Isabella Lopes is a writer and a habitual social media specialist, who hopes to make an impact in the world with her knowledge of other cultures and passion for celebrating diversity. She is a native to Brazil but a true Texas enthusiast.
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Whether you're in dire need of some deliciously priced food or your favorite cocktails with a twist, Austin restaurants are here to make the best of happy hour.
Here are 9 happy hours around town worth trying.
Licha's Cantina, 1306 E. 6th St.
If you find yourself at Licha's Cantina from Tuesdays to Fridays, we completely understand. The killer happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. is filled with great deals on cocktails, beers and delicious Mexico City-inspired soul food. For drinks, Licha's Cantina offers $6 cocktails such as margaritas, palomas and vampiros as well as deals on Corona and buckets of beer. For a snack, you can enjoy $6 sopecitos, huaraches and quesadillas and $5 exquisite and camote.
Black Sheep Lodge, 2108 S. Lamar Blvd
If you're looking for a reason to enjoy happy hour deals everyday of the week, Black Sheep Lodge has you covered. With different drink specials every day, the bar and grill offers over 120 different beers and cocktails. From Monday to Sunday, you can enjoy $3 Texas pints and liquors, $2 off tequila shots and drinks, $1 12-ounce cans of white trash cans (Lone Star, PBR Tallboys Schlitz, Pearl and more) and so much more. You can check out the full list of specials here.
Parkside, 301 E. 6th St.
A downtown favorite, Parkside has a weekday happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. that will knock you out of the park. On Mondays, specialty martinis are half off, and from Tuesday to Saturday, you can get half off beer, cocktails and food including fries and oysters from the bar menu. Plus, you can get half off oyster platters and sparkling wine every Wednesday night.
Olive & June, 3411 Glenview Ave.
As part of Chef Shawn Cirkiel's Parkside Projects Restaurant and Hospitality Group, Olive & June is another great choice for getting a great deal during happy hour. From 5 to 6 p.m., you can get half off beer and cocktails plus snack on delicious antipasti options.
Café No Sé, 1603 S. Congress Ave
Rosé lovers will be happy to know there is a place in town where you can get 25% off all bottles and great reverse happy hour specials. Café No Sé offers a reverse happy hour everyday from 6 to 8 p.m. with $2 off beer, wine and menu cocktails, plus a speciality treat of 25% off bottles of rose everyday. That's seven days a week to enjoy great deals on wine and get the most out of happy hour time.
Uchiko, 4200 N. Lamar Blvd.
Uchiko, the upscale sushi restaurant connected with the beloved Uchi, has a sake social everyday from 4 to 6 p.m. that might be one of the best deals in town. Award-winning chef Tyson Cole's blended knowledge on Japanese food and creativity in dishes is worth a visit any day of the week, but sake social is a happy hour not worth missing. You can find the menu for the sake social at Uchiko here.
P6, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St.
At the LINE austin, you will find a rooftop lounge with great happy hour specials, tasty cocktails and a great view. P6, located at the way top of the hotel, has a list of specialty curated Mediterranean small plates such as artisanal cheeses, whipped feta roasted tomato dip and more as well as seasonal cocktails that will make your visit worth it. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. You can find the menu for happy hour at P6 here.
Clark's Oyster Bar, 1200 W. 6th St.
Clark's Oyster Bar has a happy hour that will cheer up any Austinite, and on any day. From 3 to 5 p.m., any day of the week, you can find yourself ordering an unhealthy amount of oysters as they are 50 cents off. On weekdays, the happy hour includes half off burgers, $5 martinis, oyster shooters and draft beer. On weekends, Clark's has half off bottles of wine and $5 oyster shooters.
The Peached Tortilla, 5520 Burnet Road #100
From 5 to 7 p.m daily, The Peached Tortilla offers a happy hour with delicious bites and great cocktails. The happy hour includes $5 beers, $6 wine and cocktails, $4 tacos, $5 snacks such as shishito peppers and crispy fries and a $9 burger with peached sauce, american cheese, miso caramelized onions, japanese pickles and lettuce. You can find the menu for happy hour at Peached Tortilla here.
