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Rainey Street is a hub for nightlife. Flush with music, late-night food trucks, and a beer garden, it has all of the fun and (sometimes) less of the Sixth Street crowds. But recently, I had the privilege of experiencing Rainey in a different light: at 10 a.m. on a Saturday during brunch at Anthem.
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Custom metalwork greets customers at Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street (Credit: Dunlap ATX)
The bar that launched the bustling, booming Rainey Street entertainment district is turning 10 on Feb. 21, 2019. They grow up fast, don’t they?
Here’s the story behind the bar that started it all.
Via 313’s Detroit-style pizza packs maximum flavor, from the cheese caramelized crust to the gooey center
Whether you’ve tried Detroit-style or not, Austin has the place for you to chow down on these delicious pizzas. Via 313 will have you dreaming of cheesy crusts and pizza toppings for weeks once you’ve gotten a taste.
What started as a food truck on East Sixth Street quickly became an Austin favorite, growing into a local empire. Since 2011, Via 313 has expanded from one trailer to five different locations throughout our area.
The hook on the restaurant website says, “Begin with an elevator ride to the fourth floor—that’s when the Geraldine’s buzz starts to kick in.” As I walk into Hotel Van Zandt off Rainey Street and those elevator doors close behind me, I do indeed start feeling the vibe. The vibe of fancy life.
When the elevator doors open, I find myself in a dimly lit space that makes me forget it’s lunch time and I am here for an interview. I wish I could sit at the bar and say something like, “Pour me some whiskey, sugar” to the bartender. Not that I like whiskey or have ever said anything so glamorous in my life.
The Geraldine’s menu includes items that may sound intimidating: corn yaki cake with tonkatsu sauce and bonito salad; bourbon glazed cauliflower with pistachio gremolata; and Akaushi steak frites.
So it’s surprising to meet Stephen Bonin, the man behind these creations, and realize he’s one of the most down-to-earth, humble chefs I’ve ever [Read more…]
Half Step on Rainey Street (Credit: Claire McCormack Photography)
If there’s one thing that unites Austinites, both natives and transplants, it’s the certainty that we live in the best city in the country. The grass is the greenest; the sky is the bluest; and the tacos are the tastiest. Although we don’t need any more proof, it’s nice to get an official confirmation every once in a while. Especially from a national publication like Esquire, which recently named Austin’s own Half Step one of the 24 best bars in the U.S.A. in 2017. [Read more…]
Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street has a new summer cocktail menu (Credit: Andrew Bennett Photography)
Guest article by Ashley Alkek
Icenhauer’s has been a favorite drinking hole on Rainey Street since 2010. Except, it’s not really a hole at all. The history of its thoughtfully-renovated structure dates back to 1895, when it was built as a “wing and gable” house. Today, Icenhauer’s is home to an exceptionally friendly staff, crafting a plethora of uniquely infused cocktails.
There are plenty of opportunities to try their brand new summer drink menu, created by General Manager Stuart Thompson. Happy hour at Icenhauer’s is from 4-9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 4-7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. As a bonus, you can get 25 percent off all cocktails named after ladies during happy hour. [Read more…]
Old world elegance meets Austin chic at Geraldine’s (Credit: Aubrie Pick)
Tucked away one street over and four stories up from Rainey Street is an oasis amidst the chaos. Geraldine’s is the newest restaurant and cocktail bar to open in this popular Austin neighborhood. After a banner year for restaurant openings in Austin, Geraldine’s closes out 2015 with a bang and gives us plenty to look forward to in 2016.
Named after the infamous guinea fowl adopted as an unofficial mascot by the Rainey Street neighborhood, Geraldine’s is acutely aware of its place. The restaurant simply couldn’t exist anywhere else. Following the theme of its host, Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s effortlessly blends into the musically-inclined and rustic Rainey Street area.
Walking through Hotel Van Zandt and into Geraldine’s, you get the distinct impression that you’re exactly where you’re intended to be. The hip atmosphere joined with Texas old-world elegance just feels like Austin. Combine this with a sublime patio/pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake and live music every day of the week, and you have yourself a winner. [Read more…]
If you’ve never been to Germany or experienced the passionate way Germans celebrate their beer, Banger’s invites you to discover this year’s holy matrimony of sausage and suds as they pack weeks’ worth of sounds, sights and sumptuous flavors into four glorious days.
Thursday, Oct. 15, to Sunday, Oct. 18, Banger’s will host what may be the most epic Oktoberfest celebration you can find in Austin. [Read more…]
Chandelier made from bike gears looks down on G’Raj Mahal Cafe’s dining room (Credit: Michael Sandoval)
To outsiders, Austin cuisine is the Texas Trinity: Mexican, barbeque and breakfast tacos.
We locals know better.
Quality ethnic fare is never too far away. With an exceptional menu in a laid back atmosphere, G’Raj Mahal Café and Lounge adds the flavors and flair of western India to Austin’s foodie culture.
Like all things awesome, G’Raj Mahal has a fascinating history. Originally a food truck on Red River, the truck moved to Rainey Street where G’Raj was a go to spot for almost four years.
Almost immediately, owner Sidney Roberts and her husband Anthony knew a brick and mortar location was inevitable. Weekend wait times swelled to over two hours. According to G’Raj’s Marketing Manager Memo Jimenez, it was pure madness.
So when a location around the corner became available, the team jumped on the opportunity to give their loyal fan base a proper place to enjoy their food. [Read more…]
Let the Sunday Funday begin! (Credit: Bryan Pelz via Flickr CC)
This guest blog article is by Dawn Sarnecky.
As a transplant from Michigan, my typical weekend always started on Friday and continued through Saturday. I would potentially spend my Sunday nursing the after effects of those previous two days combined.
Little did I know that here in the ATX, Sunday is when all the cool kids go out, just as if it were a regular ol’ Saturday night.
Adapting to my adopted city, I set out to find the perfect formula for what many Austinites refer to as Sunday Funday. I quickly discovered I could happily spend the entire day in one neighborhood. Sunday Funday destination: Rainey Street. [Read more…]
