Elevateyourhometonew heightsofluxuryand comfortwithStresslessseating.Stresslessfeaturespatentedcomfort technologies designedto respondtoyourevery movement to supportyou from head totoe. Select from awide varietyofstyles, sizes, hundreds of leathercolors,grades, fabric options, andfinishes. Seestore fordetails.
At Compass, we understand that luxury homes requireauniquelevel of expertiseand discretion. That's whywe’ve curateda distinguishedgroup of agents renowned fortheir successinthe Austin luxury market.Our eliteprofessionals have proventrack records, extensivenetworks, andexclusive access to off-market properties.Trust CompassAustinLuxury Advisors to maximize your real estate investment with unparalleledservice andsophistication.
VI NC EH EI NZ E819 MARINER
MEET OUR DISTINGUISHEDADVISORS
AL AN HO LT
ALISAW ELLS
BE TH CA RTER
BE TH DR EW ETT
CATH YROM ANO
CH AR LA HOU SS ON
CH AR LOTTELIP SCOMB
CH RI SLONG
CH RI STINE MO ORE
CO URTN EY OLDH AM
FR AN CECL AU SEN
GA RY DO LCH
HEATH ER HUD SON
HE ATHE RW ITBECK
JACQ UE LY NE IN AU GLER
JE NN YWALKER
JOAN IE CAPALUPO
KATH LE EN SH APIRO
KE ITHTRI GACI
KRI STIL AR KAM
LI SA SE XTON
MA RKCL AU SEN
MI CH ELLE BA RTHO LO MEW
MI CH ELLE DO LCH
MI CH ELLE JO NES
NI CO LE KESS LER
PH YLLI SPATEK
RO BI NBAN ISTER
SA RA HM CALOON
SCOT TM IC HAE LS
STEPHAN IE PA NOZZO
SU SA ND OY LE
TE RESA JO NES
TO DD GROS SM AN
TO RY WO RTHAM
TR ACYPICONE
Theseare the days.
Austin’s luxury resort,OmniBarton Creek Resort &Spa,curatesanelevatedexperience sure to create unforgettablememories.Nestledamidstrollinghillsandpicturesquelandscapes,our resort offers anoasis of tranquilityandrelaxation.Locatedjust10milesfromdowntown Austin, yourperfect TexasHillCountry retreatawaits.
economic mobility affordable housing education performingarts health care greenspaces workforce training disasterrelief good
throughthe power of collective giving.
36 BrightLights, BigCity: 50 Years of Austin CityLimits Musicians and staff membersshare five decades’ worth of stories from the longest-running music program in television history.
48
Best of ATX 2024
Everyone’s a winner! Discover 167 of the top restaurants, shops, patios, and personalities in the capital city, as selected by our editors and readers.
DaveGrohl of FooFighters shredsontheguitar during an AustinCityLimitstaping.
24 26
Editor’s Letter 20
Scout
This stylishjacketbrand caught the eyeofone Pretty Woman 23
From spirited Halloweencarnivals to outdoorfestivals,hereare the best events happeningthisfall 24
Whyultramarathoner Matt Johnsonisrunning nearly 850 milesacrossTexas 26
In theweeds:Lawmakers andlocal brands clashovercannabis 34
WeirdHistory
Allhellbroke loosein1974when ZZ Tophosteda rowdyconcert at TexasMemorialStadium 90
ON THECOVER
FOX7hostTierra Neubaumjamsout at EquipmentRoom, by AnnieRay
PhotoDirector: Cory Rivademar
Hair andMakeup: Alicia Beller
Wardrobe andStyling: Estilo
When youhavecancer, youneedcomprehensivecarefromrenownedphysicians,advanced treatmentoptions,leading edge technology,and clinicaltrials. Butyou also need to keep being Dad. With more than 20 locationsinthe Austin area,Texas Oncology provides expert cancer care andkeeps youclose to friendsand family.Because sometimesthe best choice is both.
SOME ACTIVITIES ARE just quintessentially Austin: jumpingintoBartonSprings,standinginlineatFranklin Barbecue,celebratingEeyore’sBirthdayatPeasePark.But forme, themostbona fide localexperienceisgoing to an AustinCityLimitstapingatACLLive.
Overthelast15years,I’vescreamedwithdelightasDave Grohlsauntered into the Austin City Limits crowdwhile singingtheRollingStonessong“MissYou.”IsawColdplay tape aNew Year’s Evespecial oneSeptember wherethe entireaudiencefakedacountdownandkissedat“midnight.” I’ve watchedFatherJohnMisty dramatically fall to his kneesonstageandseenKaceyMusgraveslassotheairwhile dancingalongtoherhit“HighHorse.”Liketherestofthe crowd, ItearedupthispastOctober as theFoo Fighters dedicated“Aurora”totheirlatedrummer,TaylorHawkins, asithadbeenhisfavoritesongtoplay.
Theintimatetapings areone of thoseraremoments whereyoucanfullyimmerseyourself—listentothestellar acoustics, watchthe flashing lights,feelthe vibrationof thecrowd,and putyourphone away.(No,seriously,they makeyou.)So,whenwefoundoutthatAustinCityLimits wascelebrating amilestone anniversarythisfall, we wanted to know thebackstory of howthe show came together—andthelegacyithasbuilt.Inhisfantasticoral history, “BrightLights, BigCity: 50 Yearsof AustinCity Limits”(page 36), executiveeditorBryan C. Parker recorded more than 800minutes of interviews with 14 musiciansandstaffmemberstotellthebeststoriesfrom five decadesofthe iconic TV show.Hearthe wordsof localartistslikeSpoon’sBrittDanielandJackieVenson as well as longtime producer TerryLickona as they pay homage to thelongest-running musicprogram in television history.
As we celebratethe city’s most belovedshowinthis issue, we arealsohighlightingthe crèmedelacrème of Austinin “BestofATX 2024”(page 48). Back andbigger than ever,our annual featureincludesbotheditors’and readers’ picksofthe topplacesand personalitiesinthe city.Readabout ourfabulouscover star,FOX 7’sTierra Neubaum, whohas emergedasthe Best TV Personality, andcheck outawardsfor everything from MatthewMcConaughey’scheekyadcampaignand Glen Powell’s breakout summer to thetop brunch spotsand cocktail barsintown.Asyouflipthroughthesepages,Ihopeyou’ll discovernotonlyfamiliarfavorites,butalistofnewexperiencesthatyoujustcan’twaittotry.
In SantaFe, curiosityisn’tjust welcomed-it’sessential. Followitsleadinto museumswhere centuries-oldpiecessitbesidecutting-edge contemporary works,eachonesparkinga freshperspective. It’sjustoneofthethingsthatmakes TheCityDifferent,butthere’sstillso muchmorewaiting to beuncovered.
Uncover your differentatVISITSANTAFE.COM
SunSalutations
ForElPasonativeMollyDery,thesunrisesofheryouth literallydawnedher creative inspiration. Thelocal designerbehindMolyancraftsherjacketswithvibrant patterns reminiscentofthe Texassky.Using chain stitching,aformofembroideryinvolvingahandcrank thatcanonlybeoperatedbyahuman,Derycreatesthe colorful,geometricdesignsofhercottonduckcanvas jackets. Shetakes threehours to make each of theintricatecoats,which areknown fortheir bold imagery. “Ithas alittlebit of stitchingonthe pocket andthe sleeve,and then yousee theback, andyou’rekindof like,‘Oh,wow,’”shesays.Ananesthetistbytrade,Dery launched hertextile brandinearly 2023,but thedesignerhasalreadyamassedsomenotablefans,includingJuliaRoberts,whopurchasedoneofherdaybreakinspired jackets. “[She] bought it in ourSanta Fe shop at High Noon GeneralStore,” shesays. “That’spretty exciting.” Shop theapparel at HotelSaint Ceciliaand SabahinAustinoratmolyan.com.—KatieCanales
Best of theFests
Plug in your portable chargers,drink your greenjuice,and getplentyofrestwhile you can, becauseautumnushersinthe most jam-packed season of theyearinCentral Texas. From musicfests andculinarycarnivals to spooky gatherings just in time for Halloween, thesenineeventswillkeepyou entertained—andbusy!—all fall long.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
FORADULTS
Levitation
Oct. 31-Nov.3
Immerseyourselfin trippy lights,moody synths,and the waftingscent of pot.
FantasticFest
Sept.19-26
Getathrillatahorror screening—or watching filmmakers debate cinema while literallyboxing.
Austin Food& Wine Festival Nov. 1-3
Come forthe tasty bites; stay forthe bacchanalian danceparty.
Formula1 Oct. 18-20
“Look, it’s Brad Pitt!”
RubelbowswithEuro tourists as youspot celebs at this glitzy race.
Wurstfest Nov. 1-10
Crushthe beer stein–holding contest, or just nosh on German sausage. Either way, dasist gut!
Uhland Fall Festival
Sept.28-Oct. 27
Take your little monsters to carve pumpkins andgoHAM on thebarrelrides.
TexasBook Festival Nov. 16-17
Introverts can ventureout— just this once— to meet their favorite author IRL.
Austin Film Festival Oct. 24-31
Howmuchpopcorn canyou consumeat 30-plusscreenings Th li it does ist.
Austin City Limits Musi Festival
Oct. 4-6, 11-13
c t a l r, e m not ex ?
Dancethe nigh away to DuaLip in asea of flora crowns, glitter andjorts.
FUNKY FLASHY
GoingtheDistance
To raisemoney forveterans, one ultrarunnerplans to trek across the entire stateofTexas in just 17 days.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
Starting Oct. 1,Matt Johnsonwillattempttorun 50milesaday on aroute fromEl Paso toGalveston.
MATT JOHNSONCAN’T wait to getonthe roadagain.Buthe’snottravelingbycar.Thisfall, theultramarathoner will attempthis greatest challengeyet:runningacrosstheLoneStarState on foot.StartingOct.1,the Austiniteplans to race 50 milesdaily (justshy of twomarathons) formorethantwo weeksuntil he’s traversed TexasfromElPasotoGalveston.
AmemberoftheIowaNationalGuardfornine years,Johnson hasalwaysbeenathletic, buthe onlystartedrunningin2020.Hedecidedtolace up hissneakersafter readingDavid Goggins’ powerful memoir, Can’tHurtMe: Master Your Mind andDefythe Odds
TheNavySealhad grownupinanabusive household, andhechanneled hispainful past into an inspiringfuture, becoming oneofthe greatestultrarunnersintheworld.ForJohnson, whohadalsobeenmentallyandphysicallyabused as achild,Goggins’bookwas life-changing. “I remember thinking,ifthisguy went through thesethingslikeIdidandnowhaswrittenabook aboutit, what’s my excuse?” he says.
Forhis ambitiousOctober challenge, he’s upping theante:The ultrarunneraspires to raise$100,000for ValorFit,a nonprofitthat providesgroupfitnessaccesstoveterans.JohnsonwillbeginhisjourneyinElPasowithacrew whowillfollowhiminavanandanRV.Heplans to runfrom7 a.m. to 7p.m.for 17 days on an eastboundroute across thestate,which will take himthrough thecitiesofMidland,San Angelo,Austin, andColumbusall theway to Galveston.Torecoverdaily,Johnsonwillingest itemslikecolostrum,rawmilk,andtartcherry juicepowderand soak in hisportablecold plunge.While he knowsthe challengewilltest everyinchofhis mettle,the runner leansinto thesuffering:“Youalmostcravethepainbecause whenyouovercomeit,that’swhenyoufeelfree.” Follow hisjourney at runacrosstexas.org.
ShiftingGears
In car-centricTexas,Austinlooks to create abikeutopiaby investingmillions ininfrastructure forcyclists.
BYCATDELAURA
ON ONE OF the last cool mornings in May, KariKuwamuramountedabicycleatSpokesman South to lead a casual group ride up South CongresstoCityHall,joiningmorethan3,200 other Austinites in National Bike to Work Day. Acrossthecity,localbusinesseshosted“fueling stations”tosupportAustin’stwo-wheeledcommuters with tacos and coffee Feeling safe alongside cars wasn’t instantaneous when Kuwamurafirststartedriding,andastheexecutive director of the nonprofit Ghisallo, their work focuses on helping novice cyclists build that same confidence. Surrounded by fellow riders, the biking advocate felt a surging sense of appreciation at just how far Austin has come in the last decade as the city makes strides to become a haven for cyclists.
Normally,whenKuwamuraisontwowheels, you’ll find them on a trail. The reasoning: “I wanttorunintoatree,notacar.”Thatquipisn’t justdarkhumor—manykeythoroughfaresstill posedangersduetoinadequatespaceforriders In2023,thecapitalcitysawsixfatalitiesand24 serious accidents for cyclists But Austin’s investment in strengthening mobility is clear, as it has vastly improved the connectivity and quality of bike routes by pouring millions into new infrastructure.
As Kuwamura sees it, the increased abundanceoffuelingstationsisevidenceofAustin’s bikenetworksbecomingmoreaccessible,farther reaching, and better connected. A glance at historicalmapsshowsprotectedbikepathswere mainlyconfinedaroundTownLakeuntil2012. Today,aninterconnectedlatticeweavesthrough the core of the city, while high-comfort routes can be found as far north as Cedar Park and as far east as Manor.
“The volume of places you can now go with novice riders, especially the young or seniors, where you don’t have to worry about them needing experience to navigate the system is wildly different than it was 20 years ago—or even just five years ago, ” says Ghisallo founder Christopher Stanton.
Theexpansiondidn’tjusthappenovernight. In 2014, Austin’s Bicycle Plan set a goal of 370 miles of an All Ages and Abilities Bicycle PriorityNetwork.Morethan300mileshavebeenbuilt since. Last year, an updated plan dramatically increasedthegoaltoover1,200miles.Notallof that will be paid for or built by the city, but the 800milesthatfallunderitspurviewarrivewith a hefty price tag—$1.15 billion.
Sofar,thatspendinghasprovenpopularwith voters. In 2016, 2018, and 2020, Austinites ap-
Cyclingadvocate Kari Kuwamuratakes abreak alongtheAnnand Roy Butlerhike-and-bike trailnearCityHall.
