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34 Whereto Two-Step in Austin
An inside look at the capitalcity’stwostep renaissanceand thebesthonkytonksaroundtown.
48 Justthe TwoofUs Indulgeyour buddingloveorkeep theold flamealive with theserelaxing romantic getaways near Austin
56 Austin’sTop Doctors2025
Find thebest medicalcareinthe city with 874trusted physicians in more than 80 fields CommodorePerry Estate has romantic landscaping and activitiestailored just forcouples.
Editor’s Letter 18
Feast
Abarbecuehot spot in Crestviewmakes pageantry of itsprocess 21
Find newfriends at these unique culinary gatherings around town 22
On abooze break? Trythe nonalcoholic offerings from localbrandswelove 24
Beat
Hyattacquiredsomeof Austin’s most iconic hotels here’s what it means 28
Amanda Zurawski,who had alife-threateningexperience with Texas’ abortion laws, pens aguest essay 30
Inside UT’s missiontobring more musicexperiences to theForty Acres 32 WeirdHistory 106
COFFEE
January/February 2025 |Vol.33|No. 1
General Manager RandiStevenson
Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern
Creative Director Mara Esquivel
EDITORIAL
Executive Editor BryanC.Parker
Contributing Writers Rose McMackin,RuvanideSilva, Amanda Zurawski
Subscriptions, Renewals,and AddressChanges:Austin Monthly, PO Box217,San Antonio, TX 78297-2127 512-387-6234,subscriptions@austinmonthly.com or online at austinmonthly.com/subscribe.
WEBSITEAND SOCIAL MEDIA austinmonthly.com
Editor’sLetter
It TakesTwo
ASILOOKBACKonmyhighschooldays,it’sfunnywhatIstill remember.Icannotrecallanyofthegraduationspeeches.Ihave nocluewherewehadourseniorpromorwhatteamweplayed forthehomecominggame.Hell,Idon’tevenknowthenames of half of my teachers.But Idistinctlyrememberthe time I learnedhowtodotheTexastwo-step
BorninMinneapolis,Ihadneverevenheardofthedance asakid.ButaftermovingtoAmarilloatage9,Ibecameacutelyfamiliarwiththeiconicmovementanditsstoriedlore.About twodecades ago, Istepped onto thedance flooratMidnight Rodeowithmyhighschoolboyfriend.WehadgonetotheHigh Plainshonky-tonktoseeaconcertbyTexascountryartistPat Green.DespitetheXsmarkedacrossmyhandsinblackSharpie—which signified that Iwas tooyoung to drink—Ifeltlikea bonafideadult.
ThedanceflooratMidnightRodeoencircledthebarinthe middle,sowetwirledpastlocalsclinkingLoneStarbeersand swayingtothe music. Farfroma natural, Ihad to repeatedly countout thesteps in my head,and my boyfriendlovingly notedthatI kept “tryingtolead.”(Hey, if theshoe fits .) Still, that rhythmic dancepairedwiththe sounds of pedalsteel guitarandromanticvocalsisforeveretchedinmymind.
HereinAustin,thetwo-steppingscenehasexplodedinthe last decade—especiallyaspeoplelookfor connection in a post-pandemicworld.Every nightofthe week,localscan ventureouttocutarug,doflipsandspins,orlearnhowtodothe movementforthefirsttimewithexperttutorials.Inourlatest coverfeature,“WheretoTwo-StepinAustin” (page34),executiveeditorBryanC.Parkerexplorestheburgeoningscene,from thebesthonky-tonksandinstructorstotheWestern-inspired garbandproperetiquettefordancers
Speakingofactivitiesfortwo,thenewyearushersinatime when people thinka lotabout love—eithercelebrating it or findingit.Inthesepages,wefeatureaguidetoromanticgetaways in CentralTexas (“Just theTwo of Us,” page 48)aswellasnew culinary-centricmeetupsthatallowtheopportunitytobreak breadandmeetpeople.(“ClubSandwich,”page22.)Thosewho arecurrentlyunattachedshouldalsomarktheircalendarsfor AustinMonthly’sannualSinglesintheCityparty.Justintime forValentine’sDay,wewillpresentthemosteligiblesinglesin Austin during abig bash on Feb. 13,where locals canmix and mingle.Inour increasingly digitalworld,it’seasytobecome isolated,but remember that humans arewired to spendtime together.Asyoukickoff2025,dustoffyourcowboybootsand headoutonthetown
Feelingstrong, passionate andpurposefulcomes easily in astimulating setting. That’s whereMaravilla @The Domain shines—impressiveamenities,gourmet dining, andinvigoratingadventrures offerwhatyou need fora lively,enjoyable future. Booka tour andfind outwhatthe newyearcan bring.
SmokeShow
Withitssleekcharcoal-and-whiteinteriorandexotic menuofferings,upscalebarbecuerestaurantBlack Gold is alreadyina league of itsown.OwnerpitmasterMemsDavilatradedhispopularWünder Pigtruck forthe newCrestview brick-and-mortar, whichfeatureslargewindowsthatputthesmokers onfulldisplay.“Iwantpeopletositatthebarwitha cocktail andlookoverthe pit, seeing abeautiful cloakofblacksmokedmeatthat’ssuperjuicyinside,” hesays.“That’sthegoldpart.”Whileconceptualizing themenuwithfoodand beverage director Wally
Sanchez,Daviladrewinspirationfromtheirshared RioGrandeValleyupbringingtohighlight their SouthTexan andMexican heritage.Black Gold showcasesa knackfor fusion with wild game,like itssucculent elkburgertoppedwithcrumbly choriquesomadefromOaxacancheeseandChorizo de SanManuel, as well as itsreverse-searedduck withatangycrispedmango-habaneroskin.“We’re paying homage to rootsofbarbecuewhile taking theopportunitytodosomethingdifferent,”Sanchez says —RuvanideSilva
Feast TastyTidbits
ClubSandwich
Lookingtomeetnew people this year?Bondoverfoodatthese localgatherings.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
VeganMeetup
Noneedtovegoutathomewhenyoucansavorplant-basedfare withfriends!LastMarch,FunCityAustincreatorNimaiLarson partneredwithATXVegansandPlantedSocietyfounderBritty Mann to developa recurring“Snackluck” event. At thesefree meetups,attendeeseachbringahomemadevegandishorpurchased snacktoshare as they mingle with newpeople. The gatheringstakeplaceanywherefromnonalcoholicloungeSans BartobackyardpoolsorZilkerPark.Whiletheeventsaregeared toward vegans andvegetarians,they’re open to anyone openminded—andhungryforconnection.instagram.com/atxvegans
OneNight Only
When it comestosocializing in Austin,it’seasytofallintoa rut. Evan H. Duvall wanted to create tailored evenings with a bitmorenovelty.Truetothe name,eachoccurrenceofOne NightOnlyofferssomething different, from whiskeytastings anddinnerparties to classicalguitarperformancesand latenightbites at taco speakeasies. Forexample,atone past event, guests metata restaurant fora cocktail before a fleetofblack carswhiskedthemawaytoasurpriseartgalleryandatuckedawaybar.Whilediningandcultureareemphasized,Duvallbuilt theconcepttofosternewconnections.Theresult?Experiencesthatfeelbothinclusiveandexclusive.onenightonlyatx.com
Timeleft
LaunchedinAustinlastsummer,thisinternationalapphasa simple concept: have dinner with strangers. Userstakea personality quiz to be matchedwith five otherpeopleinthe city, then meet them on aWednesday nightata spot announced that morning. Thealgorithm pairsindividuals in similarage ranges with amix of gendersand types(thinkintrovertsand extroverts),andtheappincludespromptstostimulateconversations. During themeal, thecompany announcesa “one last drink”locationwherealltheothergroupeddinerscangather fora nightcap.The idea is to make newfriends,but younever know—sparkscouldfly.timeleft.com
GoodGrief
Theysaygriefsharedissorrowhalved.Thatwastheideabehind thisweeklygroup,whichgivesindividualsexperiencinglossa chance to find healingthrough movement andcommunity DevelopedlastMaybySamHendel,theclubhosts2.5-or4-mile runs on Monday mornings at 7a.m.After thefreeworkout, attendeescan bond over breakfastand discounted coffee at NobleJoe Coffee Co.While themeetupwas designed to help thosecopingwithgrief—Hendellosther mother to cancer in 2022—everyoneiswelcome.(Yes,includingwalkers!)instagram .com/goodgriefrunning
GoodLibations
Whetheryou’reteetotaling,practicingDry January, or taking an occasional break from booze, theselocal nonalcoholic beveragesgivebig flavor withoutthe hangover
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
TENNEYSON
THETASTE:
Craftedwithrealplants, this botanical concoction boasts piquantflavorslike blackpepper, ginger,dandelion, andgentian root
Featuringlegal Delta-9THC from American-grown hemp,these tart concoctionsblend naturalberry,peach,orgingerflavorswithlemon juicefor asparkling sipper
HOWTODRINK IT:
Pour it in acoupe glass. (Why should cocktailshaveall thefun?)
PERFECTFOR:
Acalming nightcap to induce sleep.
WHERETOGET IT:
Dia’sMarket, Delta8Austin, GreenHaus, Near Me Liquors.
