Owned by Chef James Holmes, Olivia has been named one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine.

The menu changes regularly to feature fresh and seasonal ingredients, but is known for its distinctive flavor combinations of sweet and savory.  Consider the Olivia Salad with pecans, ginger, pumpkin, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.  Perfectly braised chops are a regular feature on the menu, whether lamb, pork, or veal.  For dessert, try the duck egg creme brûlée.  Olivia features a fantastic wine list, and the friendly waitstaff is happy to make a recommendation.  Stop in for a classy brunch and try the South Austin Omelet with lamb chorizzo and salsa.  If you are feeling indulgent, try their six and ten-course tasting menus.  Stone walls and warm wood accents make the modern architecture stand out. Inside, the ambiance is romantic and sophisticated — perfect for an intimate date. 

Olivia
2043 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-2700
www.yelp.com/biz/olivia-austin

One of Austin’s oldest nicknames is “The City Of The Violet Crown,” and that unlikely moniker gives this exceptional independent movie theater its name. Austin has long been known as a city that fiercely supports the arts, and the Violet Crown Cinema is one of the city’s best places to catch independent, foreign and documentary films on their first run. And they offer a number of amenities to make seeing movies here even more pleasant. Most interesting is reserved seating for every show – when you buy your ticket, you can pick your seat. Buy early enough and you can snag the super-comfortable front row seats. Prices are on par with other city theaters, and the concession stand is excellent. In addition to the typical popcorn and soda, the café features some truly awesome food, including the ginger pork tapas and some really good paninis. They also have a full cocktail bar with a top-notch beer and wine selection.

Violet Crown Cinema
434 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 495-9600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/violet-crown-cinema-austin

The legendary Stubb’s Bar-B-Q was originally opened in Lubbock, Texas, under the careful supervision of barbecue king Christopher B. Stubblefield. His insanely good slow-cooked meats quickly became a favorite food for central Texas’s burgeoning music scene, and eventually live music became a part of the Stubb's experience. Some of the biggest names in Lone Star rock and country played on his stage, and when the business moved to Austin it prospered even more. Stubb’s is now one of the hottest spots in Austin, continuing the tradition of bbq and great live music. Regulars rave that the beef brisket here can go toe-to-toe with any ‘cue in the world, and the sides, especially the rich macaroni and cheese, are out of sight. Live music most nights of the week features local and national bands, and the Sunday gospel brunch is truly awesome. Live gospel music, traditional Southern brunch foods like migas and fried catfish, and a great crowd will have you coming back for seconds.

Stubb’s
801 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 480-8341