REINVENTING THEWHEEL
The capital city is devoting serious time and dollars to get residents rolling around town.
$4.5 million
The approximate cost per mile to develop hard-paved urban trails.
50%
Austin’s goal for the number of citizens who take transit, share a ride, walk ride a scooter, or bike by 2039.
$86.60
The cost of an annual CapMetro Bikeshare subscription Discounts are available for students and low-income residents.
9 years
Austin’s timeline for completing 660 miles of the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Bicycle Priority Network.
74%
Portion of the AAA Network made up of protected bicycle lanes and neighborhood bikeways (as opposed to urban trails).
JEFFREY JIN
proved a combined total of $1.34 billion in mobility bonds, part of which are dedicated to the city’s bikenetwork.“[Bondelections]arebasicallyasking voters, ‘Do you want to continue to pay for this?’ And voters in the majority end up saying yes, ” says Tom Wald, executive director of the Red Line Parkway Initiative
Still, the gold standard for a city’s bike network shouldbetheabilitytorideyourbikewithoutthinkingaboutthesafetylevelofyourroute.Thecityisn’t there yet. Riders can avoid the lack of bike access alongmainarterieslikeBurnetRoadorEastRiversideDrivebytakingroutesthroughneighborhoods or using one of the city’s few urban trails But eventually,ifyourdestinationisononeofthosestreets, youneedawaytosafelyaccessit Oftentheresimply isn’t one. And while solutions are in the works to address those dangerous areas—such as the new sharedbikepathsalongAirportBoulevard—itcould be decades before they’re all completed.
In the most recent ratings by advocacy group People for Bikes, which judges cities based on bike accessibilitytonumerousurbandestinations,Austin ranked 21st among U.S. cities with populations over 300,000 and had an overall rating of 34 (out of100).Whilethat’smorethandoublewhatthecity scored in 2021, by comparison, Minneapolis, the highest-ranked large city in the U.S., scored a 71
Among the six factors People for Bikes rates citieson,Austinscoredlowestonitsbikenetworks’ accesstomajortransit.Thatkindofconnectivityis important not only for getting more folks biking butalsotodecreaserelianceoncars,whichisagoal for the city Only about 12% of locals commute to workbycarpooling,biking,walking,ortakingpublic transit, while about 30% work from home The city hopes to increase that combined number to 50% by 2039—a feat that will be more and more necessary as Austin continues to grow, more companiesmoveawayfromtelework,andthecity’smain highway,I-35,remainsunderconstructionformost of the next decade
“Atime-competitivetransitishuge,andtheway to do that when you can’t serve every single street withafastbusistogetpeopletothebusquicklywith a protected, high-comfort bike network,” says Laura Dierenfield, the city’s active transportation program manager. Developing those connections is a top priority for local government, thanks in large part to Project Connect. The voter-approved proposal not only lays the ground for a light rail in Austin, but for more bike lanes to connect to both the rail and metro rapid bus lines.
Ofcourse,foranyofthistowork,Austinitesmust bewillingtoridetheirbikes.Accordingtothe2022 American Community Surveys, only 0.5% of Austinites regularly commute to work by bike. That number is nearly 4% in Minneapolis. Still, if you talk to any longtime Austin cyclists, they’ll tell you things are changing They’ll point out streets they never would’ve biked down that now feel safe or mention two-wheeled traffic jams in Mueller. And, asanyonewholovessomethingispronetodo,they’ll boast about Austin and claim that the capital city could be the best bike city in America by the end of this decade if we can get into gear.
Whoyou work with matters.
Heatherwas always astepahead throughout the process, andworkedwithusseamlessly before andafter we purchasedthe property.She was highly professional,providedvaluableinsight aboutthe market.Her work ethicwas exceptional, andshe wasdelightfultoworkwith.
—Dorothy M.
Sports
Numbers Game
Breaking down the figures behind Longhorn football’s shift from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference
One thing the SEC got right from the start is not putting a number in their name After all, the “Big 12” has been an inaccurate descriptor for over a decade The Longhorns will share a conference with 15 other teams including some of college football’s most lauded programs, like Alabama and Georgia 16 TEAMS
BIG RIVALRY
The Longhorns wrap up th regular season matchup against an old nemesis Texas first played A&M in 1894 and has dominated the rivalry over the years leading with a 76-37-5 record in 118 contests
But the two schools haven’t met since 2011, as A&M joined the SEC the year after With the Horns winning that final game 13 years ago on a dramatic lastsecond field goal from kicker Justin Tucker, you can bet that A&M has had this circled on their calendar for a long while
859
BYBRYAN C PARKER
CONFERENCE GAMES
With a 12-game schedule, the Horns won t be able to take on all their new SEC foes, but they will face half of them, including Florida and Arkansas In advance of the season the team’s schedule has been dubbed the conference’s second easiest, without matchups against powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee though it does include a tough test against the fearsome Georgia Bulldogs Texas also has an arduous non-conference game against the defending national champs Michigan on the road in the second week of the season
agame-winningfield
Along with a new conference comes new destinations for the Longhorns and their fans, and many of those locales are considerably farther than Waco or even Lubbock However, Texas won t face some of those teams, such as Florida and South Carolina this year If you ’ re thinking of catching an away game this season provides just one opportunity to visit an SEC opponent that can be reached by nonstop flight and won’t require renting a car (other than the Red River Rivalry in Dallas) That s Vanderbilt, in Nashville For those who make the 859-mile trip, we ve heard the city has some decent live music, but let’s get real nothing compares to Austin
PLAYOFF TEAMS
$852.6 million
Ostensibly, the Longhorns have little reason to worry about revenue They’re generally among the NCAA’s most profitable teams and made around $271 million in 2023 But the SEC rakes in a ton of money $852 6 million last year with individual schools getting about $51 million in revenue sharing compared to $44 million for Big 12 teams in 2023 More generally, joining the SEC increases Texas proximity to financial streams from media and marketing partners and boosts players’ access to the best NIL deals
While it isn t directly connected to UT s SEC migration this year marks the first iteration of an expanded college football playoff system Rather than just four teams, a dozen will face off to determine this year ’ s national champion With the Longhorns’ pedigree and schedule the season shapes up to be high pressure anything less than a berth in the postseason will be a Texas-sized disappointment
EVER SINCETEXAS legalized the growing of hemp andthe production of hemp-derived products with thesigning of theFarmBill in 2019,cannabisproductshavespreadacrossthe statelikewildfire.Backthen,RepublicanSenator CharlesPerry wasa keyproponent of thelaw’s change,but now, he’s amonga rising chorus of voicesencouragingmoreregulationontheburgeoningindustry.
At aSenatestateaffairs committeehearing inMay,lawmakersheardtestimonyaboutcrackingdownondelta-8,delta-9,THCA, andother hemp-related products.“With statute, we can cleanthismessupthatthe industry choseto do,” said Perryatthe session, suggesting that someretailershaveskirtedexistingrestrictions.
Some of thosenew rulesmay includemeasuresthatmanywithinthe industry welcome, such as ageverification. Whilea majority of retailersalready requirecustomers to be 21 or older, there’snoofficial agepolicyfor hempderivedproductsinTexas.“We hear thestate andshare thesameconcerns,”saysShayda Torabi,founder of RESTARTand presidentof theTexas Hemp Coalition. “Weare very pro regulation,not elimination.”
However, it’s possible that legislatorscould pass more sweeping reformsthattakecannabis productsoffthemarket.Lt.Gov.DanPatrickhas instructed senators to investigate“intoxicating hempproducts”derivedfromhemp,stokingfears that he favors aban.And Attorney GeneralKen PaxtonfiledlawsuitsagainstfiveTexascitiesthat havedecriminalizedmarijuana(thoughthecase againstAustinwas dismissedinJune).
Allthesemovessignalacleartrajectory:When thelegislativesessionbeginsinJanuary,afaction ofpowerfulRepublicanlawmakerswillhavethe cannabis industry in thecrosshairs.
Lawmakers are taking aim at the cannabis industry by vowing to close le al loophole , b t THC products still abound across the state
Underthe currentlaw,cannabisproductsare legalif theirTHCconcentrationisunder0.3%bydryweight. Withthatrestriction,smokablesrequireasubstantial volume toaffectmood, butdenseritems like edibles andbeveragesaremuchmoreconducive.Here’salook at thevariety of products availableinAustinnow.
• THCseltzer drinks have become oneofthe most prevalentcannabisconsumables on themarketin recent years. That trendincludesthe Dripping Springs–basedTejas Tonic, whichoffersseveral flavorslikeNatural Lime,Agarita Berry, andFrio Mangoand toutsthe fact that thesebeverages enhanceyourmoodwithoutgivingyouahangover.
• Thesedays, there’snoshortageofhomegrown brands peddlinghempgummies,but where you canfindtheseproductshaschangeddramatically. Neverminddispensaries—youcan purchase EarlyBirdCBD andTHC gummiesatthe counter of localeateryRedbudIce House. Want asideof cannabis with your burger?Noproblem!
• RESTARTisamong themostprolificretailers of cannabisproducts,offeringseltzers,gummies,and chocolates.TheAustin-basedcompanyevenmakes delta-9butterand recently tested outa THColive oilina collaborationwithKGBBQ.Withproducts like this,marijuana enthusiastscan whip up their owncustomizedtakes on edibles—nowthat’swhat wecallgettingbaked.
• Within thepastyear, DoorDash quietlyrolledout theabilitytoorderTHCproductsforhomedelivery in Texas. Make sure you’re of agebeforeordering, becausethe driver will asktosee an ID to verify that purchasers are21and up upon delivery.The best part?You canloaduponsnacksatthe same time forwhenthe munchies hit.
WelcometoWhisper Valley, themaster-plannedcommunity of thefuture! Wheresustainabilitymeets healthylivingtocreatea lifestylelike none other. Whereresidents enjoylife’s finestpleasures–over600-acresof parks, trails andorganic gardens, aresortpool,fitnesscenter, dogpark andplaygrounds.Comeexplore ourenriching lifestyleatWhisper Valleytoday. Just 20 minutesfrom downtowninEastAustin.
OCT. 17, 1974, ON
WILLIE
NELSON
STEPPEDONTOASTAGE IN STUDIO 6A ON THEUNIVERSITYOF TEXASCAMPUSAND LAUNCHED INTO “WHISKEY RIVER,”AS THESMILINGCROWDAROUND HIMERUPTED INTO APPLAUSE.
Severalmonthsprior,KLRNproducerBillArhos hadtaskedhis colleaguePaulBosnertocome upwithsomefresh ideasfor thelocal PBSstation (now KLRU). Bosner,whose experience includedworking on TheCarol BurnettShow and TheJackieGleason Show,found inspirationfrom hanging around Austin’s hallowed honky-tonks. He tapped friend andfellowDallasresident Bruce Scafeasa cohort andcookedupa concepttospotlight thecapital city’s cosmic country scene. Willie’shour-long performancebecamethe pilotepisode of Austin City Limits.Littledid the trio know,their vision wouldbecomethe longest-runningmusic programinhistory.
Theopening sequence for Austin City Limits clearlyspelled outits inspirations:popular live music venues Soap CreekSaloon, theBrokenSpoke,the TexasOpryHouse (owned by Nelson), and,ofcourse, theArmadillo WorldHeadquarters. Somethingtruly specialwas taking root in those no-frillsdives wherelong-haired,pot-smoking hippiesrubbedelbowswithbeer-swilling cowboys andfratguys. Butthe moment couldhavedissipatedlikedustinthe wind.Ifyou think ofthoseclubsandhonky-tonksasnaturalspringsbubblingupoutoflimestone,thenAustinCity Limits is thereservoir constructedtoensurethe preservation of thosewaters.
Metaphors aside, theshowwas aliteral signal to theworld that definedthe cultureofAustin, aslivemusic became abannerfor thecity. Both travelersand newresidents stillarrive here daily thanks to that firsttelevisionbroadcast more than 50 yearsago.The passiontheybring instills new energy,creatinga feedback loop formusic lovers.
Those openingmoments of thepilot also featurea recordingofBobbieNelson, Willie’s sister, sound checking on piano—a1911Steinwaybabygrand,tobeexact.Thatsamepiano hasbeen playedbyRay Charles, NorahJones,Tom Waits, andJackieVenson, amongmanyothers. “I don’t believeinghosts, butwhenI walk past this thing, Ican’t help butfeelthe spiritsradiate from that instrument,”saysTerry Lickona, Austin City Limits’producersince 1979.
Likea sustainedchord ringingout,the show’s impact hasechoedthrough cultureoverthe course of five decades. Many crew membershaveremainedfor much of that time,serving as excellentstewardsofalarger-than-lifelegacy.InhonorofAustinCityLimits’50thanniversarythis fall, some of thoselongtimehands andnotable musicalguestssharedtheir memories of what makesitsospecial.
A R L Y D A Z E
Bruce Scafe, original directorof ACL: Paul Bosner [Austin City Limits’ firstproducer] livedinDallasand commuted to Austin everyweek. On weeknights,hestarted checking outAustin nightlife. We’retalking aboutWillieand Jerry Jeff Walker,etc.Heexplained to me over afew beersatAmisCaféthisup-and-comingphenomenon of progressivecountry or cosmic country. He hadanideathatPBS mightbeinterestedif we approached it from aculturalaspect. Certainly,there wasnothing likeWillieNelsonon public TV.So, we puttogetherour headsand formulated aplanofhow we couldsellthe idea to Bill Arhos.
Paul Bosner,original ACLproducer: [Inatypedmemo beforeSeason1]“Austin City Limits”isa “live” progressivecountrymusicconcert.Theapproach is honest,unassuming, andnot hyped. Next to themusic itself,the most importantingredient inprogressive countryisthe audience.They’re loyal,enthusiastic, andinvolvedbothphysically andemotionally in theirmusic.
Terry Lickona, producer for ACL since 1978: It wasa window to what wassoontobenamed Live MusicCapital of theWorld.
Scafe: Abouthalfofthe boardsaid, “I think that’s alousy idea.I don’tthink they’regoing to go forthatinNew York City.” Andthe otherhalf thoughtitwas aprettygoodidea, butRobert Shankin, theCEO andpresident of KLRN, thoughtitwasa great idea.And he gave Bill the go aheadtoput ourfullefforts toward creating apilot that we couldpresent to PBS.