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Luckily for Austinites, great breweries don't fall short on the horizon of town. From floral and citrus-like characteristics to a hop-forward beer with a malty flavor, Austin breweries have you covered with beers for everyone.
With the hot Texas weather approaching, even if you're not a beer fan, there's nothing quite like enjoying a cold drink at a local brewery.
Here are 15 breweries to visit in Austin.
St. Elmo Brewing Company, 440 E. St. Elmo Road
Since 2016, St. Elmo Brewing Company has provided South Austin with lots of laughs and great beers. The brewery has a great list of rotating beers on tap and an even better beer garden where everyone can have a good time. Founded by Tim Bullock and Bryan Winslow, the brewery has beers for all beer lovers, whether you're picky or adventurous. We recommend you try Gary, St. Elmo's IPA and enjoy some fantastic Asian-inspired food at the food truck on site.
Jester King, 1387 Fitzhugh Road
Sour beer lovers will be happy to know there is a local farmhouse brewery where beer is good and relaxation is achievable. One of the most known Austin breweries, Jester King Brewery provides all undercover beer snobs with wild ales and "spontaneously fermented beers" showcasing the passion and inspiration from the Texas Hill Country. The farmhouse brewery uses water from its well, locally grown grains and native wild yeast to give Austinites what they deserve to have on a great day: great beer.
Southern Heights Brewing Company, 6014 Techni Center Dr. suite 2-101
If you're in need of a place where you'll meet great local people and drink great local beer, Southern Heights Brewing Company is the place to visit. When described as a hole in the wall, there is no exaggeration. The east Austin hidden gem is located inside an office building and could easily be overlooked. Yet, with so many friendly smiles and a selection of great beers and exceptional IPA's, the rustic Southern Heights is one of those places you can enjoy on a rainy, sunny or cloudy day.
Oddwood Ales, 3108 Manor Road
An urban patio, hip interior and good beer and food is something we all know we need as the days get warmer. Oddwood Ales Brewing, with a unique amount of flavor profiles and options, has you covered for those days you just want to have a good day. The brewpub focuses on American-style wild ales and hoppy pale ales, so make sure to add those to your "must try" list before anything else. Besides good beer, you can also find a food menu with delicious strombolis and pizzas.
Hold Out Brewing, 1208 W. 4th St.
If you consider yourself too much of a foodie, we have a perfect brewery for you. Hold Out Brewing, a new hot spot located West of downtown and next to Better Half coffee, has all burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and beers you can only dream about. Whether you're trying to cool off on a hot day or enjoy a meal with a refreshing cold drink, Hold Out brewing has light and elegant beers to make your day just a little bit better.
Pinthouse Brewing, 2201 E. Ben White Blvd.
Pinthouse Brewing and Pizza is a must hit for anyone looking for a crazy good time, delicious pizzas and a great hoppy IPA. The beloved Austin brewpub has evolved the vibrant community with a passion for craft beer and good food. After all, isn't that the best part of enjoying a cold beer? Pinthouse Pizza also focuses on locally and organically sourced products for their hops and food supplies.
Austin Beerworks, 3001 Industrial Terrace
You might be familiar with Austin Beerworks from their colorful beer cans, but if you haven't visited the brewery yet, it's time to change that. The Austin staple has a great range of craft beer and a regularly rotating tap list. As the weather warms up, you might be looking for a beer with clarity and intention, and Austin Beerworks has just that. The brewery focuses on a creative take on beloved classics and is inspired by seasons, so if you're feeling the spring and summer spirit, they have the right beer for you.
Celis Brewery, 10001 Metric Blvd.
An Austin classic, Celis Brewery is the first Texas craft brewery to open its doors in 1992. Created by the Father of Wit Beer Pierre Celis, Celis Brewery has provided Austinites with a range of citrusy, aromatic and sharp flavors for all beer drinkers. Whether you're craving a sour or a beer to drink away the hot summer days ahead, Celis has you covered.
