downtown - The Austinot

Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): The Good Life Bar Bar

February 18, 2019 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

The Good Life Bar Bar, one of Austin’s speakeasy-style bars

Sometimes you don’t know what you’re looking for until you’ve found it. One day you’re getting a haircut at the barbershop you’ve been going to for 10 years, and the next you have an offer to open your own bar behind said barbershop. If that feels like a fairly specific example, it’s because…surprise!…it’s based on a true story. Meet Brian Hummer, owner and operator of the The Good Life BAR BAR, a cozy and unique speakeasy in the heart of downtown Austin. [Read more…]

Le Politique Serves a Taste of France in Downtown Austin

January 23, 2019 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Le Politique is a local brasserie, patisserie, and coffee shop offering French dishes (Credit: Wynn Myers)

France has always been an interest of mine. In high school, I took French instead of Spanish and relished learning about the culture. Most importantly, I loved learning about the food.

Through my Austin food adventures, I’ve found a little piece of France. Le Politique, located in downtown Austin, is a local brasserie that doesn’t disappoint with its selection of classic and delicious French fare.

[Read more…]

Cheer Your Favorite Team at These 5 Sports Bars in Central Austin

January 2, 2019 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

Outside at 8 Track on Manor Road

We’re entering the few cold(ish) months of the year here in Austin. So what are we to do when it’s too chilly to kayak on Lady Bird Lake and we’ll only jump into frigid Barton Springs after losing a bet?

Here’s one guy’s solution: Grab a friend or 10 and head to your favorite sports bar. Below is a list of my five central Austin recommendations.

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Ciclo Restaurant Dances With Latin Flavor Downtown

November 28, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Ciclo is located inside The Four Seasons Hotel downtown (Credit: Galdones Photography)

Introducing Ciclo restaurant and neighboring Live Oak inside Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin! Ciclo is the latest concept from world-renowned restaurateur Richard Sandoval, led by Chef de Cuisine James Flowers (TRIO, Wink, Asti Trattoria, Cipollina).

Ciclo and Live Oak dance with Latin flavor, with the latter taking menu inspiration from Guadalajara, Mexico. I had the pleasure of experiencing both concepts. The way they complement each other makes Four Seasons a superb destination for dinner and drinks.
[Read more…]

Virtually Tour Austin Central Library’s Impressive Six Floors

August 8, 2018 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

There are six floors to wander through and explore at Austin Central Library (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)

Even though Austin Central Library has been open for a while now, I recently visited for the first time. The building itself is stunning and I was pleasantly surprised by what the library offers to visitors.

Of course, you can check out books and other media. It’s a library. But did you know you can record a podcast from one of the shared learning rooms? Or that there are reading porches and a rooftop garden? How about the newly opened cafe?

I could have spent all day at Austin Central Library and can’t wait to return for another visit. [Read more…]

Cyclist’s Guide to Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail Around Lady Bird Lake

June 18, 2018 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

Credit: Christopher V. Sherman/Over Austin

People always say to me, “Hey Jonas, you’re always riding your bike around Lady Bird Lake. You must be an expert.” Flattering? Sure. But the truth is, anyone can do it. I’m just a normal guy. A normal guy who, after not owning a bicycle since childhood, rekindled an old love and hasn’t looked back.

What follows is my answer to the question of how to have the best cycling experience on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail of dirt paths, bridges, and boardwalk that wraps around Lady Bird Lake. Locals know it as [Read more…]

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

April 13, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

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…]

Austin’s Food Hall Fareground Offers Quick, Tasty Options for Any Meal

January 29, 2018 by Danielle Fritz Leave a Comment

Fareground at One Eleven Congress is curated by ELM Restaurant Group and features six eateries and a bar

Austin’s food scene continues to grow. With so many tasty options, decision-making can be hard. Where do I take out-of-town guests? Who in the group is a picky eater? Which restaurant do I want to try next? What if I want to eat all the things?

Luckily, Fareground at One Eleven Congress cures indecisiveness. ELM Restaurant Group is the curator and manager of Austin’s first food hall, and the six vendors located there satisfy a variety of tastes and dining needs. [Read more…]

Where Are the Best Bloody Marys in Austin?

January 19, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle in Austin

Get haunted by the Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Whether you want to sip a socially acceptable cocktail with breakfast or nurse a brooding hangover, the Bloody Mary has become the standard go-to. The drink that has been around since approximately 1921 has incredible diversity, and it seems as though just about every restaurant has their own version–with our city being no exception. So whether you’re looking for the classic version, a peacock of garnishes, or something more exotic, here’s our guide to the best Bloody Marys in Austin. [Read more…]

Second Bar + Kitchen Flourishes Downtown, Adapting to Changing City

January 9, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Second Bar + Kitchen in downtown Austin (Credit: Bread & Butter PR)

Second Bar + Kitchen landed in downtown Austin in 2010. From pizza to burgers, weekend brunch to happy hour, Second’s repertoire is extensive. The restaurant now has three locations, including a satellite at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, so you have plenty of chances to pay a visit. [Read more…]