Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > August > 14 > Entry
Fresh slices of Austin nightlife
Austin nightlife pulsates in a state of constant flux.
So periodically, we tag along with budding experts, such as online gallery owner Jeff Kirk or spirits guru Carter Wilsford, now working at the absinthe-themed Péché on West Fourth Street.
Black Sheep Lodge (2108 S. Lamar Blvd.) In 2009, this bar quickly established itself as a lure for the Zilker. Barton Hills and adjacent areas. Comfortable, commodious, it includes seating on an uncovered front porch. The Black Sheep attracts a slightly older clan than other new pubs in town. “It reminds me of a college bar, but for alums only,” Martinez-Vargas says. One can choose from an array of exotic beers, pub grub, TV screens and variously arranged conversation nooks. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals adorned the garrulous, mostly male crowd the night we dropped in. Only one couple followed the Texas Rangers game intently. Parking is a challenge; watch out for the posted warnings.
The Aviary (2110 S. Lamar Blvd.) We almost tripped over this wine bar attached to the home decor store by the same name. Like the Black Sheep next door, it offers a front-porch roost, though considerably smaller and slightly elevated above the busy boulevard. We didn’t spend time here, but noted a hipper vibe and younger tribe than at the nearby pub.
Red Shed Tavern (8504 S. Congress Ave) What a hidden gem! This former biker bar located near the terminus of South Congress Avenue is an exception in a land of chain outlets and familiar eateries. A huge back patio includes a fold-up stage and dozens of tables. Without much promotion, the Shed has attracted plenty of admirers from the growing Southpark Meadows district. Inside, a jukebox and pool table wait for friendly interactions. “It’s the only place in (far) South Austin that is a full bar, and is not a sports bar or restaurant,” Martinez-Vargas says. “But they do have a Spartan Pizza trailer.”
The Dogwood (715 W. Sixth St.) The hottest club downtown comes from the Womack brothers and their business partners, their first project built almost from scratch and a far cry from their East Sixth Street hangouts. Formerly cozy Mother Egan’s, the Dogwood is defined by classy, clean lines and horizontal masonry. Cooled by misters, the new club’s patio is spacious and airy. Inside, an even chillier aura rules. The attention to detail is absolute. “This place has plenty of the ‘I-wanna-be-seen’ crowd,” Martinez-Vargas says. “The place is full of ladies in dresses and heels, looking like a wrap party for a fashion photo shoot.”
Rebels Honky Tonk (305 W. Fifth St.) I was leery. The former Rainbow Cattle Company reopened so quickly and with so little fanfare. And what were the owners trying to convey with the name? Whatever it was, the crowd skewed wonderfully Austin the night we attended. Flip-flops may have outnumbered cowboy boots. Almost no hats. So country — rare for downtown — but also contemporary. Patrons tried their luck on the throw-back mechanical bull. The real attraction here is the vast dance floor, among the largest in the Warehouse District. “I call it a ‘Carrie Underwood’ country bar,” Martinez-Vargas says. “It fits the mainstream downtown scene.”
Townhouse (303 W. Fifth St.) Next to Rebels — and connected by an inner door — is perhaps the most intense addition to the local cocktail revolution. This narrow spot, formerly the Whiskey Bar, among other incarnations, has already altered its leadership team more than once in its short life. It bristles with fresh ingredients like basil, fruit and plenty of infusions. One can order from a long cocktail menu — or not. Wednesdays are Downbeat and Dub Nights.
The Brixton (1412 E. Sixth St.) Now this is a no-nonsense pub. Not like any theme bars you might find at a mall or along a freeway, but rather low-profile, stripped-down joint discovered on a back street in South Boston or South London. Any place where the prime ingredients are beer and companionship, with a little sport and a patio thrown in. And it’s part of the East-East Sixth Street revival that includes restaurants, food trailers and several more bars, plus some active street life these days.
Cheer Up Charlie’s (1104 E. Sixth St.) One of those East-East bars is this eccentric, extremely laid-back place. Barely four walls and a patio, it defines East Austin funky. Cheer Up shares a lightly-upgraded lot with food trailers, and the traffic among the campers is constant. At times, this tiny place goes gay as Queer Up Charlie’s. It all works in Austin.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Nightlife
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.