Just because you live halfway across the world from Ireland doesn't mean you should lay off the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You're entitled to enjoy Irish culture, which is why Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms intends to host St. Patrick's Day Austin only about 10 minutes from Folio.

The revelry will kick off at 3 p.m. on March 17 with melodies floating from silver thistle pipes and drums outdoors and from Celtic musicians Sean Gavin, Devin Shepheard, and Eamon O'Leary indoors. Live entertainment continues throughout the day, all the way up to the grand finale: a performance by The Twopenny Hang on the outdoor stage. Enjoy Irish food and drink while you enjoy the Irish melodies at St. Patrick's Day Austin this year.

St. Patrick's Day Austin
Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 17
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive
Austin, TX 78754
www.stpatricksdayaustin.com/index.html

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr sii_side

When adventurous food meets with tasty drinks in a welcoming spot, you get Barley Swine, a New American restaurant that recently moved to within about 10 minutes of Folio. Barley Swine was earning rave reviews and creating great memories in its former South Lamar location, but the chefs needed more space to amp up their cocktail program. The new location boasts lovely dim lighting and plentiful seating around the bar, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a date.

The drinks don’t disappoint. There are updates on old favorites like Obligatory Tiki #1—made with Black Seal Rum—and one-of-a-kind tastes like the pisco which includes fernet, egg white, winter citrus, and cilantro. The tapas-style menu offers dishes you can’t find anywhere else, like Cider Vinegar Pie, Grilled Octopus with Pig’s Foot Fried Rice, and Bacon Curd with Pinto Beans and Greens. Come for "Swine Time" happy hour, every Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 pm.

Barley Swine
6555 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 394-8150
barleyswine.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/barley-swine-austin-2

Those looking for an ethical cup of java should head to Two Hands Coffee, a shop just one and a half miles from Folio situated inside the newest section of The Domain. Not only is it convenient, the owners make sure the growers are paid a fair wage, that they pick the best coffee beans possible, and that a meticulous process (that results in delicious coffee that one expects from Two Hands Coffee) is followed every time.

Two Hands also celebrates the local food and drink scene by serving up juices made from local fruits and veggies, and an assortment of local beer. Two Hands also calls on Quack’s Bakery, a local shop, to create an assortment of muffins, scones, breads and cookies.

There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for guests and free WiFi to boot. The open indoor space promises minimalist decor with an assortment of comfy couches for guests to lounge on.

The trendy shop is a must-visit for coffee fans, and even beer fans. Two Hands Coffee opens up early in the morning — 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. on the weekends — and stays open until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

Two Hands Coffee
The Domain
11501 Rock Rose Avenue
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-2822
www.twohandscoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/two-hands-coffee-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr tvanhoosear