David Hough,audioengineer for ACLforall 50 seasons: Paul Bosnerwas drivingfromDallasintotownand passed the city limits sign,and that’s what stuckfor aname
Scafe: Ifound afontcalledSkinand Bones, which is the AustinCity Limits logo.I thought, if youstack these names on topofeachother,itkindoflooks Western And it also lookslikea neon sign abovea nightclubin New York The font is stillidentified with theshow.
Hough: It wasPaul’sideatohavethe showshot in the round [withthe audience on allsides of thestage]. He wanted every camera shot to have somebody in theaudience in the back BecausePaul’sprincipalconceptwasthatthebandplays,there’s this energy goingintothe crowd, andthemusicians respond to that,and then this wholeenergybuildsup exponentially
Scafe: Our firstrecording forthe pilotwaswith B W Stevenson. Butthere were some problems we had with it Also, the word didn’t getout,and we hadsucha small audience that it wasembarrassing. So,wehad to canthat. [Popular radio DJ] JoeGraceygot on theair andreallypromoted Willie Nelson [thesecondtaping],whichdidn’tneedawholelotofpromoting. He alreadyhad abig following.
Lickona: They startedserving free beer right away from the firsttapingon. That traditionprobablyhad a lot to do with launchingthe successofthe show.
Hough: AndLaura Bush wasone of thebeer service girls
Scott Newton,official ACL photographersince 1979: Poodie wasthe ringmaster forWillie’scircus.He was the head roadie.So,Iwentdown[tothetaping]withPoodie Istood in theback. Iwasn’tpayingspecial attention It was that wayevery day. We didn’t know it washistoric It was just anothergig at thetime.
Left:WillieNelson performs forthe pilotepisode of Austin CityLimits.
Right,clockwisefrom top: Asleepat theWheel; TomWaits; Jimmy Buffett.
Scafe: Iwasknockedoutbytheirperformanceand by the audience reaction I thought, well, this is what we really wanted, more than we expected. After the program, Willie came into the control room with me and probably Bill, and I know Paul sat next to me We rewatched the entire show Willie also sat right next to me, and he does have an aura about him in person
Newton:Willie’saholyman,notjustsomemusician Hehasadirectconnectionwithwhateverthemuse is, whatever that spirit is that motivates all this stuff He’sgotthedirectconnection,andtheaudience knows that.
Lickona: Williewasthepilotin1975,andthenthey got funded by Lone Star Beer to do a whole season of 13 episodes
Ray Benson, frontmanof Asleepat the Wheel: Myroommate, Joe Gracey, said, “They just hired me to book a show called Austin City Limits. It’s going to be all thecoolguysaroundtown Williewasjustonapilot, and they want you to do the first show” And I went, “Coolman What’sitgoingtobe?”Hesaid,“Justplay music They want to know who you want the other act on the show to be.” And I said, “I want the Texas Playboys,BobWills’band They’rewhoourinspiration was ” It was hard to get on TV, because it was either the Tonight Show or a Bob Hope special
Lickona: Theybeganplayingaroundwithdifferent looks after that first year The stage was higher for Willie’s pilot, and they experimented with putting benchesonthefloor.Theybuiltthebleachersalong thesideandaroundthebackslikeahorseshoe The skyline didn’t come along until Season 7
Gary Menotti, ACL crew membersince 1978 and current director: Season 2 wasmy first I started at 19 as a student at the University of Texas After graduation,I got a full-time job with a PBS station for about a year And since then, I’ve been solelyworkingonAustinCityLimits Season3,Iwasacameraoperator Season 4, I was a stage manager Then, I was the associate director, technical director for Alan Muir, who was my mentor
Hough: Jimmy Buffett came to do a taping [in 1976]. He had written the new song “Margaritaville,” and the song didn’t perform very well because the banddidn’t know it, but it was probably the first time it was recorded. We had such a limited budget that we had to reuse videotapes and erase over a lot of the Season 1stuff. “Margaritaville” was not used in the final edit, so the recording no longerexists.
Lickona: One of the first acts that I booked was Tom Waits [1979] It wasserendipitous because he was on tour coming through Austin I don’t knowhowI managed to talk his manager into letting us do a show with him It is still, to thisday,oneoftheshowspeoplepointtoasbeingaclassic Iwouldrerunthe TomWaitsshoweveryyearatChristmasasatradition,andlargelyjustbecause ofthatonesong,[“ChristmasCardfromaHookerinMinneapolis”] Somebody told me Tom hated that show
We’reinWillieworld now—let’sjusthang on fordearlife.
Lloyd Maines, first ACL Hall of Fame inductee: On the first show Idid in 1978 on theUTcampus, IrememberBill Arhos,oneofthecreatorsoftheshow,helpeduscarry ourstuff up.Hewas schlepping gear,man!And that always stuckinmymind. They trytohaveeverybody walk in feelinggoodand walk outfeeling good.And that’sarealtestamenttowhythey’velastedforsolong.
Menotti: WehoodwinkedeveryoneintheUnitedStates. We builta tree branch,and we hung it in thebackof thestudiooverthe bleachers. Ihad acrane shot that wouldkindofgothrough thetrees,which wouldgive youthatperspective that we were outside, alongwith theskyline in thebackground.
Lickona: What really made adifference wasSeason5 when Iwas able to getRay Charles. He wasgoing to be playingatthe ErwinCenter. Ithought,maybe Ican talk my waybackstage andexplain to theroadmanager whoI am andI couldtalktoRay.I waited fora while, andtheyopenedthe door,and Iwalkedinto hisdressingroom. Iwas stuttering andstammering. ButwhenImentionedtheshow,hewaslike,Ohyeah, Iknowthatshow. It’s arealmusic show,isn’t it? Less than ayearlater,hewas therewithhis full orchestra andtheRaelettes.Thathelpedopenthedoorstosome of thebigger-name legends: Johnny Cash,Dolly Parton,and others.
Menotti: George Strait wasthe firstshowI ever directed [1981].All he hadwas “Unwound”[his firstsingle],and he wasright outofSan Marcos.Georgeand Istarted ACL together,you couldsay.I wouldbelying if IsaidI wasn’t nervousofdoing it.But once youdid it the first time,itwas easier after.
Maines: Willie hasalwaysbeena freeform guy. When we inductedKrisKristoffersonintotheHallofFame,Willie did“Me andBobby McGee.”Werehearsed it,and it was absolutelygreat.Whenwegotbackinthedressingroom, someonesaid,“Justremember,tonightduringtheshow, Williewon’t do onething we rehearsed.”I just kind of blew itoff.And man, sure enough,hecameout,the crowdwas goingnuts, and thedrummerwasjustabout to countitoff,but Willie goes up to themic,playsa chord,andherewego.We’re in Willieworld now—let’s just hang on fordearlife.
Above:Ray Charlesdelivers an unforgettableperformance, paving theway forbiggerartiststo record episodes.
Right:Longhorns coach and frequent ACLattendee Darrell KRoyal with close friend WillieNelson.
ME MO RA BLE MILESTONES
Newton: CoachDarrellRoyalandWillie werethe best of friends. Coachwould have everybodyovertohis house, and theywouldpasstheguitar,andeverybody does asong, andyou keep going.
Lickona: Itwasnotjustapartyscene.He hadatrafficlightinthelivingroom,and when it wastimefor somebody to singa song,theredlightwouldcomeon—shut up,notalking.Ifthere wasa break, the greenlight wouldcomeon, andpeople couldgograba drinkand talk.
Newton: Andthelightbulbgoesonover Terry’s head: Whydon’t we just do this in thestudio? Well,theywereupfor it, andwedid it.
Lickona: Royalwould come to almost everytaping, andhehad his ownseatonthe upperleftcornerofthe back bleachers. As people came into thestudio, aftertheygrabbed theirfreecup of beer,they wouldwalkpastthe coach, whowould be waving,and they’d be shouting hisname.
Hough: In Season 7, Kris Kristoffersoncameintothe studio to doa taping,and thepower went out. Thecrowd didn’t want to leave. They hadlighters, andtheystarted singingthe themesong: “I want to go home with thearmadillo.” It took an hour before theUniversityof Texas fire marshalshowedupand sent everybodyhome. It turned out laterthatarathadgottenintothetransformerdowninthebasement.
Newton: Stevie RayVaughan haddoneone show in Season 9, andwe weretryingtogetarepeat,buthismanagementwasn’tshowingmuch response.So, we came up with theideaofgetting [Vaughan’s mentor andgoodfriend] W.C. Clark. Bill says,“Nobody knowswho W.C. Clark is, butifhecan talk Stevie into doinganother show,we’ll book him.” W.C. picksupthe phone, talkstoStevie, andStevieagreestodoit. Stevie gotupthere,and Imean, to be that closetosomebodythatcasually throwingoff amazingriffsand realizingyou’reinthe presence of af*cking genius here.
right: Willie Nelson, FloydTillman. Back row, left to right: RedLane, DonGant, Hank Cochran, Rock Killough,Whitey Shafer, SonnyThrockmorton.
Top:JohnnyCashand June Cartersmileout at thecrowd.
Bottom: Lyle Lovettsings “ClosingTime”withthe ACL staff duringthefinaltaping atStudio6Ain 2010 The showmovedtotheMoody Theaterthe following year.
Menotti: John Fogerty was a great person to work with We all gathered for the rehearsal, and Fogerty gets up on stage and says, “OK, whatdoyouwanttohear?”He’stalkingtome, becauseI’msittingatthetablewherewedothe rehearsal. It was like having this human jukebox “‘Fortunate Son,’ ‘Proud Mary.’” And he would play it.
Maines: Oneofthemostmemorableshows,and I just happened to be on it, was a Joe Ely show onHalloween.Theysaidcomeinyourcostume. ItwasoneofJoe’stypicalrockingshows,man.
And at the end of the night, I remember Joe invited everybody up on the stage, and there wasthisoneguywhowaswearingaTVoverhis head He had taken out the guts, and he had knocked out the glass. All you saw on the TV was his face He said, “Man, I’ve always wanted to be on TV. This is close as I’ll ever get!”
Newton: There’s nobody like Johnny Cash He did one show for us—I think it was Season 12—andhewasonhisbestbehavior Hehadthe whole Carter Family there with him. And boy, he was just calling everybody sir and ma’am.
Lickona: When Johnny came in for a rehearsal that day, he walked into the studio on campus andhewentaroundandintroducedhimselfto everybodyonthecrew,shookhands.Thenight oftheshow,hewasstandinginthecornerbefore Iwentouttodomyusualintro.Hewasfidgeting around Iwentovertoaskifheneededanything He looked like he might be looking for something. And he kind of in a friendly way just brushedmeoffandsaid,“No,no,I’mjustalittle nervous.Iknowthisisarealmusicshow.”When you hear somebody like Johnny Cash say that, it kind of sinks in.
Britt Daniel, frontman of Spoon: IgrewupinTemple,anhournorthofAustin,andmymomhad this tiny TV in the kitchen that was always on. I remember walking through the kitchen on Saturdayeveningsandseeingtheshowon,and then sometimes I would watch. But it was just a Saturday night thing at the house. I’ve since seenalotofgreatones,butIrememberspecificallywatchingJohnnyCashandsittingdown to see that Johnny Cash was beyond country. He was an icon.
Adrian Quesada, member of Grupo Fantasma and Black Pumas: ThefirsttimeIplayedwithGrupo Fantasma,itwasatStudio6Ain2006probably We were doing the stuff with Prince He had a club in Las Vegas called 3121, and we became his Thursday night house band there. We did thatforacoupleofmonthsandthenhestarted askingustoopenforhimontour,orsometimes playashisbackingband Wedidn’twanttolose thatopportunity,sowedidn’ttellhim.Weflew homeonaredeyeandshoweduptoAustinCity Limits on no sleep. That day was a bit of a daze.
Menotti: Lyle [Lovett] had an idea to bring a lot of the crew up on stage for the last song in 6A, theverylasttapingthatwedid.So,mostofthe crewgotuponstagetobepartof“ClosingTime.” We all chimed in on a chorus, and it was just very memorable for all of us.
Benson:I’mwatchingDaveLettermanone night, andSandraBullock wason, and Dave goes,“Wheredoyou live,Sandra?” Shesays, “I live in Austin,Texas.” And Dave goes,“Idon’t know anything about Austin,Texas,except Austin City Limits, this television show.” Andatthatpoint,I went,“Wow!”
Lickona: Once theshowevolved from countrysinger-songwriter music, andwe startedfeaturing more rock andindie music—whetherit’sR.E.M.orPearl Jam orDaveMatthewsorWilco—wenever abandonedour roots. We always have Austin-based artistsand Texasmusic on theshow.
Jackie Venson, Austinmusician: It’s coolthat ACLTVdoesn’tdiscriminatewhenitcomes to notjustthe diversityofthe artists, but thedevelopment of theartist. It’s notjust hugestarslikeKendrickLamar.Sometimes it’s localup-and-comers like me,orsometimesit’sregionalheroes. Sometimesit’s hometown heroes. N O L I M I T S
Lickona: Ihad gone to seeGaryClark Jr.atAntone’swhenhewas like16.Iranintohimafterwardsandsaidsomethingtotheeffect of—heremembersitbetterthanme—“Whenareyougoingtocome doourshow?”Hesaidthatwasamomenthe’llneverforget.Stevie Raywas hishero, andGarywould sitaroundwatchingold VHS tapesthathis parentsrecordedofStevieRay on ACL untilthe tapesworeouttryingtomemorizeeveryguitarlickthatheplayed.
Daniel: Ithink[KilltheMoonlight]cameoutinAugust2002,and we played on theshowinNovemberorDecember. Iwould saywe wereatalevelwhereACLwastakingagambleonustogiveusthat taping.Wewerejuststartingtocomeup.Ithinkthetapingbefore ourswasBeckandTheFlamingLips,andWilcohadjustbeenon. Icould feel thetideturning abit.Thingsweremorphingintoa differentera of theshow.
