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Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant music scene, lively nightlife, and unique blend of cultures, proved to be the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
With our bags packed and a sense of adventure in our hearts, we set off for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Texas.
Middle of the Action
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel's prime location made it the perfect base for our Austin adventure. The stylish rooms offered a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a long day of exploring the city.
Saturday Night on 6th Street
If you’re looking for a party on a Saturday night, you can’t go wrong immersing yourself in the famous nightlife of 6th Street.
Saturday night in Austin meant one thing: exploring the legendary nightlife on 6th Street. This iconic street is lined with bars, live music venues, and an electric atmosphere that can only be found in Austin.
As the sun sets over Austin, 6th Street transforms into a dazzling canvas of neon lights, and street art. Like a mini Bourbon St, the buildings along the street are illuminated with an array of signs, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.
Our first stop was Eureka Bar, where we were delighted by their extensive selection of craft beers and mouth watering burgers. The pub-like atmosphere and friendly staff set the perfect tone for the night ahead.
Next, we made our way to The Driskill Bar, a historic bar located inside The Driskill Hotel Known for its elegant decor and sophisticated cocktails, the ambiance exuded old-world charm, and we savored each sip of our expertly crafted drinks.
Although Dre had his heart set on 512 on 6th Street, Talita nixed the idea because the vibe was a bit too ratchet. Instead, we explored Coyote Ugly Saloon, the popular chain where the bartenders were not only skilled mixologists but could also moonlight as exotic dancers. The energy was contagious, as the staff performed interactive dances for the patrons if they ordered shots from the bar.
(We captured a few of these moments in our 6th Street Reel!)
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To indulge our inner child, we made a stop at Recess Arcade Bar, where nostalgia filled the air. The arcade games, classic pinball machines, and vintage decor transported Dre back to the 80’s although most of the crowd looked like they were born in the 00’s.
Feeling a bit adventurous, we ventured to The Lodge, a uniquely themed bar adorned with animal trophies. The rustic ambiance and cozy fireplace made us feel like we were in a hunting lodge. We sipped on craft cocktails while marveling at the impressive collection of taxidermy.
For a touch of mystery, we decided to visit the Eden Cocktail Room, a hidden speakeasy accessible through a bookshelf. As we stepped inside, we were transported to the Prohibition era. The dimly lit room and plush seating while Jazz played softly in the background, added to the sultry and relaxed vibe.
True artisans, the bartenders at Eden meticulously crafted each cocktail with precision and flair.
As the night started to wind down, we found ourselves at the Lit Lounge, a popular late-night spot that pulsated with music and dazzling lights.
We danced until the early hours of Sunday morning, fueled by the electric energy of Austin's nightlife.
Sunday Funday in SoCo
Sunday morning greeted us with anticipation and excitement as we set out to explore the area around our hotel.
We started by taking a leisurely walk to the Texas State Capitol building admiring its grand architecture and intricate landscaping.
Our trip would not be complete without indulging in Texas' most famous cuisine. For an early lunch, we satisfied our barbecue cravings at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que.
The aroma of smoky meats filled the air as we savored every bite of their mouthwatering barbecue. We tried a variety of meats, from tender brisket to juicy ribs and flavorful sausages.
The subtle BBQ sauce added a delightful touch to the meats, enhancing their flavors. And let's not forget the crispy cobblers for dessert, a sweet ending to a satisfying meal.
We then headed down South Congress Avenue past the Contemporary Austin Art Museum and across Lady Bird Lake, part of the Colorado River, which divides the city.
Dre, being an avid drone enthusiast, couldn't resist the opportunity to capture stunning panoramic pictures of the city's evolving skyline. Noticeably, many of the skyscrapers were under construction, showcasing Austin's continuous development and growth.
Also of note, is that the South Congress bridge over the river is famous for its bats. Each evening, huge flocks of bats fly out from under its shadows to be witnessed by tourists at sunset.
Walking further along South Congress Avenue, we found ourselves in SoCo, famous for its multicultural mix of boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and unique stores. Known for its Bohemian and retro charm, the street is lined with shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to antiques, art, and handmade crafts. It's also known for its food trucks, live music venues, and vivifying street art, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Austin's culture and shopping scene.
In SoCo, landmark establishments such as Torchy's Tacos caught our attention, tempting us with their delectable offerings but we were still too full from Cooper’s to eat anymore. As a taco aficionado, however, Dre did eventually try out Torchy's later in the trip, and the Tipsy Chick is phenomenal.
Jo's Coffee was packed with Sunday locals and the live band provided the backdrop as couples square danced, some looking like they danced professionally.
For dinner, we decided to continue our beef heavy culinary journey at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The traditional churrasco-style dining experience provided endless skewers of succulent grilled meats delivered directly to our table by the servers called gauchos. We indulged in various cuts of picanha, costela, fraldinha, maminha, linguiça, cordeiro, porco, and frango all cooked to perfection and carved right in front of us. Endless options at the salad bar complemented the meats, offering a variety of fresh and flavorful sides including potato salad, caprese, and of course, rice, beans, and farofa.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we couldn't resist a visit to Voodoo Donut. The colorful and quirky donut shop offered an array of unique and indulgent creations. Dre was so content devouring the signature “Voodoo Doll”, a jelly filled homage to the mystical effigy used to curse a person. It came complete with a pretzel stake through its heart.
As much as we had planned to visit the iconic Terry Black's Barbecue, our appetites were so thoroughly satisfied that we simply couldn't fit in another bite. We reluctantly decided to save it for our next visit to Austin, acknowledging that there were limits to our stomachs' capacity.
Rainey Street
We had hoped to attend the sold-out Comedy Mothership show on 6th Street, but we missed out on securing tickets. It was a slight disappointment, but we made the most of our evening nevertheless as we ventured to Rainey Street instead, known for its eclectic nightlife and unique bar scene.
Along the way, we stopped at the Sky House Lounge. Feeling, “not quite cool enough,” we couldn't help but enjoy the stunning views, trendy ambiance, and the talented DJ spinning the latest beats. We relaxed, soaking in the chic and upscale vibe created by the venue's electric atmosphere.
Next, for a more laid-back experience, we made a stop at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden. The expansive selection of beers on tap tempted us to try a variety of local brews. We savored the flavors while enjoying the communal atmosphere and the bustling energy of the beer garden.
Our next destination was The Tipsy Alchemist, where craft cocktails were elevated to an art form. The presentation of the drinks was nothing short of extraordinary, with smoke, fire, and innovative garnishes adding a touch of theatricality. We marveled at the craftsmanship and sipped on our unique concoctions, relishing each sip.
To unwind and enjoy some live music, we found ourselves at the Parlor Room. The backyard ambiance, complete with string lights and comfortable seating, created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. In the front yard, beautiful live music from a local band was hypnotic. We settled into the chill vibe and let the music wash over us.
In the backyard was a huge dance party complete with bottle service. The scene had an amazing energy despite it being so late on a Sunday evening and was the perfect ending to a memorable weekend in Austin.
Our Dope Life Continues...
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