2020, 2021, 2022
FIRSTPLACE: BESTDENTIST
2018, 2020, 2022,2023
FIRSTPLACE: BESTCOSMETICDENTISTRY
“change your smile, change your life.”
Mark Sweeney,DDS
Founder; Cosmetic &General Dentist
Favorite quote: “Better well done than well said.” —Benjamin Franklin LovesAustin’s cool vibe&laid-back atmosphere. Mexican martinisand breakfast tacos! Enjoys two-stepping atthe Broken Spoke! HangingatIII Forks &Trulucks downtown.
Cycling on the Hike& Biketrail. Hitting tennis ballsanywhere.
Kirsten Thouvenot, DDS
Krista DeCoursin, DDS
OvernightSuccess
Bunkhouse’suniquelodgingsdefined theaesthetic of a boutique hotelstayinthe capitalcity. What does Hyatt’s acquisitionof thosepropertiestellusabout thehospitality industry—and thetrajectoryofAustin?
BYBRYANC.PARKER
IN1995,LIZLAMBERTpurchasedarun-down motelonSouth Congress.The placewas falling apart, with paintpeelingoff thewalls andseedy furniture, andillicit activities were rampant. It tookLamberthalfadecade,butshetransformed itintooneofthecapitalcity’smostbeloved—and beautiful—boutiquehotels,theSanJosé.Thatwas the firstofmanyprojectsfor thehotelier, who went on to developa portfolioofchiclodgings across Texas, includingHotel SaintCeciliaand theAustinMotel
It’s notanexaggerationtosay that these properties helped define thequintessential feelingofa hotelstayinAustin. WhileLambert andthe companyshe founded, Bunkhouse, partedwaysin2019,herindeliblefingerprinthas remained on thepropertiesthatshe dreamed intoexistence.“Wedidn’twanttogivepeoplethe everyday experience,” shesays. “Wewantedto havedeskagentsthatknewaboutthemusicscene orcouldtellyouthebestplacetogettacos.”That authenticity attracteda certainkindoftraveler. Lambertremembers AnnieLeibovitz photographing LucindaWilliamsinthe courtyardof theSan José andPatti Smithcheckinginwith herguitarstrappedtoher back
Thesearethespotsthatcelebritiesandfamed musicianshavealwaysgravitatedtoward. Foo Fighters even released an entire EP recorded by turningthe HotelSaint Ceciliaintoa makeshift studio.Whichtracks,giventhatthehotelisnamed afterthepatronsaintofmusicandpoetryandis builtaround“good,classicdesign,withanadded elementofmusic,ormorespecifically, therock ‘n’rollattitudeand romantic lifestyle,”explains BunkhousepresidentLisaBonifacio.Refinedyet
funky, theseplacestypifiedthe energy of the capitalcityandgavevisitorsatasteofeverything localslovedaboutthevibehere.
This past October, HyattacquiredStandard International, parent companytoBunkhouse, andits entire slateofhotels, includingSaint Cecilia,oneofonlyeightMichelinkeyhotelsinthe capitalcity. Butmoreimportantly,ithas given Hyattthereinstosomeseriousculturalcurrency in Austin.One of thelargest hotelgroupsinthe world, Hyattwas foundedin1957and manages around1,350propertiesacrosstheglobe.Butit’s onlyrecently—withinthelastsevenyearsorso thatthehotelgroupbegantoacquirethekindof nichehotelsintheBunkhouseportfolio
That shiftmight have somethingtodowith travelers’ post-pandemicdesires andeconomic realities. In this newera:socialmedia reigns, people avoidcrowds, andhow adollarisspent mattersmorethanever.Asaresult,travelerscrave trulysingularandpersonalexperiences.
There’snobetterplace than Austin to create an initialfootholdfor Hyatt’slifestyle arm. As a historically sleepy collegetown, bigfancy hotels were neverthe tasteofthe live musiccapital of theworld.And even afterthe arrivalofmajor
Hotel SanJoséhelped South Congress evolve into abustling hub for shopping and dining.
SUITE
DREAMS
Austin’s hotelsector is on theriseas tourismisbooming once again.
$252
Averagenightly rate foradouble room in Austin,per CheapHotels.org.
56%
Growth in hotel capitalcityinventory from 2016 to 2022 peracityreport.
50,000
The estimated number of hotel roomsinAustin.
$163 million Approximaterevenue generatedbylocal hoteloccupancy taxin fiscalyear2023-24
7%
Projectedgrowth rate forthe boutique hotelmarket, per YahooFinance
“Hyatt fell in love with Bunkhouse Hotels becauseof whoweare.”
playerslikethe J.W. Marriott,the WHotel,and theFairmont,plentyofpeoplestillprefertoseek outthe smallergemsinthe city.Travelers come here forthe same reasonstheychoosesuchhotels—they’re lookingfor somethingunexpected andmemorable,andBunkhouse’ssitesofferthat AccordingtoYahooFinance,theglobalboutiquehotel market is valued around $25billion andisprojected to grow at arateof7%through therestofthisdecade. Adding theseproperties to theirportfolio is really aboutHyatt becoming morelikethem,andnottheotherwayaround. Butacorporateacquisitionofasmallerbrand always stokes some concernabout thedirection of thoseentities, whichbegsthe question—what mightchangeaboutthesecherishedinns?Ifyou askLalvani,nothingatall.“Hyattfellinlovewith BunkhouseHotelsbecauseofwhoweare,”hesays “The culture, thecreativity, theproperties, and most importantly, ourpeople.”Asfurther proof, onecould look to theDriskill, whichHyatt purchasedin2013.Thelocaltreasurehascontinued tothriveandmaintainitssignatureelegance.
Amid thoseassurances, it’s stillfeasiblethat therecould be shifts,evenifnot totaloverhauls Forexample,beforethe Bunkhousedeal, Hyatt madeamovetobringfoodandbeverageprograms in-houseasopposedtoworkingwiththirdparties That meantJames Beardaward–winning chef MashamaBailey’srestaurants TheGreyMarket andDiner Barhad to shutteratthe Thompson Hotel,aHyattpropertyindowntownAustin.The change doesn’tmeanHyatt couldn’t tapother talentedlocalchefstohelmtheirin-houserestaurantsmovingforward,butitdoeshintthatthere willnowbelargermachinationsatplaythanthe scaleonwhichBunkhousepreviouslyoperated.
In some ways,Hyatt’s acquisitionofthese reveredpropertiesisn’t just aboutwhether they mightchangeornot—itopens aconversation abouttheverysoulofAustin.Thecitywasn’tjust specialforhavingkitschyplacestostayandexplore. Itmatteredthatthoseplaceswerebuiltandowned byAustinites.EvenifHyattprovestobeafantastic steward, themovecontinues atrend of beloved capitalcityinstitutionsbeingpurchasedbylarger,out-of-towninterests.
Thatfactwillmattermoretosomethanothers, butit’sworth noting that whileAustinmay hold ontoitscharm,theethoshasshiftedtoembrace tech moguls andbusinesstycoons more than eccentriclocals. Maybethat’sthe silver lining: philosophicalmusingsaside,Hyattplanstobring BunkhouseHotelsintotheWorldofHyattloyaltyprogram,sogetthosepointsready!
StateofMind
Texas’ reproductive restrictions almost cost me my life.Here’show Irediscoveredmyhope afteranother setbackwiththe election
“IT’STOO EARLYTOBEEXCITED,” Isaidto my husband, Josh,after he gleefullypointed out thatKamalaHarriswas“crushingitinFlorida.”It was7:32p.m., CentralTime, on Nov. 5. Around 8:30,I became ashellshockedversion of myself Andby9:30,Iwaslostinasuspendedrealitywhere Iknewour fate butstill desperatelyhoped there wereaworldinwhichitwasn’tso.
We hadlostthe election,and we’d lost decisively Thelasttwo yearsofmylife,I wondered, wasitallfornothing?
In August 2022,after experiencing severe complicationswhenIwas18weekspregnantwith my firstchild—a baby girl Idesperately wanted they told me shewould notsurvive.Ontop of excruciating emotionaland physical pain,I couldn’t getthe abortion Ineededdue to Texas’ restrictivelaws. My nightmareunfoldedinagonizingslowmotionforthreedaysuntilmysystem wasinlife-threateningsepticshock.Tomakesure no oneelsewould ever have to go throughthe samehorrors,Idecidedtojointhepoliticalbattle in earnest. Now, Iwas wonderingwhether the wholegruelingexperiencehadbeeninvain
ThelawsuitIled,Zurawskiv.Texas.Theeponymousdocumentary aboutit. Agreeing to be an official surrogatefor thepresidentialcampaign. Quittingmyjob.Helpingeverypro-choicecandidateIcould.Hadthiswholeeffortbeenpointless?
Icalledmymom,burstingintotears as she answeredthephone.“Whatdowedonow?”
“Well, we pick ourselvesup,”mymom said “Nowtherealfightbegins.”
IspenttheWednesdayaftertheelectionthinkingofallthemenandwomenacrossthecountry whosharedmycloud of despair. Ithought of all thefolkswhohaddedicatedtheirlivestothiscause foryears,andtheoneswhohadjoined,likeme,just recently.The griefand thedefeatwerepalpable fromeverycornerofthecountry,andineveryspace ofmybeing.Butit’svitaltorememberthatreproductiverightshavenevercomewithoutsetbacks.
