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Artessano’s Colombian bowl with chicken
The list of must-try eateries in east Austin is overwhelming. Don’t expect reading about Artessano to make things easier for you. Artessano’s food trailer, located on East Sixth Street, has been delighting customers with authentic Colombian food for years. I met with owner, Carlos Quitian, and his nephew, Andres Amaya, to hear how they bring Colombian culture to 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.
Stretch soundscape yoga in downtown Austin
For years, I knew yoga could improve the quality of my life. Yet, for an activity built on love and inclusivity, jumping into this unfamiliar practice felt challenging. I didn’t relate to the bohemian feel of some local studios, and the terminology used in class was intimidating and hard to follow. I felt like an outsider. Because of this, I avoided all things yoga.
And then I found Stretch. This Austin yoga studio was different. It was accessible and approachable by design, owner and instructor Kaysha Patel told me.
This is how a guy who’d never “namaste-d” or “downward dogged” before began his modest yoga practice…and can now (almost) touch his toes.
Greater Goods’ east Austin location has ample parking and seating
A good cup of coffee and a quality conversation can do wonders. But Greater Goods coffee does even more. With a second coffee shop now in east Austin, Greater Goods serves “coffee with a splash of kindness”…literally.
Owner Carlos Rivero and Executive Chef Maribel Rivero, the sibling team behind Yuyo (Credit: Yuyo)
Not knowing much about Peruvian cuisine, I had to research to discover what it’s all about. I learned that Peruvian cooking combines elements from many cultures and ethnicities found in Peru: African, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, to name a few. This unique blend of flavors has made its way to east Austin thanks to Yuyo, the newest concept from El Chile Group. The menu is diverse and you won’t feel intimated, even if it’s your first time trying Peruvian cuisine. Check out some of the highlights from my recent visit!
Team behind The Center for Social Innovation (L-R): Dan Graham, Matt McDonnell, Daryl Kunik, Michael Hsu
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.
Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.
Nickel City is the new bar to meet people and hang out off East 11th Street (Credit: Hunter Townsend)
If there’s one thing that’s certain in Austin, it’s the ever-changing scenery. Condos, hotels, and establishments keep popping up in and around our beloved neighborhoods, and too many Austinites don’t know where to seek refuge anymore. Fear not, locals! Nickel City is the spot where you can walk in, pull up a chair, and drink to your heart’s content.
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…]
Enjoy a cup of joe, hot or cold, indoors or out, at Vintage Heart Cafe
Vintage Heart Cafe has become many things to me. It’s where I can count on a delicious caffeine boost or find my productive side. On my less focused days, it’s a comfortable place to continue my quest to traverse the Internet’s outer limits. Recently, Vintage House Cafe has become something more to me and the Austin community at-large. It now includes a beautiful outdoor space, food options, and adult beverages.
Licha’s Cantina’s colorful exterior welcomes you to the heart of East Sixth Street
I tend to be drawn to people and places that radiate a positive energy. Add delicious food to that, and I’m a loyal and devoted regular.
When you first walk into the old bungalow that is Licha’s Cantina, you don’t feel like you’re in a restaurant at all. You feel as though you’re in someone’s home. The interior is cozy and dimly lit, and there’s music playing in the background. There is heart and soul, and the energy makes you feel good.
Somehow you know you’re about to sit down to a delicious and comforting meal, like you’re at a family dinner. [Read more…]