There aren't many places where you can grab a gourmet cup of coffee and a craft beer in one swoop, which is part of what makes Houndstooth Coffee so popular. Its staff are just as concerned about crafting stellar cups of coffee as they are about sourcing wines and beers that will please your palate.

So when you come to snag a cup of joe, don't be surprised if the macchiato, latte, or classic brewed coffee you get—all made from Counter Culture beans—goes above and beyond your expectations. Also enjoy a fresh croissant or muffin with your cup of joe. If you'd rather indulge in a craft beer, stop by after work and try the Thirsty Planet's Bucket Head IPA or a Brewhouse Brown Ale by Real Ale. There's also a decent list of red and white wines, specialty teas, and more substantial foods to enjoy at Houndstooth Coffee.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr jgbarah

Looking for a hip restaurant with a unique vibe? If you’re in Austin, you could probably find a few such places without traveling very far, but if you happen to be in the East Austin neighborhood, there’s one place you absolutely need to check out: Launderette on Holly Street. A great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, it’s got a throwback diner aesthetic but serves up some seriously sophisticated eats.

This restaurant’s menu includes dishes crafted using specialty ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. But if you’re ordering appetizers at dinner, things can quickly turn into an impromptu tapas session. We dare you to not be tempted to try the pastrami salmon toast or the fried olives. Then again, there’s the chicken liver mousse, and where else are you going to find that? Come ready to indulge in inventive dishes at Launderette.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr basheertome

The Austin African-American Firefighter's Association works hard to keep the people of your city safe, which is why you may want to donate toward or attend the 2017 Austin Firefighters' Ball. Slated for Saturday, January 21st at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this upscale event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and carries on well into the evening—until 1 a.m., to be exact.

Purchase your tickets for this semi-formal event, and take part in the dining and dancing that await. A portion of the proceeds from ticket purchases go to the Ed Bridges Scholarship Fund, which directly benefits your Austin community, so you can feel good about where your dollars are going. There will also be a cash bar and various vendors on-hand to fuel the fun at the 2017 Austin Firefighters' Ball.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Maria Eklind