Thinking of oursharedstrugglehelpedme doasmymotherinstructed:keepfighting.Itwasn’t allhorror, afterall.The silver liningswerethin, buttherewhenIlookedforthem.Sevenoutoften reproductive rights ballot measures hadpassed inconservativestateslikeMissouriandArizona; even Floridawas apseudo-win, as it gotthe majoritybutfailedtomeetthearbitrary60%threshold.MostAmericanswantreproductivefreedom, includingmanywho votedfor Donald Trump righthereinTexas
Whilethere is no path to enshrine reproductive rights throughaballotmeasureinTexas,thatdoesnotmeanwecan’t protectthose freedomsinthisstate.I’veseenthe fightinour owngreatcitythroughtheReproductiveJusticeFund,which financiallyaidsAustiniteswhomusttraveltoreceiveabortion care,and throughthe thousandswho marchedinOctober to protestthe bans in Texas. Isaw thesharedconvictiononthe campaigntrailwhendrovesofvolunteersorganizedtoknock ondoorsandencouragevoterstochoosepro-choicecandidates. Warriors arebattlingeverywhere, from HoustontoAmarillo, Corpus ChristitoGrapevine,McAllen to SanAntonio, andthere is awaveofjustice diligently erodingthe boulder that stands before us
Wehavereachedthetwilightofarealitythatwehaveknown sincethe’70s,butwemustrefusetolivethenextfouryearsin darkness.Ifwecan’t seethe light, we must be it.Anytime I notice an unlittorch,I want to be thespark to ignite their flame—andIimploreyoutodothesame.
ONAFRIDAYAFTERNOONthispastOctober,UT fluteprofessorEboneeThomaswasteachingwhenshe gotatextthatmadeherdoadoubletake.It’snotevery daythatsomeonesaysmusiclegendAndré3000wants to visityourclass.Famed forhis rapcareerwithOutKast,André Benjamin recently turned to flutefor a newalbumandspentadaytalkingwithstudents andstaffattheButlerSchoolofMus wereallexcited,wewereallnervou he just hasthiscalmdemeano Thomas remembers. “It’sjustrare thatsomeoneofhiscalibertakes thetimetogenuinely connect withyoungartists.”
Theplanwas hatchedby UT’s senior director of live musicand entertainment, Andy Langer,who joined the college’sstaff last fall.Langer brings decadesofexperience in themusic world, including servingasthevoiceofACLRadio forabout15years.Thehiresignals UT’s missiontoboost thequality andfrequency of musicexperienc forstudentsontheFortyAcres
Thecapitalcity’srobust musiccultureisundeniably part of thecalculusfor youngpeopledeciding wheretoattendcollege Butnow more than ever, schoolsarelookingforways to market themselves as theirown insularlifestyle brand.Forexample,UThad anotablepresenceatSXSW last year with an installationatAntone’scalledthe Hook’EmHouse(pictured, left). Thepop-upfeatured panels,toutedacademic programs,and aperformancebyindie popmusicianDayglow,withplansto returnin2025 LangerworkedwithUT unofficiallyforaboutayear, consultingonprojectslike theCMTAwardsatMoody Center,bringingDiplo in forashowoncampus,and helpingfacilitatea songwriterinresidenceprogram.Afterjoiningthestaffin earnest,he’s brimmingwithideas:tappingmusician WarrenHoodtoplayfiddleataUTfootballgameand bookingT-PainforBallontheMallthispastDecember. He even hada hand in gettingthatrecognizable burntorangeLonghorns jersey on Leon Bridges (pictured,inset)forhisperformanceatACLFest ButUT’snew hire is most focusedoncreating singular experiencesfor students.InNovember, he broughtinternational popsensation Keshitothe CactusCafé.AformerUTnursingstudent,theartist’s popularity hassoaredthankstoa devotedonline following.WhileKeshi’srecenttourincludedarenas likeMadisonSquareGarden,Langerarrangedaquiet setatthe historic listeningroomoncampus. The musicianspentthedaytalkingwithstudentsanddid anonstageQ&Aduringhisshow.
“EveryonesaysAustinisthe live musiccapital andit’sfunky andweird,soknowing that spartofsucha vibrantcitywas nitelyaverybigpull,”sayssenior oLee,who gottobea part of theteamthathelpedplanthe event. “Working behind the scenes really does teach transferable skills that go onmyrésumé.” Ultimately,Langerhas asimplelitmustestfor whichofhis myriad ideas he’llpursuenext. “Doesit betterconnecttheuniversityandtheAustinculture, ordoesitcreatecorememoriesforstudents?”heasks.“The things that do either of those ea yesfor me—and thethings dobothareanecstaticyes.”
Startthenewyearoffright,anddonateyourunused itemstoGoodwilltokeepthemout of landfills and help fund programs that provideeducation,career training, andjob opportunitiestoCentral Texans in need.Thisyear, feel greatabout doingsomegood!
Wto Where here
In Austin in Austin
Arenaissance of classiccountry musichas sparked a golden eraof two-stepping in the capital city, where packed honky-tonks host aclose-knitcommunity of regularsand give wide-eyedtourists aglimpseatan authentic sliceofTexasculture.
BY BRYANC.PARKER
Asiconicasarmadillos,bluebonnets, andWillieNelson:Two-steppinghas beenapartofTexascultureformore thanahundredyears.Evenwithsuch astoriedlegacy,thedancehasseen amajor resurgence over thelast decade—especiallyacrossAustin.
Newcomerslooking to tryitout can find afreelessonjustabout any nightoftheweek.Butthecapitalcity isalsohometoanactiveandrobust social dancingcommunity.Here, two-steppers keep in touchontext threads,meetupnightly,andshuffle intotheearlyhoursofthemorning. Afew mightstick to theirone true sweetheart,but it’s common to see dancersswitchingoffbetweensongs, enjoyingafleetingtwo-minutecommitmentbeforecatchingtheglance ofanothercompanionacrossthebar tosyncupforthenextnumber
Austin’s two-step boom arrived in twosuccessivewaves,withthe post-pandemicdesirefor human connectiondrivingthemostrecent buzz.But thegenesis of thedance’s re-popularizationowesmuchtoEast Austinhonky-tonkTheWhiteHorse, whichrekindled thetrend over a decadeagoandhasbeenthegateway to two-stepping formanysince Readytogiveitawhirl?Fromwhere todanceandwhattoweartothebest nights forlessons andtips on etiquette, here’s everythingyou need to know abouttwo-steppinginthe capitalcity.
Two-stepper Chris Goman dipsinstructor Vanessa Vaught of Double or Nothing Two-Step at Sagebrush.
THE HORSE WHITE
Cowboybootsscuffagainstaconcretefloorto thecrisp snap of asnare drum,and silhouettes swaytowaveringpedalsteelnotesdriftingupinto thesultryTexasnight.Oversizedbeltbucklesand stylishbolotiesglint in thedim lightasruffled dressesflutter.Boththe swirling dancersand onlookerssippingLoneStarsloseallsenseoftime, immersedinasightthatcouldeasilybeborrowed from half acentury ago—butthisispresent day AustinonaTuesdaynightatTheWhiteHorse Frequenttwo-stepperGrantBarnesstumbled upon this enchanting spectacleone nightback in 2022.“My eyes just blew up like saucers,”he says.Eventhoughhewasn’tquitesureexactlywhat he waswatching, Barnes knew he wanted to be a part of it.“Ijumpedinand quicklygot addicted togoingallthetime.”Freshoffabreakup,Barnes foundcommunity amongthe familiar faces hangingaroundThe WhiteHorse.Plus, he was gettinginsomeexerciseand discoveringa slew ofnewfavoritebands.“Iwouldgetsomanyboxes
checked,”hesays.“It'sphysical,there'sendorphins going,itcanbeveryintimateevenwithoutbeing sensualorsexual—andyou'redoing it to some amazingmusic.”
In some ways,the storyofAustin’stwo-step renaissancebeginswithThe WhiteHorse,but it really starts before that,backwhenthe bar’s founder, DenisO’Donnell,was managing and bookingatTheHoleintheWallinthelateaughts O’Donnelldiscoveredabevyoftalentedcountry musiciansand startedhiringthemtoperform duringhappyhourtimeslotsonweekdays.Mike andtheMoonpies,LeoRondeau,BrennenLeigh, andotherswho have sincefound wideracclaim played some of theirearliestshows on thetiny stagetuckedinthe venue’sfront corner.Soon enough,Mondays startedtodrawcrowdsthat lookedmorelikeSaturdays,andO’Donnellknew he wasontosomething.But therewasn’ta great placeforallthesepromisingyoungcountryacts tomakethenextleap.
