eastside - 7/9 - The Austinot

Sawyer and Co. Occupies Legendary Space from Austin Past

January 19, 2015 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

Sawyer and Co. in East Austin

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to go, with good cooking and outstanding retro design where you’ll be treated like family, look no further than Austin’s own Sawyer and Co.

Every detail from the mid-century decor down to the cheesy grits will make you feel as though you’ve found your home away from home.

Sawyer and Co. sits in the space where the legendary Arkie’s Grill existed for over 65 years as an East Austin mainstay. When Arkie’s closed down in 2012 [Read more…]

Cuvee Coffee Introduces Recyclable Crowlers to Austin

January 5, 2015 by Matthew Champion 1 Comment

My first Crowlers

Crowlers have officially arrived in Austin and it’s all thanks to Cuvee Coffee owner Mike McKim and Oskar Blues Brewery. Crowlers are one-time use, recyclable 32-ounce cans that you can fill and seal on-site with your choice of craft beer to bring home with you.

Crowlers were thought up by Oskar Blues Brewery out in Colorado, and McKim stumbled upon the idea of bringing them to Austin while doing research for his nitro cans of Black & Blue cold brew coffee, by far Cuvee’s most famous beverage.

With an ever-expanding beer scene, Austin seems to be the perfect place for a growler alternative. Crowlers seem to be in for even more popularity once spring and summertime roll around because they provide a growler option you can take to the lake, on a camping trip or to any of the countless outdoor activities where glass is banned. [Read more…]

Dozen Street: Bar for Artists and Those Who Love Them

December 30, 2014 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Walking up to Dozen Street Bar

Dozen Street Bar, located at 12th and Chicon, is more than just an art bar. The cocktails, live music, unique events and inviting decor create a welcoming space for Austinites to feel at home, whether they’re artistically inclined or just admirers.

First Impressions

Once I spotted the mirror mosaic peacock door, I was more intrigued than ever to enter Dozen Street. While walking in, I was greeted with moody lighting above two pool tables, and walls textured with square panels of different materials.

Strolling further into the long venue, a full color peacock mosaic caught my eye. The welcoming bar, stage and cozy seating completed the indoor experience. [Read more…]

Did East Side Pies Invent Austin Style Pizza?

December 15, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

The original East Side Pies (Credit: Sandra Ramos Photography)

There’s Chicago deep dish. There’s the massive, thin, foldable New York style pizza. We can even find Detroit style pizza in an Austin food trailer.

But what is Austin style pizza? Answer: East Side Pies. ESP is Austin style pizza. Since their creation in 2006, East Side Pies has always delivered a high quality, fresh, local, homemade pizza. And in true Austin style, they also support local farms and give back to the community.

Since East Side Pies made it to my own list of the best 5 pizza joints in Austin, here’s a look at where they came from and what’s on the horizon in 2015. [Read more…]

14 Facts Before Your Visit: Austin’s French Legation Museum

December 12, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 7 Comments

Entrance to the French Legation Museum grounds (Credit: French Legation Museum and Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

The oldest wooden frame home in Austin sits alone on a hill with an unobstructed view of the State Capitol.

It dates back to the Republic of Texas, when France seized an opportunity to grab a piece of the new country and its wealth.

But the French sent the wrong man for the job. [Read more…]

Top 4 Happy Hour Hideouts in East Austin

December 1, 2014 by Cris Mueller 2 Comments

Reason number 8,693 that we love Austin: Our ever changing landscape of gastronomic and cocktail excursions.

I recently moved to a new neighborhood and have since found my way into a wonderland of neighborhood jaunts I can’t seem to get enough of. Take a gander at my short list of East Austin happy hour favorites and you may find a new refuge of your own. [Read more…]

Clayworks Has Carved and Fired Life in Clay for 35 Years

November 28, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 2 Comments

Old design and log book at Clayworks, a local business dating back 35 years

If there was a book called Cool Things in Austin You Should Know About, Clayworks Studio/Gallery and the Gray Family would be in the first chapter.

The gallery on East Sixth Street displays tables, art work, tiles, architectural ceramics and more that the Grays have created. A working studio sits behind the gallery, where the Grays make and fire products for individual and company contracts.

Austin landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol Building, The Driskill Hotel and The University of Texas at Austin all house their creations.

The story of the Grays is a story, in microcosm, of what has happened in East Austin for the last three decades. [Read more…]

Drink Up, Chill Out at Hi Hat Public House

November 6, 2014 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Inviting, open and fun – Hi Hat welcomes you!

Everyone needs a neighborhood bar. A place that’s not just a convenient place you can walk to in the evening and stumble home from at night. But a social network inside walls. A place where people can meet, greet and become neighbors.

When East Austin grew out of its reputation as the wrong side of the tracks, local pubs became a necessity. Enter Hi Hat Public House, a laid back restaurant/watering hole that has quickly become the best place to eat, drink and be merry in East Austin.

As the cornerstone of the Villas on Sixth apartment complex, Hi Hat features a little bit of everything. Aside from having a respectable wine list, Hi Hat also sports an exceptional beer listing. [Read more…]

Smokey Denmark’s Food Truck Launches Meat Revolution

September 25, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Smokey Denmark’s food truck

According to Bill Dumas, head pitmaster at Smokey Denmark’s, “Barbecue is the most bastardized word in the English language.” And it’s true. When most people hear the word barbecue, they imagine the Fourth of July with burgers, hotdogs and pool parties. But if you live in Texas, you know better – or at least you should.

You might not be totally familiar with the name Smokey Denmark’s, but I’m certain you’re familiar with their product. They’ve been smoking sausages and other meats since 1964. Their smoked sausages are served in several restaurants around town, such as Banger’s Sausage House on Rainey Street, where you can get Smokey Denmark’s andouille sausage.

After smoking meats for 50 plus years, they’ve decided to venture into the food truck world, taking their meats to the open road. Or in this case, right next to their meat shop at 3505 E 5th St. [Read more…]

Cuvee Coffee Finds New Home in East Austin

September 15, 2014 by Matthew Champion 1 Comment

Cuvee Coffee Bar exterior

Cuvee Coffee has long been in the hearts of Texans and Austinites alike, and visiting their new location in East Austin is an experience you’ll want to have again and again.

The company, founded over a decade and a half ago, has taken their time opening a cafe for customers and fans, and it shows. Everything from the modern, stripped down decor to the individualized ordering process makes it obvious that a lot of thought and hard work were put into opening the operation.

I recently stopped by their new place (2000 E 6th) and was immediately greeted with smiles and genuine warmth, something you won’t find at every coffee shop in Austin.

Having never been there, I asked for a recommendation and was astounded by [Read more…]