The Steeping Room: Terrific Teas

Any time is tea-time at the Steeping Room. Located in a little shopping center on N. Lamar Boulevard, the Steeping Room is dedicated to not just serving tea, but the art of brewing and leisurely enjoying the drink. Come in and you will immediately like the cozy ambiance, with high ceilings that keep the noise low and lots of window seating. You might have had tea, but there are so many different teas to choose from, don’t be afraid to ask your server for suggestions. In the morning, try your tea with a freshly baked scone, or go for one of the breakfast entrees. The lunch and dinner menus are also good, with many vegan and gluten-free options — try the breakfast sandwich or the soup and tea sandwich combo. 

The Steeping Room
4400 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 102
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 467-2663
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-steeping-room-austin-2

Houndstooth Coffee: Broaden Your Coffee Horizons

Houndstooth Coffee is a coffee shop with Texas attitude. Located on North Lamar Boulevard just off of 42nd Street, Houndstooth has become a go-to spot for those who like good coffee. And with everyone who works there having a good time while providing good service, it’s also a relaxing place, too! The décor is cool, but understated — a nice atmosphere to enjoy your morning. When you come to the counter, take your time, because there is a lot of different coffee to choose from. Also, you can get your coffee brewed three different ways. The baristas here are always happy to make your order to your specifications. Even the coffee cups are cool, with imprints of the state. Want to learn more about coffee and how to brew it correctly? Come to one of the weekly “cuppings.” Then take a pound home to make yourself.

Houndstooth Coffee
4200 N. Lamar Boulevard, Suite 120
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 531-9417
http://www.houndstoothcoffee.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houndstooth-coffee-austin

Gourmet Grocery Store Meets Great Eats at Epicerie

For relaxed dining, you can’t beat Epicerie. Located where Hancock Road meets Woodview Avenue, just look for the blue house, and you’ll be at Epicerie. Inside, it's clean and comfortable, a nice combination for a relaxing lunch with co-workers or friends. The menu is seasonal, so it changes all the time. But there’s always a good selection of house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and small plates. (Try the French Fries, a real favorite.)

Lots of folks also come in after work or in the evening to taste from a nice selection of wines and to share some terrific cheeses and cured meat trays. Don't miss the fresh-baked beignets! Epicerie is also a grocery and has shelves filled with foods and specialty products, so you can make something good at home. 

Epicerie
2307 Hancock Drive
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-6840
http://epicerieaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/%C3%AApicerie-cafe-and-grocery-austin

Everything Old is New Again at Uptown Modern Furniture

Everything old is new again at Uptown Modern. Located where Burnet Road meets North Street, Uptown Modern is a furniture store with a difference. Danish modern style furniture from the 1950’s and 1960’s is making a big comeback, and Uptown Modern is the place to find fully restored pieces for every room in your home. Come into the showroom and you’ll be able to easily navigate around, but be ready because there’s a lot to see! There's classic seating that utilizes both metal and beautiful rosewood for the living room, dining room, and kitchen, plush seating, and sofa sets. Walk further and you’ll see restored teak, rosewood, and chrome tables, as well. Wait until you check out the storage and office furniture! You can also get some great modern art, which will complete your new look.

Uptown Modern
5111 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 452-1200
http://www.uptownmodernaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uptown-modern-austin

Chaparral Ice: Ice Skating and More in North Austin

Do you miss winter? If yes, head to Chaparral Ice in north Austin for year-round winter fun.  This ice rink is a popular spot for recreational skating where kids of all ages have fun.  Admission and skate rental is $10 for adults and children five and over. Check their online calendar for adult skate times. Chaparral Ice offers ice skating classes for those interested in learning the art of figure skating as well as hockey leagues for those that want to improve their skills. If you don’t feel comfortable on blades, there are other fun ice-based activities including curling and boomball. Be sure to dress for the cold: wear thick socks and gloves.