Circle Brewing Company, 2340 W. Braker Lane b
As the oldest microbrewery in North Austin, Circle Brewing Company is top of the list of Austin classics worth visiting. With a great selection of creative beers and a guaranteed great time, it's hard to stay away. The brewery was founded by beer lovers Ben Sabel and Judson Mulherin after spending years and years attempting to brew beer and learning how passionate one could be about it. The brewery focuses on merging Reinheitsgebot, a German purity law from 1516 limiting the ingredients in beer in Germany and "Texas ingenuity." Water, malt, hops and yeast make Circle Brewing Company possible.
Live Oak Brewing Company, 1615 Crozier Lane
Live Oak Brewing Company is one of the top spots in Austin to feel like you've transported yourself to olden times—flavorwise. The German-focused brewery has been a staple in the Austin beer game since 1997, providing Austinites with authentically unique and rich flavors. By using an old-world style of brewing mainly practiced in central Europe, the brewery has a unique experience waiting for everyone looking to visit their taproom and biergarten. If you're looking for something unique, try their variety of smoked beers, also called Rauchbier.
(512) Brewing Company, 407 Radam Lane
The Austin classic speaks levels of its authenticity and love for the city by its name. (512) Brewing Company works on providing consciously crafted beer to Austinites by conserving water, reusing kegs, using organic base malt and so much more. Besides, the beer is pretty tasty. The microbrewery offers great options, but if you're looking for something to knock you out of the park, try their Pecan Porter and you won't be disappointed.
Zilker Brewing Company, 1701 E. 6th St.
In the heart of East Austin you'll find a land where beer is cold and good energy can be found. Zilker Brewing Company, influenced by world travel and experimentation, offers Austinites with a large list of pungent, elegant and bright beers for a perfect day. Whether you're a fan of a classic IPA and stouts or fruited beer, this brewpub has you covered with amazing flavor profiles and seasonal beers to match every time of year. Plus, you can find one of the many great chicken sandwiches in town here.
Hi Sign Brewery, 1201 Old Bastrop Hwy.
Hi Sign Brewery provides Austinites with a space where nature meets community. The somewhat new-to-Austin brewery has an understanding of IPA flavor profiles worth every last sip, and with a beautiful beer garden surrounded by trees and wooden tables, there's nothing quite as aromatic and relaxing as enjoying a cold one on a sunny Austin day.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
If you're a fan of lagers, look no further than The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., also known as ABGB. ABGB won the brewpub of the year award from the Great American Beer Festival in 2016, so you know it's good stuff. ABGB has you covered with flavor crazy beers, delicious food and a great time. We recommend you try their pilsner "Industry" and the killer muffuletta sandwich for a guaranteed happy stomach.
Lazarus Brewing Co., 1902 E. 6th St.
Coffee, beer and tacos should be on everyone's favorite list of things, and there is no doubt that Lazarus Brewing Co. has all the categories covered for you to have a great time. With an urban patio, great interior and a selection of beers that will truly make you question your regular order of beer, this neighborhood brewpub in East Austin is worth the visit and more. Feeling tired? They have great coffee. Feeling hungry? They have all the breakfast tacos you'll need. Feeling adventurous? They have fun beers worth trying.
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Austin knows how to do food well—from traditional to the weird. Whether you're looking to try something completely new like a rabbit-rattlesnake sausage or a sweet take on a taco, Austin has all the foodies covered on a flavor adventure you might've never heard of.
Here are 9 unique dishes worth trying around town.
Lonesome Dove Bistro, rabbit-rattlesnake sausage
Created by Chef Tim Love, Lonesome Dove Bistro offers Western-inspired meals with sophistication and dare we say, lots of creativity. The rabbit-rattlesnake sausage, with manchego rosti and crème fraîche, is one dish on the must-try category of unique foods in town. The menu also features other ingredients with influences from the Goodnight-Loving and Chisholm Trails, such as duck, Texas wild boar, bison, elk and many seafood options such as trout and oysters.