Step by Step
In2011,O’Donnellpartneredup with Marshall McHone anda few otherswhenaspacebecameavailable justoffEastSixthStreet.Atthetime, theventure felt like arisk. Coulda honky-tonksurviveamongtheEast Side’s hipsterdives like Shangri-La andHotel Vegas? Butthatgamble haspaidoff.It’sfairtosay that The WhiteHorsewasasuccessfromthe giddyup, butithas emergedintoa NewAustinclassic—hailedbythe NewYorkTimesandcoveredbynational outletslike Harper’s Bazaar, RollingStone,andVice
That acclaimhas ledtoanincreasingnumberoftouristsshowing up fora peek at arealTexas honkytonk.Ona recent Saturday night, a pairofbestfriendscladinsilkshirts andsparklycowboyhatsvisitedthe barwithanentourage in towfor a jointbachelor/bachelorette party. Out-of-townersandAustinitesalike turnupearlyforafreetwo-steplessonfromlongtimeinstructorBethCoffey(seesidebar)
Even amid allthe fanfare, thebar retainsa healthycontingentoflocals,especiallyonTuesdays,whichremainsthe preferrednightforthe capitalcity’sbestdancerstomeetup.O’Donnell says dancinghas been integral from thestart, andratherthanjustcountrymusicfans,thebar welcomes amuchbroader swathoffolks.“Iremember lookingout at thedance floorand gettingchokedup, becausesomanydifferent kindsofpeopleweredancing,” he says.
It’s toughto find amomentwhenThe White Horseisn’tpacked,butifyoushowupearlyenough (orstaypastlastcalluntil thebleary-eyed crowd wandersout),you’llnoticethatthefloorofthebar hasbeencompletelyerodedinthe area where tandemsofdancersshuffleeachnight.Now,there’s aweathered line wherethe bar’scheckered tile giveswaytobareconcrete—aconvincingtestament tothestrengthofAustin’stwo-stepscene
THEWHITE HORSE’S RESIDENT DANCE INSTRUCTOR HASAHISTORY OF GOOD LUCK IN HONKY-TONKS.
In 2004,BethCoffey foundherself confinedtoa hospital bedand aneckbrace aftera terrifying rollover carcrash near herfamilyranch outsideofMarfa.As soon as shewas on themend, agroup of herfriends insisted on taking herdancing.Ata now-defunctNorth Austin spot called Dallas Nite Club,Coffey rediscovered apassion forsomething she’dlearned yearsago as a little girl:the Texastwo-step.
“Thisguy askedmetodance,and he wasa great dancer,” shesays. Coveredinbandagesand feeling decidedlyun-cute,Coffey wasreassured by hernew two-stepping partner, whoinsistedall that mattered wasthatshe coulddance.She washookedinnotime andbegan frequentinghot spotslikeThe Broken Spokeand TheContinental Club.Asaneighth-generation Texanbornintoadance-lovingCzech family,she just felt at home whiletwo-stepping.
When TheWhite Horseopenedits doors, the veterandancerturnedall thosehours of funintoa career,and she’sbeenthe dedicatedtwo-step instructor forthe venuefor 13 years. Herbeginner lesson (Thursdaythrough Saturday at 7p.m.) is a perfectcrash course in this Texastradition.Overthe past twodecades,she’s made appearanceson The Today Show,has been hiredbystars like Sylvester Stallone,and hasconsulted on television programs such as Walker, Texas Ranger andassistedonmusic videos forartists like Dasha.
Yearsafter that dancehallencounter that changed herlife, Coffey hadanother fortuitous meetinginan Austin bar. Onenight in 2012,she told guitaristJoe Jerkinsshe likedhis musicasheclambered off the stageatThe WhiteHorse.“YouknowwhatIlike aboutyou,BethCoffey?” Jerkinsasked.“Everything.”The musician andthe danceinstructorwere marriedwithinayear. Don’tlet anyone tell youthat youcan’t findloveinahonky-tonk.
From left:RevelryatThe White Horse; Ramsay Midwood performs with his band;instructor Beth Coffey two-stepswithhusband Joe Jerkins.
COWBOY UP
Dress forthe dance floorwith Western attire from these localshops.
By Rose McMackin
Boots
Find the perfect pair of two-stepping bootsat Tecovas' 1 dedicated storefront—or getthe full experienceat South Congress staple AllensBoots, which offersa sprawlingselectionand the headiestleather smellintown. Look forstyleswith aleather sole—they’ll slidebetteronthe dancefloor!
Attire
While knownfor boots, Lucchese carries stunning wardrobe pieces likefringe jackets 2 ,and Tecovas offersarangeof apparel, from pearl-snap shirts 3 to spin-worthydresses 4 .Looking for something moreone-of-a-kind?Indulge in the curated selection of secondhand Western finds at Honeyhill Market or browse the stacks of vintagedenimat American Drifter
BoloTies
Addsome flair with abolotie from the brand-new Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott 5 collection or ahandcrafted piecefrom Austin Bolo.Ifyou’relooking forsomething singular,try the vintage selection at Blue Velvet Vintage
Hats
Navigatepastthe livestock feed and hardwareat Callahan’sGeneral Store to getyourhands on an authentic cowboyhat.For amoreelevatedtake, head to Maufrais on SouthCongress, wherethe staff will help shape and adorn one to your liking.You couldevengofull bespokewith ahandcrafted piecefrom Kennimer 6 ,the Western brand that provided ahat forLeon Bridges’outfit at the 2021Met Gala.
Accessories
Youcan getalittlebit of everything at Tiny’sWesternWear,but it's agreat spot to finditems that complete the ensemble like bright bandanas 7 and shinybeltbucklesthat willhaveyou riding high in the saddle allthe wayto the honky-tonk.
THE SPOKE BROKEN
Thesignattheentryproudlyproclaims:“Throughthisdoor pass thebestcountry musicdancers in theworld.” Opened in 1964byAustinnativeJamesWhiteonthesiteofaformerlumber yard,The Broken Spokehas puthonky-tonkmusicians on the stageandprovidedagreatplacefortwo-steppersforsixdecades. Aroomfullofmemorabiliajustoutsidethedancehallareahas alltheproofyoucouldeveraskfor:cowboyhatswornbyGeorge StraitandPresidentLyndonB.Johnson,photosofWillieNelson andKrisKristofferson, andevena half-smokedcigar that Bob Willsoncepuffedon.Ifyou’relookingforthemosthistoricplace in town to two-step,it’sthe Spoke. There’sa reason DuaLipa turnedupheretodancewhenshewasintownforACLFest.
Agreasyspoon of arestaurantinthe frontroomgives way toanarrowhallwayleadingtothedancefloor,whichhasdimly litsectionsoftablesoneitherside. Theuninitiated areprone tofindaperchtheretopeeroutfrombeneaththebrimsoftheir newlypurchasedStetsoncowboyhats.Fromthesafetyofthose shadows,theywatchasbravertwo-stepperstraversetheconcrete floorbathedinglowinglightfromneonbeersigns
DanceinstructorTerriWhitegiveslessonsfournightseach week,WednesdaythroughSaturday,at8p.m.,andhonky-tonk musicfollows immediatelyafter.Beforewarned: White'sclass leansintospectacle,andsheusuallycautionsherstudentsthat theymightgetasmackontherear.Atarecentmid-weeksession, thedance instructor dividedthe classintoleads on oneside andfollows on theother before asking folkswhere they were from:Ireland,England,Germany,Taiwan, Norway…the list wenton.Andoneunsuspectingtravelerdidgetanencouraging swat on thebehindmid-lesson. Despiteits much-deserved statusasatouristdestination,amoretraditional crowdoflocalsdofrequenttheclassicspot.Plus, thevenuestillbringsinstalwarthomegrownacts like Dale Watson,whose onstageplugs forLone StarbeerareonemorenuggetfromAustin’sstoried honky-tonkhistory.
Left: Honky-tonk mainstay
Dale Watson performs at The Broken Spoke. Above:Apair of dancersenjoys aspin around the floor
SAM'S POINT TOWN
Musicemanatesfromthe ramshackle house that constitutesSam’s Town Point, thecapital city’sbest-keptsecretofadivebarfornearlyfour decades. As youapproachthe jointfromits dirt parkinglot,those waftingnotes have away of sounding likea melody you’ve heardcountless timesbefore,evenifit’sbrandnew.Nestledamid aneighborhoodatthesouthernfringesofAustin’s citylimits,thisno-frillsspotrequiressomeeffort tofind,butit’swellworththejourney.
DirtyDancing—anoff-the-gridtavernwhere storiesseepright up outofthe warped wooden floorboards.Redlightwashesoverthelowstage asLibbyandtheLovelessplaytoasmallgathering oftwo-steppers,whospinandtwirl.“Friendsare thebestpartoflife”readsasignhanginginthis secludedrespite,whereyou’llfindpatronsofall ages andpersuasions engagedineasygoing revelry.Whentheplaceistrulyhopping,youcan feelthewholefloorbounceasdancersshufflein time.Between songs, patronsspill outofa pair ofdoubledoorsontotheporchtocatchabreeze or have asmoke
Ahonky-tonk on Austin's southern fringe, Sam'sTown Pointhas become afavorite forlocal two-steppers.
