Japanese Fare Comes With a Quirky Twist at Lucky Robot

If you're craving some street-style Japanese food or a bite of sushi, stop by Austin's own Lucky Robot. This establishment is modeled after Tokyo's Harajuku street fashion and can best be described as cute and a little quirky. If you're up for it, ask to sit in one of the eatery's porch swings while you order your food and drinks from an iPad.

Split some hot or cold appetizers with your table, like the sea bass with black walnut oil and apple or the street style corn with cheese and mayonnaise. The Japanese inspired tacos are also well worth a try; the ahi with wasabi aioli and avocado will leave any taco connoisseur smiling.

Regulars stop by for the expertly crafted rolls and linger for the hospitable chefs who are quick to crack a joke or exchange pleasantries. Be sure to stop in during happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Lucky Robot
1303 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-8081
www.luckyrobotrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-robot-austin

Rock-About Climbing Adventures: Learn The Ropes of Rock Climbing

If you want to spend the day outdoors and challenge yourself to an adventurous physical activity, a lesson from Rock-About Climbing Adventures makes the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. This tour company travels to local climbing sites to offer year-round rock climbing instruction to participants of all skill levels.

Whether you don’t know the first thing about climbing or you’ve been climbing once or twice, the program offers a variety of different classes to accommodate just about anyone. Rock-About’s skilled instructors really know the ropes (pun intended), and the unique, team-based setup promote teamwork and self-confidence just as much as rock climbing skills.

Visit Rock-About Climbing Adventures’ website for a full list of courses and climbing rates.

Rock-About Climbing Adventures
3505 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 415-0804
www.Rock-About.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rock-about-climbing-adventures-austin

Riverside Golf Course: Play a Historic Course

Built in the 1940s, Riverside Golf Course is a historic Austin course that has hosted golf legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite over the years. If you're used to playing on today's elite courses, Riverside Golf Course might seem a bit short, simple, and straightforward at first, but if you keep its history in mind, you'll appreciate playing on a golf course that shaped a generation of golf's great players.

The course is rated a 7.3 on the Texas Outside scorecard, and the fairways are lined with stately old maples, pecans, and oaks. The course's pro shop can supply all your basic equipment needs, while professional instructors can help you fine tune your technique. After your round of golf, try relaxing in the attached restaurant with a tasty char-grilled burger and an ice cold beer.

Whether you visit with a couple of buddies or bring the whole family, Riverside Golf Course can be a great place to spend a day.

Riverside Golf Course
1020 Grove Boulevard
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 386-7077
www.riverside-gc.com
www.texasoutside.com/public/reviews/show_golf_course/548

RiverCity Market: Fresh Austin Shopping

RiverCity Market is a great alternative to the usual chain grocery store, offering an impressive selection of healthy, high quality foods in a convenient location. This quirky grocery store is located in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood, right near a number of popular shops and restaurants.

The open shelves are well-stocked and spacious, and there is a large selection of craft beers and wines in all price ranges. A hot bar sells prepared foods that guests can eat outside at one of the small cafe tables, and there’s also a salad bar where you can make a healthy, grab-and-go lunch. RiverCity Market also features customizable sandwiches and a full bakery counter that you simply can’t walk past without admiring. The store’s breakfast tacos are its most popular items, however, and they’re served daily until 11 a.m.

RiverCity Market is open 6 a.m. to midnight weekdays and 7 a.m. to midnight weekends.

RiverCity Market
2209 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-4955
www.facebook.com/RivercityMarketAustin/info
www.yelp.com/biz/rivercity-market-austin

Mecca Gym and Spa: A Luxurious Treat for Mind, Body and Soul

If you believe that working out should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, Mecca Gym and Spa is the facility for you. This upscale, modern gym is located conveniently in downtown Austin, and it offers a feeling of classic luxury and a personalized fitness experience. Wall-to-wall windows fill the fitness area with natural light, and top-of-the-line cardio and weight machines are scattered throughout the spacious room.

The gym portion hosts a knowledgeable staff of personal trainers who help guests meet their fitness goals, whether those are to train for a triathlon or simply to shed a few extra pounds. The spa is elegantly decorated and soothing, with ornate architectural details, sparkling light fixtures, and comfortable furnishings in every service area. Talented technicians offer massages, facials, and waxing services in private rooms, while guests sip wine or champagne in the open, airy manicure area.