Comedor, bone marrow tacos
Chef Philip Speer created Comedor, the Mexican-inspired restaurant with an innovative menu. If you're up for trying something delicious and unique the bone marrow tacos, filled with quelites, smoked butter and pecan gremolata will change up any taco game you thought you had.
Aparaci's, Hot Cheeto machete
Machetes have taken Austin by storm, so it's no surprise to already see a quirky and oh-so-Austin way of spicing up the menu with Hot Cheetos machetes at Aparacio's. The Hot Cheeto machete is one of many creations by Aparacio's, but at over 18 inches, the gigantic dish is perfect to share with a group of friends. For $11, you can order a Hot Cheeto Machete and attempt to eat the whole thing at once.
Tellus Joe, broccoli reuben
This vegan restaurant has outdone itself in creativity by reinventing traditional recipes. The early-bird sister project of The Beer Plant offers a 100% plant-based menu and organic coffee. The broccoli reuben sandwich at Tellus Joe is a must-try. The sandwich, a remake of the corned beef classic, features provolone-style cheese, mustard, mayo and horseradish on a ciabatta bun for a perfectly light and delicious bite.
Oh K-Dog, squid ink korean dog
If you've never heard of Korean hotdogs, you can try one right here in town. The Korean street food craze has made its way to Austin and Oh K-Dog has you covered with delicious deep fried rice hotdogs. You can order from over 12 different types of hotdogs, but the squid-ink with mozzarella cheese one is definitely the most unique.
Sour Duck Market, kouign-amann
If you've never tried an outrageously buttery and deliciously sophisticated kouign-amann, it's time to change that for good. The delicate French pastry originated from Brittany and can be found at Sour Duck Market. With a rustic exterior and simple ingredients, the pastry is a sugary, caramelized croissant resembling what most of us know as a muffin.
Taco Sweets, ice cream tacos
You can easily find some of the best breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos around town, but have you ever tried a dessert taco? Taco Sweets is changing the street food game with deliciously sweet and crazy good lookin' ice cream tacos. The taco truck offers eight signature tacos ranging from the cookie monster to over the rainbow themes, but if you're in the mood for other flavors, you can build your own with eight different ice cream flavors, nine syrups and an unlimited number of toppings. Yum!
Licks Honest Ice Creams, goat cheese, thyme and honey ice cream
There's nothing quite as unique as pairing goat cheese, thyme and honey in ice cream, but Lick Honest Ice Creams manages to pull it off. The creaminess and quick flavor profile of goat cheese starts getting you hooked until you realize thyme and honey are playing a huge factor into making this delicious ice cream so crave-able and perfectly sweet. This is a must try if you're feeling adventurous for a good bite, especially as the warmer weather hits Austin. Plus, you can buy a pint at your local grocery store to enjoy from home.
Russian House, Texas BBQ infused vodka
Russian House of Austin is Austin's first Russian restaurant, and with a title that important, it's no surprise that you can find over 100 different infused vodkas to try. From spicy and unique, to herbal and floral, the Russian restaurant has so many different options you'll feel overwhelmed. One of the weirdest, if we do say, is the the Texas BBQ infused vodka. You can check out the whole list of infused vodkas here. If you have a hard time deciding, the restaurant also offers some signature cocktails that might be worth trying as well as traditional Eastern European dishes.
Now that spring has arrived, a day trip is just what the doctor ordered. Lucky for Texans, the state is filled with eccentric and unique locations worth visiting.
Whether you want to visit places that will make you feel like you've traveled across the world or quirky locations where you can find good food, company and people, here are 11 places worth the day trip.
Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company, 30 minutes away
Address: 2626 TX-71, Cedar Creek
If you find yourself craving delicious pecan pies in the middle of the night, take a short 30 minute drive to Cedar Creek where you will find not only the world's largest squirrel statue holding a pecan, but a fully-operated pecan pie vending machine.
The vending machine was made possible by the family-operated venture of Berdoll Pecan farm, whose pecan pies are so good and in such high demand, they had to make it more accessible for all 24 hours of the day. Located right outside of the Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company shop, pecan pie lovers can buy not only sweet pecan treats but full-sized pecan pies.
