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Speakeasies tend to latch on to the creepy and salacious. During the course of my speakeasy series, I’ve visited horror film-themed bars, heard multiple stories of ghosts haunting the premises, and learned that brothels existed in the heart of Austin not long ago. When I found out Austin’s newest speakeasy is named after J. Stephens, who came to his end in the late 1920s via suicide, due to drinking the equivalent of Lysol, it felt rather on-brand.
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You can’t just walk into Midnight Cowboy on a Saturday night and expect to get the experience, or the cocktails, everyone raves about. Certain steps are necessary. This may be why it took me three years to visit what is perhaps Austin’s most well-known speakeasy. Planning ahead has never been my strong suit.
When I made my reservation, found the hidden door, rang the bell, and sat in a booth for the first time, it didn’t take long to figure out why so many people recommended Midnight Cowboy over the years. For the sixth installment of The Austinot’s Speakeasy Secrets series, I’ll teach you how you too can have this same experience, and why you should make it a priority to do so.
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Guest article by Ken Pishna
When Christian Cryder left Montana behind to open a brewery on East Sixth Street in Austin, he wanted to build a community around four key ingredients: coffee, beer, tacos, and joy.
Lazarus Brewing Company was born on Christmas Eve in 2016. With a talented head brewer, one of Austin’s finest Street-Mex food truck chefs, and a veteran coffee roaster; the beer, food, and coffee were givens.
The question was whether Lazarus could rise up and give new life to the Bike Texas building, and iconic Cool Store, as a brewery with plans to be more than a place to grab a cold one. [Read more…]
Francesca Cavallari’s love for natural ingredients brings colorful scoops to life (Credit: Dolce Bacio)
Those who can recognize the “real deal” when it comes to gelato are typically the ones who grew up with it. Francesca Cavallari and Dante Scarano not only grew up with gelato, but went to school to master the art of making it. And luckily for us, the duo recently opened a truck in East Austin, dishing out some seriously mind-blowing flavors of the popular Italian dessert. [Read more…]
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.
Confit brisket tacos and sotol cocktail at Suerte
Since opening on East Sixth Street in March 2018, Suerte has generated critical acclaim with its interior Mexican menu by Executive Chef Fermín Nuñez. I visited recently to sample the cuisine and cocktails. Here are a few of the highlights.
The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse’s vintage bar (Credit: Hoffbrau)
Yes, you read the title correctly. I am indeed talking about bootlegging during the Prohibition. The Original Hoffbrau opened its doors in 1932, a year before Prohibition came to an end. Brothers Robert “Coleman” and Tom Hamby put in $125 each to buy the property now located in one of the most coveted parts of town: West Sixth Street. Now in its 83rd year with the fourth generation of family ownership, The Original Hoffbrau has become an iconic Austin steakhouse.
Licha’s Cantina’s colorful exterior welcomes you to the heart of East Sixth Street
I tend to be drawn to people and places that radiate a positive energy. Add delicious food to that, and I’m a loyal and devoted regular.
When you first walk into the old bungalow that is Licha’s Cantina, you don’t feel like you’re in a restaurant at all. You feel as though you’re in someone’s home. The interior is cozy and dimly lit, and there’s music playing in the background. There is heart and soul, and the energy makes you feel good.
Somehow you know you’re about to sit down to a delicious and comforting meal, like you’re at a family dinner. [Read more…]
Holy Roller pays homage to punk rock and old Austin (Credit: Robert J. Lerma)
Brunch is one of the best things about winding down for the weekend, especially when you’ve had a hell of a week. Callie Speer knows this and has upped the ante in the restaurant scene with her new venture, Holy Roller.
Why wait for weekend brunch when you can have it every day? After working her way through Austin at big name eateries such as Swift’s Attic and Geraldine’s, Speer opened Holy Roller earlier this year to much anticipation from brunch-loving Austinites.
The east side of Austin has a dining spot for every meal of the day
The East Sixth business district has grown over the years. It’s still authentically rough around the edges, but new buildings and businesses are popping up all the time. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, East Sixth Street should be added to your list of areas to explore. It’s quite walkable, and the ever-changing lineup of eateries will keep you busy all year long.
For a fun-filled foodie adventure that begins first thing in the morning and lasts all day long, follow this itinerary of seven East Sixth Street restaurants and cafes.