Emily Bolf,associateproducer for ACL: FlamingLipswasawildnight. They hadanimalcostumes, thenun puppet,fakeblood.Wewere findingconfettimonths, probably years, afterthatshow. Aday or twoafter thetaping, Igot aphone call from theirtourmanager: Have youfound apanda head? We hadn’t.
Daniel:ThethingIremembermostaboutourtaping,oddlyenough, isthatinhisintroduction,Terryannouncedthatweweregoingto Australiaina fewmonths. Jim[Eno],backstage listeningtohim, wasjustpetrifiedbecausehisbossesathisjobwereintheaudience, and he hadn’t told them yet. He stillhad afull-time gig. Anytime wetoured, it wasa huge stress forJim,because he wasafraidthey wouldn’tlethimleaveandcomeback.Hewasbusted,butsomehow we endedupstill goingtoAustralia andhedidn’tlosehis job.
Opposite page:Bluesrock heroGaryClarkJr.(above) and avant-popvisionary JanelleMonáe.
Icould feel thetideturning abit. Things were morphing intoa differentera of theshow.
Right:BillieEilish brings megastarpowertothe ACL stagein2019. Below:Spoon’s frontmanBritt Daniel strums hisTelecaster.
Venson: I’ve always been really impressed by their bookings and their abilitytokeepupwiththetimesoftheart We’veallhadcome-to-Jesus talks about systemic lack of diversity in Austin There’s been so many thingsaboutthatinthelastfouryears,butAustinCityLimitswasnever includedinanyofthat Goingbacktothe’90s,you’vegotinternational acts singing in Spanish only in 1992 People in America are too close-minded for that now, and these guys were doing it 30 years ago Lickona: WhenBillieEilishexplodedontothesceneat17withherfirst record, she was a little bit out of the ballpark of what we normally do, but her publicist reached out asking if she could come and tape Austin City Limits We said: Bring it on But I was curious why she was interested in doing a show like ours Turns out, her parents grew up watching Austin City Limits That made me start to think someday if somebodytellsmethattheirgrandmothergrewupwatchingourshow, then I’m going to realize we ’ ve been doing this for a long time
Newton: Everybody has distinctive moments With Billie Eilish a couple of years ago, it was just one distinctive moment after another
Venson: My taping was Oct 3, 2020 No audience There were 13 people there, 11 of them were on cameras and two of them were my sister and my husband My dad was going through so much, so he had to miss the taping He was in the hospital It was a huge moment in my life,andIwasworriedsickthathewasn’tgoingtogettoseeit Ihitup Terry and told him the situation and they gave me the TV broadcast
of it a day or two after we taped it They sent over this 11-gigabyte TV broadcast I gave it to my sister, and she went and showed my dad in the hospital
Bolf: One of the things that makes Austin City Limits remarkable is to have these time capsules, these moments in time captured by the artists I can’t really think of another show that does that
Daniel: The thing that stands out from any other musicshowonTVisthattheyjustwanttheepisode to be how you want it to be For one, when you do thetaping,itfeelslikearegulargig Whenyouplay something like Fallon or Jimmy Kimmel, you go out there for one song With this, you can actually warm up, and it has an arc to it. They let you pick which songs to play and which songs are going to air. It’s just very accommodating.
Venson: It leveled up my entire career “I’ve never heard of you until I saw this one episode of ACL” every single gig, I hear that at least once
Lickona: Theshowsthatmakemethemostexcited are the ones where the audience is most excited Kendrick Lamar is one of those It was a history-making show in so many ways for him to be on thatstage Kendricksaiditfeltlikedoingafestival outthere Artistsarestillsurprisedbythewaveof enthusiasm that comes from the audience at this TV show
Left: Kendrick Lamarperforms shortlyafterthe releaseofrap masterpiece To Pimpa Butterfly
Opposite page: Indie rockerJack White basksinblue light during his 2012 taping.
Quesada: Black Pumas was the one where I felt the most pressure. It felt like there were a lot of eyes on us at that point, a lot of expectations, and it’s like you ’ re immortalized There’s just an aura to that building, where you ’ re a part of this bigger picture It’s not like people are going to boo you, butyoustillknowallthepeoplethatplayedbefore you,andit’slikeyouwanttobeintheconversation with those people too
Bolf: Janelle Monáe was a mind-blowing performance She was on that stage for hours practicing and running through the dance moves to make sure that it was a good show I appreciate it when artists add lighting or set elements or something special That really elevates the whole experience
Menotti: Wetrytorespectwhattheartistwouldlike to see Jack White wanted a completely blue stage He’s very savvy at what he wants to do. It was a lot of backlight blue and sidelight blue, but the key
Artistsare stillsurprised by thewave ofenthusiasm that comesfromthe audience at this TV show.
lights hadtobea whiteintensity.Weworkedwiththem, trying to meld it so it looked decent on television.
Bolf: Oneofthe artistsI always wanted to seeon Austin City Limits wasDanielJohnston. Ijustfeltmaybe we hadmissed our opportunitytodothat. Then,whenI wasworking with The SwellSeason, they mentionedtwo things:Theywanted achildren’schoir,andtheywantedDanielJohnston.Alotof workwentintothattapingtocoordinateallthesethings.The children’schoir wasbeautiful.And at theveryend,they broughtinDanielandtheysang“LifeinVain.”AndI’llalways rememberatthe endofthe taping,GlenHansard [singerof The SwellSeason] hadthe wholeaudiencesinging “Devil Town” acapella And he was like, “It’d be really cool if we all just kept singing as everybody walked out ” It was just one of those magical moments
Lickona:Theshowthatstillhasn’thappenedisBruceSpringsteen,whoIhavebeenchasingforsomanyyearstonoavail Ihavetriedtogothroughhismanager,hisrecordlabel,his bass player When he was signing books at BookPeople, I hadafriendofmineshowupinanAustinCityLimitsT-shirt and ask him.
Bolf: Terry[Lickona]justgotanawardinMay Hedoesn’tlike to talk about it, but it’s the highest award that PBS gives out, the Beacon Award Mr Rogers has gotten it, Ken Burns, Neil deGrasseTyson,JimLehrer,thePBSheavyhitters Theygave it to Terry this year, and Dave Grohl came out to present the award He talked about how he felt so welcome, that he felt like we were all friends immediately, and that he trusts Austin City Limits To me, that’s the highest compliment that artists trust us to make their music accessible to people
OCT. 17,2024
In addition to airing newepisodes with BlackPumas,GaryClark Jr., andBrittanyHowardthisfall, Austin City Limits will hosta specialtapingwithWillieNelson andAsleepatthe Wheelonthe Long Center lawn on Oct. 17, exactly50years afterthe recordingofthe show’s pilot episode. “Whenyou’relooking at theactualskyline behind the stage, there’ssomething beautiful aboutthat,”associate producer EmilyBolfsays.
Readyto fall in love with austin alloveRagain?
FRomtasty delights andmust-seebands tocelebRity-appRovedaccessoRies,we pResent 167top picks FRom acRoss thecapital city.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EATEXPERIENCE
SoupleafHot pot
If you’re hankeringfor aheartymeal, head to this Asian hotpot restaurant,which features an alluring buffet with aseafoodbar,freshveggies,house-madenoodles,andevery type of sauceand brothimaginable. Thinkherbaceous lemongrassTomYumandChineseMalabroths.Guestscan alsorequest tablesideservice of meatssuchasribeyeor lamb.Witha budget-friendly flat rate of $25for lunchand $35 fordinner, you’ll leavewitha full belly and wallet. soupleafhotpot.com
BRUNCH poeta
Sweetorsavory? It’s theeternal debate when it comesto brunch,and Poetamakes thedecisionespeciallydifficult. Thenew restaurant by theownersofInterooffersan Italian-centrictwist on ourfavoriteweekend meal with clever playsonavocado toastlikethe avobruschettaand tastyspaghetticarbonarawithroastedpork.Butifyoufavor sugaroverspice,indulgeinthewafflegato,whichreimagines theespresso-soakedgelatodessertasatoppingforawaffle. poetarestaurant.com
BURGERS
CuantaSHamburgueSaS
Whilethere aresmash burgersaplenty in thecapital citythese days,you won’t find abettercombination of Mexican street flairand bang foryourbuckthanat Cuantas. In addition to de rigueurAngus pattiesand Martin’ssesamebuns, chef Beto Robledoaddsinbold ingredientslikelonganiza (Mexican chorizo) andchimichurri mayo.Don’t miss thesincronizada, which featuresanAngus smashpatty,ham,and beef hotdog allinone burger.Considerwearing stretchy pants. cuantashamburguesas.com
BUZZ
reStartrIta
It washightimesomeone createda low-dose cannabis seltzer, andlocal companyRESTART CBDknocked it outofthe park.Its booze-free margaritaalternative contains 5mgofTHC and5 mg of CBDfor theideal amountofrelaxation—sanshangover.Afterthesuccess oftheagavelimeandsweetsandia(watermelon)flavors that debutedearlier this year,the brandwillunveila thirdvariety this fall.Cheers! restartcbd.com
Get your caffeinefix with Poeta’s espresso-topped wafflegato.
COCKTAIL BAR
Saturn CoCktail Club
Atruly independentbar hidden in plain sightonCongressAvenue,Saturnlikesto play by itsown rules. Regulars love the loungeforitswell-craftedcocktails,irreverentsocialmedia,and Shazam-worthy playlists.Here,youmightfindapunkshow onenight anda houseDJwitha packed dancefloor thenext. If you’ve hityour limitspending$20 percocktail, head to Saturn forits all-dayhappy hour on Saturdays. instagram.com/saturnatx
COOKIES kurty’SCookieS
Austingotadoubledoseofsweetnesswhen twin brothers Kurtis andEricBrenner teamed up to launch acookiecompany. Whilethe duosells scratch-made confectionswithuniqueflavorslikebourbonpecan pieand Mexicanhot chocolate, it’s their classicchocolatechipseasaltvarietythat’s developedacultfollowing.Orderthetreats forpickupatthe weekendSFC farmers’ marketsdowntownandinSunsetValley—or betteryet,getthemdeliveredtoyourdoorsteponSaturdays.kurtyscookies.com
DATE NIGHT
PizzaSChoolatDeSano PizzerianaPoletana
If theway to someone’sheart is through theirstomach,thenthisnighttime“pizza school”isthe perfectbonding opportunity forcouples.Stand side by side with your better half as youknead dough, add toppings,and enjoyyourfreshly cooked pies together at DeSano.The romantic meal includes Italianand capresesalad, meatballs, andstuffed Nutellapizza for dessert. Howsweet! desanopizza.com
DUMPLINGS
DumPling WorlD
LocalsnolongerhavetoroadtriptoHoustontoenjoythesesuperiordumplings.The popularSugar Land transplant at TheTrianglewillleaveyouspoiledforchoicewith 23stylesofitstitulardish.Besuretoorder thepanfriedandboilediterationstoexperienceamyriadoftextures,butletthephone eat firstwiththe rainbow-coloreddumplings,whichweremadeforTikTokstardom. dumplingworldtx.com
FUTURISTIC DINING mala Chili
Youmight feel likeyou’relivingin anepisodeof TheJetsons when you visitthisChineserestaurantlocated in theH-Martshoppingcenter. Whileits mouth-numbingSichuan chilioil andChongqing fish alone areworththetrektoNorth Austin, it’s theelectronicwaiterthatyou’ll remember themost. Just orderon thetouch-screenkiosk,and alarge whiterobot will deliveryourorder in style. malachili.com
GLOW UP
Pthai’Skhaoman gai& nooDleS
DelicacieslikeHainanesechickenare rarefindsinAustin,soweweregratefultodiscoveritata humble supermarket stall—anddevastatedwhen themarketclosed. Luckily, this fairy tale of tender poachedchicken with asavorybroth andpungent dipping saucehas ahappy ending:P.Thai’s movedtoa brick-and-mortaroff Airport Boulevardthisspring, andits fan-favorite dish is nowjoinedbyan expanded menu of braisedporkand boat noodles. p-thai.com
HAPPYHOUR uChiko
Thesedays,it’shardtowalkoutofany restaurantwithoutspendinghundreds of dollars, much less onethatoffers fine dining.But Uchiko,helmedby JamesBeard Award–winningchef TysonCole, recently debuteda sixcourse happyhourthatfeeds two people for$60 aperson. Thetasting menu includes yellowtail hama chili, salmon sake temaki,rosewoodtop sirloinsteakfrites,plusfourpiecesof nigiri.Gofish!uchiko.uchirestaurants .com/location/austin
Jack McGarrycametoAmerica with asingulargoal: change Americans’ perceptions of Irishculture.Heopenedhis pubThe Dead Rabbit in NewYork’sFivePointsin 2013,namingitafter the19th-centurygangimmortalizedinMartinScorsese’s GangsofNew York.Now,morethanadecadelater,the award-winningbar has foundasecondoutpost on Historic SixthStreet. “The original Dead Rabbit site in Five Points wasa run-down location full of sports bars,and everyone said we were crazysetting up there, whichfeels similartoSixth Street,” McGarrysays. “But it’s apartofAustinthathas been underservedand hassomeofthe most beautifularchitectureinthe city,and Iwanttobepartofthe change.” Almost everything inside thenew spaceisIrish,including more than 400piecesoforiginal art. TheDeadRabbit’ssignature dishes includescotcheggs, sausagerolls,anda traditionalbreakfast complete with blood puddingand soda bread. Choose from up to 67 Irishwhiskiesatany giventime, from stapleslikeJamesonsand TullamoreDew to excitingnew brands like Method &Madness.Justdon’t expect shamrocksorlepreaunshere—this is theessence of aprogressive Irishpub. —Ruvani de Silva
Chooseyourownadventure(akaheatlevel)atthis hotchicken hotspot. The fieryred food trailer locatedatCelis Brewingfeaturesultra-juicy Nashvillefried chickenwithfourlevelsofspice andtheperfectcrunch.Bepreparedtowaitabeat as thechicken is cooked freshwithevery order. Whilethe entrée pairswellwithone of Celis’ Belgianwitbiersorhoney blonde ales,you also can’tgowrongwithaclassicsweettea.instagram .com/danghot89
LONG-ANTICIPATEDOPENING
LeRoyanD LewisBaRBecue
Greatbarbecuehasalwaysbeenworthstanding in line,but we hadtobepatient forseven years beforewecouldenjoyLeRoy’sstellar’cuewitha side of airconditioning. Theformertrailer changedthegamewithitsnewschoolbarbecue approach,emphasizing seldom-usedcutslike beef cheek, andits newSouth Austin space continuesthattradition with smoked flat iron andtri-tip.Goodthingscometothosewhowait. leroyandlewisbbq.com
MARKETINGPLOY 75-centMaRtinisatwHisLeR’s
Howeverclassic,James Bond’s signaturedrink usually isn’tthecheapestitemonthemenu.ButWhisler’sbrilliant summerspecial allowedpatrons to siponmartinisfor lessthana dollar.OnFridays from 4to7 p.m.,the East Sidebarpouredthetime-honoredlibationforamere75 cents,causinglinesaroundtheblockthatrivalFranklin Barbecue.Their clever campaign to drum up business duringahistoricallyslowtimeofyearleftthepublicboth shaken and stirred. whislersatx.com
ThelatestconceptbyhospitalityveteranCharlesFerraro (Hotel Vegas),thisManor Road barsharesits bustling patiowithFleet Coffee,LaSanta Barbacha,and Howdy’s Vintage. Sidleuptothe outdoorbar to ordera batched cocktail made from La SantaBarbacha’saguas frescas, then thumbthrough theoutdoor racksatHowdy’s fora true one-stop shop. thelonggoodbyeatx.com
PATIO
Redbud IceHouse
Laid-backbeerjointshavealwaysbeenanessential part of Southerndining. Newcomer RedbudIce Houseiscut from that classic cloth,providing awelcoming neighborhood hangoutwithlong picnictables, aplaygroundareafor kids,and plenty of room for four-leggedfriends.LedbytheculinaryteambehindOlamaieand Maie Day, theEastAustinspace hasmenuhighlightslikethe Southernfried pork chop anda damn good TexasWagyu cheeseburger—pluslocal brewsand CBDgummies forthose lookingto unwind. redbudicehouse.com
bambIno
Whilewood-firedpiesgetthegloryatmanyNeapolitanpizzerias,chefFioreTedescousesanelectricoventoachievetheperfect crustathis newEastSideconcept.The L’Ocad’Oro co-owner leans in on locallysourced ingredientssuchasBartonSprings Mill flourand Lion’s Mane mushroomsfromHi-Fi Mycology. PizzasliketheCoppaCabanahitnotesofcomfortandcomplexity,withhouse-mademarmaladeaddingasweetcomplementto the salami. bambinoaustin.com
POP-UP
deepasHRIdHaR’sbbQ bIRyanIseRIes
Skipping culinary school to work at some of thebestrestaurants in thecitylikeDai Dueand Lenoir paidoff when it came to chef DeepaShridharhoningher cookingskills. Born in Indiaand raisedinTexas,Shridharhascollaboratedwithsomeofthemost exciting barbecue spotsintownlikeDistant Relativesand Sí Baby-Qwhilewritingawholenewchapteronbiryani,acelebratory rice dish from SouthAsia. Thepairing of CentralTexas smoked meatstothericestapleistoogoodtocallfusion.Weprefertocall it “destiny.” instagram.com/deepa.shridhar
SOBERMEETUP
deaR dRydRInkeRy
As more locals seek alcoholalternatives, they’realsolooking for asense of communitythatdoesn’t revolvearounddrinking. The city’sfirstnonalcoholicbottleshopisprovidingbothwithitsvast selectionofspirit-free spiritsand amyriadofgatherings. In its firstyearalone,DearDry Drinkery hashostedeverythingfrom sobergirlwalkclubs andin-storetastingstofullmooncrystal healingsessionsand SXSW parties. We’llraise aglass to that. deardrydrinkery.com
PIZZA
VEGETARIAN Fabrik
Fabrik’s Parker House roll includes a glaze of agave and vegan butter that createsa “sticky sweet situation,” Je says Think of it as a plant-based answer to Texas Roadhouse’s famed starters Among the most laborious elements of the meal, the bread requires two different rising periods and is timed to come out of the oven perfectly fresh right before each service.