The squirrel, also known as Ms. Pearl, stands tall at 14 feet and has hundreds of visitors from all around the country every week. With her sassy attitude and large size, it's hard to miss Ms. Pearl and the amazing smell of pecan pies at this Cedar Creek treasure.
The Gas Station, 40 minutes away
Address: 1073 SH 304, Bastrop
Fans of the horror classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" have a must visit location less than an hour away from Austin.
The Gas Station, located in Bastrop, is home to the living tribute of the 1974 horror classic. Owner Roy Rose turned the location into a horror barbecue resort, where fans of the film can enjoy barbecue and a stay at the formerly known Last Chance gas station where in the film, customers were turned into smoked meats and chili by the cannibal Sawyer family.
Lucky for us, the new and improved gas station will be serving delicious brisket sandwiches instead of, as the film goes, people. And if eating barbecue isn't enough for all the horror film fanatics, the location offers four rustic cabins and a campsite for the full Texas Chainsaw overnight experience. Although, if you are planning on staying overnight, the cabins are in high demand so book in advance.
5 Soul Wine Co., 40 minutes away
Address: 4514 Bob Wire Road, Spicewood
With sunny and warm weather ahead of us, some days a relaxing location is all we need to enjoy our days. Whether that means sipping on glasses—or bottles—of wine or playing Pickleball in the Hill Country, 5 Soul Wine Co. hase you covered for a wonderful Austin-style good time.
Located in Spicewood, 5 Soul Wine Co. is operated as an adult playland for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Longtime friends Shannon Grant and Chris Carson, along with their wives Danielle and Kellie, wanted to create a place where people could drink wine and surround themselves with other great souls. The winery offers five different wines: rosé, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.
If you're in need of some food and snacks, light appetizers are offered in the tasting room as well as a food truck onsite. Bringing your kids? The 5 Souls Wine Co. courtyard, shared with Frontyard Brewing, has a playground area for kids of all ages. Wanting to play a game? The courtyard also has Pickleball Courts available to rent per hour.
Gruene Hall, 1 hour away
Address: 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
Put on your dancing boots and head out to Gruene where all things are green, friendly and in the full Texas spirit.
Gruene Hall, located in the historic district of Gruene, is the oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall in Texas. Built in 1878 in the former German town, Gruene Hall has hosted some of the biggest music names such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks, Miranda Lambert and many more since 1975.
During sunny weekends in Gruene, the town is crowded with hundreds of tourists who can explore boutiques, different restaurants and enjoy the outdoors before attending a concert at Gruene Hall.
The Painted Churches, 1 hour and 21 minutes away
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church Dubina, Texas
Posted by Susan Paddock Hickey on Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Address: St Mary's Catholic Church, Schulenburg
Dating all the way back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Painted Churches of Texas were built by Czech and German immigrants throughout Schulenburg and as they searched to begin their new lives in Texas.
Over a dozen active churches, filled with breathtaking works of art and historical sentiment, still stand strong as a reminder of the important meaning it had to all the settlers who made Texas their home. With detailed hand-painted ceilings and decorative paintings, the churches can be visited in a tour or individually throughout Central Texas.
Although the churches look ordinary from the outside, the amount of detail and art inside is worth any day trip. From the well-known queen of painted churches, St. Mary's Church High Hill, to the pink St. John the Baptist Church, the Central Texas historical churches are a sight to be seen in person, so make sure to plan ahead your painted churches tour.
Fischer & Wieser's Das Peach Haus, 1 hour and 40 minutes away
Address: 1406 S. US Hwy 87, Fredericksburg
If the smell and beautiful sight of peaches isn't enough to entice a visit to Fredericksburg, Das Peach Haus has everything you need for a perfect trip: wine, food, jam and a beautiful outdoor venue to help you enjoy the sunny spring weather.
