Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Nasha India offers complexly flavored food with a seriously spicy kick and a fun Tex Mex twist
Looking for your next food adventure in Austin?
Search no further than East 7th Street and the charming wooden house previously occupied by Casa Columbia. While that east side favorite has moved further down the street, Nasha India has taken its place with a bold attempt at a new food genre: Indian-Tex Mex fusion. [Read more…]
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.
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…]
A glass of fantastic beer welcomes you at Hops and Grain (Credit: Hops and Grain)
Walking into the Hops and Grain taproom is like stumbling upon a hip family barbeque. Long picnic benches line the modest space. Board games are stacked up, ready to be played. A psychobilly band plays circus rock from the brewery loading dock.
Not only is this East Austin original one of the best breweries in town, but it’s also one of the most well rounded. With a fun vibe, great brews and an eye towards ecological sustainability, Hops and Grain has quickly become one of the crown jewels in the Austin beer scene. [Read more…]
Follow this strange creature to East Side King
East Side King was created by Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya as a side project when the chefs worked together at Uchi and Uchiko. Since that time, the number of East Side King food trucks has multiplied, and two brick and mortar locations have opened up as well.
Paul Qui is perhaps best known for winning Top Chef Texas in 2012. To the advantage of Austin foodies, he has continued to dig his creative roots deep into Austin’s food scene.
Additional media exposure has spread the word about East Side King, benefiting the business itself and Austin’s reputation as a foodie attraction. The trailer empire was featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. One of the newest trailers, dubbed Thai-Kun after chef Thai Changthong, was ranked 8th on a national list of best new restaurants in 2014 by Bon Appetit.
However you heard of it, there are now 5 places in Austin to experience the Asian-inspired street food of East Side King. [Read more…]
East Austin is at the forefront of Austin’s explosive growth, and that includes the bar and restaurant scene. Residents, startups and long time neighborhood businesses are coming together in an effort to try to control and plan the somewhat chaotic development.
This is a list of new east Austin restaurants and a trailblazing brewery that have recently opened or are about to open in early 2015. Prepare your palettes, ladies and gentlemen. Here’s what’s on the menu for late winter/early spring in east Austin. [Read more…]
Just a lil’ neighborhood pub (Credit: Nicolai McCray)
Have you ever wanted to be the teacher’s pet? Now’s your chance! Grab a desk in the front row and get educated about libations, cocktails and spirits.
No matter how you say it, we’re buying into the art and creativity behind these boozey concoctions and School House Pub is handing out the grades. You may not receive a paper certificate or a gold star, but you will get a 101 style education about some of the cocktail worlds most recognizable trends, classic techniques and the history behind recipes, plus fun tasting sessions.
“Libations 101” is a twelve part educational series hosted on the second Monday of each month at School House Pub (2207 Manor Road). For roughly $10 per month, you can participate in an adult and social learning environment, in the comfort of your neighborhood pub. [Read more…]
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…]
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…]
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.
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…]
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…]