Chaparral Ice
2525 Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 252-8500
www.chaparralice.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chaparral-ice-austin

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer: Coffee With Personality in Austin

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer is just as the name suggests – a spot for a quick cup of joe with personality. Regulars at this Allandale area trailer appreciate the friendly and welcoming service and appreciate that owner Ken gets to know his customers. Don’t let the trailer fool you, a neighborhood coffee house vibe still comes through. All the coffee drinks are made with organic, fair trade, locally roasted beans. For a refreshing treat on a hot day, try the customer favorite, cold brewed toddy. Ken is always creating custom beverages, some of which have earned their spot on the regular menu, like the “Hazelnut Horsepower Mocha” – a white chocolate, Nutella-inspired warmer that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re hungry Hot Rod Coffee Trailer serves gourmet hot dogs, with specials like the “blue cheese” and “mango madness.”

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer
6546 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 516-3113
www.hotrodcoffeetrailer.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hot-rod-coffee-trailer-austin

Decorate in a Snap with Furnish 123

Furniture 123 is the place for great deals on new furniture.  Affiliated with Gage Furniture, this family owned business that has furnished Austin homes and apartments for over 70 years.  Furniture 123 offers great value on big name brands, which you can browse online, or inside of Gage Furniture’s showroom.  Prices are VERY reasonable, which make furnishing a room fun on any budget.  It’s not uncommon to find furniture marked 50% below MSRP and holiday sales offer even deeper discounts.  Items tend to be stylish and modern, but will fit any decor.  There's a great selection too – you can find everything from sectionals to lamps and dinettes to bedroom suites.  The sales environment is simple and straightforward with helpful, no-pressure staff.
 

Furniture 123
7725 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 454-3613
www.yelp.com/biz/furnish-123-austin

 

The Goodnight: Playground of Your Dreams

When you win the lottery, you'll buy a big house with a lot of toys. Right?

Stop waiting for your numbers to come up, because The Goodnight is your dream come true. This is an absurdly varied playground to suit every Saturday night — there are eight vintage bowling lanes; a cozy 80-person dining and cocktail lounge masterminded by local genius Chef Reggie; four billiards tables; two table tennis courts; shuffleboard; board games; skee ball; live music; movies and Wii face-offs on the deck under the stars … the atmosphere is simultaneously classy and playful, the perfect spot for a date, a birthday, or escaping the bar scene.

Drinks and food aren't cheap — cocktails run about $12, and top-end entrees are $25. Word is that the food's worth it, though. (Crab cakes, pork sliders and ceviche get high marks.)

One piece of advice? Bowl before ordering champagne!

The Goodnight
2700 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 459-5000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-goodnight-austin

 

 

Dart Bowl: An Old-School Bowling Alley in North Austin

Have a blast from the past at Dart Bowl, an old-school bowling alley with trow back pricing for a fun evening out that’s easy on the wallet.  Conveniently located in Austin’s Brentwood neighborhood, Dart Bowl has 32 well-maintained lanes that accurately keep score and rarely malfunction. If you work up an appetite bowling, the restaurant is famous for their enchiladas and homemade Texas toast – try them topped with a fried egg.  The bar has a good selection of beer at reasonable prices, and if you’re looking for a Big Lebowski-inspired evening, the full bar offers well-crafted White Russians.

Dart Bowl
5700 Grover Avenue
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 452-2518
www.dartbowl.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dart-bowl-austin

See Austin From A Different Perspective With Texas Bike Tours

See Austin's sites from a different perspective with Texas Bike Tours. Before you set off, bicycle pros will adjust your rental bike and equipment for maximum comfort. Friendly guides set a relaxed paced for a 12 mile, scenic route that is mostly level to downhill, and valet service will return you to the start at the end of the tour. All tours are appropriate for all ability levels and are a great way to meet new people. Check their website for specific tour details, including length, pricing, and stops – some even include culinary breaks to enjoy Austin's great food!

Texas Bike Tours
4103 Avenue G
Austin, TX 78751
(760) 332-8668
www.texasbiketours.com
www.yelp.com/biz/texas-bike-tours-austin

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