“Sam'sisthebestvibe;it'ssocomfy,”saysVanessaVaught, ownerofDoubleorNothingTwo-Step,whogrewupinthe area andteaches an intermediate lesson at thebar on Thursdaynights
PennyGrossmanfounded Sam'sTownPoint in 1981, aftermovingfromChicagotoTexaswithadreamofopening adancehall.In2016,sheturnedtheplaceovertocurrent ownerRamsayMidwood,wholedarevitalizationthrough bookingreveredartistslikeKevinRussellofShinyribsand risingtalentslikeLeoRondeau(whichplacesitalongside TheWhite Horseasanearly catalyst of thetwo-step renaissance).MidwoodplayshisownweeklysetonSaturdays at11p.m.Whilethemusicleansonbluesriffsandextended rockjams,it’ssomehowstillperfectfortwo-stepping OnWednesdaynights,youcancatchtheGuthrieGirls, whosemonikerisn’tjustanhomage.SarahLeeandCathy Guthriearethegranddaughtersofoneoffolk’smostrevered musicians, WoodyGuthrie.The legend’s greatgranddaughter, Serena,usually hops onstagetosinga transcendent coverofWaylonJennings’ “The Wurlitzer Prize”thatmeltstheroomintoanachingpuddleoftears. In truth, there’snot anotherspotthatpossesses the essenceofAustinlikeSam’s.Thebarembodieseverything thatmadethecapitalcityspecialinthecosmiccowboyera andprovesit’sallstillaliveandwelltoday.
twoofa kind
Texas’ fameddance has arichhistory—and more than afew variations.
Survey agroup of two-steppers on how to do thedance,and you’ll getatleast a couple of differentanswers—orevenhalfa dozen. What unifies agreat many styles referred to as thetwo-stepisthatthey stem from 19th-century dances such as theCzech schottische, Polish polka, and theEnglish foxtrot. Butthe movement also owes somethingtoTejanofolkdances that stretchbacktoatimewhenthe land knowntoday as TexasbelongedtoMexico.
Tracingthe nuancesofrhythmic stepsinventedbypeopleimbibingbeer in barnsand ballroomsacross countriesand over centuries yields murkyresults.But thegoodnewsis that two-stepping is done in honkytonksand nothistory books.
Looked at anotherway,dance is like an ongoingconversation, andthe trickis learning to speakacommonlanguage. Questionslike: Canyou moveyour feet withrhythm?Canyou improvise with finesse?matter much more than: Doyou know the exactsteps?In thecapital city thereare more than afew dialects being spoken,ordanced, as it were
If youask theUnitedCountry Western DanceCouncil,they’ll tell youthat two-step progresses counterclockwise around theroomwithdancers’feet glidingpasteachother with each step Buthardlyanyonedoesthataround town (unlessyou head outtoMercer DancehallinDrippingSprings).
Thetraditional Texastwo-stephas the lead step forwardwiththe left,quickly join withthe right, then take twoslow stepsforward—firstwiththe left,then theright.The followingpartner mirrors. Butdance,likelanguage, evolves organically, andAustinhas even developedits own regionalvariantthat some call thehonky-tonktwo-step. It’s more stationary andincorporates elements of swinglikethe jitterbugand an assortment of spins. You’ll findthat evolutionisthe popularchoiceinmost of thecapital city’s honky-tonks. Themostimportant thingistostay looseand have fun. Tryout afew differentspots,and you’re almost certaintofind your groove,likefalling into thetwo-step’sslowcount after severalspins around thedance floor
SAGEBRUSH
Atrioofchandeliersilluminate thevaulted wooden raftersof Sagebrushandcastawarmglowon asolid oakdance floorthatdates back to 1940.It’shardtobelieve all thatgorgeouswoodwashiddenfrom viewjustafewshortyearsagowhen itwasasketchybarwithafalseceiling andgumcoveringthefloor.
Inapreviouslife,thevenuewas Gil’sClub, aclassic dancehallthat welcomed Austinites forthree decades. Aftershuttering, thebar changedhandsanumberoftimes, untilitbecameaspotcalledCasino Club,which waspurportedly the site of more than afew felonious activities.Denis O’Donnelland Marshall McHone took over the spot in 2019 afteritwas shut down by thefederal government,but the building wassoillicit that it hada restrictionthatrequiredittostay dormant fora year.The pair spent
two-steppers to avoidonthe dancefloor
Beware of thesefournightmareshauntinghonky-tonks
BY ROSE MCMACKIN
the buckle-tobuckle grabber
Thepush-pull of good dance chemistrycan feel like true love, ut he’s on adifferentmission:full ody-to-bodycommitment. Rather than matching your armtension and leavingroomfor magnetism, he's gripping onto youlikea cowboy clinging to thesaddle horn during abullride.
the out-loud step counter
This dancer couldn’t keep time ifyou hithim withametronome therthanadmit it’s hisfault,he’ll ouble down by blamingyou,and confidently count(off-tempo,of urse) into your earfor therestof he song.Asheclambersaround hefloor, make sure to mind your toes—hecertainly won’t!
theoverly ambitious dipper
Forthislead, dancefloorglory is measured in thedepth of hisdip Whocares if you’re terrified?
He’llthrow youintoalow swing so dramatic it doublesasa chiropractic adjustment.Ifyour headclunksagainst another dancer—orworse,the floor that’s just theprice of greatness
the lone star cowboy
Afterthrowingbackafew toomany brews, this guyhas abandonedthe “nodrinksonthe dancefloor” rule Spinning youwithone hand while sloshing hisdrink with theother he’s atwo-steppingOSHAviolation
With everymove, you’re dodging beer puddlesand prayingyou don’t slip on hisspilled confidence.
Originally designedasa dancehallinthe 1940s, Sagebrush hasrecently returned to its former glory.
thattimescrapingupgumandrevampingtheplacewith thoughtfultouches:Onewallfeaturesadesertlandscape withrecessedlightingthatslowlytransitionsfromsunset orangetotwilightpurple.Now,thevenueisattheepicenter of Austin’s two-step craze, thanks to theaccommodating dancefloorandrelativelyspaciousdigs
If thedecor looksfamiliaronyour firstvisit,itmight be becauseitwas thesetting of themusic videofor Zach Bryan’ssong“Nine Ball.” Theshort film starsAustin’s favoriteson,MatthewMcConaughey,asagambling-addicted fatherwhoteacheshiskidtobeapoolshark
Thedance hall hasalsoservedasa havenfor LGBTQfocusedtwo-stepworkshopsthatoccurperiodicallyabout onceamonth.OrganizedbyEzraEdwards,akaBoiOrbison, thecoursefurthersa love of countrymusic that theDJ startedwiththeirrecurringNeonRainbowsdancenight atCheerUpCharlies.
Plus,DoubleorNothingTwo-Stepteachesfreelessons onTuesdaynights,andHillCountryTwoStepteachesboth Wednesdays andThursdays,makingthe bara majorhub forthesocialdancingcommunity
“Sagebrush just feelsmagical in that it brings the historical into relevancewiththe newenergyand talent that'sheretoday,”McHonesays.“Itpullsitalltogether.”
Honky- onk Heroes
GREATMUSICIANS MAKE THETWO-STEPPING SCENESPIN. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FORTHESE FOUR MUST-SEE ACTS AROUND TOWN.
aaron mcdonnell
Thanks to hisbutter-soft baritone andathick layerof dreamy pedalsteel,Aaron McDonnellmakes musicideal forgliding around thedance floor in abeer-soaked haze Even whiledipping into forlornmoods,the songsfeellikea warm little flame to crowdaround, aspell that evokes alittle more tenderness as youswaywithyourpartner
sentimentalfamilyband
Peer betweenaperfect mixofindignant andheartbroken lyricism,and you’ll catchaglimpse of DollyParton’searly work in singer CamilleLewis’delivery. SentimentalFamily Band released theiroutstanding debutalbum this year and hold down aregular Thursday nightgig at Sam’sTownPoint
theolawrence
Aguy from France playinghonky-tonkmusic in Austin dive bars sounds incredulous, butTheoLawrencehas become oneofthe scene’s favorite acts fordancing thanks to a soundthatblendsHankWilliams’ countrywiththe pop sensibilitiesofEdith Piaf andFrançoise Hardy. Take alisten, andyou’llbesmitten, chérie!
paigeplaisance
Whethershe’s leaningintothe soulfultones of NewOrleans bluesorthe sunnierdisposition of West Coastfolk, Paige Plaisancealwaysmanages to finddownright entrancing grooves. She’snostrangertoThe WhiteHorse or Sam’s, butitwas SagebrushthathelpedPlaisance rise to popularity—and whereyou’llfind hermostoften
THE LITTLE SALOON LONGHORN
AnorthernoutpostofAustin’stwo-stepscene, this belovedlittlebar is best knownfor hosting ChickenSh*tBingo.Here’showthegameisplayed: agridwithnumbers is placed in thebottomofa cage,andpatronsplacebetsonnumbers;awinner isdeterminedwhenthechickendoesitsbusiness onaparticularsquare.Thattime-honoredtradition wasbornrighthereatTheLittleLonghornSaloon andstill happensevery Sunday,along with live musicfromcountryactssuchasWeldonHenson
2,000dance hallsinTexas at onetime, andyou wouldmoveincounterclockwisecircles,”shesays. “Now,wehavetinyhonky-tonks,sodancing in placeishowweadapttothesesmallervenues.”On Tuesdayand Wednesdaynights, thebar provides free beginner andintermediate(respectively) lessonsledbyHillCountryTwoStep
OneofAustin’soldestbars,TheLittleLonghorn Saloonpre-datesthemostrecentpopularityspike inthedance.AlongwithTheBrokenSpoke,ithas been oneofthe most stalwart places fortwostepping in Austin fordecades andwas theentry pointfortwo-stepperslikeEricMoreno,whostarted coming to thejoint abouta decade agotowatch musicianslikeJakePenrod.“Iwasprobablyoneof theyoungestpeople,”hesays. Since then,hehaswatchedthecommunity growtoincludeayoungercontingent ofenthusiastictwo-steppers
Afterlearningthe ropesatThe LittleLonghorn,Morenostartedhis ownbusiness,NativeTexanTwoStep, giving privatelessons outofa makeshiftstudioinhis garage in NorthAustin.Teachingbydayleaves himfreetoenjoyhisnightsouttwostepping.Unliketheraucousenergy inmanyofAustin’shonky-tonks,The LittleLonghornprovidesalaid-back alternative. “I like dancingthere becauseit’smoreintimate,”Moreno says.“When Iwanttocatch up with afriendand also have afew dances, it'sagreatspotforthat.”
