Jessica Pino - 2/7 - The Austinot

Wheatsville Co-op Celebrates 40 Years as Austin’s Friendliest Grocer

September 21, 2016 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Wheatsville Co-op on Guadalupe in Austin

Wheatsville Co-op opened in 1976 and moved to its current location on Guadalupe Street in 1981
(Credit: Wheatsville)

Wheatsville Co-op has been serving the Austin community for 40 years and there’s a lot we can learn from their way of doing business. With a purpose statement that doesn’t once mention food, but instead reads, “to create a self-reliant, self-empowering community of people that will grow and promote a transformation of society toward cooperation, justice, and non-exploitation,” you can tell this isn’t your typical grocery store. [Read more…]

Guide to Food Trucks on South 1st Street in Austin

September 8, 2016 by Jessica Pino 3 Comments

South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery Sign

South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery (Credit: Shawn Collins via Flickr CC)

Truck, trailer or Airstream, food on wheels plays a huge role in Austin’s culture. Sometimes it can be difficult to explore the food truck scene, since many of these mini eateries don’t have consistent hours of operation. But the good thing about food trucks is they are everywhere!

One of my favorite streets to explore is South 1st Street. There are two major food trailer parks on the strip, as well as several other notable trucks between the two. So get your Thanksgiving pants out of storage and eat your way through these food trucks on South 1st Street. [Read more…]

Guide to Austin’s West Sixth Street

August 3, 2016 by Jessica Pino 2 Comments

There are three sections of Sixth Street in Austin: West, East and what locals refer to as Dirty. For locals, Dirty Sixth runs from Congress to I-35 even though technically, and according to street signs, East Sixth starts at Congress Avenue and runs east. But when you hear locals talk about East Sixth, we are referencing anything east of I-35. Don’t get confused by the street signs; you’ll be talking like a local in no time.

West Sixth is the section of Sixth Street that runs west from Congress Avenue. For the most part, the nightlife scene ends at North Lamar Boulevard, but for this article I’ll take us all the way to MoPac as there are several notable bars and restaurants in the extended stretch of West Sixth.

While you’ll find your fair share of bars here–no surprise for Sixth Street–West Sixth is much more diverse when it comes to local Austin businesses. This list highlights the cream of the crop. [Read more…]

1950’s Soda Fountain Lives on at Nau’s Enfield Drug in Austin

July 19, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

I have a soft spot for old school, greasy spoons, so a visit to Nau’s Enfield Drug in Clarksville was a must. This neighborhood drug store, soda fountain and grill has around since 1951. It’s definitely a throwback to simpler times with its U-shaped counter, pink stools and retro booths which barely fit four people.

I highly recommend you step back in time with a breakfast or lunch stop at Nau’s Enfield Drug. [Read more…]

Day Trip From Austin to See Historical Painted Churches of Texas

July 7, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

A Psalm written in German decorates the interior of a painted church in High Hill, TX (Credit: elaine via Flickr CC)

People with a passion for history and architecture dream of traveling to Europe for a chance to see some of the most wondrous buildings, bridges and churches in history. While you may not think of Texas in the same way, it doesn’t lack in history!

Austin is a short day trip away from many historical sites, such as the Texas Hill Country castles. A lesser known day trip is the Painted Churches of Texas tour. It’s perfect for anyone interested in art, architecture and small town Texas history. [Read more…]

Habana Celebrates 15 Years of Cuban Cuisine in Austin

June 22, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Habana’s classic Cuban sandwich with fried yucca and tostones

Thanks to recent policy changes, traveling to Cuba has become a whole lot easier. But Austinites don’t have to travel far to experience the culture and cuisine of the region. Just head down South Congress Avenue and you’ll come across Habana–a hidden gem among tall oak trees where the cultural highlights of Cuba come alive.

The sights and smells will transport you to another world. So do yourself a favor and experience a slice of everyday Cuban life right here in Austin. [Read more…]

Hill’s Cafe, South Austin Landmark Since 1947

June 8, 2016 by Jessica Pino 2 Comments

Texas sunset at Hill’s Cafe (Credit: Jessica Pino)

Editor’s Note: It’s the end of an era. The last day of service for Hill’s Cafe is Sept. 12, 2018.

As the sun sets, the string lights wrapped around the majestic oak trees seem to burn brighter. You know you’ve come to a special place in Austin: Hill’s Cafe.

Hill’s Cafe has been a prominent part of south Austin since 1947. Over the years, it has provided the backdrop for many musical nights and has given locals a place to get Texas comfort food.

Here are the reasons Hill’s Cafe might become your new favorite spot. [Read more…]

Churn Yourself On at Lick Honest Ice Creams

May 26, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Lick Honest Ice Creams North Burnet Road Location

Lick Honest Ice Creams location on North Burnet Road (Credit: Lick)

Amy’s Ice Creams may have ruled small town Austin. But since its opening in 2011, Lick Honest Ice Creams has won the hearts–and bellies–of many. This local icon-in-the-making has two Austin locations and one San Antonio location, with a third Austin location opening in the Mueller division next year. And there’s no sign of Lick slowing down.

A faithful fan myself, I took a moment to chat with co-owner Anthony Sobotik about his company’s recent growth and the inspiration behind Lick Honest Ice Creams. [Read more…]

Guide to Austin’s East Sixth Street

May 9, 2016 by Jessica Pino 2 Comments

There are three sections of Sixth Street in Austin: West, East and what locals refer to as Dirty. West Sixth is the section of Sixth Street that runs west from Congress Avenue. For the most part, the nightlife scene ends at North Lamar Boulevard.

For locals, Dirty Sixth runs from Congress to I-35 even though technically, and according to street signs, East Sixth starts at Congress Avenue and runs east. But when you hear locals talk about East Sixth, we are referencing anything east of I-35. Don’t get confused by the street signs; you’ll be talking like a local in no time.

East Sixth as we know and love it today is an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants, dive bars and cocktail bars. It’s also quite new–in relation to Dirty or West Sixth–with the gentrification of east Austin surging in the past 10 years. Here are some of my favorite East Sixth Street establishments you won’t want to miss when you visit. [Read more…]

Everything You Need to Know About Eeyore’s Birthday Bash

April 22, 2016 by Jessica Pino 55 Comments

Costume and Makeup at Eeyore's Birthday Party

Costumes are encouraged at Eeyore’s Birthday! (Credit: Mark Stevens via Flickr CC)

The last Saturday of April marks one of the weirdest and longest running free events in Austin: Eeyore’s Birthday Party. It’s a community event which brings together a multitude of Austin subcultures for one day of festivities.

Not only is Eeyore’s Birthday free, but it also helps raise money for local non-profits. Now in its 56th year, here is everything you need to know to make your 1st or 56th visit a success. [Read more…]