We say it all the time, but we do truly believe it: Austin is an amazing place to raise a family. With this in mind, we’re on a mission to go discover all the things which make our town special. To help get out more without getting overwhelmed, we came up with the Austin Bucket List project. Each year, we pick 10 things we’d like to do in Austin — with or without our kids. That sounds doable, doesn’t it? Then, we document our adventures here, with the idea of getting each of you inspired to do the same.
What’s an endeavor like this without a few friends along for the ride? We asked our blogger friends in Austin who’d like to join us on the Austin Bucket List project, and we were thrilled to have several takers. Last we heard from Lisa, she was sinking her teeth into Austin’s most hyped BBQ. This time, she reports back on her goal to complete an east Austin bar crawl. Here’s what she had to say:
I’ve discovered this year that I definitely composed my Bucket List without really thinking about what it would entail. I knew there wasn’t a huge chance I would actually wait in line at Franklin BBQ, I wasn’t exactly sure where Lake LBJ actually is and I can never remember to book a night at Esther’s Follies or a bat cruise. Also, one of my items is just not mired in the reality of my life: an east side bar crawl.
I’m almost 40 years old…I really have no business doing any kind of crawl unless it’s crawling into bed for a Sunday afternoon nap! What world would I live in where I could go to more than one bar a night or however many it takes to do a crawl?
That said, I do love east Austin and the eclectic array of watering holes and hidden gems it hides. I try to check out a different place any time I have a kid-free evening. Because even though Austin is overwhelmingly kid-friendly, east Austin really isn’t.
Here is a list of my favorite east Austin haunts (in no particular order):
East Side Showroom
1100 E 6th St
Food trailer or full menu? Full menu
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? Maybe not during the week before 8pm.
Why do I like it so much? Speakeasy atmosphere, crafted cocktails and deviled eggs.
Hi-Hat Public House
2121 E 6th St
Food trailer or full menu? Full menu
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? You could bring a kid here if it’s early enough.
Why do I like it so much? Extensive craft beer selection and delicious cheap eats during happy hour.
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th St
Food trailer or full menu? Via 313 food trailer
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? I would feel funny having my kid in a dark bar.
Why do I like it so much? Orange Whips and Via 313.
The Liberty
1618 1/2 E 6th St
Food trailer or full menu? East Side King trailer
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? Probably.
Why do I like it so much? The beer garden out back and East Side King’s Chicken Buns.
Hops & Grain Brewery
507 Calles
Food trailer or full menu? Food trailers every Saturday
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? No, breweries without kids seem to be a thing of the past.
Why do I like it so much? Small, local, sustainable brewery with my favorite locally-brewed porter: Porter Culture.
Gourmand’s Neighborhood Pub
2316 Webberville Rd
Food trailer or full menu? Full menu
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? No, we’ve taken Lucy there plenty. She swears it’s the best grilled cheese ever.
Why do I like it so much? THE SANDWICHES! The Last Supper, the Orgy and the Godfather are my favorites. Plus, the service is super-friendly and the beer selection is on-point
Shangri-La
1016 E 6th St
Food trailer or full menu? Neither
Would I get a death stare if I brought my kid here? Yes.
Why do I like it so much? The beer garden and photo booth.
Here are a few other places I haven’t been to, would like to check out:
- The Butterfly Bar – I have heard about Patrizi’s pasta trailer like it’s a mythical legend.
- Grackle
- White Horse
- Yellow Jacket Social Club
- Hotel Vegas
- The Brixton
Parking can be a bit tricky on the weekends. Taking CapMetro to the Plaza Saltillo station is a good option if you don’t want to deal with trying to find a space. During the week, there are metered spots all along the main streets, 5th, 6th, etc. Neighborhoods are permitted so definitely pay attention to the signs.
What are your fave places on the east side? Have you done a successful bar crawl?
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://www.livemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/lc_headshot.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]After growing up in Pittsburgh and bouncing around The West, Lisa Caldwell settled in Austin in 2012 with her husband and daughter with the dream of eating tacos for the majority of her meals. In her spare time, she writes at Hip-Baby Mama.[/author_info] [/author]
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