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Brady Franks, graduate student
How will you start your Friday night?
I am a huge fan of dive bars. I will grab a few friends and head to my personal favorite Deep Eddy Cabaret and hit up the old country songs on the jukebox. Donn’s Depot is another great place to enjoy some of Austin’s more low-key bars.
What’s your favorite Austin band aside from who you will see this weekend?
My favorite Austin band is either Low Line Caller or the Calm Blue Sea. They have a similar style to another Austin band, Explosions in the Sky, but have a more diverse style.
What is your favorite venue to watch a show?
I know its not very original, but I always like going to shows at Stubb’s BBQ. The setup is great; there isn’t a bad seat in the house and there’s plenty of room to roam. They also have great bands and are walking distance to other great venues and bars.
Where will you go for late night eats after your night out?
My prayers were finally answered when P. Terry’s, my favorite burger place, started staying open until the early morning. I’ve been known to walk over a mile to get a double with a Dublin Dr. Pepper.
Where can we find you when you are craving BBQ?
If you don’t head over to Franklin’s BBQ, you’re doing yourself a disservice. While you have to get in line early, the food is definitely worth the wait. Stop by Jo’s on Second and grab an iced bomber for while you wait in line!
Where can we find you when you are craving Tex-Mex?
If I want true Tex-Mex, I always go to Maudie’s (it’s the first place I ate after spending the summer in D.C.). You can also never go wrong with a Mexican Martini from Trudy’s.
If you go to the lake, what will you do and which lake will you go to?
For me it’ll always be Lake Travis. Head out on the boat into one of the coves, just drop anchor and relax, enjoying the deep blue water and limestone walls.
What is your favorite place to get brunch?
If I’m feeling a little under the weather from the night before I’ll go to Juan in a Million, the best hangover cure in the city. If I’m feeling more spry, Nau’s Enfield Drug in Clarksville has a great breakfast (and burgers) and is set in an old-fashioned soda fountain drug store. Try the Dr. Pepper or a milk shake, they are made the old school way.
What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny weekend day?
If its not too hot, you can gather some friends and play a game of football in Westenfield Park. It also has a basketball court and a pool for when you need to cool off. But this Sunday I’m heading to Waterloo Park for the Hot Sauce Festival. I look forward to it every year. Not only is it great food and flavor, but it’s all for a great cause! (It benefits the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.)
What trails will you hit this weekend?
When its not too hot out, I like to run on Shoal Creek trail. Its rarely crowded and you can go all the way from Rosedale to Pease Park while following the creek. The scenery is some of my favorite in Austin.
What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Austin (this weekend or in general)?
I always take visitors to Mayfield Park. Its a nice, quiet old house with a great yard and plenty of roaming peacocks to entertain you. Its also close to Mount Bonnell which is albeit more touristy, but a great place for someone to get to know Austin. Trust me, don’t miss this one!
Where will you be seen shopping?
I’m not a big shopper, but everyone is talking about Le Garage Sale this weekend. Apparently it’s the sample sale of sample sales.
If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
I would either go to the Elephant Room to catch some jazz music or go to the East Side Showroom. They have incredible unique drinks of which I would suggest and Old Fashioned or a Gin and Tonic made with Hendricks.
What’s Austin’s best-kept secret?
It’s not a well-kept secret, but the food truck culture in Austin is incredible. Not only are many of them fairly inexpensive, but the quality of the food is unreal. I would suggest the Odd Duck which serves farm to trailer food and whose menu changes with what’s fresh, or G’Raj Mahal that has great Indian food.
How will you end your Austin weekend? Where will you go and what will you do?
I would try to catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz (downtown). They are always playing great movies, have good food and drinks, and usually have an entertaining quote or sing along. If we get out before sundown, we’ll head to the Congress Avenue bridge and watch the bats come out, which is quite a production. Afterwards, I’ll walk around Town Lake for a bit and head home and get ready for classes. Austin is beautiful at night.
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By Kelsey Hayenga
August 26, 2011 7:14 PM | Link to this
Omg! I live in Clarksville…let’s hit up Nau’s