunately, we’re blessed with a multitude of public parks and outdoor event centers that facilitate this addiction. KGSR has spoiled us over the last 23 years with their Blues on the Green series featuring live music at Zilker park, with the majestic Austin skyline as a backdrop, every other Wednesday over the summer. Alamo Drafthouse has us covered with Rolling Roadshow, featuring classic movies at a unique Austin locale, shown on a huge inflatable screen with top-of-the-line sound system. Even the venerable Austin Symphony has jumped in, showcasing their free “Concerts in the Park” series at the Long Center on Sunday nights over the last 11 years.

Most world-class cities would be fortunate to have even a few of these options. But Austin and Austinites don’t stop there. I mean, what are we supposed to do on the Wednesdays that Blues on the Green isn’t running? What other outdoor events are out there? [Read more…]

Ease Into Your Sundays at South Austin Brewing Company

May 14, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Raising a glass to Groovy Sunday at South Austin Brewing Company

This guest blog post is by Edgar Barguiarena.

Sometimes Friday and Saturday don’t give you enough time to take full advantage of the weekend. You’re left wanting more for your Sunday, but you want to try something different. After you go to brunch and get started with a few mimosas, you want to enjoy the last few hours of freedom you have left. If you’re still jonesing for live music and great beer, South Austin Brewing Company has your solution.

South Austin Brewing Company got their start in late 2010 with two signature brews that are still selling strong today: the Belgian Style Golden Ale and their Saison D’Austin. Each brew is featured in a hand-corked 750-ml bottle that looks almost as good as it tastes. Sound familiar? You may have seen these beers at your local grocery store or liquor shop.

South Austin Brewing has done an impressive [Read more…]