Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
Set on the 18-thousand-acres that is Ox Ranch, DriveTanks.com is a Texas Disney World without the lines. Set in Uvalde, west of San Antonio, DriveTanks.com is what you might imagine when you hear the name—a place for people to go out and drive tanks. You can also shoot guns of various types, including flamethrowers.
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Guest article by Ken Pishna
When Christian Cryder left Montana behind to open a brewery on East Sixth Street in Austin, he wanted to build a community around four key ingredients: coffee, beer, tacos, and joy.
Lazarus Brewing Company was born on Christmas Eve in 2016. With a talented head brewer, one of Austin’s finest Street-Mex food truck chefs, and a veteran coffee roaster; the beer, food, and coffee were givens.
The question was whether Lazarus could rise up and give new life to the Bike Texas building, and iconic Cool Store, as a brewery with plans to be more than a place to grab a cold one.
Stained glass connects the main tap room to the barrel room
It’s no small secret Cryder was a pastor in Montana and continues to minister in Austin. The colors of Cryder’s background are woven throughout Lazarus Brewing. There are beers named “40 Days and 40 Nights” and “First Noël,” and a stained glass image in the ceiling connecting the main tap room to the barrel room. Yet Cryder never wanted to blend the church into the brewery. He wanted to foster a communal space where people could gather and find the joy in life.
“There’s something good about the brewing scene, what it does for people, what it does for community,” the Austin entrepreneur shared with me. And that’s something Lazarus embraces.
From day one, it has been an open and inviting space, welcoming families, including their four-legged members, with a cozy tap room space. Much of it was handcrafted by Cryder and his family, and the space opens through vast garage doors onto a beautiful patio and courtyard. The courtyard is furnished with large picnic tables that invite people to sit down with neighbors, friends, and strangers alike.
Since opening in 2016, Lazarus Brewing has revamped the Cool Store, but Cryder didn’t want to dismantle the history of the community landmark. Paying homage to the Cool Store, Cryder only gave the facade a face lift, leaving Bob Marley serenading us on Chicon Street. The inside has been converted into a multi-purpose space that houses a wild fermentation/sour facility, barrel-aging room, and event space.
Christian Cryder, owner of Lazarus Brewing, preserved the Bob Marley mural from 6th Street Cool Store, which closed in early 2016
➡️ Keep reading: Lazarus Brewing Company Comes to East Side With Pints, Pups, and Tacos
Lazarus serves coffee seven days a week
All the while, Lazarus has managed to maintain the cozy coffee house feel up front, where coffee roasted on site by Cryder’s wife Marilyn is served beginning at 7 a.m. during the week, and 10 a.m. on weekends. There is a full espresso bar and the caramel leather sofa remains in the cozy nook inside the main entrance.
Lazarus creates an inviting, comfortable space to relax with friends
The gourmet Street Mex menu ranges from breakfast to lunch to dinner, so you can’t think of Lazarus as just a brewery.
It’s easy enough to drop in with friends for a cup of coffee and breakfast taco to get the day started. Or come by any time of the day to jump on the free Wifi and get some work done, sipping a cup of hand-crafted Joe, or an adult beverage or two.
Lazarus recently released wild fermentations and barrel-aged beers
For all its offerings, Lazarus also remains steadfast as a great example of craft beer. Head brewer Matt Couch has built a strong set of base beers when you want something tried and true, but has also developed an assortment sure to please even the finickiest craft beer aficionado. (Of which I’m one and, yes, I was pleased.) Couch’s latest offerings include the aforementioned wild fermentations and barrel-aged beers.
All that Lazarus offers by way of creature comforts equals exactly what Cryder intended. He has created a place to sit, relax, converse with friends and strangers, and find the joy in life.
1902 E. 6th St. — Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Which breweries in Austin make you feel at home?
Ken Pishna travels around the country interviewing interesting craft brewers and sharing their stories through “Living A Stout Life.” Watch his conversation with Christian Cryder on YouTube.
