Find Comfort Food at Austin’s Bacon

Austin is filled with quirky restaurants, and Bacon is no exception. Here, just about everything on the menu is either topped or stuffed with — you guessed it — bacon. Regulars make the trek downtown for the Chicken and Waffles, a tasty meal of crispy chicken on a bed of bacon-stuffed waffles, perfectly sized for large appetites. Breakfast tacos with house-made chorizo, bacon, and pulled pork are another popular item.

Although breakfast is the busiest time, Bacon offers lunch and dinner options as well, including a flavorful Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with bacon. (If your arteries can handle it, get a side of Bacon Fries topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives and of course, bacon.) The small space has indoor seating for 50, as well as communal picnic tables outside. Counter-ordering and an efficient kitchen staff minimize the wait.

Bacon
900 W.10th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9777
http://www.baconaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bacon-austin

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014!

Draught House Pub and Brewery: It’s All About the Beer, Austin!

Variety is the spice of life at the Draught House Pub and Brewery. Located in Rosedale a few blocks from North Lamar Boulevard, Draught House specializes in — what else – beer! Sit by the bar, grab a bench or take a seat outside on the patio. The no frills beer garden atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax with friends. And if you like beer, this is the place for you! The focus is on the craft beer revolution that is sweeping the country. There is always a large selection of draught and bottled beers hailing from Brooklyn to the California coast, and everywhere in between. Check out the daily specials for deals on pints. Sometimes, you get to keep your glass! And there’s always a food truck outside when you get hungry.

Draught House Pub and Brewery
4112 Medical Parkway
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 452-6258
http://www.yelp.com/biz/draught-house-pub-and-brewery-austin

Gourmet Grocery Store Meets Great Eats at Epicerie

For relaxed dining, you can’t beat Epicerie. Located where Hancock Road meets Woodview Avenue, just look for the blue house, and you’ll be at Epicerie. Inside, it's clean and comfortable, a nice combination for a relaxing lunch with co-workers or friends. The menu is seasonal, so it changes all the time. But there’s always a good selection of house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and small plates. (Try the French Fries, a real favorite.)

Lots of folks also come in after work or in the evening to taste from a nice selection of wines and to share some terrific cheeses and cured meat trays. Don't miss the fresh-baked beignets! Epicerie is also a grocery and has shelves filled with foods and specialty products, so you can make something good at home. 

Epicerie
2307 Hancock Drive
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-6840
http://epicerieaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/%C3%AApicerie-cafe-and-grocery-austin

Season’s Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!

Bartlett’s: Vegetarian Cuisine and More in Austin, Texas

Named one of the 20 best restaurants in the 2011 Austin Chronicle’s Restaurant Poll, Bartlett's’ is a national franchise and a relatively new addition to the Austin area. This steakhouse features a wide menu of simple American cuisine.  Many regulars start with the spinach and artichoke dip. For a lighter meal, the Asian steak and noodle salad is a recommended choice, and Bartlett’s is famous or their french dip sandwich. Steaks served with their house-made Worcestershire sauce and grilled fish dishes round out their entree options. Popular a la cart sides include the shoestring french fries and garlic mashed potatoes. A gluten free menu and raved-about veggie burger accommodate customers with dietary restrictions. Dim lighting and deep booths give Bartlett’s an intimate ambiance. The elegant bar area features an “After 5” menu with small plates and drink specials – try the grilled artichokes if you’re looking for a light snack.

Bartlett's
2408 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 451-7333
www.bartlettsaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bartletts-austin

Try the Salted Caramel Gelato at Teo

Whether you come for a coffee in the morning or a gelato later, you’ll get a treat at Teo. Located directly across from the hospital on West 38th Street, Teo brings a little bit of Italy to the streets of Austin. Make Teo a morning stop for a terrific coffee drink. You know that it will be good, because every barista who works here is trained in Italy! The café, decorated in bright, inviting colors, is a nice spot to enjoy your cup. There are even daily newspapers on the wall for your reading pleasure. The outdoor patio is also nice, with a fireplace when the weather gets cold. The fresh made gelato is the star here There is always a nice selection of flavors, but regulars like the Peanut Butter Nutela and Salted Caramel. With the free Wi-Fi, it’s a nice way to end your day.

Teo
1206 W. 38th Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 451-9555
http://www.caffeteo.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/teo-austin

Learn Something New With These Four Online Courses

It’s never too late to learn something new, and with these exciting websites you can do so from the comfort of your own home, for free! With subjects ranging from computer science to world history, these online courses will teach you practical knowledge that will improve your daily life.

A History of the World Since 1300
Developed by Princeton University, this 12-week long online history course is great for history buffs and those who want to improve their conversational history skills. The course covers the relationships between modern societies beginning at the time of Chinggis Khan, and it is formatted into 24 lectures with short quizzes to keep you on track.

Intro to Computer Science
In this online course designed for programmers of all skill levels, you’ll learn key concepts in computer science and programming. The course is self-paced, and it covers topics such as complex data structures, solving programming problems and extracting links. Like many online classes, it's completely free!

Introduction to Statistics
This edX general statistics course is a laid back, enjoyable way to refresh yourself on basic concepts of statistics that you may have missed in college, and you can take it completely free of charge. The class is designed by the University of California at Berkley to follow their Statistics 2 course, and it’s even taught by actual Berkley professors!

Financial Markets
If you want the experience of a real Yale course completely for free, this economics class is for you. Financial Markets teaches you the ideas and methods behind risk management and behavioral finance, all over the course of 23 class sessions and 3 exams.

Under the Sea Fun at Scubaland Adventures

Have you ever wanted to try SCUBA diving but never knew where to start?  Scubaland Adventures offers everything you need to get started, or expand your hobby.  This aquatics training and dive center offers diving courses and a great selection of equipment to accommodate beginners and experts.  There are three locations in Austin, and the Crestview location features the largest and deepest indoor heated training pool in Austin.  The staff are professional and helpful, and the stores regularly have sale items.  Join their dive club to meet new friends and enjoy your hobby.  Their travel agency coordinates trips to Texas’s top diving spots for the club and can even help you make your own travel plans for your next dive trip.  Scubaland also offers swimming lessons for kids and adults looking to improve their strength and comfort in the water.
 

Scubaland Adventures
1001 W Anderson Ln
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 323-6999
www.yelp.com/biz/scubaland-adventures-austin-2

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom. Thank you, veterans!

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