rainey - The Austinot

Austin’s Top Chefs: Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s

September 12, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

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…]

One of the Best Bars in the U.S.A. Is Located on Rainey Street in Austin

August 17, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Half Step Bar on Rainey Street in Austin

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…]

Head to Rainey Street for Summer Cocktails at Icenhauer’s

June 2, 2016 by Ashley Alkek Leave a Comment

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…]

5-Star Dining Four Stories Above Rainey Street at Geraldine’s

December 30, 2015 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Geraldine's Elegant Dining Room in Austin

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…]

Banger’s Kicks Off Oktoberfest With Beer, Food, Music and Fun

October 15, 2015 by Mathis Kennington Leave a Comment

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…]

G’raj Mahal: Indian Cuisine Meets Austin Cool

November 21, 2014 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

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.

G’raj Mahal’s Humble History

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…]

Found: Your Ultimate Sunday Funday on Rainey Street

July 31, 2014 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

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…]

Icenhauer’s Summer Sippers Take the Catwalk on Rainey St

June 16, 2014 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

The ladies of Icenhauer’s summer cocktail menu

Icenhauer’s, the majestically modest bar located at 83 Rainey Street, is widely known for their creative house made infusions and their lady-centric, ever-changing cocktail menus.

I spent a couple hours with one of the craft geniuses behind the delightful cocktail recipes, Stuart Thompson. Thompson guided me through the newly released summer lineup, featuring 7 attractive libations, and shared the story behind the namesake of each.

I see no need for a fanciful introduction, so let us cut to the chase. Without further ado, here are the ladies of Icenhauer’s summer menu… [Read more…]

Via 313 Pizza Trailer Dishes Out Authentic Detroit Style Pizza

September 25, 2013 by Meagan Vitek 1 Comment

Named one of the 33 best pizzas in America by Thrillist, Detroit style pizza trailer Via 313 has won the heart of yet another Austin pizza lover. With two Austin-area locations, these square shaped pizzas will change the way you look at a classic bread, sauce and cheese combination.

After one of our Austinot bloggers tried Rainey Street’s newest Texas craft beer bar, Craft Pride, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the food trailer located behind it.

Pizza and beer? I don’t know if there could be a better combination. [Read more…]

Best Austin Craft Beer Joints: Craft Pride

August 27, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 4 Comments

Family crest of Craft Pride on Rainey Street

This guest blog article is by Edgar Barguiarena.

The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers Austin has to offer.

Continuing the tradition that Eric started with his Best Burger Joint in Austin series, I’ll be profiling and reviewing the best craft beer joints in Austin, with the occasional stop or two at bars that have room for improvement.

I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between.

Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think in a comment below.

First Impressions: Craft Pride

It’s the smell that hits you first, which wouldn’t make a good first impression at most bars. But as you first step into [Read more…]