No matter what type of entertainment you typically enjoy, anyone who likes to laugh can appreciate the productions at ColdTowne Theater. Before 2006, Austin didn't have much of a comedy scene—certainly nothing like the countless improv clubs of Chicago. But that was the year that New Orleans transplants brought their brand of comedy to Austin in the form of ColdTowne Theater, which hosts everything from stand-up shows to improv.

You can take improv classes at ColdTowne Theater if you're interested in getting up on the main stage yourself, but you're also welcome to kick back and laugh from the comfort of a seat out in the audience. ColdTowne Theater holds a few signature events on a regular basis, like the improvised game show known as GameTowne (every last Thursday of the month) and an interactive storytime for kids, "What's the Story, Steve?" (every Saturday at 10 a.m.). However, the theater also boasts an ever-changing itinerary of performances that have only one thing in common: good comedy.

ColdTowne Theater
4803 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 814-8696
www.coldtownetheater.com
www.yelp.com/biz/coldtowne-theater-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr BMiz

A trailer parked in the lot beside Spider House. That's all that makes up Beware Coffee. Don't let its size—or parking spot—fool you, though. It may look like a coffee shanty on wheels, but Beware Coffee has earned five-star reviews almost across the board thanks to its exceptional java.

Owners Natasha and Braxton can be credited with much of the praise lavished on the coffee trailer. They're described as the "kindest, most accommodating people of all time" by one Yelp reviewer. And whether or not you agree with that statement, no one can argue that the pair crafts a mean cup of coffee. They use the AeroPress to quickly make each piping-hot mug of java as soon as you order it, and customers can taste the difference that this brewing technique makes. Locals also love the specialty drinks Natasha and Braxton create, especially the Fantasy Sweet latte with honey and coconut oil.

Beware Coffee
2908 Fruth Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 571-3392
www.facebook.com/BewareCoffee
www.yelp.com/biz/beware-coffee-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Jayson Leow

The Emerald Restaurant is a beautiful and cozy eatery tucked away in a scenic part of West Austin that locals truly adore. Approach the cottage-style restaurant and you’ll be amazed at its quaint beauty and lush, green lawn, which creates a stunning backdrop for the many private parties, weddings, and graduation dinners that are held here.

The Emerald Restaurant serves an imaginative menu of Irish-inspired dishes, and everything is made entirely from scratch using tried-and-true family restaurants straight from Ireland. Roasts and meats are carved tableside on silver platters, while onion soups are served flambéed and Tipperary sweetbreads come wrapped in Irish bacon. Each artistic dish is hearty and a bit dramatic, and there are even complete two-person dinners perfect for special occasions.

No true Irish meal would be complete without an accompanying beverage, and The Emerald also boasts a long list of libations to choose from.

The Emerald Restaurant
13614 Highway 71 West
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 963-4272
www.theemeraldrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr amg.lincluden