Vespaio is an Italian restaurant with exceptional food in a laid-back environment. The simple decor of brick and dark wood is a warm invitation, and the open kitchen is a fun and welcoming sight to incoming visitors. The menu contains authentic Italian food of the highest quality. Delicious antipasti like calimari and beef carpaccio lead into delicious salads and wood-fired pizzas. There are also mouth-watering specialties like prosciutto-wrapped jumbo prawns and veal scaloppine, as well as a wide array of pasta options. There's even gluten-free pasta here! The wine list receives regular updates and is among the best in the city for Italian wines, and the bartenders make a great cocktail, as well. Vespaio is a great choice for high quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Vespaio
1610 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-6100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vespaio-austin

Austin is well-known as one of the best live music spots in the United States, and there’s always something going on there. One of the top places to catch bands in town is The Continental Club. Opened in 1957, the Club was originally a private supper club that hosted big bandleaders like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, but when the Texas rock boom started in the late 1960s, the Continental became a destination for rock fans. The club’s golden age saw legends like Joe Ely and Stevie Ray Vaughn take the same stage as young turks like the Butthole Surfers. In the 80s, the entire club was remodeled to give it a 50s throwback vibe, but the spirit of the place hasn’t changed a bit. On any given night, a band will take the stage, the dance floor will be packed and you’re sure to make a new friend or two.

The Continental Club
1315 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-0202
http://www.yelp.com/biz/continental-club-austin

If you enjoy crafting, check out these awesome DIY notebook projects. These lovely, handmade notebooks make great gifts, or are simply a beautiful place to record your thoughts and memories. Plus, you can fashion a handmade notebook or memo pad out of just about anything — from paint chips to wrapping paper to leather! Apartment Therapy recently collected a guide to 10 of the best DIY notebook tutorials across the web, including possibilities like:

• Paint Chip Mini-Notebook
• Library Card Notebook
• Top-Stitch Notebook

Click here to read more about these, plus seven other DIY notebook projects.