Steampunk Saloon: Highlight of the Neighborhood Bar Scene

Having recently opened in December and already earning high marks from locals, Steampunk Saloon is a great new spot for day or nighttime fun. Though quickly gaining patrons as it rises in popularity, Steampunk Saloon is a big enough space to hold a large number of people without feeling crowded. There's an indoor space filled with TVs—perfect for watching the big game. With a $3 craft pint special on Sunday, there’s no better place to spend the day.

There's also a huge deck outside as well as two food trucks—East Side King and Dock 'n' Roll— which alternate nights being parked out back. A variety of games are available to play here as well—everything from Mario Kart to skeeball and arcade basketball—adding to the fun and atmosphere. Steampunk Saloon is close by, only about three miles away from Lamar Union.

Steampunk Saloon
700 West 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-7865
www.steampunk-saloon.com/Steampunk_Saloon.html
www.yelp.com/biz/steampunk-saloon-austin

Stop by Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, a New Spot for Classic Texas Grub

It’s no secret that people travel far and wide for good old fashioned Texas barbecue. Just this month, Austin welcomed a brand-new 'cue restaurant: Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Despite its short life span, the eatery recently won a spot on Eater Austin's list of The Hottest Restaurants in Austin Right Now, and it's only a stone's throw away from Lamar Union.

Since the restaurant is brand new, the full menu is not currently available, but you can still pick from an abbreviated list of sliders and classic barbecue sides. Expect meals like brisket sliders, smoked sausage sliders, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and burgers for now, and a full menu soon. Pair your main course with local craft beer, a classic cocktail, or a sweet soda for the full Cooper's experience.

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
217 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-4227
coopersbbqaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/coopers-old-time-pit-bar-b-que-austin

Enjoy a Taste of Indonesia at Pop-Up Eatery Kaki Lima

Pop-up restaurants, bars, and shops are growing in popularity across the country, and on Feb. 4, Boston-based pop-up Kaki Lima will take up residency at Sway for a five-course meal of Indonesian cuisine.

Sway, which is just over a mile from Lamar Union, will host the dinner. The menu will feature options like charred eggplant, slow-cooked beef, spiced pineapple, fried potatoes, pickled carrots and cucumbers, and toasted shredded coconut. Many of the plates on the menu are Indonesia’s signature dishes, so you can truly take your taste buds on a vacation at this one-time dinner. (Note that modifications cannot be made to the menu to accommodate any dietary restrictions.)

Tickets are required for those who want a taste of this Indonesian street food. Tickets cost $70 per person, plus $50 for an optional wine pairing. You can buy them online. Snag them before they sell out!

Kaki Lima Pop-Up Dinner
Sway
7 p.m. Feb. 4
1417 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-1999
austin.eater.com/2016/1/14/10772046/boston-kaki-lima-indonesian-pop-up-sway
swayxkakilima.splashthat.com

Enjoy an Upscale Meal at Geraldine’s at The Hotel Van Zandt

Anyone craving a gourmet meal should make reservations at Geraldine’s, a new restaurant inside of the Hotel Van Zandt, which is close to Lamar Union. Geraldine’s serves an eclectic menu inside of a modern, sleek space.

Some of the most buzzworthy plates on the ever-changing menu have been the roasted cauliflower, gulf shrimp, hush puppies, Texas strip steak, and the beef short ribs. In addition to the entrees, the dessert menu is something special, too. Popular desserts include the lemon buttermilk pie, chestnut honey ganache, and the Geraldine's OH OH chocolate Swiss roll served with Swiss cream. Geraldine’s is also known for its curated list of cocktails that range from classics to more unique beverages.

To top off the delicious food and drinks, Geraldine’s invites in local bands to perform throughout the week including at a Sunday brunch. Geraldine’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Those interested in visiting Geraldine’s are encouraged to make a reservation to secure their spot on the list!

Geraldine’s
605 Davis Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-4755
www.facebook.com/geraldinesaustn
www.yelp.com/biz/geraldines-austin

Craft Pizza and Beer Take the Spotlight at Pinthouse Pizza

Craving craft pizza? Make plans to visit Pinthouse Pizza, a new location for the local chain that is less than two miles from Lamar Union.

This delicious pizza spot offers classic, specialty, and build-you-own pizzas. Classic pies include pepperoni and basil, classic cheese, and margherita. Specialty pies include the works (Canadian bacon, sausage, red onions, green peppers, mushroom, and pepperoni), the Milano (artichokes, olives, prosciutto, and cheese) and the Hill Country (cheese, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, ricotta). An assortment of toppings, like mushrooms, garlic, jalapenos, chicken, crumbled sausage, spinach, and mozzarella, are available for build-your-own pizzas.

In addition to pizza, Pinthouse’s menu also promises an assortment of classic salads, nachos, pretzels, and desserts.

