rainey Archives - The Austinot

Guide to Austin’s Nightlife Districts for Bachelor Party Planners

January 13, 2020 by Jonas White 1 Comment

Bachelor Party Planning Austin

You’ve seen them. Young men roaming the city, with matching t-shirts and an eye for adventure. They touch down in Austin on Thursday or Friday, live their best lives for as long as they can, and then go back to whatever reality they came from.

Bachelor parties are everywhere in Austin, and for good reason. Our city offers the best food, drink, and group activities. Accessibility within the city that makes it easy to navigate from place to place. And of course, the warm weather. If you’re planning a bachelor party in Austin, know you have options and–most importantly–the opportunity to keep it uncomplicated and fun.

Anthem Serves Impressive Brunch Menu Full of Asian-Latin Fusion

October 22, 2019 by Katrina Cervantes Leave a Comment

Sesame Avocado Toast at Anthem in Austin — Sesame avocado toast (Credit: Anthem)

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.

Lustre Pearl, Bar That Started It All on Rainey Street, Celebrates 10 Years

February 19, 2019 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Custom metalwork greets customers at Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street

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 Dishes Out Authentic Detroit-style Pizza at 5 Locations

August 1, 2018 by Brittany Ballard 1 Comment

Detroit-style pizza Via 313 in Austin

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.

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

Summer Cocktail Menu Icenhauer's

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

G'raj Mahal Bike Gear Chandelier

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…]