The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

Take Two Steps Back in Time at The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall

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The outside of The Coupland Inn

Outside The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall in Coupland, Texas, north of Elgin

Dance halls hold a special places in Texan hearts. For much longer than I’ve been around, they’ve been places for the community to gather, share a dance, and be part of a bigger family. Many historical dance halls dot our state, and one such gem is The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall, east of Round Rock and about 40 minutes from downtown Austin.

The tiny town of Coupland became a center for live music and barbecue decades ago, drawing crowds almost as big as the population of the town itself. What is it about this quaint establishment that makes it so special? That’s exactly what I sought to find out by spending a day and night at the inn.

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Empowered Coffee Designs Meaningful Opportunities for Employees

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Empowered Coffee Austin

A friendly smile, as sported by William here, is served with each cup from Empowered Coffee (Credit: Josh Baker)

What comes to mind when you think of coffee shops in Austin? Maybe an industrial interior, memorable coffee, latte art, or the barista–that bearded, tattooed, man-bun sporting espresso master. At Empowered Coffee, you will find all of these, except the barista you first envisioned.

This unpretentious coffee shop has one goal: serve a great cup of coffee. No long lines, complicated drinks, or pseudo-intellectual conversations. Empowered Coffee employs adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs). The mission is to empower IDD adults by providing meaningful employment and growth opportunities. [Read more…]

Hopdoddy Reveals New Menu Items Including First Breakfast Burger Ever

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HopDoddy New Menu Items for 2018

Hopdoddy burgers and cocktails (Credit: Hopdoddy)

Carnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians have all given their stamp of approval to Hopdoddy. Not only does this Austin staple serve a killer burger, but the milkshakes and cocktails are outstanding, as well. And this just in: Hopdoddy is cooking up new plates for 2018. The just-released menu features several new shakes and a “shareables” section with diverse fry flavors.

I had a chance to try the new items out (and loved everything). I would say, “read on to learn more,” but I’m mostly going to let the photos do the talking here.

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5 A-May-zing Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

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Cinco de Mayo Austin at Chuy's

Start your Cinco de Mayo first thing at Chuy’s (Credit: Chuy’s)

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, y’all! Celebrating Mexico’s surprise victory over the French has been a tradition for almost two centuries. And it’s a tradition full of great music, food, and cocktails.

Every year, Austin organizations and restaurants put together some spectacular events for all to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of where to go for Cinco de Mayo in Austin this year.

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Preservation Austin Has Been Saving the Good Stuff for 65 Years

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Austin Texas Downtown Skyline

Our first love, Austin (Credit: Stuart Seeger via Flickr CC)

Our city is full of culture, thriving communities, and rich history. The stuff that makes Austin “weird.” Can you imagine The Continental Club in shiny, new digs? No, right? Its location and character are what make it special. While Austin continues to grow at break-neck speed, Preservation Austin strives to keep places like The Continental Club alive and thriving. This important organization has been “saving the good stuff” for 65 years now!

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Women-led Filigree Theatre Honors Past, Present, Future Through Productions

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Delicate Ship Set by Filigree Theatre Austin

Set of “A Delicate Ship” by Anna Ziegler (Credit: Nicolette Mallow)

When Elizabeth V. Newman and Stephanie Moore met, neither one anticipated founding a theatre company together. But all the hard work paid off and Austin-based Filigree Theater came to be. With Newman as Artistic Director and Moore as Managing Director, the women-led artistic group has produced several critically-acclaimed shows. Newman and Moore have worked diligently to shine light on Austin’s visual and performing arts that go beyond the music our city is known for. [Read more…]

Aiko Lyne Helms Emmer & Rye Dessert Team at 20 Years Old

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Aiko Lyne Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye

Aiko Lyne, Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye

A high schooler who knows exactly what she wants to be professionally is a rare find. I remember my high school days. I was only concerned with making a C in all my classes, in the hopes of getting out of my parents’ home soon. If someone asked what I wanted to be, I didn’t have much to say.

But I recently met an extraordinary 20-year-old here in Austin. Her name is Aiko Lyne, and she’s Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye. On her day off, the two of us sat down for a chat at the restaurant. When I asked what she was doing there, she told me her definition of a day off is to help in the kitchen and plan for the next service.

This response gives you an idea of how much Lyne loves what she does, and how much she enjoys being at Emmer & Rye. [Read more…]

Mia Italian Tapas & Bar Fuses Italian and Spanish Cuisine in North Austin

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Mia Italian Tapas & Bar outdoor patio

Mia Italian’s outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying summer nights with a cocktail and tapas
(Credit: Mia Italian Tapas & Bar)

Every day is a good day to be a foodie in Austin. People from all over the world bring flair to the food they serve. Dee Dee brings Thai street food straight from Thailand. Kemuri Tatsu-ya and Chi’Lantro blend Asian roots with Texas barbecue to yield mind-blowing dishes.

And hidden in Rock Rose at Domain Northside, Mia Italian Tapas & Bar brings its own little twist to the Austin food scene: a marriage of Italian and Spanish cuisine.

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5 Fun Things to Do With Animals in Austin

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Off-leash Dog Area in Austin at Turkey Creek

With Poe at Turkey Creek, one of many off-leash trails Austin has to offer

It’s no secret that Austin is a thriving city with plenty of activities to enjoy. While it’s common knowledge that Austin is also super dog-friendly, do you know about the other fur-friend attractions? Don’t worry; we did the research for you. Here are five fun things to do with animals in Austin!

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The Original Hoffbrau: Bootlegging, Steak-slinging Austin Essential

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The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse Vintage Bar

The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse’s vintage bar (Credit: Hoffbrau)

Yes, you read the title correctly. I am indeed talking about bootlegging during the Prohibition. The Original Hoffbrau opened its doors in 1932, a year before Prohibition came to an end. Brothers Robert “Coleman” and Tom Hamby put in $125 each to buy the property now located in one of the most coveted parts of town: West Sixth Street. Now in its 83rd year with the fourth generation of family ownership, The Original Hoffbrau has become an iconic Austin steakhouse.

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