Did you know that Austin is home to the world’s first cooperatively-owned brewpub? Well, it is! Enter Black Star Co-op, a worker-managed brewpub owned by more than 3,000 individuals and organizations that's just about 10 minutes from Elan East.

All of the beers brewed at Black Star Co-op go through extensive taste testing by Black Star’s members. Currently, there are more than six drafts available at Black Star Co-op. Available brews include the Inveterate Dockhand, a chocolate oatmeal porter; the High Esteem, a golden beer; and the Recalcitrant Dockhand, a porter with notes of chocolate and coffee. In addition to brews made exclusively the brewpub, a select number of guest drafts are available, too.

Beyond beer, Black Star Co-op promises local food for all guests. The menu is full of dishes like a local cheese board, fish and chips, fried chicken sandwiches, fried jalapenos, salads, grilled cheese sammies, and barbecue tempeh sandwiches.

Note that Black Star Co-op operates under a no tipping policy, something that guests appreciate!

Black Star Co-op
7020 Easy Wind Drive
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 452-2337
www.blackstar.coop
www.yelp.com/biz/black-star-co-op-pub-and-brewery-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr evenkolder

As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

Lovers of elevated American fare should immediately head for Emmer and Rye, a new restaurant just three miles from Elan East.

The new restaurant prides itself on using fresh, in-season ingredients that result in a menu that changes daily to accommodate the season.

Guests of the restaurant can choose a more classic dining experience with appetizers and main dishes, or opt for the restaurant’s “dim sum style” serving method. Diners can choose from a menu of small, sharable plates that could include pork belly, seared cauliflower, and vegetable purees that will arrive at the table as soon as the chefs are finished preparing them. The more traditional menu could include pastas, pork chops, wagyu beef short ribs, salads, and smoked snapper toast.

For dessert, don't pass on the dark chocolate and chestnut cookie with a buttermilk orange Ice cream sandwich.

Reservations are suggested for those interested in dining at Emmer and Rye. Will you be dining at this trendy new restaurant?

Emmer and Rye
51 Rainey St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 366-5530
www.emmerandrye.com
www.yelp.com/biz/emmer-and-rye-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr katinalynn