When chef Je Wallerstein boarded a plane from London back home to Austin in October 2022, her brain was teeming with ideas. She’d just spent five months staging at three renowned restaurants, two of which—Cookies Cream in Berlin and Ark in Copenhagen—hold Michelin star designations But more importantly, all the eateries were completely vegetarian An ambitious vision took root: Je wanted to bring plant-based fine dining to Austin By January, she and partner Silas Wallerstein found the perfect spot on East MLK Boulevard, and Fabrik opened as a 16-seat restaurant in August 2023 Emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the prix-fixe menu offers five- or seven-course options along with wine pairings Just after its first anniversary, Fabrik unveiled a new menu built around elevated takes on classic summer fare, like a watermelon lime aperitif and what Je calls a “sexy potato salad” with charred corn and baby trumpet mushrooms. Here, we break down a few more components from the dynamic omakase service. fabrikatx.com
One of the menu’s most unforgettable bites is this homemade onion crisp topped with beet and watermelon radish tartare. It may look like a hoity-toity delicacy, but it tastes like an onion ring dipped in a spicysweet sauce.
It’s been said before, but seriously, you won’t believe it’s not butter This emulsion of oils spreads and melts naturally, and Je seasons the recipe with a salt and spice blend featuring marjoram— imbuing it with a complex umami profile
This trio of large cappelletti is stuffed with cashew and macadamia cheese as well as garlic confit made with Texas olive oil. Fresh basil, Texas pecans, and an impressive almond feta brightened by lemon zest top the dish But the star ingredient is the tangy house romesco, made from Calabrian chiles and red peppers with a kiss of yuzu.
SUSHI EXPERIENCE endo
There’s no shortage of omakase options in Austin right now, but how many of them can play six degrees of separation from acclaimed Japanese sushi chef Jiro Ono? Enjoy a dazzling 20-course feast by Tokyo-born chef Endo Yasuhiro, who trained under Daisuke Nakazawa, who worked for 11 years under Ono. Expect pristine fish from the acclaimed Toyosu market along withtraditional Japanese fare like Chawanmushi, a savory custard studded with Neptune’s finest bling like sea urchin and salt-brined red caviar sushiendo.com
TACO TRAILER
Yellow Bell
Psst! Here’s a secret: One of the bestdishesatacclaimedInterstellar BBQ, the pulled lamb tacos, is also available at its sibling trailer without the wait Parked at the Austin Beerworks location off SpringdaleRoad,chefJohnBates’ odetohisSouthTexasrootsshines through in his flawless flour tortillas, which are easily the best in town Other menu standouts at Yellow Bell include the garlic-whippedpintobeanandcheese taco and the smoked chicken thighs tacos, featuring a chicharrontoppingmadefromthechicken skins. yellowbelltacos.com
TAVERN
MurraY’s Tavern
Standing in stark contrast to all the Instagrammable bars opening in Austin lately, Murray’s evokes the feel of timeless taverns found on the East Coast. At the versatile space helmed by Travis Tober (Nickel City), you can just as easily meet up with an old college friend or date as a potential start-up investor. Head there Tuesday through Saturday after 4 p.m. for prime rib, or savor comfort dishes like Grandma’s Goulash and chicken pot pie. murraysaustin.com
TEASE Prélude
It might take a while to get into this buzzy West End neighborhood concept, but when you finally snag a reservation,you’reinforatreat.Chef Mathew Peters opened Prélude as a canapé and cocktail bar that serves as a precursor to his upcoming fine diningestablishment,Maven,which will open in 2025. With jewel-toned decor, bumpin’ beats, and inventive dishes like chicken nuggets paired withcaviar,Préludeisnothingshort ofasensorydelight.Ifthisisforeplay, we can’t wait for the main event. prelude-austin.com
VIBES equiPMenT rooM
Walk down the steps to this tucked-away speakeasy at Hotel Magdalena,andyou’llbeinstantly transported to another time Partially inspired by Japanese kissas, throwback listening lounges that became popular in midcentury Tokyo, this highfidelity vinyl bar features groovy shag rugs and faded mustard couchesbathedinwarmlighting.
Sip a Oaxaca Old Fashioned as the Technics turntables spin everything from 1960s jazz to ’80spunk equipmentroom.com
Drinking cocktails in the pool is nothing new, but drinks inside a former pool? That’s a first. The historic indoor pool space inside Downright Austin hotel has been drained and converted into a sunkendiningroomthatsharesanundergroundwindow with the outdoor swimming area. Watch guests splash around as you sip island-worthy cocktails inside the popular social club, or head outside for a dip. swimclubaustin.com
Texaswineshavecomealongwayinrecentyears,andC.L.Butaudhashelpedelevate that trend with its stellar vino made from 100% statewide-grown grapes Grab a seat underthesilverdiscoballatitseye-catchingnewtastingroomintheSt ElmoDistrict, where you can enjoy a refreshing albariño or a chilled counoise to combat any lingering autumn heat clbutaud.com
Shopping &Style
BABY GEAR BaBynetic
Necessityisthe mother of invention—especially when you’re amom.Ascollege best friendsJenniferZimmerand Ashley Goochrealizedthattheir kids’bibswereoutdated, theentrepreneurs decided to create theirown dynamicdesign. “The bibs todaytakeso long to puton; it’s so easy forthemtorip off,”Zimmersays. “Whenwecamedowntoit, it was like,‘OK,wellamagnetmakes sense.’” Thetwo startedBabynetic to featureasilicone bib that eschewsbuttons in favorofits magnetic closure, whichsnaps together with ease andstays secure.Instead of cluttering thecounter,their versioncan easily sticktothe fridgeand be thrown in thedishwasherfor aquick rinse. Launched in May, theproducts aresoldonAmazonand at EnlightenedBaby, andtheir magnetic empire is settokeep growing:The arrivalofPimacottononesies with theirpatentedclosuresisdue laterthis year.Oh, baby! babynetic.com
ACCESSORIES
YellowRosebYKendRascott
BetweenBeyoncélaunchingherfirstcountryalbumand the CMTMusic Awards returningtothe capitalcity, it’s beenabigyearforcountryinTexas.So,thetimingcouldn’t havebeenbetterforAustin’smostfamousjewelrydesignertodebut hernew ranch-inspired brandextension. Featuringhorseshoenecklaces,turquoise-huedaccents, andvintage-inspiredboloties, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scotthas alreadybeenspotted on countrystars such as Lainey Wilson andMiranda Lambert. Keep your eyes peeled forits firstofficial store, slated to open on South Congress this fall. kendrascott.com/yellow-rose.html
ALFRESCOPLATEWARE Made In
We alreadyloved thekitchen essentials from this cheffavorite cookware line,which areutilizedinthe awardwinningkitchensofhotspotslikeBirdie’sandLaCondesa.But this past summer,the Austin brandexpandedits offerings with beautifulmelamineoutdoor plateware sets,which arescratchproofand durableenoughto withstandtheelements.Poolsidediningneverlookedso good. madeincookware.com
BENEVOLENT MISSION
Heartening
AfterKelleyRytlewski gotlaidoff fromhertechjobin2023,shesought outawaytocopewithdepressionand begantodevoteher time to helping others.Rytlewski startedcollecting miscellaneousclothingitems from estate salesand friends, organizing thegarmentsinherlivingroomand delivering them to localcauses.A year anda half later, Heartening is poweredbymorethan100volunteers anddonates over 10,000 pieces monthlytopeopleinAustin—allfrom atiny390-square-footsortingroom. heartening.org
FLORAL CONCEPT
Flor Keeps
At Flor Keeps, driedflowers have neverfeltso, well,fresh.The company sellseye-catchingpreserved andfreeze-driedbloomsthatrequire no waterand last over ayear. Check outits newGen Z–approved South Austin location,which hasupbeat musicand arainbow of optionson itsTikTok-worthy flower wall.Grab abouquet foryourtable,a wreath foryourdoor, or just stop to smell the(preserved)roses.florkeeps.com
BOOKSTORE
FirstligHt BooKs
How do we love thee,First Light? Letuscount theways. Forone,the independent bookstoreislocatedinsidethe former Hyde Park postoffice, whichhasbeenretrofittedinto ahip communitygathering spacecompletewitha micro grocer andFrenchrestaurant. Itsmembershipprogramoffers free book delivery withina 5-mile radius,and theshop hostscuratedeventslikeSilent Book Club,a nostalgicnod to theD.E.A.R.(drop everything andread) days of ouryouth. firstlightaustin.com
CANINEGEAR
MazieDays
Adog momtothree rescue pups,AshleyMillerdreamed of owning abag that waspracticalenoughfordailywalksbut stylishenoughfordinnerdates. So,she decidedtocreateher ownversatile line of vegan leathercrossbody designsand fannypacks,which featurea hidden slit that canfunction asapoopbagdispenser—soyou won’thavetofumblethrough your purseafter Fidodoes his business. maziedays.com
FRAMES FraMeBriDge
AnewcomertoCentral Austin,thisnationalcustom framingcompany showsits local flairwitha gallery wall featuringeverythingfroma signed VinceYoung jersey andAustinCityLimitspostertoa mini framed Stevie RayVaughan guitar.The storeevencommissioned acustomprint from localartistWill Bryant, with amulticoloreddesignthatwould suit thehome of anystylish Austinite. framebridge.com
HATSHOP trovaDor
Sinceburstingonthescenefiveyearsago,RyanMcGrath hasmadea splash with hishandmadecustomhats, which fitwithinone-eighthofaninchofa customer’s measurements.Now,those ethicallysourced beaver feltheadpiecesandhandwovenstrawhatshaveatrendy home on East CesarChavezatthe artisan’snew hat studio,artgallery,andlounge.Peruselarge-scalephotography from Rodney Bursielasyou tryonready-towearpieces—orevenrentahatforyournextadventure. trovadorcustoms.com
MazieDays
LOUNGEWEAR KATieKime
Sweetdreamsare made of thesesleepwear pieces, whichmakeuswanttothrowaslumberparty.After celebrating its10-year-anniversary last year,Katie Kime continuestodominatethe pajama androbe spacewithcity-themed toilesetsand cheeky wraps featuring bold patterns like oystersorsurfboards. Goahead,curluponthecouchinstyle.Youdeserve it. katiekime.com
LEGGINGS
TONA AcTiveweAr
Whenitcomestofitnessgear forwomen,there’sanongoing battle between fashion andfunctionality.Forthose who want the style of Lululemon with the athletic capabilities of Nike, TONA Activewear is the perfect lovechild Aformerdesigner for both brands worked to create her own legging for “girls who gym ” The innovative design features a flattering, curve-hugging shape that retains its compression and won’t slide down during squats or yoga folds tonaactive com
Withstunningarchitectureby DesignTraitandwarminteriors by Claire ZinneckerDesign, Mirror Mirror’s newoutpost at TheGrove just emanates goodvibes.Thetwo-storysalon ownedbyMarthaLynnKale features abundant natural light, high ceilings,and gorgeousstationsdesignedwith whiteoak cabinetry. It’s awelcomingplacetogeteverything frombalayagetoablowout,and even thepink-hued shampoo room is superchic, featuring someofthemostcomfortable chairs andwashbowls in the city.mirrormirroraustin.com
In theblink of an eye, thestretch of ManorRoadbetween Walnut and AlexanderAvenues hasevolved into thehottest thoroughfare in East Austin,thanksinlarge part to the arrivalofHowdy’s in early2023. The vintageshopspecializes in Western andAmericana-style clothing,from bolotiesandcowboybootstothrowback tees andtrucker hats.The store shares ashadedbackyardspace with La SantaBarbachaand FleetCoffee, soit’sagreatspottoenjoyaflatwhite andtacobefore(orafter)youbrowse. Don’tmissits bi-monthly vintage market,where more than 10 other localvendors setupoutside itsshop. instagram.com/shophowdys
▲ Theshampoo room at MirrorMirrorhas acalmingpinkhue.
