Austin residents certainly love their bicycles, and local cyclists insist that Tsunami Cycles is one of the best shops in the city to keep those bikes in working order. Whether you’re in the market for a new bicycle or you need to pick up some parts for your current one, this well-stocked shop is the place to go.

The store itself is located conveniently on Austin’s South Congress Avenue, and it stocks a large selection of new and used bicycles and a full-service repair shop to meet any area cyclist's needs. Tsunami Cycles offers tune-ups, brake and gear adjustments, and complete building services on new bikes, and they’ll even pack your bike up and ship it anywhere in the country for just a bit more. Throw in a staff of friendly, knowledgeable employees who are anything but intimidating, and it’s easy to see why this shop is a staple of Austin's cycling scene.

Tsunami Cycles is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The shop is closed on Tuesdays.

Tsunami Cycles
2114 1/2 S Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 448-9725
www.tsunamicycles.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tsunami-cycles-austin-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Why Not Linh Vu

New Orleans is known for its snowballs, a popular frozen treat that involves fluffy, white ice that is much smoother than that of a sno-cone. In Austin, you can find authentic snowballs at the family-owned Sweet Caroline’s Snow Shack. This small and colorful dessert shop is housed in a food truck complete with a bright yellow exterior and a convenient ordering counter where you can choose your tasty treat.

Snowballs from Sweet Caroline’s are served in large Styrofoam bowls and topped with colorful syrups including flavors like classic cherry and root beer, as well as more unique flavors like the Tootsie Roll, which is made with chocolate cream and silver fox syrups.

The mobile operation has two locations in Austin, so it’s always easy to stop in for a frozen dessert after dinner or to cool down on a hot afternoon.

Sweet Caroline's Snow Shack
9528 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78729
(512) 234-7669
www.facebook.com/sweetcarolinessnowshack
www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-carolines-snow-shack-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr stevendepolo

Funky and energetic, Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company (ABGB) is a popular local gastropub and brewery in South Austin. The brewery always has more than eight beers on tap daily, in addition hard cider and wine.

To complement your brew, the menu touts appetizers such as charcuterie boards with cheese and meat, prosciutto-wrapped melon, deviled eggs, and house-made habanero-bacon-wrapped asparagus. Refreshing salads include a yellow watermelon with sunflower sprouts and fresh mozzarella with an olive oil balsamic reduction and a spinach salad with fresh plums, onions, almonds, and goat cheese. The restaurant also bakes a mean pizza (regular or gluten-free), with an abundance of toppings from which to choose. Overstuffed sandwiches and subs are also on offer.

ABGB is open daily, and take-out is available.

Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company
1305 West Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 298-2242
www.theabgb.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-beer-garden-brewing-company-austin-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/jchapiewski