If you want to tone your body and then treat your self to a day of pampering afterward, Mecca Gym and Spa is the place to do it all!

Mecca Gym and Spa
524 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 381-2680
www.meccagymandspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-gym-and-spa-austin

The Red Room Lounge: An Austin Wine Bar

Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.

The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.

The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin

Shop Handcrafted Turquoise Jewelry at The Turquoise Door

Those new to the South quickly realize that Texans have a healthy obsession with turquoise jewelry. At the Turquoise Door in Austin, you'll find just that and more. This popular boutique has served Austin with artisan jewelry and art for more than years and is dedicated to supporting these artists' livelihoods.

You may find yourself lured into the boutique by the fanciful window displays, especially in October for the Day of the Dead. Inside, expect brightly colored Native American necklaces and bracelets, Baltic amber jewelry, and Chilean earrings. There is a lot to look at, so pick a leisurely day to visit if you want to see the whole selection. Products make great costume jewelry pieces or small gifts for loved ones.

The Turquoise Door is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The Turquoise Door
1208 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-0618
www.theturquoisedoor.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-turquoise-door-austin

Caffeinate Your Morning at These Two Austin Cafes

Although Austin is probably better known for its barbecue, the city's gourmet coffee scene is rapidly catching up. For those who love to treat themselves to a premium cup of joe in the mornings, you have more than a few options from which to choose. Here are just two of Austin’s best coffee shops to fuel your morning.

Epoch Coffee
If you’re searching for the hippest coffee shop in Austin to people watch, surf the web, and get caffeinated, Epoch just may be it. Epoch features the rustic, urban decor that Austin is known for combined with a menu of strong brewed blends and simple espresso drinks. While you won’t find a sugary, blended coffee here, you will find great roasts for coffee purists.
221 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78751; (512) 454-3762

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s offers your morning cuppa with a stunning view on the side. The cafe’s outdoor patio overlooks a crystal clear lake, while inside friendly baristas create elaborate flavored lattes, seasonal coffee blends, and iced espresso drinks in a wide variety of styles. Although Mozart’s is best known for its sweet beverages, the shop offers more traditional cappuccinos and brewed coffees, as well. Order a coffee and a housemade pastry and enjoy it all while watching the sunrise over the lake outside.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703; (512) 477-2900

Patika Coffee: Get Your Morning Coffee

A number of Yelpers swear that Patika Coffee serves the best cup of joe in Austin. That's quite a compliment for this little coffee truck, but it's not a surprise. You see, the staff at Patika are committed to brewing coffee with the precision of a scientist. Each espresso shot, cup of steamed or foamed milk, and carafe of water is heated exactly to the temperature that will bring out the beans' richest, deepest flavors, and the beans themselves are locally roasted and sourced from sustainable farms.

Try a rich, foamy cappuccino, or treat your sweet tooth to a vanilla latte. Austin locals who have grown fond of the Patika Coffee truck’s wares will be happy to know that the shop also operates a brick-and-mortar cafe in South Lamar, where the same meticulously crafted brews are available, as well as an eclectic selection of wines and delicious baked goods.

Patika Coffee
2159 South Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 535-3955
www.patikacoffee.com/southlamar
www.yelp.com/biz/patika-coffee-austin

“Hair of the 3-Legged Dog”: An Austin Day Party on March 19

With so many great events coming up next week in Austin, it can be hard to figure out what to attend. So, here's a suggestion: "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog." This event's presented by The Austin Chronicle (and sponsored by Greystar), and it's named after the Chronicle's mascot Hank.

It takes place on Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and brings food, drinks, and fun to The Liberty Bar on East Sixth Street in Austin. Four local artists will play music at the event: Sweet Spirit, Anya, Bop English, and Flesh Lights. There'll also be snacks from Tacodeli, Rhythm Superfoods, Baked By Amy's and more to fuel Austinites for another day of SXSW.

Want to learn more about "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"? Click here to visit The Austin Chronicle's page about the event.

"Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"
Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The Liberty Bar
1618 1/2 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX
www.austinchronicle.com/dayparty

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