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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…]

History Drenched Eberly Serves Reimagined Classics in a Dazzling Space

January 10, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Credit: Andrew Bennett Photography

One of Austin’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the year, Eberly was unveiled on Oct. 15, 2016 as the newest restaurant addition on South Lamar, serving contemporary American cuisine.

Developed from what was an old print shop into what stands out as one of our city’s most dazzling spaces–a mix of Victorian and midcentury design aesthetics–Eberly aims to preserve the soul of Austin amid a growing population and changing landscape. As stated on their website, “Austin has always been a gathering place for risk takers, creative types and liberated thinkers. We’ve distilled that spirit into one distinctively authentic place.” [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…]

Crepe Crazy Provides Opportunities to Austin’s Deaf Community

November 29, 2016 by Jaclyn Hubersberger 3 Comments

Crepe Crazy customers order by pointing to large menu posted on the main counter (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)

Upon entering Crêpe Crazy’s South Austin location, I was transported to a quaint European cafe. My senses were delighted by the scent of freshly-made crêpes, melted cheese and the occasional waft of espresso. The mid-century modern inspired decor boasted sleek lines, a warm color palette of mustard yellow and orange hues, marble white table tops, and spherical copper pendant lighting. At this point I was already smitten…and I hadn’t even ordered yet.

It doesn’t take long to realize there’s something unique about Crêpe Crazy, beyond the sophisticated decor and carefully-curated menu featuring a number of tantalizing options to satisfy cravings of both savory and sweet. As I glanced across the counter into the open kitchen, I noticed the kitchen staff was silent. Their preferred method of communication? Sign language. [Read more…]

St Elmo Brewing Co: Newest Beer Lover’s Hotspot in South Austin

November 21, 2016 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Fine beer and good vibes await those visiting St Elmo Brewing Co (Credit: Trey Crowe)

For years, the term “St. Elmo” conjured up images of an awful Rob Lowe movie and an amazingly cheesy John Parr song. After checking out St Elmo Brewing Co, I can add rock solid beer to that list. Situated on the same street that bears its name, this South Austin brewery looks to deliver well-crafted, quaffable beer to a neighborhood thirsty for a brand new hangout. [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…]

Find Old South Austin Flare, Delicious Sandwiches at G’s Dynamite Deli

October 17, 2016 by Sommer Brugal Leave a Comment

G’s Dynamite Deli cooks up delicious sandwiches, soups and salads in South Austin

G’s Dynamite Deli is quintessential Old South Austin. Tucked away at South 1st Street and Oltorf, G’s unassumingly serves up delicious sandwiches, salads and soups.

Staffed with friendly people, decorated with crayon-colored, sandwich-inspired art and stamped with stickers from neighboring South Austin businesses, G’s is the perfect spot to grab a quick yet satisfying bite for lunch or dinner. [Read more…]

Guide to Food Trucks on South 1st Street in Austin

September 8, 2016 by Jessica Pino 3 Comments

South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery Sign

South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery (Credit: Shawn Collins via Flickr CC)

Truck, trailer or Airstream, food on wheels plays a huge role in Austin’s culture. Sometimes it can be difficult to explore the food truck scene, since many of these mini eateries don’t have consistent hours of operation. But the good thing about food trucks is they are everywhere!

One of my favorite streets to explore is South 1st Street. There are two major food trailer parks on the strip, as well as several other notable trucks between the two. So get your Thanksgiving pants out of storage and eat your way through these food trucks on South 1st Street. [Read more…]

3 New South Austin Hangouts That Capture the Classic Vibe

August 11, 2016 by Joleen Jernigan 8 Comments

Enjoying the outdoor seating at South Austin’s The Little Darlin’

Guest article by Joleen Jernigan

If the one constant in life is change (to loosely paraphrase Heraclitus), then Austin is as constant as they come, changing monthly to accommodate rapid growth. So it’s a genuine pleasure to find three shiny, new South Austin hangouts that honor the laid-back feel of old Austin. At least in this case, change is good. [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…]