The Austinot

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Best Outdoor Patios in Austin: Austinot Blogger Edition

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Whether it’s happy hour after work or a late night out with friends, nothing says relaxation and celebration like time spent on an outdoor patio with a drink in your hand. Next time you feel closed in by the walls around you, step outside to enjoy one of the best outdoor patios in Austin.

Our team of bloggers joined together to create this list. It’s a compilation of their personal favorite patios in town, in no particular order. If you want to see other Austinot Blogger “best of” lists, check out our articles on the Best Taco Stands in Austin and the Best Cocktails in Austin. [Read more…]

Dog House Drinkery Is Playground for Dogs and Owners

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Outside dog house drinkery dog park

Dog House Drinkery Dog Park in Leander

Attention dog parents! You know that feeling when you come home from a long day at work and your best buddy is super excited to see you? You pet him and feed him, but after a long day you really want to go out and have a drink with some friends. The guilt of leaving the poor little guy at home without sufficient playtime starts to set in…

Turns out, you can have the best of both worlds at this bar/dog park. Bring your dog or dogs to Dog House Drinkery Dog Park in Leander and both you and your best buddies are sure to go home happy. [Read more…]

Guide to Sunday Funday in East Austin

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Sunday Funday East Austin

Guest article by Dawn Sarnecky

It’s no secret that Austin’s east side is a little grittier than the rest. I’m drawn to this kind of environment for its uniqueness and beauty. Since movin’ on up to the east side (thank you, Jeffersons), I’ve adventured out to discover gems that could give Sunday Funday on Rainey Street a run for its money.

Be prepared for some of the best bars in town to make your Sunday blues disappear and get a head start on the upcoming week with my guide to Sunday Funday in East Austin. [Read more…]

David Highfill Shakes and Stirs at The Driskill Hotel Bar

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1886 at The Driskill Hotel

Inside the elegant Driskill Hotel (Credit: The Driskill Hotel)

Editor’s note: David Highfill passed away on March 25, 2019. May he rest in peace.

My relationship with The Driskill began twelve years ago when I surprised my mother-in-law with afternoon tea. Imagine our surprise to find we were the only reservation. This hotel’s high level of service was apparent when I noticed a harpist with waist long blond hair sitting beside a table set for two. It would have been easily justifiable for the hotel to cancel this indulgence, but they didn’t.

For the next two hours this lovely women played, solely for us. It was surreal hearing the gentle melody flow through the foyer as we nibbled through three tiers of delicacies and sipped steaming cups of tea.  It was an unforgettable moment.

Years since, I’ve experienced the indulgence of waking up beneath plush piles of soft linens under the roof at 6th and Brazos, enjoyed Mother’s Day brunch with my girls under crystal chandeliers and spent countless hours with a coffee cup and croissant at the hotel’s bakery, 1886. And when I gave birth to my third daughter, Emma Pearl, our first stop wasn’t home. It was 1886 to pick up a four layer buttercream cake topped with lavender roses my husband had pre-ordered for my 30th birthday. I only associate good memories with The Driskill Hotel, including the day I met David Highfill. [Read more…]

Waller Creek Pub House: Your Haven from Dirty 6th Madness

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Waller Creek Pub House Beer and Wall

Good food and great beer await you at Waller Creek Pub House

Picture this. You’re walking eastward on 6th Street in the midst of Friday night madness. People shouting drink specials. Pounding house music. The street is thick with UT kids and tourists. In desperation, you consider the 15 minute hike to East 6th for respite.

But imagine if there was a chilled out craft beer pub in the dark space between Red River and Route 35. A place with a relaxed vibe, quality beer and spirits and a yummy food menu.

Well, go ahead and open your eyes. Waller Creek Pub House, nestled on Sabine between 6th and 7th, will become your new favorite spot and a safe haven from the downtown hustle. [Read more…]

The Wheel Is East Austin’s Newest Neighborhood Bar

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General Manager Ayron Vandergriff The Wheel

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff behind the bar at The Wheel (Credit: The Wheel)

At first drive-by, you might think The Wheel is a bike shop. Or, upon hearing the name, surmise that it’s a country western themed franchise.

However, when you actually stop to walk inside this new eastside neighborhood bar, what you find is a shot of “Cheers” camaraderie served in the aura of Breaking Away, with just a touch of Grateful Dead chill.

Owned and Centered in Austin

On a recent sunny afternoon, general manager Ayron Vandergriff readied The Wheel for its daily 4 PM opening while owner Max Moreland sat at the bar, his office. [Read more…]

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy Your (Wine) Flight at Departure Lounge

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Departure Lounge in Austin, TX

Departure Lounge at W 5th and Guadalupe in Austin

Departure Lounge Sign in Austin

Above the entrance to Departure Lounge

Editor’s Note: Departure Lounge closed its downtown location in July 2017. Owner Keith Waldon plans to open a new location in the airport.

It bodes well for a place that can make a woman with four kids recall the sensation that accompanies the words sleek and sexy. It took a departure from suburbia for me to embrace this opportunity to escape.

Once settled into your plush seat, you too may decide to linger. No flotation device required and you won’t find safety information in your seat back pocket. But this downtown destination may induce wanderlust you’ve been stowing in your overhead compartment.

Departure Lounge inspires your mind to open and – like a fine glass of wine – breathe. This isn’t your typical travel agency; Departure Lounge is a coffee and wine bar that happens to sell customized travel. [Read more…]

The Ultimate Guide to North Austin Bars

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Ultimate North Austin Drink Guide

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that some of the best watering holes in town are in North Austin. Tucked away in strip malls and surrounded by business parks, these gems north of 183 are easy to overlook.

I’ve compiled my list of favorites for those who call North Austin home, and those who are unfamiliar with the area. So take a look at this guide to North Austin bars to see why up north is the place to be. [Read more…]

6 Half Price Happy Hours in Austin

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It’s official. On February 2nd, Armadillo Bob predicted that spring is right around the corner! This means we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy happy hours out on the patio before the scorching summer arrives.

But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy drinks and appetizers after work. Here is a list of 6 half price happy hours in Austin.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen: This One’s for You, South Austin

Jack Allen's Kitchen Half Price Happy Hour

Half-priced Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli (left) and Mango Habanero Rita (right) (Credit: Jack Allen’s Kitchen)

Does Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli sound good to you? How about smoked beef rib quesadillas or BLT sliders? What if I told you these are all half price during happy hour at both Jack Allen’s Kitchen locations? You’ll also enjoy daily drink specials. [Read more…]

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