SUSTAINABLESTYLE AbbeyDyeD
On Wednesdaymornings, AbbeySimpson headstothe back of alocal flowercompany to sort throughits trash. “I have astepladderand stickand gloves,and Iamthatembarrassingpersonintheir dumpster,” shesayswithalaugh.The former dyestudiomanager forMiranda BennettStudiodecided to go solo afterher employer closed up shop in 2023.Now,Simpson finds naturaland discardeditems to make herown colorants, whichrange from Mexicanmintmarigolds (yellow) andonion skins (orange) to cochineal(hotpink).
Forher handmade pieces,the artisanutilizeseco printing,where sheputsplants or powdersintoa fiber,rolls it up,and steams it foranhour, depositing the vibranthues. Sheteaches workshopsthatcan suit largebachelorette partiesjustaseasilyasone attendee.Withsustainabilityinmind, Simpsonalsoencouragescustomers to send heritems that shecan bringbacktolife: “Myfavoritething to do is when someone’s like,‘Ihavethisamazing topfromJesse Kamm,and Ihave this stainonitorit’sjustlikeadingy white. Canyou make it somethingnew?’”Sometimes,dyeingmeans rebirth. instagram.com/abbeydyed
&W el ln ess
COOL HANGOUT
Jacoby Plunges
Nevermindlatenightsat thebar:JacobyKang dreamedupa bright and earlyway to meet newpeople—andliterallychillwith them.Through hisinvigorating cold plunge socials, individualscan connect andcommiserate during friendly icebaths at hip localessuchasPershing Hall.Endurea quickcommunaldip in thefrigid water, thenenjoycoffee, conversation,and beats from live DJs. What’s coolerthanbeingcool?Icecold! jacobyplunges.com
ROLE MODEL gabbyThomas
Slow andsteadywinsthe race is an unexpectedly apt metaphor forthissprinter. Thetrackstarnabbedsilver andbronzemedalsinthe 2020 TokyoOlympics, but shewasjustgettingwarmed up.Inaddition to earning hermaster’sinpublichealth attheUniversityofTexasand volunteering at aclinicfor theuninsured,Thomas continuedtotrain,ultimately qualifying forthe 2024 Parisgames.InAugust, the Austinite’shardworkpaid off as shewon gold in three events,firstdominatingthe competitionwitha time of 21.83seconds in the 200-meterfinal,thentaking home thetop prizeinthe 4x100- and4x400-meter team relay finals.Catch her if youcan! instagram.com/ gabbythomas
SPA ViVa DaysPa
Fourthtime’s thecharm for this nearly 20-year-old brand, whichopenedlocationNo.4inRoundRocklast fall.Nestled in agorgeous
Victorian-stylebuilding,the newspa dazzleswithaninfrared sauna, jewel-toned relaxation rooms, anda rangeofpackages: think everything from romantic couples’ treatments to an ultra-practical“head trip” spaservice,whichhelpsmelt away migrainesand headache pain. vivadayspa.com
STAR ESTHETICIAN
RenéeRouleau
WhatdoSabrinaCarpenter, Keke Palmer,and Demi Lovato have in common? They’reall longtime devotees of RenéeRouleau and herfamedfacials.Whenthe Austin-based beauty guru isn’tjet-settingtoHollywood to help herclients’skinradiateontheredcarpet,she’s here in thecapital city running her28-year-old eponymousskincareline,which includes fanfavorites like thetripleberry smoothing peel (a go-tofor Lovato). reneerouleau.com
GabbyThomas
RenéeRouleau andSabrinaCarpente r
Viva DaySpa
BONVIVANT Alex OjedA
ForAlexOjeda,adrenalineisanart form. Theintrepidlocal hasamassed an audience of 14 millionfollowers on social media postingvideosabout freefallingwaterslides,toweringziplines, andawe-inspiring bungee jumpsacrossthe globe. Witha knackfor creating engaging content, the 22-year-oldhas been goingviral sincehis high school days in RoundRock, when he wouldmakehumorousvideoswithhis grandmother whileplaying Fortnite.But in thelastfew years, theMexicoCitynative hasreallymadeasplashwithhis thrill-seeking reels, usingwaterproofaction camerasthatshoot 360-degree videos as he barrelsdownslideseverywherefrom
Germany to theBahamas.His favorite new attraction is theworld’s tallestdropwaterslide, the260-foot-high Vertigo, locatedin Doha,Qatar.“Yougotoa regularwaterpark in theU.S., it’s goingtobe15seconds drop down,” he says.“Butthiswas aminuteand ahalfofjuststraightsliding.” Whilebraving thrillsfor alivingmight seem like awalkin thepark, it’s Ojeda’sattention to detail that makeshis contentsing: TheRoyal Caribbean global creatorambassadoroften recordsarideupto10times forvariedperspectives, runningupand down towers and gettingaerialdrone footagetoperfectthe shot.So, whereinthe worldisAlexOjeda? Find outattiktok.com/@alexojeda.
STYLISHGETAWAY TheMenagerie
Maximalismhitsitspeakatthislavishnew privateestatevacationrentalinFredericksburg,which hasalready caught theeye of national publications like Architectural Digest.A rainbowofvibrant colors and boldlypatterned wallpaperadorn these enchantingsuitesand bungalowsbearing cheeky namessuchas“Temptress” and“A Little BitAlexis.”WithdesignbyAustin-basedcompaniesSarahStaceyInterior Design(interiors)andTwistleafLandDesign (landscaping),thepropertyhasalltheurban panacheyou’dfindinabigcity—butretains itssmall-towncharm.themenagerietx.com
WELLNESS HUB
CenTrd
Themomentyou takeoff your shoesand stepintothisZen oasisoff bustlingCesar Chavez,you’llimmediatelyfeelyourblood pressure plummet. Reap thebenefitsof contrast therapyasyou sweatitout in one ofthegroupsaunapodswithapalandthen cold plunge side by side in twin icebaths. Forthosewhoprefersolitude,bookasession inthe Rechrg Room,which combines red lightand soundtherapies fora tranquil sonic experience that will putyou ina dream-like state. centrdstudio.com
YOGA Y7 STudio
If youassociate candlelityogawith slowmovementsandextendedsavasana,think again. Y7’s dimlylit vinyasa classesfeatureinfraredheatingtechnology andbumpin’ beatsthatwill leaveyou totallypumpedup—and drenched in sweat. With cult followingsinNYCandLA,thestudioopened its firstAustinlocationonSouth LamarthisJanuary,whereyogiscantake abreak from distractions andfocus ontheirbreathastheyperspireinthe dark. y7-studio.com
YOUTHFUL GLOW
Skin PharM’Sgold infuSion
There’sa reason that fresh-facedcelebritieslikemusicianKelseaBalleriniand supermodel Taylor Hill can’t getenoughofSkinPharm.TheNashville-basedskincareclinic, which debuteda Westlake location this spring,pairsabuzzyspa-likeenvironmentwithmedical-gradetechnology. Foraninnovativeanti-agingtreatment, go forthe Gold Infusion,a cocktail of vitamins andantioxidantsthatare gently stampedontothe skin viaa painlessdevicemadeof24-karatmini needles.Thehydratingtreatmentwill leaveyourskinglowing fornot just days,but weeks. skinpharm.com
TheMenagerie
PeoPle& Culture
AD CAMPAIGN
Pantalones tequila
Thephrase“bottomsup” took on awhole new meaningasMatthew andCamilaMcConaughey launched theirown organictequila companylast Octoberwitha string of sexy ads. TheAustinpower couple pokedfun at theseriousness of other celebrity-ownedboozebrandsbyhammingitupin theirpromos, whichincludedblurred-out photos ofthemplayingpickleball,doinglaundry,andeven grilling outsanspants. pantalonestequila.com
AUTHOR MayCobb
It’s been abanneryearfor this localauthor, who’s making hermarkinTexas and Tinseltown.In addition to publishing her fifthnovel, TheHollywood Assistant,May Cobb served as executive producer forthe adaptation of herpopular book TheHunting Wives,which will become an eightepisodeSTARZ series with MalinAkerman and Brittany Snow.Featuring sex, murder,and misbehavinghousewives,theupcomingdramaisdestined to be must-see TV. maycobb.com
COLLABORATION
austin FC andarMadillo World Headquarters
Always thoughtful aboutpayinghomagetothe culturethatcamebeforeit,AustinFCprovidedanotherexampleofthatreverencethispastFebruary:The club partneredwiththe founders of famedmusic venueArmadillo WorldHeadquarterstorevivethe entityforashowcaseatACLLivewithaperformance by Asleep at theWheel.The eventworkedasa relaunch of thebrand with newmerchandise anda promisethata featuredocumentary is on theway— so, keep your cosmic cowboy signal tunedtothat station. armadilloworld.com
tHeaustinPoWer CouPle Poked Fun at tHeseriousness oF otHer
Celebrity-oWnedbooze brands by HaMMingituPintHeir ProMos,
COLLEGEFOOTBALL AMBASSADOR
QuinnEwErs
TheLonghornshaveascendedtogreatness in recent years, finishinglast season with an appearance in the CollegeFootballPlayoffs. Theteam openedthisseasonrankedNo.4inthe country,its highestpreseason designationsince2009,whentheylastplayed in thenationalchampionship. Much of that successisowedtoseniorquarterbackQuinnEwers,whofindshimself positionedasthefaceofcollegefootball this year.Don’tbelieve us?Justcheck outthe coverphoto forvideo game EA Sports CollegeFootball25,which features theLonghornsignalcaller.
COMMUNITYINCUBATOR DAwA
Foundedin2019asa meansofhonoringBIPOC musicians, teachers, social workers, andentrepreneurs throughfinancialsupport,this501(c) (3)celebratesits fifthanniversary thisSeptember.Inthattime,theorg hasdispersed more than $300,000 with themission of “givingtothe givers.”LastNovember,DAWAmoved into anew headquarters on Springdale Road,where they rent studio spaceand host live podcasts,tech talks, andsocialmixers. Thinkofit asananalog kickstarterfor Austiniteswithbig dreams andgreat ideas. dawaheals.org
BAND
Being DeaD
Don’tlet themacabre nature of the monikerfoolyou:Thisindie rock duo moveswithanundeniablezestfor life.Multi-instrumentalistsFalcon andShmoofy (formerlyknown as Gumball) create punk-tingedsongs that jump restlessly from upbeat and melodictotalky anddisjointed. Like amoretweeversion of thePixies, if angstwerereplacedbyunfettered joyand aGen Ztendencytonot take anything tooseriously.These songs arethe perfectsoundtrackfor sitting on thefloorwhile your bestie gives youastick-and-poketattooofaslice of pizza. Said simply,Being Dead knowshow to have fun, andthatenergy is contagious forlisteners.
Sinceforming in 2017,the band has steadily entrenched itself as oneof Austin’s buzziest acts.Whichis likely whyACL Fest booked them to perform during thesecondweekend of this year’s event. That achievement will arrive just weeksafter theSept. 27 releaseofthe pair’s sophomore album, Eels,which boasts some of theirmostdynamic anddexterous songsyet.Ifyou askFalcon, she’ll enthusiastically tell youthatwehave eels in Barton Springs—she’sbought adivingmaskand is determined to seeone.She’llalsoremindyou ofa fact that biologists stilldon’t fully understand:Almostevery eelinthe worldwas born in thesameplace, theSargassoSea in theBermuda Triangle. In that way, thebandhas quite abit in common with itsnew album’s namesake—impossibletopin down, yetdecidedly awesome.
GRADUATIONSURPRISE
Tiff’s TreaTs
As Tiff’s Treats co-founder Leon Chen cappedoff hisspringcommencementaddress forUT’s McCombsSchoolofBusiness, he provided an unexpected gift for students.Chentoldthegraduates: “Liftyourheads up andjustlook around.Because if youdon’t,you mightmissout on some pretty cool things in life.WhenI saylift your headsup, Imeanliterally, there’sTiff’s Treats fallingfrom thesky.” Thelocal companythen droppedthe sweetest surprise: boxesofcookies on tiny parachutes that fell to thedelighted crowdbelow.
MASCOT speedbumpThe armadillo
Ever sincecountercultureartist JimFranklinpopularized the armadillo, thecritter hasbeen embedded in thecapital city’s zeitgeist. (Itwas even made the official smallmammalofTexas in 1995.) This year,AustinFC namedtheirnewjerseysafterthe iconic creature andinviteda real-lifearmadillonamedSpeed BumptomakeappearancesatQ2 Stadiumduringhalftime. Accordingtothemascot’shandler, SwiftSparks, this peculiar little guyloves swimming andspends up to 18 hoursa daysleeping— makinghim perfectlyathome inacityrenownedforspring-fed poolsand slackers.
