shop – sip – sup: best of austin, texas
I spent four years living in Austin getting my bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and the past eight years since then wishing I could go back and relive one or two of those relatively carefree days.
Luckily, I do get to go back pretty often for work and fun. And whenever I’m in Texas, I hit up all of my old favorite shopping, eating and drinking haunts. During my latest trip home, however, I ventured beyond the reliable standbys and am happy to report I’ve added a few new favorites to my list of must-do’s in Austin:
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Old standby: By George
My first pair of Sevens, first Kate Spade bag (remember the fabric, boxy purses that were so popular in 1999? Gosh!) and first Milly dresses all came from By George, which was then located conveniently dangerously close to the UT campus on the Drag. The store now anchors Lamar and 6th and I always drop in to see what there is to see. For those who can afford it, By George carries an impressive selection of aspirational designers not found elsewhere in Austin. And if you’re looking for premium denim in town, it’s still the place to go.
New favorite: Luxe Apothetique
What a great little concept store! Luxe Apothetique is a “boutique, apothecary and full service salon and spa” located in the Domain shopping center in north Austin. While I haven’t yet tried the spa services, the shopping is superb. Luxe offers a good mix of mid-to-high-end designers and more affordable lines. I browsed the generous selection of Marc Jacobs/Marc by Marc dresses and accessories, DVF and Robert Rodriguez, but most of all I adore their eponymous line of well-priced, pretty and feminine dresses and tops. Luxe Apothetique alone is worth the drive to the Domain.
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Old standby: Mozart’s on the Lake
Countless hours of my college career were spent on the deck at Mozart’s, overlooking the lake and getting unlimited coffee refills while studying. Today, the view is still serene and the coffee and pastries are top-notch – only I don’t have to lug any textbooks or cram for any midterms – which makes it all the better. Great atmosphere in the day or evening.
New favorite: Texenza Coffee Shop
Get it? “Grounds for independence?” Texans love jokes about seceding. This past week, we stopped by this little joint on 360/Capital of Texas each morning before work. It’s a combination coffee shop and wine bar with a decent selection of breakfast tacos – a key differentiator for Austinites. The large outdoor area and pretty view of the Hill Country and Lake Travis in the distance makes Texenza truly unique and pleasant. I’d love to come back on a spring or fall evening to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio.
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Old standby: Trudy’s
I needn’t say more than this: fried avocado drenched in queso and potent Mexican martinis that come with a two-per-person limit. The29th Street/campus location of Trudy’s is the coziest and my vote for the best Tex-Mex in Austin.
New favorite: East Side Showroom
Thanks to my friend’s ambitious plan to take me somewhere in Austin I’d never been before, I fell in love with the East Side Showroom on this trip. The family-owned spot on East 6th Street was designed after the “cafés, music halls, and cabarets of pre-War Eastern Europe, Berlin, and New York,” but make no mistake: this place is uniquely Austin too. Admittedly, I was wary to venture east of I-35 but discovered that East 6th is developing into a pocket of neat restaurants, shops and bars reminiscent of SoCo when it was “South Congress” and just plain weird and not trendy. With a focus on vintage cocktails/mixology, this quirky little spot also serves locally grown/raised produce and meats. The drinks really stole the show, but I’m eager to go back and try anything on the dinner menu.
Every place is unique, but I think Austin is one of the most unique cities in the world. In closing, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite little pieces of Texas attitude and swagger. Come and take it!