JasonRoberts Band performs on aSunday afternoon during Chicken Sh*t Bingo.
DONN'S DEPOT
FormanyAustinites,Donn’sDepot conjuresthoughtsofChristmastime, when theclassic barisdeckedout withshimmeringtinselandatrillion twinklinglights(we counted).But thetruth is that Donn’s hasbeena fantasticplacetoshareadanceand adrink year-round ever sinceit openedin1972(thoughbackthen,it wascalledMcNeil'sDepot). Donn Adelman, whobegan as aperformer at thebar andassumed ownershipin 1978,hasalwaysimbueditwithaloveof musicandspiritofcommunity.
He stillhopsonthe pianoweeklywith hisband,TheStationmasters,whichincludes hisson,Matt.“Itkeepsmymindclearandreliev tension,”Donnsays. “I don'tknowwhatI'd do if I wasn'tplaying—I'dprobablyjustdrivemywifecrazy.”
Devotedpatrons like UT lawprofessor Stan Johansonandhiswifehaveshownupfordecades to scribble song requests on barnapkins to pass to Donn.Overthe years, thehonky-tonkhas hosted anumberofnotable personalities, includingGeorgeStrait’slongtimepiano player, RonnieHuckaby,whoheldhisweddingreception here.(Straitendedupbringinginhiswholeband forasetlaterthatevening.)Morerecently,it’sbeen ahauntforfolkslikeheartthrobactorGlenPowell andCooperManning,fatherof UTquarterbackArchManning Theclienteleincludesfolks ofallagesandbackgrounds,but it leanstowardolder regulars
andcollege kids lookingtosteep themselves in Austin’sculture.
VanessaVaughtof Double or NothingTwoStep teachesalessonto acrowded room
On Wednesdaynights, Double or Nothing Two-Stephostsafreetwo-steplesson,whichhas become amagnetfor dancers. “We've noticeda hugeinfluxofyoungerpeoplethatmayhavenever cometoDonn’sbefore,”managerMichelleBeebe says.For Donn,it’sgreat to seea newgeneration of Austinites discoveringa placethat’s near anddeartohim.“That's what the placeisallabout,listeningtomusicand dancing,”hesays. “And adultbeverages, ofcourse.”
Ring in thenew year with freshadventures, soothing activities,and intimate bondingwith your beloved. Here arefourromanticgetaways to discover around Austin in 2025.
By Madeline Hollern
OR BO NV IVAN TS : FO RT HR IL L
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Just as adrenaline-boostingactivitieslikescary movies or roller coasterrides canigniteromance on adate,socanaspiritedadventureàdeux.Don’tletthe serene surroundings of this iconic localdestination foolyou—here,dynamicduoscanspicethingsupwith abevyofnovel pursuits.Spotwildlifeasyou embark ona5-milehikeneartheWestAustinretreat,balance on paddleboards during yoga on thelake, learnhow toswingBokkenJapaneseswords,orevenbangdrums inacardiojamsession.Soreafterallthatmovement? Soothe your muscleswitha luxuriousside-by-side couplesmassage before exploringthe resort’s new serenity suite. In theprivate outdoorspace,you and yourpartnercantestyourmettlewithashareddipin thecoldplungetub,thenwarmuptogethernextto thefirepit.Endthedaywithacozycanoodlebedecked inrobesonthelakesidedock.Hey,youearnedit
F
Readytobecomeonewithnature? At this intimate newretreat,you’ll feelasthoughyou’resleepinginthe trees. Majestic viewsaboundatthe hillside property overlookingthe WimberleyValley,wherecylindrical wooden“treehouses”boastaprivate hottub secluded by acanopyoflive oaks.Viewlushwildflowers and vegetationgrowingfromtherooftops oftheadjacentgreenhouseunitsfrom theelevatedterrace.For aspecial occasionwithyouroneandonly,opt forthepremiumromanticpackage, whichincludeswineandchocolates, silk rose petals on thebed,and a recordplayerwithtunesidealforslow dancing.Lavender-and-peach-hued sunsetsgiveway to dazzlingnights, as theInternational Dark Skycommunitywillleaveyouandyourbeau moonstruck whilestargazing. And with floor-to-ceilingwindows,the celestialshowremainsonfulldisplay asyoudriftofftosleep.
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AscensionMedical GroupSeton Women’sHealth 1301 W. 38th St.Ste.200 512-324-3405
ChristopherSeeker
Austin Area OBGYN&Fertility 12200Renfert WaySte.100 512-652-7001
Eyelid andFacialPlastic Surgery Associates PLLC 12201Renfert WaySte.100 512-501-1010
Farhan Irshad
TheEye Clinic Of Austin 3410 FarW.Blvd. Ste. 140 512-427-1100
Leadingspine, back and neckcare, right here in Austin
Youdon’t have to wait anylongertofind the right spine specialist.Getting back to your daily lifecan startwith one call to book aconsultationfor ourcomprehensivespine program. Call todayto schedule with our multidisciplinary network of experienced neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who specializeinspine surgery,adult and pediatric spinal deformity, pain management and rehabilitation at Ascension TexasSpine and Scoliosis. We answeryour questions and connect thedots to help youfind the treatment options and arecovery plan that areright foryou. Minimally invasiveoptions areavailable.
Call 737-260-6925 or find adoctor at ascension.org/TexasSpine
TexasChildren’sSpecialty CareAustin 8611 N. MopacExpy. Ste. 300 737-220-8200
F I GH T CANCER
WithAward-Winning Physicians.
MichelleT.Ashworth, M.D. • PunitChadha, M.D. • Jane S. Chawla,M.D. • Mika Cline, M.D. • KarenCohen, M.D.
Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D., FACS • Quan T. Dang,M.D • HelenDinkelspiel Eshed, M.D. • RobAlanFuller, M.D.,FACS
AllisonE.Gorrebeeck, M.D. • Moya Griffin,M.D., FACS • Beth Hellerstedt, M.D. • MichaelHerman, M.D. • KathrynE.Hudson,M.D. PriyankaKamath, M.D.,M.S. • MichaelKasper, M.D. • Kyle T. Keyes, M.D. • HeatherKing, M.D.,FACS • LynneKnowles,M.D., FACOG ThiruV.Lakshman, M.D, FACS,FASCRS • Kimberly B. Loar,M.D., FACOG • Paul V. Loar III, M.D.,FACOG • AimeeMackey, M.D.,FACS Shaun P. McKenzie,M.D., FACS • MathewMeeneghan,M.D • Balijepalli Netaji,M.D • BridgetO’Brien,D.O., FACS CDRChristopher R. Oxner, M.D.,FACS, USN • KrishnaPatel,M.D. • DebraPatt, M.D.,Ph.D.,MBA • AshleighPorter, M.D. Amar S. Shah,M.D., MBA, FACS • Courtney Sheinbein, M.D. • JulieM.Sprunt, M.D.,FACS • MichaelTeneriello, M.D.,FACOG Sherrie Thomas,M.D., FACS • Ryan Tierney, M.D. • Lawrence Tsai,M.D • AthiraUnnikrishnan, M.D. • JamesUyeki,M.D HareeshaVemuganti, M.D. • RebeccaL.Wiatrek,M.D., FACS • Jennifer Wright,M.D • CatherineWu, M.D. • JeffYorio,M.D
When you’re treatedatTexas Oncology,you canbesureyou’regetting leadingedgecancercare. In fact,“Austin Monthly” magazinerecentlyrecognizedour expertisebypresenting45ofour physicians with the“TopDoctors”award.These physicians arepartofour knowledge base of cancer specialists. That meansatevery TexasOncologylocation youhaveaccesstoa team of award-winningexperts.For more informationonTexas Oncology or to findalocationnearyou,pleasecall 1-888-864-4226 or visitusat TexasOncology.com/Austin.