Pinthouse isn’t only a pizzeria, it's also a brewery. Guests can sip award-winning beers of all sorts that are made especially for the restaurant.

Pizza and beer go together like two peas in a pod, so make plans to visit Pinthouse soon!

Pinthouse Pizza
4236 South Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 502-5808
pinthousepizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pinthouse-pizza-austin-2

Mas Vino Serves Tasty Wine And Tapas In Austin

Mas Vino, or "more wine," sounds like a good idea, right? Then you might want to consider visiting the fairly new restaurant a visit — it’s only two miles from Lamar Union. This place opened its doors in August and specializes in wine and tapas.

It serves affordable wine of all sorts — red, white, sangria, and sparkling in a sleek and modern space. Wine fans will love the generous pours as well as the variety. Those who aren’t interested in wine can look to a menu of beer and cocktails, too; Mas Vino has a full bar. As you sip, look over the selection of small plates to pair with the wine

Often, live music adds to the atmosphere. Mas Vino is calling your name for girl’s night out or date night. Cheers!

Mas Vino
1611 W. 5th St.
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 698-0085
www.yelp.com/biz/mas-vino-austin
www.facebook.com/masvinoaustin/reviews

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Returns For its 40th Year!

The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to kick your shopping into gear. Luckily, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar returns for its 40th year from Dec.15 through 24 with handmade goods from nearly 200 artisans. The featured products come in a range of prices to meet just about anyone's budget. Choose from items like small Secret Santa-appropriate gifts to more meaningful presents for loved ones. Expect candles, pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, woodwork, leather goods and more.

In addition to shopping, a number of local musicians will set the tone with live tunes throughout the bazaar. Shoppers can stop for drinks at an on-site bar selling cocktails, beer, and wine. Food from Southside Flying Pizza will be available as well.

The market is open from from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and it's only one mile from Lamar Union. Admission is $8 for adults and free for those under the age of 12. Don't miss this one!

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 15-24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
900 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
www.armadillobazaar.com

Get to Know Donn’s Depot, a Legendary Austin Watering Hole

It seems every dive bar fan in Austin (and beyond) has heard of Donn’s Depot, a famous spot with tons of live music and dancing that's only 1.5 miles from Lamar Union. BuzzFeed even included Donn’s Depot on a list of 35 must-do things in Austin!

The menu is pretty straightforward, with drafts like Budweiser, Shiner Bock an Guiness; bottles like Bud Lite, Tecate, Smirnoff Ice and Miller Lite; and a number of wines as well as cocktails.

What’s super cool about the bar is that it used to be an old Missouri-Pacific train depot, so the decor throughout the bar is full of some of the original pieces that filled the space — seating throughout the bar are real train cars and the women’s bathroom is the train’s caboose.

Live music rocks the bar six nights a week playing everything from swing to pop.

Donn’s Depot is open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

Donn’s Depot
1600 W. 5th St.
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 478-0336
donnsdepot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donns-depot-austin-2

Satisfy Your Hot Chocolate Cravings at Holy Cacao, A Food Truck for Chocolate Lovers Near Lamar Union

While the city is well known for its abundance of food trucks slinging tacos, barbecue, and other savory cuisines, Holy Cacao is Austin's first chocolate food truck. This mobile sweet shop has two locations in Austin: a rustic cedar-covered trailer at the original South First location about a mile from Lamar Union, and now a bright white trailer at the Rio Rancho Eatery.

Wherever you are in town, it’s easy to pop in to—or rather, outside of—a Holy Cacao trailer for a chocolatey treat to brighten your day. Grab an espresso or coffee drink first thing in the morning, or indulge with a famous frozen hot chocolate on a warm Austin afternoon. There are even vegan hot chocolates made entirely without diary. The shop’s trademarked Cake Shakes make the perfect desserts after dinner, while cake balls and other treats pair perfectly with any of Holy Cacao’s delicious drinks.

Holy Cacao
1311 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
www.theholycacao.com

Shake Shack Makes its Debut in Austin!

Shake Shack started off as a small cart that served burgers and shakes in New York City, but it's expanded far beyond The Big Apple. People on the East Coast can’t get enough of these eclectic burgers and shakes, and now Austin residents can fall under the spell of Shake Shack's tasty treats.

Austin was lucky enough to be the recipient of Texas’ first Shake Shack, and Lamar Union residents will be happy to know that its newest location is right in the same building. Be sure to true their Lockhart Link burger, it’s exclusive to the Austin location! Fans of Shake Shack also recommend the crinkle fries (the crinkle cheese fries are particularly delicious!) It's possible you might not have room for a shake once you've had a burger and fries, but eaters recommend getting one to go to enjoy later.

Shake Shack
1100 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 717-0430
www.shakeshack.com/location/south-lamar-austin
www.yelp.com/biz/shake-shack-austin

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