TV PERSONALITY
Tierra Neubaum
Dependingonthe day, Tierra Neubaummight be adolphin trainer, soccer goalie,orsushi chef.The featurereporter gets to moonlightasall typesofprofessions as shecovers lifestylehappeningsacrossCentral Texasvia herpopular Good DayAustin segments.Withher infectious enthusiasm, theon-camera personalityhas been an essentialpartofthe FOX7 team sincejoining thestation in 2018.But it’s herwillingnesstofully commit to each story—whethershe’s serving guests at thedrive-thruonNationalWhataburger Dayor having ashootoutwithAustinFCgoalkeeperBradStuver— that hasmadeNeubaum abonafide star in localtelevision.
“I love thrill,” shesays. “I’m learning howtodoatrapeze, they’retelling me to letgo, andI’m hoping to grab onto this dude’s handsaswe’re flyingoveranet.Those segments are really funfor me.”
From ayoung age, theHouston native enjoyedperforming—she’doften record dancevideostoHilaryDuff and took voicelessons with hopesofbecomingasinger. While shebegan college in SanAntonio studying nutrition, her love of athleticsand on-cameraworkled hertopursue sports broadcasting when shetransferred to UT.After internshipswithLonghornNetwork andComcast SportsNet Houston, Neubaummoved to theHighPlainsin2016tobecome the“Look Around Lubbock” reporter,cementing her loveof lifestylecoverage.
Whileappearing on-screenmay seem glamoroustoviewers, thejob canbebrutallytaxing. In addition to filming live in theelements, Neubaumbooks andwritesall herown segments, waking up at 4a.m.onweekdays. Andnomatterwhat happens, theshowmustgoon: When lifestyleactivities grindedtoahaltduringthe pandemic,the reporter pivoted to making recipeson-airinher ownkitchen.Since she couldn’t bringthe TV crew to herapartment,she relied on thehelpofher spouse.“My husbandwas holdingthe light near theceiling with my phone, andthenherealizedtwo minutes into thesegment this is afour-minute segment, so he wasshaking,” sheremembers.“ButwemadeithappenbecauseI waslike, we’vegot to sharesomepositivenews.” Hermoxie continuestopayoff.Thisspring, Neubaum’s dreamofhavinga lifestyleshowcametrueasshe debuted herown FOX7show, Tierra’s Texas.The series features everything from redcarpetinterviews to festival coverage to cookingtutorials—and,of course,her signatureimmersive segments.“I’mdownto be in themiddleofthe action,” Neubaumsays. “Thisissomeone’slivelihood, andIget to experience it foralittlebit.”
CatchNeubaum on Good DayAustin weekdaymornings andon Tierra’s Texas everySunday at 11 p.m. or via streaming apps.
ARTHUB Riches ARt
WithAustin’sculturaldistricts in upheaval,the East Side hasretainedsomeofthe city’s funkyethos thanks to apatchwork of relaxedlounges,no-frills eateries,and athriving gallery scene. Amongthose half dozenorsoart spaces,Richesstandsout in vibrantcolor.Insteadofsparsewhite rooms, this maximalist havenburstswithenergy—electrifying pieces fillevery square inch of wallsthatare paintedboldblack or red. AportraitofJean-Michel Basquiat acts apatronsaint,overlooking worksthatcelebrate collageand graffiti. (You can even schedule atimetotry your ownhandatthe street artmedium.)
“we canmakea placetHat reflects Blackculture Butis very inclusive aplace tHat just pusHes artforward.”
Opened in 2021 by RichardSamuel, thepainter and curatorsaw it as integraltomaintaining thehistoricaltradition of Black-ownedbusinessesinEast Austin.“Iwas like, we canmakeaplace that reflects Blackculture butisveryinclusive—a placethatjust pushes artforward,” he says.
Thegallery also transcends thecanvasbyhosting events like calligraphylessons,yogaclasses,comedy shows, poetry slams, andlivejazz. On anygiven night, Riches buzzes with abohemianspiritaswarmconversations melt away anynotionofart worldstuffiness.“Thegoalofthe spaceistosimplybeaplace forself-expression,” Samuel says.Inthatway,Richesactsasa communitymagnetthatinspirespeopletoconnect and brings arttolife. richesart.com
ll yw oo dH er oes
Jeff Nichols
Whilehanging around hisbrother’s house 20 yearsago,directorJeffNichols uncovered abookofphotographs by DannyLyon that documentsinfamousMidwest biker gang TheOutlaws.Evocative andunforgettable, theimagesgerminatedinNichols’ mind fordecades before coming to life as The Bikeriders.WithanensemblecastanchoredbyTom Hardy, Austin Butler,and JodieComer,the filmmarks thewriterand director’s highest-grossing andmost star-studded effort thus far. Butmoreim-
portantly, Nichols’ bold vision andimmersive storytelling(Take Shelter, Mud, Loving)have made himone of cinema’s most exciting youngauteurs.“Ithink thesurestroute to universality is throughspecificity, andinmy case,regionality,” thefilmmakerexplains. CouldNichols,now an Austinitefor 20 years, turn to theLoneStarState forinspiration in thefuture? “The waymywifehas shownme Texashas made me love it,” he says.“Iwould be surprisedifatsomepoint that doesn’t findits wayintothe films.”
GleN Powell
This past summer,aswirlingforce of nature kept thecountry on high alert. Who said anything abouta tornado? We’re talkingabout Glen Powell,the Austin-born actorwhose star hassoared with appearancesinfilmslike HitMan, Anyone ButYou,and (fittingly) Twisters. From rockingthe redcarpet with hisdog, Brisket, to chuggingbeers onstagewith Luke Combs, it seemed like Powell was everywhere youlooked. (And we’renot complaining—that jawline!)
MUSICTASTEMAKER
Pooneh Ghana
Ever find yourself in aweofa stunning photoofACL Fest or superstarslike OliviaRodrigoor Noah Kahanontour? There’sa good chance it wassnapped by Pooneh Ghana. This year,the photographerlentherknowledge andpassion of musictocurating aseriesofshows at RadioEast. Performancesfromstellarrising artistssuchasBroncho and Snooperbroughthugecrowdsto thenascent venue. “It’skindof been asecretdream to do somethinglikethis,”Ghana says. “Beinglike:Thisbandisawesome rightnow,and Ineedeverybody to seethem.”
NEWVENUE
Radioeast
▲
Amaximalisthaven,East SidegalleryRiches burstswith energy and electrifyingpieces.
RichaRdLinkLateR
More than threedecades afterhehelpeddefineAustin’sethos with Slacker,thisveteran director’s latest flick, HitMan,releasedquietly in theaters butcaughtfire when it began streamingonNetflix. Basedonthe true story of afakeassassinwho worked with theHoustonpolice, thescriptwas cowrittenwithGlen Powell (see left), whohas worked with Linklater before on Fast Food Nation and Everybody WantsSome!! Withalittlehelpfromthe rising A-lister,the mind behind Boyhood and Bernie foundhis waytoanother hit
WhiledowntownAustinmusic venues have struggledtostay afloat, thesouthernedgeofthe city is teemingwithexcitingnew spotsforlivemusicthatarekeepingthecapitalcity’sidentityalive. With abundant space, plenty of outdoorseating,and tastyfood truckson-site(SideEyePie,Shortwave Diner, andVeracruz),Radio East allows youtograba bite and apintbeforecatchingsomeofthe city’sbestmusicalartists.Andyou won’tsuffer througha grueling questfor parking! radiocoffee andbeer.com
PHILOSOPHICAL ADVISOR
Ryan holiday
Stoicismhasbeenmakingacomebacklately,withlocalfigureRyan Holidayleadingtheway.TheNew York Times bestsellingauthorof bookslike StillnessIsthe Key dropspearlsofwisdomonhis DailyStoic newsletter with modern-dayenlightenment gleaned from ancientphilosopherssuch as Marcus Aurelius.Far from cloggingupourinboxes,hismeditativemissivesprovideawelcome pauseinourfast-paceddailylives. instagram.com/ryanholiday
AfterBluesontheGreen initiallyannouncedthat it wouldnot come back in 2024,the event triumphantly returned forback-to-backshows thissummer.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Leta Harrison
With her2024photography exhibit“BlackGirls Don’tWearRed Lipstick,”LetaHarrisonchallenges societal expectations forwomen of color. Theshow’stitle was borrowedfromaspeechbyHoustonmusicianKam Franklin and alludestothe idea that Black womenareoftentoldtheyare“too much”or“tooloud.”Embracing boldcolorsandvibrantenergy,the portraitseriesrejectsthatnotion by celebratingand empowering Blackidentity.
SECOND ACT BLuesontHe Green
In anothercrushingblowtoOld Austin,localspreparedtosay goodbyetoBlues on theGreen when ACLRadio announcedthat itwouldnotreturnin2024dueto rising costs. Thankfully,public outcry wassostrongthatH-E-B swoopedintosavethe dayby sponsoring this year’s iteration. Fortwo nights in June,the longest-standingfreeconcert series inthecitytriumphantlyreturned withkillerperformancesbyGolden Dawn Arkestra andRiders Againstthe Storm, effectively taking ourblues away. acl-radio .com/blues-on-the-green
UNEXPECTED LIVE MUSICVENUE
FriendLy rioMarket
An unassuming convenience storehas takenrootasa hotspot forAustin’sunderground music community. On anygiven weekendnight,you’ll find thevenue at capacity,asbands andtheir fans thrash amid theaislesof Funyunsand Monsterenergy drinks.Thestoreproprietor,who simply goes by Moo, watchesover thescene with hisadorableBostonterrier,Ollie,inarm.There’s no coverchargeorbooze to sell. ForMoo,it’sall aboutthe music—andgivingyoung peoplea haventoenjoy it.
Aportrait by photographer Leta Harrison(pictured below),fromher photoshow“Black GirlsDon’tWear RedLipstick,”which wascurated by KeyheiraKeysand WhitneyHamilton.
Dining & nightlife
Bagels
1.Nervous Charlie’s Bagels
2.Rockstar Bagels
3.Rosen’s Bagel Co.
Bakery
1.Upper Crust Bakery
2.Finery & Cake
3.Abby Jane Bakeshop
Bar
1.The Saxon Pub
2.The Cavalier
3.Bar Toti
Barbecue
1.Stiles Switch BBQ
2.La Barbecue
3.LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
Breakfast Tacos
1.Veracruz All Natural
2.Tacodeli
3.El Tacorrido
Brewery
1.Lazarus Brewing Co.
2.Meanwhile Brewing Co.
3.St. Elmo Brewing Co St. Elmo Brewing Co. Brunch
1.Kerbey Lane Cafe
2.Paperboy 3.Poeta
Burger
1.JewBoy Burgers
2.P. Terry’s
3.Casino El Camino
Chicken Wings
1.Tommy Want Wingy
2.Spicy Boys Fried Chicken
3.Lao’d Bar
Coffee Shop
1.Radio Coffee & Beer
2.Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden
3.Desnudo Coffee
Date Night
1.Canje
2.Clark’s Oyster Bar
3.Emmer & Rye
Deli
1.Little Deli & Pizzeria
2.New World Deli
3.Tiny Grocer
Distillery
1.Still Austin Whiskey Co.
2.Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
3.Tito’s Distillery
Doughnut
1.Round Rock Donuts
2.OMG Squee
3.The Salty
Happy Hour
1.Loro
2.Clark’s Oyster Bar
3.Salty Sow
Hill Country Winery
1.William Chris Vineyards
2.Wanderlust Wine Co.
3.The Austin Winery
Ice Cream/Frozen Treat
1.Amy’s Ice Creams
2.Lick Honest Ice Creams
3.Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream
Italian
1.Patrizi’s
2.L’Oca d’Oro
3.Intero
LGBTQ+ Bar
1.Cheer Up Charlies
2.Barbarella
3.Coconut Club
Margarita
1.De Nada Cantina
2.Matt’s El Rancho
3.El Alma
Mocktail
1.Ezov
2.The Cavalier
3.Sans Bar
New Restaurant
1.Poeta
2.Bambino
3.Nomade
Patio
1.Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden
2.Aba
3.El Alma
Pho
1.Elizabeth Street Café
2.Pho Please 3.Sip Pho
Pizza
1.Home Slice Pizza
2.Via 313 3.Bufalina
Place to Bring Dogs
1.Yard Bar
2.Meanwhile Brewing Co.
3.Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
Place to Bring Kids
1.Meanwhile Brewing Co.
