The Austinot

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Sam’s Town Point Honky Tonk Bar Makes Friends out of Strangers

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Sam's Town Point Honky Tonk Bar in Austin

Neighborhood dive bar Sam’s Town Point keeps south Austin tradition alive (Credit: Ramsay Midwood)

Dive bars used to be a dime a dozen in Austin, but these friendly hangouts are an endangered species due to the city’s ever-changing landscape. Sam’s Town Point, far south Austin‘s dive bar paragon, is quietly hanging in there, delivering up the coldest beer in town and tasty live music for those in the know.

Walk into Sam’s Town Point, a portal to Austin’s past, when everybody knew their neighbors, when half of the town hung out day-drinking and two-stepping at their local honky tonk. Live music has been a staple at Sam’s since the beginning. Today, a solid roster of local bands still play their hearts out on the tumbledown stage, under dim lighting and faded signs. [Read more…]

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…]

Irene’s Restaurant and Bar Tastes Fancy Without Feeling Pretentious

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New Menu Items at Irene's Austin

Hungry? Get your nom on at Irene’s in Austin

Someone told me there was half an airplane hanging on the wall at Irene’s. A sucker for quirky decor, I had to check it out. Upon entering the restaurant, I found there was indeed an old airplane, with its windows creatively replaced by vintage mirrors. That alone was a cool enough reason for me to return. But Irene’s menu is actually what keeps me going back for more.

With tasty cocktails, American fare, and a groovy vibe, it’s hard to find a better place to spend time than this funky restaurant and bar located near downtown on West Avenue.
[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.

[Read more…]

14 Places to Get the Best Margaritas in Austin

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Desert Door Margarita

Cool off with a margarita at Desert Door (Credit: Desert Door)

There’s nothing like tequila mixed with the perfect amount of lime juice in a salted rim glass that instantly transports me to a beach in Mexico. While Austin may not be ocean-side, there’s no denying it’s darn hot here at least nine months out of the year. Sometimes, the only way to beat the heat is to sit on a patio and drink a margarita down, either frozen or on the rocks.

Take your own trip to Margaritaville by indulging at these 14 places serving up the best margaritas in Austin.

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CLEAN Cause: Fighting Addiction With Sparkling Yerba Mate

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CLEAN Cause’s new sell-out product, peach-flavored sparkling yerba mate (Credit: CLEAN Cause)

The Hercules of Teas has arrived.

The newest member of CLEAN Cause’s arsenal of delicious drinks is a game-changing sparkling yerba mate with a life-changing mission, the brainchild of a man who triumphed over monstrous obstacles and survived a trip to the underworld. [Read more…]

Jester King Brewery Supplies Family Atmosphere in Texas Hill Country

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Jester King Brewery Entrance

Entrance to Jester King Brewery (Credit: Jester King)

Most Austinites are well aware of the craft beer oasis located 20 minutes south of downtown Austin, known as Jester King Brewery. Founded in 2010 on three acres of Texas Hill Country, Jester King has grown to 61 acres. It now includes a burgeoning vineyard, goat farm, 700 annuals, and a lush melon patch. Simultaneous to its growth in our hearts has been its consistent climb to the international stage of superlative beer places.

[Read more…]

Be Transported to Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in Downtown Austin

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Parker Jazz Club Austin

Build the stage, bring the bands, and your audience will follow (Credit: Parker Jazz Club)

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in downtown Austin. Situated underground like all the coolest clubs, Parker Jazz Club acts as an incubator for the music and the sensibility of another era. Set your sights on a whole new music experience, complemented by classic cocktails and a sultry aura.

Despite Austin’s outspoken love for live music, we are somewhat lacking in world-class, traditional jazz. Parker Jazz Club intends to change that. Jazz music evokes a host of strong feelings for many, calling to mind a different time and place. Walking down the staircase into the dark, elegant club, I felt as though I could be in Chicago, New York, or Paris in the ’20s or ’50s. By design, Parker Jazz Club stands apart from the typical downtown Austin bar. [Read more…]

Oddwood Ales Delivers Brews and Bites to Growing East Austin Scene

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Oddwood Ales Beer Austin

Credit: Bill Tucker

If the Austin food and drink scene was a farm, and every business type was an animal, then craft beer would be a flock of rabbits. Every month, a new brewery opens its doors to a population thirsty for hops, malt, and yeasty goodness. Grabbing a foothold in this crowded pen can be a challenge. But for the brothers Ziebarth of Oddwood Ales, an underground cult following has grown into a brewpub with big dreams.

With approachable beer, tantalizing food, and a warm, cozy exterior, this brand new east Austin hangout is exactly what the neighborhood ordered. [Read more…]

La Holly Is East Austin’s Newest Cantina With Neighborhood Vibe We Love

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La Holly in East Austin

La Holly sits on the corner of Pedernales and East Sixth Street

Change is inevitable. But with change comes a bit of trepidation. Simon Madera, owner of La Holly, knows this feeling well. He took over Kellee’s Place last summer, yet kept the longstanding Tejano bar open as he worked on his project because he wanted the original building to stay intact. The outcome of Madera’s efforts is a modern cantina that respects east Austin’s history and aims to retain the neighborhood’s core essence.

[Read more…]

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