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Face painting during Family Sunday Funday at backYARD at Waller Creek (Credit: backYARD by Waller Creek)
Guest article by Mandy Heintzelman Smith
As a mom of three little kids, one of my favorite things about Austin is how inclusive its restaurants are for the youngest members of the community. With spring in full bloom, it’s time to get outdoors and relish everything this city has to offer. And I have the perfect event for you to check out with your family: Family Sunday Funday, hosted by backYARD at Waller Creek.
Where will you get your next Austin mani? (Credit: @LACQUER)
Guest article by Mandy Heintzelman Smith
This is not a scientific conclusion, but over the last five months of living in Austin, I’ve noticed there’s a huge demand for services at local high-end nail salons. When my mother-in-law was in town, I wanted to take her and my little girl to a beautiful, cozy nail salon and make it an experience. I called around to all of the best reviewed salons, and it wasn’t until my fourth try that I could find an appointment for three people.
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Jack Allen’s Kitchen is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in the Westlake area of Austin (Credit: Kenny Braun)
Guest article by Mandy Heintzelman Smith
When my husband and I visited Austin from Los Angeles to look at homes before our move, we searched for a neighborhood close to downtown. At the same time, we wanted a big back yard and an amazing school district. When we found our beautiful, old home in Westlake, we knew we were in the right neighborhood for our young family. The bonus surprise is how much we enjoy Westlake’s local restaurants. Here’s a newbie’s guide to our favorite Austin-based restaurants for families in the Westlake area. [Read more…]
The Morning Jo’s running group at Jo’s Coffee (Credit: Andrew Holmes)
Guest article by Lee McClendon
Austin has a lot to offer, so FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is one thing you don’t have to worry about in our unique, beautiful city. Besides the nightlife, art events, and live music, there’s another option for people that doesn’t cost a penny: free fitness. [Read more…]
Amy Milliron, founder of The Hills of Milk and Honey in Dripping Springs
Guest article by Michelle Lozano
Farmer Amy Milliron of The Hills of Milk and Honey wondered about the intrinsic value of beekeeping, when she discovered livestock guardian dog Bo’s favorite place to nap: 10 feet away from the bees he protects, where the humming lulled him to sleep.
As a farmer on an educational mission, Milliron brought a glimpse of beekeeping to her educational programs using an observational hive, which gave her students a closer look into the lives and work of bees. “Bo loves the sound of the buzz, the kids are connecting…there is something awesome about that. And they will not view bees the same again.” [Read more…]
Aerial View of Bartholomew Pool (Credit: City of Austin PARD, Aquatics Office)
Guest article by Dana Minney
Austin and the surrounding area are so full of splash opportunities, it can be hard to decide where to go for your swimming adventures. Here’s a list of local swimming spots, ranging from your friendly neighborhood splash pads to Central Texas’ biggest water parks…and everything in between.
The Arc of the Arts Program empowers individuals to find employment by fostering vital skills
(Credit: The Arc of the Capital Area)
Guest article by Janet Lee
According to research, there is a continuing disparity between employment outcomes for individuals with and without disabilities. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are often routed away from community employment during the transition from school to adulthood.
The Arc of the Arts Program stands to address this issue. Part of The Arc of the Capital Area, a nonprofit organization that provides resources for Central Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this Austin arts education program helps clients achieve independence and employment through post-secondary education.
One of the oldest volunteer-driven associations in the country, The Arc not only provides the opportunity for IDD individuals to become active participants in the arts community, but also gain [Read more…]
Texas Focus panel with Film Programs Manager Rachel Manning on right (Credit: Bullock Museum)
Guest article by Janet Lee
Film is a window into other lives, whether they’re set in reality or an alternate universe. Movies provide various perspectives that are ultimately a reflection of our society. The Film Series Program at Bullock Museum delves into these perspectives, leading open and thematic discussions within the Austin community.
The museum’s mission is to create diverse conversations and narratives using the medium of film. And more importantly, to continue those conversations beyond the theater. Rather than simply hosting screenings, Bullock wants to collectively tackle myths, preconceived notions, and themes that are relevant and engaging. [Read more…]