The specialty food company was founded by Case Fischer and Mark Wieser as a culinary exploration in the Texas Hill Country. Born on a peach orchard in 1928, the historic place has over 170 sauces, jams and jellies along with a vegetable garden and delicious unique wines. If you are a food and wine amateur connoisseur, this Fredericksburg gem is a perfect culinary playland for all adults.
Dr. Pepper Museum, less than 2 hours away
Address: 300 S. 5th St., Waco
Texans are prideful of all things Texas, and Dr. Pepper is no exception. Invented in 1885, the beloved soft drink has made a name for itself throughout the nation and it all started in Waco.
The Dr. Pepper museum is run by a nonprofit organization telling the story of Dr. Pepper and how it became a hit in the soft drink industry. The museum is located in the original Dr. Pepper bottling plant building from 1906, and sees hundreds of visitors wanting to know more about their favorite fizzy drink.
Museum admission is $10 for adults and no reservation is needed, so pack up the car and learn about Texas' most popular soft drink, while sipping on a handcrafted Dr. Pepper from the museum's Soda Foundation.
Antique Rose Emporium, 1 hour and 40 minutes away
Address: 10000 FM 50, Brenham
With the arrival of spring comes blooming and thriving flowers across the state. Whether you've driven past some bluebonnets or are in search of beautiful fields of bright colors, Antique Rose Emporium has all the beautiful springtime colors ready to welcome you for a breathtaking view.
Located in Brenham, The Display Gardens were created in 1984 by owner Mike Shoup as a way to showcase roses in a new, different way.
While visiting the Antique Rose Emporium, you can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while touring the eight acres of award-winning gardens and the old church on the property. If you're interested in purchasing plants and flowers or having a picnic, the Antique Rose Emporium, with tranquil music playing in the background, is a perfect day trip for all.
Newman's Castle: 2 hours away
Address: 504 E. Main Street, Belville
Filled with surprises and unique places, it should be no surprise to any Texan exploring the state to find a medieval castle in the middle of Bellville.
Newman's Castle, built and owned by local bakery owner Mike Newman, is another gem in the Lone Star State worth visiting. Newman, who explored Europe in his early 20s and had the idea to build his own castle, broke ground in 1998 to build his fortress and now lives in the home. The project was completed in 2006 and has been visited by hundreds of people from around the country, along with his bakery, Newman's Bakery.
If you are interested in a castle tour, make a reservation and visit Newman's Bakery where for $20 per person, King Mike Newman will give you the eccentric grand tour himself.
Dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon State Natural Area
Address: 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio
If you took Texas History in school, you might remember learning about The Alamo, but over 100 million years ago, prehistoric creatures, roamed what once was a beach in the San Antonio area.
Government Canyon State Natural Area is the only place in Texas where you can stroll along where dinosaurs once wandered. The dinosaur tracks were encountered in 2014 by park officials and after being explored by local paleontologists, hundreds of tracks were found throughout the area. Previously buried beneath layers of sediment and water, the tracks were found to match two different dinosaurs: Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon.
The historic finding is another treasure found along the Texas borders where hundreds of visitors every year can discover amazing tracks and learn about what once roamed the Lone Star state.
Stonehenge II, 2.5 hours away
Address: 120 Point Theatre Road S., Ingram
Most people around the world are familiar with the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge in England, but lucky for us Texans, we don't have to travel too far to see a replica of the world-renown exhibit.
Originally located in the city of Hunt, Stonehenge II was created as an art project by the late and retired oilman Al Shepperd with help from his friend and neighbor Doug Hill. The replica, which took nine months to build, is 90% the height and 60% the width of the original but is still a sight to be seen. And if Stonehenge II is not enough for you to make the trip out, Shepperd also added two 13 foot Easter Island monolithic human figures of moai to make visiting Hunt seem like a trip around the world.
In order to preserve the beloved Texas landmark and monument, the sculptures were relocated in 2010 on the campus of the Hill Country Arts Foundation beside the Guadalupe River in the city of Ingram, where Shepperd was a patron. Nowadays, thousands of tourists from all over the world travel to see the replica of prehistoric times in the small town.