soco - The Austinot

Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden Unites Drinks, Music, and Permaculture

January 24, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Patrick Dean and Paul Oveisi Founders Cosmic Coffee

Patrick Dean and Paul Oveisi, founders of Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden (Credit: Julia Keim)

Coffee and beer have to be the top two beverages Austin survives on. It’s easy to find either–and often both–at cafes and breweries all over the city. The newest member of the coffee-beer-hybrid is Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden off South Congress near Ben White.

Cosmic isn’t an ordinary coffee shop or beer garden, but the culmination of co-founder Paul Oveisi’s passions: live entertainment, sustainability, beer, coffee, and food. I had a chance to sit down with the entrepreneur for a chat about the interesting history behind Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. This fascinating story is full of surprises. [Read more…]

Where Are the Best Bloody Marys in Austin?

January 19, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle in Austin

Get haunted by the Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Whether you want to sip a socially acceptable cocktail with breakfast or nurse a brooding hangover, the Bloody Mary has become the standard go-to. The drink that has been around since approximately 1921 has incredible diversity, and it seems as though just about every restaurant has their own version–with our city being no exception. So whether you’re looking for the classic version, a peacock of garnishes, or something more exotic, here’s our guide to the best Bloody Marys in Austin. [Read more…]

Big Top Candy Shop Thrives on South Congress After 10 Years

November 6, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue

When I was six years old, my dream was to work in a candy store. I’m pretty sure it’s a dream shared by many kids around the world. My plan ended right after my dad explained to naïve little me that even those who work in a candy store have to pay for the candy. What’s the point, then? Shortly after this frustrating discovery, I switched to dreams of becoming a Hollywood actress.

But even several decades later, I can’t help but envy those lucky, lucky people who get to be surrounded by colorful candy wrappers, listen to the sound of soda hitting glass, and inhale aromas of chocolate and freshly-baked cookies all day long.

Brandon Hodge, owner of Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue, is probably every kid’s role model, and every adult’s reminder of unrealized dreams. For the past decade, this man has been uncovering the most unique candies all over the country and the world, and transporting them to Austin. [Read more…]

Guide to Antiques and Vintage Clothing in South Austin

August 8, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Small section of Flashback’s vintage cowboy boot collection in South Austin

So many incredible, unique, and beautiful treasures are hiding in antique and vintage shops all around Austin. There’s a bit more than 30 within city limits, and that number is continues to grow.

While North Austin might take the crown for the most jam-packed neighborhood for vintage shopping, South Austin has cool places of its own to brag about. From 1800’s clothing boutiques to funky vintage furniture, it’s a blast gazing into the past through the treasures at these South Austin stores. [Read more…]

Jurassic Car Wash: Animatronic Dinos, Scented Foam and Photo Ops

December 21, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Borek loves that this business brings smiles to people’s faces as they drive in, as opposed to the body shop he ran before where people were driving in upset with their dysfunctional vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Jurassic Car Wash)

Borek loves that his business brings smiles to people’s faces as they drive in, as opposed to the body shop he ran before where people arrived upset with their dysfunctional vehicles (Credit: Jurassic Car Wash)

“He goes off every hour,” Jurassic Car Wash owner John Borek told me as we watched an animatronic pterodactyl raise its wings while cawing toward the traffic on South Congress. Underneath the dinosaur, a line of customers wash their cars with soap that smells like piña colada. It’s these unique details that make Jurassic Car Wash a successful and quintessential South Austin small business. [Read more…]

Eat Like Italian Royalty at Vespaio Ristorante, Enoteca Vespaio in Austin

November 7, 2016 by Joleen Jernigan 2 Comments

Vespaio Ristorante and Enoteca Vespaio are co-located on South Congress Avenue (Credit: Joleen Jernigan)

Do you want freshly-made, locally-grown food served with a warm South Austin attitude? Vespaio Ristorante and Enoteca Vespaio bring both–with Italian passion–to the heart of South Congress Avenue.

These culinary cornerstones of the SoCo strip have been setting the standard for Italian food in Austin for decades. The kitchen staff at both restaurants is up and at it early, making pasta, bread, desserts and charcuterie, and prepping all of the daily specials in-house. Much of the food is made using ingredients from the on-site garden, Tecolote Farm in Manor and other local vendors. [Read more…]

Smooth Guide to Finding Blues and Jazz Music in Austin

August 15, 2016 by Ashley Alkek Leave a Comment

Antone’s by night, home to the Blues (Credit: Marco Figueroa)

Are you interested in exploring the depths of the music scene here in Austin? You don’t have to be a classically trained musician to appreciate amazing blues and jazz. In fact, all you need is an open mind and–optionally–a pair of dancing shoes.

Austin is home to some of the greatest venues and artists around. Grab a friend and head to one of these cherished institutions. [Read more…]

Habana Celebrates 15 Years of Cuban Cuisine in Austin

June 22, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Habana’s classic Cuban sandwich with fried yucca and tostones

Thanks to recent policy changes, traveling to Cuba has become a whole lot easier. But Austinites don’t have to travel far to experience the culture and cuisine of the region. Just head down South Congress Avenue and you’ll come across Habana–a hidden gem among tall oak trees where the cultural highlights of Cuba come alive.

The sights and smells will transport you to another world. So do yourself a favor and experience a slice of everyday Cuban life right here in Austin. [Read more…]

Hill’s Cafe, South Austin Landmark Since 1947

June 8, 2016 by Jessica Pino 2 Comments

Texas sunset at Hill’s Cafe (Credit: Jessica Pino)

As the sun sets, the string lights wrapped around the majestic oak trees seem to burn brighter. You know you’ve come to a special place in Austin: Hill’s Cafe.

Hill’s Cafe has been a prominent part of south Austin since 1947. Over the years, it has provided the backdrop for many musical nights and has given locals a place to get Texas comfort food.

Here are the reasons Hill’s Cafe might become your new favorite spot. [Read more…]

You Can’t Miss Torchy’s Tacos Flagship Location on South Congress

February 10, 2016 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

Torchy’s Tacos flagship location on South Congress (Credit: John Cabuena)

Guest article by Jonatan Contreras

I’m new to Austin, and I was (quite unreasonably) excited to find out it has a pretty big Mexican food scene. Let me back up.

I’m from El Paso, Texas, land of the border culture. In El Paso, every time a new Mexican restaurant pops up, we tend to wonder “Another one?” Needless to say, I know my way around a taco. Which, ironically, was the reason I was excited to try out Austin staple Torchy’s Tacos. Word in town was, a flagship location had just opened on South Congress Avenue, where Fran’s Hamburgers used to be.

Torchy’s Tacos, you did not disappoint. [Read more…]