Galaxy Cafe on West Lynn in West Austin

This was the first time I have been in this part of West Austin in over a year so I'm not exactly sure when the corner laundromat made the transition to a hip and sleek restaurant but that's exactly what happened. They were only slightly busy on the early afternoon that I dropped in and most of the clientele looked like students and an occasional professor here and there. The staff was very friendly and the ambiance is relaxing and intriguing simultaneously. They have take out as well as indoor and outdoor dining. I didn't dine, I rarely do when all I'm wanting is a single beer and some photos, but those who were dining seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. I enjoyed myself as well. There is a good sized parking lot and street parking within easy walking distance plus it is in the heart of the West Lynn Clarksville neighborhood. It's nice to have choices and the people who live in this area have a lot of new ones, not the least of which is this clean, modern and unique establishment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkBtzGwl-8k

Cipollina West Austin Bistro on West Lynn in West Austin

I had been to Cipollina before just not in a while. It looks like they totally made over the inside of the place or maybe they just did away with the fancy refrigerated glass cases, either way it works for me. One of my buddy's used to live on Palma Plaza, just a short walk away, so I'm familiar with this area I just haven't been over there in a while. This place is right next door to Fresh Plus, a small grocery store, and Sledd's Nursery. It's across the street from Jeffery's, an expensive yet popular restaurant with excellent food. They have an adequate parking lot and the service is quick and friendly. On nice days there are usually several patrons sitting outside drinking fancy coffee or good wine but I just sat inside and slugged a beer while the management wanted to ask me what the heck I was doing, but they were too polite. This is a decent place with a wood fired pizza oven and nice decor. I would suggest it to my own mother if she were looking for a good place to have a cup of coffee or eat some lunch or dinner. Stop in the next time you drive through the neighborhood on your shortcut to MoPac from Enfield or after you buy some premium priced groceries at Fresh Plus.

http://www.cipollina-austin.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wunib096BzM That's the YouTube video I made.

Scholz Beer Garden on San Jacinto in Austin

I have been to this bar about twenty or thirty times over a period of twenty five years, so I can't really call myself a regular, yet I feel like I am every time I go in. It has a familiarity that is comforting for some reason. Maybe it is because I've always had a good time when I have gone there. Anyway, Scholz is a good old fashioned beer garden,of the German inspired sort, that has been there since the turn of the last century and it still looks tip top. Many famous politicians and musicians have spent a lot of time and money at this place because, plain and simple, it's a cool place to hang out. From Scholz it is a short walk to the University of Texas or a little longer walk to the State Capitol so scholars and scoundrels abound. They have many beer selections but I usually find myself ordering Shiner Bock. The bartender gave me a taste of Shiner Black as well, since I had never heard of it or tasted it and it was pretty good. A couple years ago during SXSW I saw Ruthie Foster here at a Texas Music Magazine Party that I crashed by coming in the back gate. I must have looked like someone they invited because they gave me all the free beer I wanted and a stack of magazines with sampler Cd's inside. I think I might try and go to that party again this year. Scholz has lots of room, good pub grub, plenty of picnic tables and seating indoors and out. Parking can be tricky during the day but after 5pm and on the weekends the State Parking Garage is free and right next door. Go check it out if you've never been there and go again if you have been there before, that's my advice.

http://www.scholzgarten.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STwiw41olEk This is the YouTube video I made.

Tiniest Bar in Texas on Fifth Street west of Lamar at Bowie in Austin

The Tiniest Bar in Texas is a new much welcomed addition to the casual bar scene that is Austin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kB7ZKB_O-U This place is perhaps the very newest trendy bar in Downtown Austin. It is on a strip of land that used to serve as a used car lot but times change. There has been a couple or five billion dollars worth of construction in the area in the last ten years, probably way more, and the trend continues. I say enjoy it while it exists because in this world everything is fleeting, except for the strong who manage to survive. I think this place is built for the short term but may survive for the long term because of the narrow strip of land it is situated on. I hope I'm right because it seemed like a very fun spot and one I wouldn't mind going to visit again. I'll keep my eye on the music listings and try to record a band when they get that part complete, which I am sure will be within the next week or so, and after that it's their first experience with SXSW, in 2008. But I expect they will be here for awhile if we are lucky. I hope so because as I said at the end of the video on YouTube: "If I said I didn't like this place I'd be lyin' my ass off."

http://www.myspace.com/tiniestbarintexas

Texas Showdown Saloon on Guadalupe by UT in Austin. Once Raul's

Now this is a place that I have been wanting to blog about since before I started. It's a good thing my kegerator ran dry and I was almost out of CO2 or I might not have gotten around to this place for a while. I had already planned to walk over there from the Spiderhouse, twice before because parking is so limited, but I ended up blowing it off for some other joint each time. Not this time, the stars were aligned and I had a great time. I have been to this bar before during the happy fifteen minutes from three to three fifteen in the afternoon and almost everybody has two beers and I think I once had three, when I was on a bicycle and had called in sick to work that day. It is a student, neighborhood, old hippie hangout and it once was the location of the world famous Raul's, a punk club from the 80's. I never liked punk then so I never went there. My tastes have broadened however and I like it now. It's fun, it was always fun but I was too uptight to have fun then. But, I'm having fun now.

http://www.showdownsoftexas.com/austin/games.cfm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B44oBqf3gSA click the YouTube video to join me on a tour.