Where might we find you…?
SB | November 17, 2009I was thinking today (while heading down Springdale with Scritti Politti blasting out my windows) that there are certain places in East Austin where I’m likely to be at any given moment. If cell phones weren’t ubiquitous and it was still the 80’s (as evidenced by my Scritti Politti moment) there are destinations around here that, if you drove to all of them, likely you’d find me.
I figured, given this train of thought, I would list my top 5 East Austin haunts but really, I’m more interested in yours. I know someone has recently unearthed some new, ridiculously cool place I’ve yet to discover and frankly, I’d like to try it. So, I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…
1) La Cocinita. I heart this tiny place on 12th and Springdale. Most Sunday mornings my husband (who, henceforth, shall be known as The Canadian because a) I think it’s cheesy to always say husband and b) he also is one) and I wind our way over to La Cocinita. The food is just simple Tex-Mex but pretty tasty and my neighbor says that when he gets take-out queso after boozing the night before he just drinks the queso straight out of the cup. Nice.
2) Blue Dahlia. I know most people have eaten at BD and it’s not some new discovery, but I just love the patio in the evening back there. The sun is setting, wine is in front of me, the egg salad tartine with capers is on the table, and bread pudding and a cup of coffee are shortly to follow…that is the scene in my head when I think of Blue Dahlia.
3) Airport Blvd. I swear, I live on Airport. I mean, I don’t, but it feels like I do. I am ALWAYS on Airport. I drive up and down it as if I were on a major artery like 35 or Mopac. If I need to get to Hyde Park — Airport to either 38 1/2 or 45th. Mueller? Airport to the Development. To the airport proper? Airport…Bank? Airport and Oak Springs. Same with Walgreens. I am ALWAYS on Airport.
4) The pond at Mueller. Almost every morning I’m walking the pond at Mueller. I don’t live there but it’s close enough and I just like walking around the water. So many east siders I talk to have not been there! So go check it out. Great place to take your east Austin dog too.
5) Uncorked/Progress or Bennu. I know I’ve told you I like wine and coffee. Well I rate my wine and my coffee equally. Actually most coffee shops get a visit from me on any given day but because my friend Jen Spencer (Eastside Executive/Life coach) has her offices in the Progress building I often find myself there. Bennu is closer to my house and they have a variety of mochas, which pleases me. And Uncorked. Wine. Yum. Happy.
Now, your turn. Show me yours. Where might we find you…?
I am going to do this. Just you wait.
Tiffany DianeI am going to do this. Just you wait. Also J & S and who ever else writes for this.. bug me about it if I don’t. But I want to.
Yeah it actually really is interesting! Let me do my
JFYeah it actually really is interesting! Let me do my top 5…
1. The Good Knight.
Billy is just the best and makes us always feel welcomed. The cheese plate is always a must and well… it’s just our favorite east side joint.
2. Mi Madres
The quintessential breakfast taco spot… anytime we have out of town guest who want migas or breakfast tacos… Mi Madres is the place for sure.
3. Bennu..
Now as strange as it sounds.. I am allergic to caffeine but their cinnamon rolls and friendly smiles keep us coming back. Ironically we have become good friends with the owners on a social level… but that had nothing to do with the fact that we just love Bennu.
4. Justine’s
Going there tomorrow in fact for dinner and drinks. It’s a little out of the way on E. 5th but the steak frites and Scott… the awesome waiter that works there makes this place worth the trip.
5. The Bread Basket on 7th.
Need some Stella, Wine, Lone Star, Little Debbies, Cheetos, Banana Laffy Taffy or any other guilty pleasure…? Then The Bread Basket has it.
Thanks for the post Sarah B… this one is really interesting!
I've only lived here for three months, so everything is
AmandaI’ve only lived here for three months, so everything is new to me, and I’m loving (close to) all of it! In my short residency, here are the places I’m most likely to be found:
1) work, at Reagan. Or does that not count for this list…
2) the poetry slam on Wednesdays at the Independent – my room mate is a big slammer so our apartment often turns into the poet hotel.
3) Rio Rita – because myself and my room mates all love getting a slice of the Olivia pizza with a spicy bloody mary, and a large glass of water to temper the burn.
4) Bennu – found when I showed up too early for a training at the United Way and needed a refuge and coffee. Now my favorite, since being turned out of Flightpath twice because they close at 11.
5) Hyde Park pizza – there’s lots of beer, and it’s right around the corner. Oh, and pizza. We like pizza in this house.
I. love. Justine's. LOVE IT!!! I just haven't
SBI. love. Justine’s. LOVE IT!!! I just haven’t been there in awhile so I didn’t think it was fair to include it in my list but, oh man, I love that place.
I still haven’t taken The Canadian to Rio Rita yet, which is especially bad because he considers himself a bloody mary expert. Putting it on the ‘to do’ list.
Did not know about the bread basket! I will need to visit
Well, being VERY new to the area (moved here a
G.WhitenightWell, being VERY new to the area (moved here a month and a half ago), I’m still exploring, but a few of my favorites so far are:
1) Blue Dahlia. What a treat!! It’s the best place I’ve found to meet some friends for an intimate, relaxing time.
2) Town Lake. I live about 3 blocks from Town Lake, and it is so fun to get on the trail with my pup and just head into downtown (which might include a detour on 2nd Street for shopping and dining at some pet-friendly places like Beyond Tradition, Joe’s, or Austin Java.).
3) Eastside Cafe. I’ll be taking my friends there when they visit for sure!! It is so relaxing to wander in the garden after a mourishing meal and just enjoy being so close to all of Mother Nature’s goodness.
I’m looking forward to checking out some of the other fun finds over here in the East Side!!
All roads lead to Airport Boulevard! And the swimming pool
Garreth WilcockAll roads lead to Airport Boulevard! And the swimming pool at Mueller is another undiscovered gem.
Rio Rita---This is mostly the only place we go these
CarmenRio Rita—This is mostly the only place we go these days. Great spot in afternoon, Sunday morning, or almost any time. They have the best Bloody Mary’s ever with jalapeno/habanero infused vodka.
Nomad—Cameron Rd. and Corona. This is the only place even remotely near my 78723 home. Good beer specials, nice patio.
Animal Trustees of Austin—my new favorite place, since I have a new puppy. They have a wellness clinic where they offer super cheap vaccinations, heart guard, teeth cleaning, etc. Cameron Rd. just north of 51st.
Thunderbird Coffee on Manor—coffee, beer, movies, music, good times
El Chilito—breakfast tacos y cafe con leche