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Sway Reinvents Traditional Thai Food With Modern Twist

September 29, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Communal dining is a unique experience at Sway (Credit: Jody Horton)

Sweet, spicy, and aromatic–only a few words that come to mind when I think about dining at Sway.
Before I left the restaurant for the first time, I was already picking out what I wanted to try
next. It was that good.

Starting with Thai favorites, the chefs at Sway enhance the menu by incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and Western techniques into their cooking. Sway stands out to those who favor tradition, as well as those who crave something unique. Since opening its doors in 2012, Sway’s ingenuity has made the restaurant a staple in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. [Read more…]

3 Food and Drink Hot Spots at The Yard in South Austin

September 22, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan 2 Comments

Silos at Still Austin Whiskey Co. hold regional grains for whiskey production (Credit: @dananddog)

What endears Austin to its people? I suggest it’s outdoor spaces and creativity, tied together with a steadfast devotion to community. The Yard, south Austin’s revitalized community of makers, embodies these Austin virtues.

This is the first installment in a series of articles about The Yard, a seductively made-over industrial district. Spend an entertaining day-into-evening at The Yard, discovering these stellar spots. [Read more…]

Enjoy Comfort Food, Craft Beer, Good Times at Red’s Porch

September 6, 2017 by Bill Tucker 7 Comments

Welcome to Red’s Porch (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Red’s Porch and I have a history. When my wife and I moved to Austin, our first goal was to find a craft beer joint. After sampling a few spots close to our Westlake apartment, we landed on a two-story bar/grill/hangout with a westerly view into the Greenbelt. The beer list rocked; the grub was downhome Southern comfort, and the vibe was laid-back and chill.

By ticking all our check boxes for what a local hangout should be, Red’s Porch has survived and thrived in the ever-expanding world of Austin eateries. And with a second location on Quarry Lake and a third in the works, Red’s is poised to expand their special brand of ATX good times. [Read more…]

Childhood Hobby Leads Noah Marion to Leather-making Mastery

August 18, 2017 by Irvianne Torremoro Leave a Comment

Espresso and leather at Noah Marion Quality Goods

When you first step foot into Noah Marion Quality Goods on South Lamar, it’s evident that every detail of the space has been thoughtfully crafted, from start to finish. Most everything you see was made by Marion himself, whose true passions are building and creating things.

He built the 16-foot counter he stands behind, ready to talk about his leather goods, or whip up the caffeinated beverage of your choice. As soon as you start talking to him about his passions, you can tell he wholeheartedly puts himself into everything he sets his mind to. [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…]

No Experience Necessary: Bougie’s Donuts Serves Fresh, Creative Donuts and Coffee

August 7, 2017 by Bill Tucker 3 Comments

Coffee and donuts with an upscale yet unpretentious vibe, await you at Bougie’s Donuts (Credit: Bill Tucker)

At some point in life, you have to take a leap of faith. Jump off the ledge and dive into the great unknown. Sometimes it’s a tiny tumble. Other times, it’s a 50-mile plunge.

Bougie’s Donuts is the result of one man’s drop into uncharted waters. With fresh flavor, outstanding coffee, and a heart for the surrounding community, one of the newest players in Austin’s dessert scene is a stand-out winner. [Read more…]

The Tasty Spoon’s Gelato Spotlights Local Ingredients, Italian Technique

June 26, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Ashley MacDonald, owner of The Tasty Spoon

Just in time for hot summer days, The Tasty Spoon, a traditional Italian gelateria, opened on South 1st Street a few weeks back. And if cooling down with delicious treats isn’t good enough, they also brought a fun new mural to Austin that is bound to become a hit on your Instagram.

Following classic Italian techniques and using only the freshest natural ingredients, Ashley MacDonald creates magic in the kitchen of her shop. From traditional chocolate peanut butter, pistachio, and coffee, to seasonal lavender honey and basil lime sorbet, each flavor is well thought-through and tested to achieve perfection. [Read more…]

From Hot Rods to BBQ: The Story Behind Slow Pokes Brisket Shack

April 10, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova 1 Comment

Slow Pokes Brisket Shack

I don’t often find myself in Manchaca. But when I venture that far south, I always come across something awesome. A few weeks ago, on the way home from Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in, I was looking through the car window when something strange caught my eye. “Oh! Wait! Stop! Turn back! What was that? Okay…next time.” I thought I saw a trailer with a bunch of bicycles on the roof. And a couple of vintage cars in the parking lot. And there was a sign for BBQ. I came back a week later to check out this strange place, which turned out to be Slow Pokes Brisket Shack. [Read more…]

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Reopens in South Austin

March 13, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

For seven years, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in has been a place where families and friends can get together to watch movies under the open sky and relive childhood memories. The world’s first boutique drive-in movie theater has held fundraisers for diverse organizations in Austin and donated to charities, and has been a place for local up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their talent.

So when Blue Starlite asked for help relocating to a new, permanent home in South Austin, its fans showed love, gratitude and support in return. [Read more…]

No More Waiting Until the Weekend Because El Burro Serves Brunch Daily

March 1, 2017 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

El Burro is now open for lunch and brunch (Credit: Jessica Pino)

Editor’s Note: El Burro closed suddenly in July 2017.

I love checking out new restaurants because I like to experience a restaurant in its infancy stage, when it’s still learning to “walk.” It can be rewarding to watch a local restaurant come into its own. I find that younger restaurants are also more likely to take risks and experiment, as they figure out their style and role in the community they serve.

El Burro, located in the Lamar Union, is one of Austin’s infant restaurants I recently checked out. From the owners of VOX Table, El Burro opened its doors in December 2016. When they started serving brunch and lunch, I couldn’t stay away. [Read more…]