2.Home Slice Pizza 3.Love&Cookies
Place to Watch a Game
1.Haymaker
2.Black Sheep Lodge 3.Lavaca Street Bar
Queso
1.Torchy’s Tacos
2.Matt’s El Rancho
3.Kerbey Lane Cafe
Ramen
1.Ramen Tatsu-ya
2.Ramen Del Barrio
3.Sazan Ramen
Signature Cocktail
1.The Roosevelt Room
2.Canje
3.Saturn
Speakeasy
1.Garage Bar
2.Equipment Room
3.Small Victory
Steakhouse
1.Jeffrey’s
2.Bartlett’s 3.Hestia
Taco
1.Veracruz All Natural
2.Torchy’s Taco 3.De Nada Cantina
Vegetarian
1.Bouldin Creek Cafe
2.Casa de Luz
3.Rebel Cheese
Wine Bar
1.Flo’s Wine Bar & Bottle Shop
2.LoLo
3.The Austin Winery
HealtH & Wellness
Acupuncture
1.The Desert Canary
2.Castle Hill Fitness
3.Acupuncture Together of Austin
Barbershop
1.Finley’s Barbershop
2.Jimmy the Gent
3.Honest Barber
Big Gym
1.Castle Hill Fitness
2.Studio Three
3.Onnit Gym
Boutique Fitness Studio
1.Dane’s Body Shop
2.Urban Lagree
3.Bodies By Design Workout Room
Community Workout
1.Dane’s Body Shop
2.Castle Hill Fitness
3.Warrior Women ATX
Dog Park
1.Zilker Park
2.Neighbors Dog Park & Cafe
3.Cedar Bark Park
Hiking Trail
1.Barton CreekGreenbelt Trail
2.Walnut Creek Hike and Bike Trail
3.River Place Nature Trail
Massage
1.LaLa Kuhlman| LMT
2.Oak Haven Massage
3.Spa Sway
Personal Trainer
1.Monica Baumgardner
2.Jess Clark
3.Fred Sassani
Salon
1.Golden Hair Studio
2.Janet St. Paul Studio For Hair and Beauty
3.SALON by milk + honey by milk + honey
Spa
1.Golden Hour Skincare
2.Viva Day Spa+ Med Spa
3.Bene Skin & Laser
Yoga Studio
1.Black Swan Yoga
2.Sukha Yoga
3.Castle Hill Fitness
living in austin
Auto Dealer
1.Austin Subaru
2.BMW of Austin
3.Porsche Austin
Boat Dealer
1.Ski Dock
2.South Austin Marine
Car Wash
1.Jurassic Car Wash
2.Barton Springs Car Wash
3. The Finish Line Car Wash
CustomHome Builder
1.Atlas Custom Homes
2.Mosier Luxury Homes
3.Baxter Builders Group
Heating and HVAC
1. Stan’s Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical
2.Alamo Austin Air Conditioning & Heating
3.Casa Mechanical
Landscape Services
1.Seedlings Landscape Design Build
2.Cutters Landscaping Services
3.Heartland Sprinklers
Mortgage Broker
1.Christina Maquet
2.Beth Thompson
3.Jonathan Seal
Pool Builder
1.Texas Tiny Pools
2.Cowboy Pools
3.Premier Pools& Spas
Real Estate Company
1.Nanette Labastida
2.Pauly Presley Realty
3.Horizon Realty
Solar Installer
1.Freedom Solar Power
2.HE Solar
3.JJ Miller
Vet Clinic
1.Emancipet
2.Paz Veterinary
3.Love Pet Hospital
PeoPle & Culture
Community Leader
1.Jeska Forsyth
2.Pat Buchta
3.Erin Walter
Influencer
1.Austin Food Adventures
2.@goddessqueenjustme23
3.Spill the ATX
Local Author
1.B.J. Burrow
2.Sarah Bird
3.Ali Hazelwood
Local Nonprofit
1.Austin Pets Alive!
2.Austin Wildlife Rescue
3.The SAFE Alliance
Musician or Band
1.Jeska& The Vanity Project
2.Madam Radar
3.Chubby Knuckle Choir
Remote Work Spot
1.Dark Horse TCB
2.Radio Coffee & Beer
3.Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Small Business Owner
1.Tony Federico, Dark Horse TCB
2.Trisha Lewis, Bene Skin & Laser
3.Reese Cisneros, Strategies by Reese
Teacher
1.Belinda Jiménez, AISD
2. Jeanne Caroline, Barton Hills Elementary
3.Erynn Barnes, Rowe Lane Elementary
Visual Artist
1.Wiley Ross
2.Ryan Andrews, Photographer
3.Meg Foster, Photographer
sHoPPing & style
Baby/Kid’s Boutique
1.Alexa James Baby
2.Enlightened Baby
3.SparkleKids Upscale Resale
Bookstore
1.BookPeople
2.First Light Books
3.Black Pearl Books
Cannabusiness and CBD
1.MARYJAE
2.Drip n Rip
3.Greenbelt Botanicals
Florist
1.King Florist Of Austin
2.House of Margot Blair
3.Jordan Flowers & Events
Home Decor
1.Austin Pottery Studio & Gallery
2.Maaribu
3.Supply Showroom
Jewelry Store
1.Wendy Wells Jewelry
2.Benold’s Jewelers
3.Korman Fine Jewelry
Local Grocer
1.Wheatsville Food Co-op
2.Royal Blue Grocery
3.Tiny Grocer
Men’s Clothing Store
1.STAG Provisions
2.MAGIK
3.Service Menswear
Pet Store
1.Tomlinson’s Feed
2.Healthy Pet
3.Paws on Chicon
Plant& Gardening Shop
1.The Natural Gardener
2.OG Agave
3.TheGreat Outdoors
Record Store
1. Waterloo Records& Video
2.End Of An Ear
3.Breakaway Records
Vintage Shop
1.Uncommon Objects
2.Kincl House of Antiques
3.Prototype Vintage
Wine Shop
1.Cork & Screw
2.LoLo
3.Tiny Grocer
Women’s Clothing Store
1.Alexia Gavela Bridal
2.Adelante Boutique
3.Petticoat Fair
Things To do
Boat Rental
1.Rowing Dock
2.Big Tex Boat Rentals
3.Capital Cruises
Creative Class
1.Hide Out Theatre Improv Classes
2.Amanda Lee Jones Art Studio
3.Candle Making Workshop at Slow North
Farmer’s Market
1.Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller
2.SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley
3.Heritage Square Farmers’ Market
Festival
1.Austin City Limits Music Festival
2.SXSW
3.ATX TV Festival
Golf Course
1.Butler Pitch and Putt
2.Lions Municipal
3.Barton Creek Country Club
Hotel
1.South Congress Hotel
2.Carpenter Hotel
3.Hotel Viata
Movie Theater
1.Alamo Drafthouse
2.Violet Crown Cinema
3.The Paramount Theatre
Music Venue
1.ACL Live at The Moody Theater
2.The Saxon Pub
3.Moody Center
Park
1.Zilker Park
2.Pease Park
3.River Place Nature Trail
Place to See Art
1.Blanton Museum of Art
2.Laguna Gloria
3.The Cathedral
Staycation Spot
1.Hotel San José
2.Hotel Magdalena
3.The Frances Modern Inn
Tourist Attraction
1.Congress Avenue Bats
2.Zilker Botanical Garden
3.Rowing Dock
Water Activity
1.Barton Springs Pool
2.Rowing Dock
3.Capital Cruises
Austini scooleri na TinyP ool!
CosmeticDentistry
KRISTA DECOURSIN,DDS|
MARK SWEENEY,DDS |KIRSTENTHOUVENOT, DDS
AUSTIN DENTAL SPA
Meetthe exceptionaldentists at AustinDentalSpa,led by FounderDr.Mark Sweeney, atrailblazerindentistry. Known affectionatelyas “Dr. Mark,”heopenedhisfirst practiceinAustin45 yearsagoandhasbeeninnovating eversince. AnativeTexanthroughandthrough, aproud University of Texasalum,and apioneerincosmetic dentistry, Dr.Markis committedtomaking adifferencein people’s lives.Asa testament to his skills,hehasearned numerousnationalawards forhisSmileMakeovers.His calmdemeanorandwitty charmmakeeachvisita comfortable,uplifting experience.
The otherhalf of our “K-Team”isCosmeticandGeneral DentistDr. KirstenThouvenot.Originallyfrom St.Louis, Dr.Kirstendreamt of becoming adentistsinceshe was 10!She completedherundergraduatestudiesatthe University of Missouri–Columbiaanddental schoolat
theUniversity of Missouri–KansasCity(GoChiefs!).Now, she’slivingherdreamin Austin,bringingherpassion for dentistry andthe Texassunshine to thepractice. Withthe supportofour talented team of dental professionals,weuse themost advanced technologies— digital X-rays,single-visitcrowns,multiplelasers—and offer variouslevels of sedation.These technologiesallow us to providethehighest qualityofcare, ensuring your comfortand safety.Come experiencewhat everyone is talkingabout! “Change YourSmile,Change YourLife” withDr.Mark Sweeney, Dr.Krista DeCoursin,andDr. KirstenThouvenotatAustinDentalSpa.
the FACE of AHealthy MusicScene
Austin, Texas, renownedasthe“LiveMusic Capital of the World,” owes itspulsating rhythm to the countless musicianswho call thiscity home.Fromintimate coffeeshops to sprawling festivalgrounds,musicisthe lifeblood of Austin’s culture. Butbehind everyelectrifyingperformanceand soulstirringmelodyliesanoften-overlooked truth: Ourrockin’reputation dependson healthymusicians,andthat’s whereHAAM stepsin.
TheHealthAlliancefor AustinMusicians (HAAM)isn’tjustanothernonprofit—it’s the
S. 1stSt., Austin,TX 78704|512-541-4226|myhaam.org
infuturemelodies, ensuringthatthecity will continue to be abeacon forartistic expression,drawingdiverse talentsand audiences fromaroundthe world.
Healthymusicians makea healthy Austin.Andthat’s music to everyone’s ears. Getinon thegroove at myhaam.organd help keep Austin’s rhythm strong.
ConciergeMedicine
As aconcierge familyphysician at Central Texas PreferredHealthPartners,Dr.Emmanuel Leetreatsawidevariety ofchronicandacute medicalconditionsin pediatricandadult patients.Dr.Lee has alimited patient panel to ensurethateach memberreceivesthetime, communication,andcomprehensive care to notonlytreat illnessbut to promote lasting wellness.
Whether apersonismanaging achronic condition,seekingpreventive care,orlooking to optimizeoverallwellness,Dr.Lee offersa complimentarymeet-and-greet to learnmore aboutconcierge medicineandhis medicalcare approach.
BarbaraA.Garza,anaward-winningleaderin education,hasspentoverfortyyearstransforming thewaylearningisapproached.AstheExecutive Director,HeadofSchool of AESAPrep Academyof Austin,andSuperintendentofAESA International School System, Barbaradrivesinnovationand excellencein education.Herillustrious career, marked byher vastexperiencein alleducational settingsandherforward-thinkingmindset, serving onseveral academicboardsandreceivinga GovernorofTexas Teaching Award,highlightsher commitmenttocreatinginclusiveandforwardthinking educationalenvironments.
Under Barbara’svisionaryleadership,AESAPrep Academyhasthrived with its‘Small-by-Design’ philosophy,ensuring personalized attention thathelps students excelacademicallyand socially. Theschool’scurriculum,accreditedby Cognia/AdvancEdandapprovedbythe NCAA, ismeticulouslydesignedtoprepare students forsuccessinhigher educationand beyond. Recentexpansions,includingtheopeningofthe Elementary School Buildingandthe launchof the AESA CulinaryInstitute,furthershowcase Barbara’sdedication to broadening educational opportunities.
The AESACulinaryInstitute,spearheadedbyChef Aran, exemplifiestheacademy’sinnovativespirit. Drawingfromhisjourneyofovercomingchallenges withfood,ChefAranhascrafted aschool lunch programthatgoesfar beyondnutrition.As afather oftwo,heunderstandstheimportanceofnurturing apositiverelationshipwithfood inchildren.His mission at AESA isnotjustabout servingmeals; it’saboutcultivating acommunitywherefood is integral to physicalandmentalwell-being.Through hisleadership,theCulinary Instituteisredefining how students experiencefood, teachingthemto appreciatethevalueofmindful eatingandensuring theyarenourishedineveryaspectoftheirlives.
13730US-90, Austin, TX78737 aesaprepacademy.com
Innovative Education
TexasCannabisClinic
Dr.MatthewBrimberry, MD was one of thefirst certifieddoctors in Texastoprovideaccess to medical cannabis forconditions related to palliativemedicine.Hestarted Texas CannabisClinicin 2020 as a100% virtual telemedicine consultation service, workingwithpatients throughoutthe state. Dr.Brimberry andhisexperienced team of medical marijuanaclinicianstreatpeople of all ageswithalternativehealingmethods through Texas’ CompassionateUse Program.Anyone with aqualifying health condition receives acustomized treatmentplanbasedonthelatest studiesand researchavailablefor medical cannabis. The team expertly navigates thepathfromcertifying you based on yourqualifyingdiagnosis, to the formation of yourpersonalized medicalmarijuanatreatmentplan, andthen connecting youwith astate licensed Texasdispensary.
DIE-HARD LONGHORN FANS have undoubtedly attendedsometailgateragersthatonemightcall“lit.” But none can compare to the ZZ Top show on Sept 1, 1974, where a horde of concertgoers packed into UT’s stadium, set fire to the newly installed Astroturf, and cutaTexas-shapedholeintothefauxgrass.
BilledasZZTop’sFirstAnnualTexasSizeRompin’ Stompin’BarnDanceandBarB.Q.,theeventfeatured thebluesrocklegendsalongsideopeningactsSantana,JoeCocker,andBadCompany.Whiletheconcert delivered on talent, it didn’t quite live up to some of itstitularpromises—namely,thebarbecue Attendees werefrustratedbythefactthatthe$2.50costofaplate of food wasn’t included in the $8 ticket price. But matters went from bad to worse when boththe ’cue andwatersoldoutby1:30p.m.
According to the 1974-75 edition of The Cactus, UT’syearbook,concessionmanagerSteveSmithsaid, “Hell we would have been equipped to feed 100,000 people,butwedidn’thaveanyadvancenoticethatthis many would show up.” The student government initially asked Smith to feed 27,000, which climbed to an estimation of 47,000 in advance of the event. But no one was prepared for the 80,000 that turned out. By the evening, the scene had morphed from “barn dance”intowhatTheCactusdescribedasa“claustrophobic, overheated cornucopia of thirst, hunger and sunstroke,”asconcertgoersbattled91-degreeheat
The festival did make good on the rompin’ and stompin’—sinkshadbeenrippedfromthebathroom walls as fans frantically searched for water. Between the heat exhaustion and rampant drug use, around 30ambulancesmadeemergencytripsfromthestadium to nearby Brackenridge Hospital According to ESPN, Longhorns athletic trainer Spanky Stephens found one attendee sleepingoff his bender in a first aidroomthefollowingmorning.Thebefuddledrocker asked what time the band went on, only to receive thebadnewsthathe’dalreadymissedtheshow.
In a 2008 interview with Texas Monthly, ZZ Top frontmanBillyGibbonsrecountedhavingtofacehead coach Darrell K Royal, who vowed there would never be another concert on his turf. He was right: The venuedidn’thostanotheroneuntilTheEaglesplayed morethan20yearslater,wellafterRoyal’sretirement While the legendary coach was displeased withthe excessivecelebration,atleasttherevelersleftitallon thefield.