AUSTIN EYECENTER
Fuad Makkouk, MD
Dr.Makkouk’sjourneyinophthalmologybegan in Austin, wherehegraduated with high honors in biochemistry fromthe University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Doctor of Medicineand completed his residencyatthe University of Texas Medical Branch, where he served as chief resident of ophthalmology. After an internship at Yale NewHaven Hospital, Dr.Makkouk returned to Yale University for avitreoretinal surgeryfellowship and clinical instructor role. He has received numerous leadership and citizenship awards, been published extensively in peer-reviewedjournals, and has presented at nationalconferences. He also currently serves as aprincipal investigator on more thanthirty clinical research studies. Hisexpertise spans avariety of ophthalmic conditions, including macular degeneration, retinal detachments, anddiabetic retinopathy.
Dr.Makkouk currently practices at Austin Eye Center, where he deliversadvanced,patient-focused ophthalmic care in aboutique setting.
512-693-9363
austineyecenter.com
9707 AndersonMill Road, Ste. 230 Austin,TX78750
Jackee D. Kayser
Dell Children’s MedicalGroup 701South Capital Of TexasHwy Ste. Q900 512-628-1870
DouglasJ.Rivera, MD,a board-certified cancer specialistand radiationoncologist, has been recognized as one of Austin Monthly’sTop Doctors in 2020, 2023, and 2024.
Alongside hispartner,Stephen Brown, MD,FACR, with nearly 30 yearsofexperience, they provide world-class, patient-focused care at CentralTexas Cancer Centers, proudlyrated 4.9stars on Google
Proudlystaffing theonlyCyberKnifeinCentralTexas, theseradiationoncologists collaboratewithother specialists to shareexpertise and designthe best treatment plans,bringingemergingtechnologiesand treatment options directly to patientsinGeorgetown, Austin,and thesurrounding CentralTexas areas.
TexasChildren’sHospitalNorth Austin Campus 9835 N. Lake CreekPkwy. 737-229-3515
Are youtired of the“MegaPractice” feel? We are a boutique practice for the truly discerning woman! We felt there wasa better way to deliver outstanding customer serviceand personalized medical care. With that goal in mind, River Place Ob Gyn was born in 2013,turning traditionalOBGYN care upside down.
Upon entry, you will immediatelyfeel the spa-like atmosphere and culture of service. From start to finish, we are dedicated to providing the finest care at every stage of awoman’s life. We know you are busy, and we do our best to value your time.
Dr. Thoppil is our founder and leader. He has been a multiple time winner of Austin Monthly’s Top Doc and has graced the cover of themagazine in January 2018. He is also aTexas MonthlySuper Doc and has been featured nationally in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal,CBS National News, and was part of an Emmy Award winning documentary on Women’s Health. He is the currentDepartment Chairfor Women’s Health at St. David’sNorth Austin Medical Center and the immediate past President of the Texas Association of Obstetriciansand Gynecologists.
We have expanded with asecond location in Pflugerville.Drs. Rouhani and Pepper provideoutstanding care at that location.
Dr. Shepherd is also at the River Place location. She has been awarded aTexas MonthlyRising Star.
We are afull-service women’s health office and are the primary health care provider for many of our patients. We also have expanded to aestheticservices and weight loss management.
6611 River Place Blvd, Ste 202 Austin,TX78730 riverplaceobg.com
18900 LimestoneCommercial Drive, Suite 600, Pflugerville,TX78660 pflugerobgyn.com
Danielle D. Sweeney
TexasChildren’sHospitalNorth Austin Campus 9835 N. Lake CreekPkwy. 737-229-3515
PrecisionMedicine is “N=1 Medicine.”You aretreated based on individual circumstances,not thoseofthe populationatlarge.Wepioneered an integrative approachbased on regenerativeand functional medicine to leverage your body’s abilitytoself-heal Startwithour customized diagnosticand treatment options forspine and sports injuries.Our regenerative programs employ platelet-rich plasma and stem cell preciselyguided injections,in-housephysicaltherapy, peptides,supplements, hormones,and longterm follow-up forongoing prevention. Improveyour metabolismand hormones,loseweightand get fit, andeducateyourself about your health —all under oneroof —under thecareofa team of specialists whoworkclosely with eachother!
Olga V. Szalasny
BaylorScott &White Clinic
425UniversityBlvd. RoundRock 512-509-0200
BrianS.Sayers
BrianS.SayersMD 1301 W. 38th St.Ste.110 512-454-3631
EduardoJ.Cepeda
CentralTexas Rheumatology Associates 4701 BeeCaves Road Ste. 201 West Lake Hills 512-518-4992
BrockE.Harper
CentralTexas Rheumatology Associates
2005 N. Lakeline Blvd.Ste.B CedarPark 512-518-4690
KevinOsgood
CentralTexas Rheumatology Associates 4701 BeeCaves Road Ste. 201 West Lake Hills 512-518-4992
MontyTew
CentralTexas Rheumatology Associates
2005 N. Lakeline Blvd.Ste.B CedarPark 512-518-4690
StephanieBooth
StephanieABooth MD 1301 W. 38th St.St110 512-454-3631
John Andrew Williamson ARADiagnosticImaging 12554Riata VistaCircle 512-795-5100
Vascular Surgery
Lucas Ferrer Cardona Institutefor Cardiovascular Health 1301 W. 38th St.Ste.307 512-324-3028
JosephDubose
Institutefor Cardiovascular Health 1301 W. 38th St.Ste.307 512-324-3028
PedroG.Teixeira
Institutefor Cardiovascular Health 1301 W. 38th St.Ste.307 512-324-3028
Joel Gotvald
Baylor Scott& WhiteVascular& Vein Clinic 2217 Park Bend DriveSte.230 512-654-3800
JeffreyM.Apple
Cardiothoracicand Vascular Surgeons 1010 W. 40th St 512-459-8753
John K. Politz
Cardiothoracicand Vascular Surgeons 1010 W. 40th St 512-459-8753
Ryan S. Turley
Cardiothoracicand Vascular Surgeons 1010 W. 40th St 512-459-8753
HOWTHE LIST IS MADE
Usinganonlinesurvey, Austin Monthly solicitedpeer nominationsfromphysiciansin thegreater Austin area,asking them to nominate up to three doctorsper practice area who they wouldtrust with themedical care of themselves or their family.Toensurethe nomination processispeer-based, full contactinformation was requestedbeforenominating, anddoctors were askedtolimit theirnominations to physicians whoseworkthey’ve personally witnessed. AustinMonthly then talliedthe results, selectingthe toppercentageofvoterecipients in each practice area before submitting thefinallisttoour fact-checkingprocess,which includes areviewofgood standing amongmedical boards Doctorsdonot andcannotpay to be apartofthe list.We recognizethatmanygood doctorsare notincludedonthe list;thisisonlyasampling of a huge arrayoftalented professionalswithinthe region We encourageall consumersto do theirown research before selecting adoctor.
AustinMonthly uses best practicesand exercisesgreat care in assembling contentfor this list.Itdoesnot warrantthat thedatacontained within thelist arecompleteoraccurate. Austin Monthly does notassume, and hereby disclaims, anyliability to anypersonfor anylossor damage caused by errors or omissionsherein, whethersuch errors or omissionsresultfrom negligence,accident, or any othercause.All rights reserved No commercial useofthe informationinthislistmay be made withoutwritten permission from AustinMonthly.Ifyou see an errorinthe informationlisted, please contactinfo@ austinmonthly.com.
DOCTORS:
Congratulations! If you’dliketo displaythisaccomplishment with aplaque, please visitour official storeataustinmonthly .com/plaques
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ARA RADIOLOGISTS
BREASTIMAGING
Stephen Agatston, MD,FACR
Sarah Avery, MD
SimoneBridges, MD
Michael Pfeifer,MD
Stephen Price, MD
ArthySaravanan, MD
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
John Barkley, MD
Jody Hooten, MD
Elizabeth Moorehead, MD
YvonneQueralt, MD
EMERGENCY RADIOLOGY
BradleyBrenner,MD
MOLECULAR RADIOLOGY
John Leahy, MD
James Leake, MD
Stanislav Spiridonov,MD
Hussain Thaver, MD
Simon Trubek,MD
MUSCULOSKELETAL RADIOLOGY
Michael Aronoff,MD
GregoryConnor,MD
Michael Harper,MD
Jeff Wood, MD
NEUROINTERVENTIONAL SURGERY
Kirk Conrad,MD
NEURORADIOLOGY
Nabeel Farhataziz,MD
Sam Hassibi, MD
Bhairav Patel, MD
Russell Putnam, MD
RajeevShah, MD,FACR
PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
Saurabh Guleria, MD
Shaheen Hussaini, MD
Gael Lonergan, MD
EugeneTong, MD
Christopher Yen, MD
VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Marouane Bouchareb, MD
Connie Hsu, MD
GregoryKarnaze, MD
Ian McLoughlin, MD
Stephen Pan, MD
JeffreySheneman, MD
Andrew Williamson, MD
YOUCAN,TOO
At ARA,our doctors work withyour doctortoget a clearpictureofyour health. We schedule imaging exams suchas3Dmammography, CT,and MRI at your convenience andthendeliver results quickly.With more than 110 subspecialized radiologists, ARA partners withmorepatients, hospitals anddoctors than anyother medical imagingproviderinCentral Texas.
Thanksfor trustingus.
