Nightlife - 2/7 - The Austinot

Parallelogramophonograph Gives a Mouthful of Improv to Austin

February 22, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

The cast of Parallelogramophonograph, L-R: Roy Janik, Valerie Ward, Kaci Beeler, Kareem Badr
(Credit: Steve Rogers)

Not all improv groups are created equal. I’m a fan of improv theater in general, but I have to admit, I’ve been to some painful shows in the past. When done badly, improv theater can be downright uncomfortable to witness. But when a troupe has chemistry, energy and talent, and everything falls into place just right, you’re in for an incredible live theater experience. Austin local quartet Parallelogramophonograph (PGraph, for short) is improv done well. Very well. [Read more…]

Bajillion Nights of Fun at The North Door With Austin-Weird Events

February 10, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

moveitmonday at The North Door in Austin

Melody DanceFit’s #MoveItMonday helps kick-start your week (Credit: The North Door)

What is your favorite thing to do indoors at night? Astronomy? The North Door has a night for that! Literature? Heck yes! Dancercize? Check. Math? Uh huh. Nerdcore? You know it. Quiet Clubbing? Oh yeah. Comedy? Yes!

Owners Michelle Patronella and Mark Bradford have a unique talent for hosting Austin’s funky, interesting and even odd events. The North Door is a plucky if-you-build-it-they-will-come type of Austin success story. This is the kind of tale we Austinites embrace. [Read more…]

Sahara Lounge Is a Funky Spaceship of Old Austin Magic

January 30, 2017 by Ashley Alkek Leave a Comment

The Sahara Lounge is like a funky spaceship full of old Austin magic. You can expect music and events almost every night of the week, and you’ll never be disappointed you didn’t spend your evening somewhere else.

In fact, The Sahara Lounge has got to be one of the most inviting places in the whole city and the Austinites who love it, really love it. Why, you ask? I’m happy to explain! [Read more…]

5 Stylish Austin Bars Serving Up Cool Vibes and Inspired Cocktails

January 24, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Bartender Andrew Campbell mixes a cocktail at Garage (Credit: Julie Cope Photography)

When I venture out for a stiff drink in a short glass, I seek a setting that rouses a sense of romance and sparks my imagination, where skillfully crafted cocktails are served. As someone who finds herself mired in the aesthetics of a room, the ambiance of a bar is important.

Sometimes you just want a beer and burger at the neighborhood joint, but other times you want to embark on an upscale, booze-fueled adventure that transports you to another time and place. In the case of the latter, here are my top five picks for the most stylish bars in Austin. [Read more…]

Diverse, Local Talent at Sure Thing Free Comedy Show Every Saturday

January 20, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Sure Thing hosts Duncan Carson and Brendan K. O’Grady on the stage of Austin Java (Credit: Erin Holsonback)

When the lights go off and the audience settles in, all you can see inside a spacious back room at Austin Java is a brightly-lit stage and two neon arrows hanging from the ceiling. In the spotlight created by the arrows is a tall guy with a cup of coffee in one hand and a phone with notes open in the other. Brendan K. O’Grady is here every single Saturday. So is his best friend Duncan Carson who takes the stage next. The duo has been running a free comedy show called Sure Thing in the back of the coffee shop for five years now. Every Saturday, there’s a lineup of comics, from Austin and around the country. [Read more…]

Old Austin Alive and Kicking at The Hole in the Wall Dive Bar

January 11, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan 2 Comments

The Hole in the Wall’s sign summons Austin residents and visitors to this iconic watering hole

Like a perfectly worn-in pair of cowboy boots, slipping into a classic dive bar to down a cold one provides true comfort. The Hole in the Wall is as divey as they come. I’m grinning from ear to ear as I order my tequila. [Read more…]

Sing Along at These Austin Karaoke Bars

November 28, 2016 by Ashley Alkek 1 Comment

Austin has a number of karaoke bars to choose from (Credit: Dimitry Rostovtsev via Flickr CC)

For some people, karaoke is a time to sit back and marvel at (or laugh along with) vocally talented friends. For others, it’s a dream scenario come to life to hold a mic and squeeze every note out of a favorite song. Austin has a happenin’ karaoke scene. Even better, the community of karaoke-ers is usually very welcoming, no matter whether you sound like Adele or Tom Waits with a cold.

Karaoke is a perfect outlet to shake off stress built up during the week. Here are a few of Austin’s favorite spots to let loose with a microphone. [Read more…]

Austin Street Performers Entertain the Public in Legal Limbo

September 19, 2016 by Guest Blogger 4 Comments

Credit: Austin Busker Project

Guest article by Jesselyn Parks

For those who find themselves on Austin’s famous Sixth Street on a weekend night, the sights and sounds of the city’s bustling nightlife radiate out in a familiar song. Cars and bikes zip through the streets, deep bass diffuses from lines of packed bars and, of course, a bucket drummer or two pulses rhythm into the supercharged atmosphere of “Dirty” or “West.”

However, when performers venture out to Austin’s streets, armed with their instrument, guitar case or bucket, many fear an encounter with police. Navigating the gray area of Austin’s city ordinances is tough, these buskers say, and many live in legal limbo. Unclear if they are operating under their First Amendment rights or simply waiting to be run off, street performers in Austin are forced to navigate swift waters. Even worse, according to buskers, the city is equally unsure of the law and benefits from keeping it that way. [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…]

Buzz Mill Team Opens Music Venue Grizzly Hall on East Riverside

May 17, 2016 by Talena Ramnath Leave a Comment

Restored wood outlines the walls of Grizzly Hall, creating the same rustic vibe as co-owned Buzz Mill
(Credit: Dave Creaney)

The Buzz Mill on East Riverside has been serving caffeine and booze for the past three years, enticing customers with its lumberjack decor, live music, a spacious outdoor patio space and delicious in-house eats. I particularly enjoy grabbing a brunch plate of chicken and waffles paired with grapefruit mimosas and a large group of friends.

Now, the crew behind The Buzz Mill is expanding operations with Grizzly Hall, their debut music and event venue. Showcasing music and comedy shows, art exhibitions, film events, and beyond, the space is poised to become a popular nightlife option.
[Read more…]