Quick Facts
EDUCATIONALACCOMPLISHMENTS
B.A. in Biology - University of Texas
M.D. - UT Health SanAntonio
Residency - Duke University MedicalCenter
SPECIALIZES IN Skin Cancer Prevention
EarlyDetection Cosmetic Care
Meet Mary AnnMartinez, MD
From Skin Cancer Prevention to Aesthetic Care forAll Ages
AfterfoundingBee CavesDermatology in 1999, Dr.Martinez established areputationfor offering comprehensivecare, includingtreatmentsfor acne, skin cancer management, female dermatology, andcosmeticserviceslikeBOTOX® Cosmetic,dermalfillers,Kybella®, andchemical peels. In 2023, shepartnered with Epiphany Dermatologytofurther expand access to high-qualitycare.
Whether you’re seekingmedical or cosmetic dermatology, Dr.Martinez offers personalized,top-tiertreatmentstohelp youlook andfeel your best.
Farhan A. Irshad,MD, FACS is an ophthalmologisttrained in cornea,cataract, andrefractivesurgery andisboard certified by theAmericanBoard of Ophthalmology. He specializes in cataract andlens exchange surgery, includingthe light-adjustablelens, cornealtransplantation,minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, LASIK, ICLs,pterygiumsand cancers, andocularsurface reconstruction. He currently operates both in hisoffice-based surgerysuite as well as multiple surgerycenters.
Before privatepractice, Dr.Irshadspent yearsonfaculty teaching eyesurgery andsupervising residents. He is currently an AssociateClinical ProfessorofOphthalmology at Tulane MedicalCenter andonaffiliate facultyatDellMedical School. Dr.Irshadisalsoa Fellowofthe American College of Surgeons andhas severalpublications in journals andtextbooks.
AformerEagle Scout, Dr.Irshadalsohas astronginterest in local, national,and internationalcommunity service. He is married with threeboysand hispassionsinclude hiking, traveling, andracecar drivingand instructing.
Congratulations to ourAustin Monthly 2025 TopDoctors
Austin Brainand Spine
AlexaBodman, MD
CraigKemper, MD
Hari Tumu,MD
Austin Heart
Kunjan Bhatt, MD
DeborahEkery,MD
Thomas McMinn,MD
Norman Risinger,MD
Jerome Thomas,MD
Austin Maternal FetalMedicine
AmyBednar,MD
Kimberly DeStefano, MD
Mollie McDonnold, MD
Sandra RocioHerrera,MD
Jasbir Singh, MD
Austin Spine
CraigKuhns,MD
RichardWupperman,MD
Cardio Texas
Itamar Birnbaum, MD
Edward Chafizadeh,MD
Cardiovascular SpecialistsofTexas
MichaelGrad, MD
Joseph Imsais,MD
Robert Wozniak, MD
CentralTexas
Brainand Spine
JudsonCook, MD
Dhruve Jeevan,MD
Carl Lauryssen, MD
AnantPatel,MD
RichardStovall,MD
St.David’s Center for Hipand Knee Replacement
JacobManuel, MD
Joey Romero,MD
St.David’s Heart&Vascular
Manish Chauhan,MD
TexasCardiac Arrhythmia
Robert Canby, MD
G. Joseph Gallinghouse,MD
DavidKessler,MD
JasonZagrodzky,MD
St.David’s HealthCare is proudtobe associated with some of theregion’stop physicians.Together, we areproviding the highestquality of care to ourpatients.
TexasHeart &Vascular
Nathan Boyer, MD
John Dieck, MD
Gerald Levy,MD
John Neill, MD
Vinh Nguyen,DO
Paul Tucker II,MD
TexasRobotic Surgeryfor Women
DevinGarza,MD
TheAustinDiagnosticClinic
Sonali Birewar, MD
Eileen Cook,MD
WendyCutler, MD
J. Adrian Dennington,DO
Erik Diebolt, DO
GraceHonles, MD
DavidJoseph, MD
Nikki Le,MD
DerekLey,DPM
JesslynLu, MD
Stacia Miles, MD
Patience Reading, MD
Greg Thaera,MD
John Villacis,MD
John Wang,MD
SherwinYen,MD
Your TopChoicefor Orthopedic Care
Forthe thirdyearina row, each of our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons has been honored asTop Doctors -anachievement rooted in ashared dedication to exceptional patient outcomes.
Whether you’rerecoveringfroman injury, managingchronic pain, or ready to get back to doingwhatyou love, trust Austin’s top-ratedteamtoget you movingagain.
Joel Hurt, MD
Earl Kilbride, MD,MHA
Tyler Goldberg, MD
BrettRobin, MD
TOPDOCTOR GENARO J. GUTIERREZ, MD 5
Austin is becominga destinationfor the bestand brightestinthe medicalfield,and Dr.Gutierrez couldn’tbehappier that he is oneofthosephysicians making a difference.
“I enjoy practicing medicine in Austin -not onlybecauseI grew up in this city but also becauseI havewatched it grow and evolve into an innovativemedicalcommunity.”
Dr.Gutierrezispartofthe staffatPain Specialists of America—apracticethat strivestohelppatientsnot just cope with pain, but worksintandem with patientsto helpthem return to productive, pain-free lives
“I chosepainmanagement becauseit allowedmetoworkinafield that directly impactedapatient’s everyday qualityoflife andfollowthat patient’s care long term,”he says. “It’sa privilege to practice within the Austin medicalcommunity and be apartof this tightly knit group of physicians.We’re allout theretryingtodoour besttohavea positive impact on patients’ lives.”
allowed me to work in a field and follow that term,” he “It’s a medical community a part of physicians. We’re all out there trying to do our best to have a
PAIN SPECIALISTS OF AMERICA
Dr.GenaroJ.Gutierrez
Dr.Genaro J. Gutierrez Dr.Genaro “Jerry”Gutierrez is anative Austinite and board certified in Anesthesiologyand Pain Management. After obtaininghis bachelor’sdegree in biology from The University of TexasatAustin, he completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He received his training in anesthesiology at George WashingtonUniversity Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he wasrecognized for both clinical, research, and academic excellence. He later furthered his training by completing a fellowship in interventional pain management at Harvard Medical School’sBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he wastaught by leadersin the field. In addition to his practice, Dr.Gutierrez continues to author textbook chaptersaswell as participate in clinical research published in peerreviewedmedical journals. He has an interest in thetreatment of whiplash,complex regional pain syndrome,and applications of neuromodulation therapy. His visionistoprovide advanced, evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and cost effective pain management in an efforttoreduce patient suffering while improving their function and quality of life.Inhis free time he enjoys chasing his kids,jogging,and attending University of Texas sporting events. He is fluent in Spanish.
855-876-7246
psadocs.com 4316 James CaseySt. Building B, Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78745
WeirdHistory
LearningtheRopes
NorthAustinelitesand South Austin rednecks once settleda rivalrywith atug-of-waracrossLadyBirdLake. BYBRYANC.PARKER
ONAPRIL26,1987,competinghordes ofAustinitesgrippedontoamassiverope leadingdownintoTownLakefor the most importantbattleoftheir lives. To raisemoney fora youthhostelinthe capitalcity,localpoliticianCharlieGandyorganizedaNorthvs.Southtug-of-war. Theepictestofmight wouldbeheld across Town Lake (orLadyBirdLake, as itiscalledtoday)withparticipantspullingfromoppositeshores.
Whilethe eventbenefited agood cause, thebraggingrightsatstake were farmoreimportant.Backinthe ’80s, Austin’sNorth-Southrivalrywentbeyond whichsidehad thebestrestaurants or musicvenues,andbothgroupsharbored seriousstereotypes.NorthAustinitesgot caricaturedasuptightsnobswhiletheir
counterpartsacrosstheColoradoRiver wereportrayedasworking-classyokels Austin American-Statesman writer JohnKelso,whocoachedtheSouthteam, fannedtheflamesinhiscolumn,writing: “500 of thosemeantotheir mothers, mineralwater-guzzling, Saab addict,LagunagloryboyNorthAustiniteswillpull inatug-of-waragainstanequalnumber ofupstanding,Shiner-drinking,picante sauce-crazed,garagesale-holding,tomato-planting, pick’emuptruck-driving SouthAustinites.”Bythe time theevent arrived, localpapers(andmanyofthe participants)werecalling it as abattle betweenthe“Yuppies”andthe“Bubbas.”
Thefoodservedonopposingshores that dayreinforcedthose images:The Southhad beer andbarbecuewhile the
Northservedwineandquiche.Andeach faction’swardrobeplayedupthe tropes even more:“We wouldn’t do anytug-ofwarwithout ties on,” oneNortherner wearinga button-upandslackstoldthe localTVnews. On theopposingside, a participantinatruckerhathadproudly handwritten“I’mBubba”onhis black T-shirt.“They’lllettheropego,because Guccitennisshoesjustdon’tworkgood wet,”hebragged
Therules of thematch dictated that itwasoverwhenoneteamhad140memberspulledintothelake.Intheend,the resultsdidn’tdomuchtodispelperceptions, as theSouth defeated theNorth so soundlythatone observer told the Statesman,“Ithought they were gonna take’emtoBuda.”
