7 Eleven
Neighborhood: Downtown

408 W 15th St
Austin, TX 78701

Erika G. writes: Yes, I am reviewing a gas station. How does that happen, you may ask? Is Erika seriously out of places to review that the only remaining locale worth talking about is really a 7 Eleven?

Well, when you go to gas stations as often as I do to get your…

Ring Side At Sullivans
Neighborhood: Downtown

300 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

Larry M. writes: This music venue next to Sullivan's Steakhouse is a must for jazz and neo soul lovers.

I walked in on a new-to-Austin-I' m-jus t-gonna-walk-in-places night, and this place was on fire...not a place to sit, and the crowd was mixed 50-50 black-white,…

Boggy Creek Farm
Neighborhood: East Austin

3414 Lyons Rd
Austin, TX 78702

Rachelle R. writes: I went here for the first time last fall after taking my fiance to Wink for his birthday.  I had been meaning to go, but after our waiter at Wink informed us that the chef shops at Boggy Creek, I knew I had to go.  Immediately.  

I went that Saturday…

Leaf Salad
Neighborhood: Downtown

419 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

Rachelle R. writes: Thank GOD.  I've been looking for an assembly-line style salad place since we moved here.  However, I had to deduct a star because it is too expensive to eat here frequently for lunch, which is what I did in NYC.

I got Strawberry Fields, a lovely mix…

Houlihan's
Neighborhood: Downtown

309 E 3rd St
Austin, TX 78701

Cade P. writes: Wow... this place is one that makes me (a designer) feel right at ease. The whole place is gorgeous, comfortable, and well-thought out. They even have their own special playlist of music that you can find on their web site, and download the songs…

Driskill Grill
Neighborhood: Downtown

604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701

Will K. writes: The Driskill Grill is the paramount of all Austin dining.  It is the king of restaurants in Central Texas.  At least that is what we are told.  I am giving it four stars.  Maybe I am being unfair because I expect almost perfection given the prices…

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown & Suites
Neighborhood: Downtown

700 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 1
Austin, TX 78701

Ryan S. writes: I work here, I've ate here, and I've drank here, but I haven't stayed here.  

Sure, there's a hotel over there. It's fun to ogle the people who are doing silly stuff.  The Ohio State fans?  Great to annoy.  Love their spirit, though.  The person who…

Mongolian BBQ
Neighborhood: Downtown

117 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701

J L W. writes: I LOVE the Mongolian Grille! Seriously, this place is orgasmic for me.  I tend to frequent here for lunch on the weekends after a wild night out.  Nothing hits the spot better.

The make it yourself buffet is full of fresh and wonderful ingredients.  …

Paradise
Neighborhood: Downtown

401 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

Michelle C. writes: Jefe, I feel badly about dissing on your neighborhood bar, but I'm going to anyway.  Sorry, man.

It's probably my own damn fault for deciding to get food from a bar on 6th Street in broad daylight.  But this place seemed really creepy to me.  The…

Ballet Austin
Neighborhood: Downtown

501 W 3rd St
Austin, TX 78701

Flaw Finderette F. writes: Kudos to the Austin Symphony Orchestra & Ballet Austin for yet another fantastic production of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic.
Growing up in my little village, it was tradition to get dressed up with the rest of the Girl Scout troop & journey over icy…

Women and their Work
Neighborhood: Downtown

1710 Lavaca
Austin, TX 78701

Paige M. writes: This is my favorite gallery in Austin for the following reasons:

1. The curatorships, collaborations, and openings are inspired and well thought out.

2.  The gallery celebrates Texas women artists as well as women artists in general, two subjects that…

Shoreline Grill
Neighborhood: Downtown

98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701

Martin W. writes: There are already some accurate and informative reviews of the Shoreline Grill, but my take is slightly different than those already posted.

I have been to the Shoreline Grill many (many, TOO many) times, and it is a bit of a stretch for me to give it…

The Enchanted Florist
Neighborhood: Downtown

1616 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701

Kelley R. writes: My boyfriend got me flowers from Enchanted Florist for Valentines day, he had been delivering for them for about 3 days and was SICK TO DEATH of seeing roses so he got me a beautiful arrangement with Bird's of Paradise and lots of other really pretty…

Lambert's Downtown Barbecue
Neighborhood: Downtown

401 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

Hoa N. writes: Meat from responsible sustainable growers, no hormones etc, so I can actually eat it. I love the lamb from San Angelo. My guy favors the hangar steak -- it was amazing. Completely. He's also a huge fan of the green chili grits. Family style sides all…

Mexic-Arte
Neighborhood: Downtown

419 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Larry M. writes: Small collection, but well chosen and well-attended, especially at openings and fund raisers...

Nice people work here, and are knowledgeable about the artwork and artists, without being overbearing. Friendly vibe inside mirrors the colorful work.

Their…

U. S. Post Office - Downtown Austin
Neighborhood: Downtown

510 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78701

Sarah M. writes: Every weekday morning, I speed through downtown, dodging traffic and yellowish lights, to hit up the downtown Austin post office. It is my daily duty to deliver my office mail, and if I'm late, the boss man gets steamed. Having stopped by…

Ninety Proof
Neighborhood: Downtown

333 E 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

Sasha C. writes: Suppose I told you that there was a bar that was all of the following:
1.  Downtown
2.  Clean, Sleek, and modern
3.  Happy Hour on Friday until 11 PM.
4.  Full of sophisticated entertainment.
5.  Featured Live music
6.  A rocken waterfall
7.  Outdoor…

Jim-Jim's Water-Ice
Neighborhood: Downtown

615 E 6th St Ste A
Austin, TX 78701

Colleen B. writes: So it's a hot summer afternoon and I'm leaving Daddy's and thinking 'damn, I love this Texan summer heat' when I pass a nice fella and he says to me "would you like a water ice"? Now, being a Philly girl, living in SF and just visiting Austin, I…

Nuno's Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: Downtown

422 E 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Gretchen P. writes: I was just going to brag that the bouncer told me I was the most beautiful thing he'd ever laid eyes on and that I was the woman of his dreams, but just saw another person's review that said he picked her up too!!! Dang, I see now how they pack in…

John Henry Faulk Library
Neighborhood: Downtown

800 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78701

Tara H. writes: I love to read.

During the summer whenever we complained we were bored my mom would cart us down to the local library where we would grab armfuls of books. This is would be repeated every two weeks throughout the summer.

You know that library smell?…

Austin Shoe Hospital
Neighborhood: Downtown

720 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Leslie L. writes: I go to the Shoe Hospital on Burnet.  They do good work, but they're spendy.  One time I left thinking I should've just bought a new pair of shoes.  I'm not saying they don't do good work - I'm just saying you might go broke trying to save money.

Tap Room
Neighborhood: Downtown

311 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

Angela R. writes: Apparently, this use to be B-side. I did not know of B-side before hand so apparently, I'm not cool. But I have been to the Tap Room, Austin. Not Tap Room, San Marcos. I have written a review of  The Tap Room, San Marcos, peruse through my reviews…

The Cloak Room
Neighborhood: Downtown

1300 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

Allison P. writes: I just got back from my caucus and boy, are my delegates tired.

So after a historical primary election, I thought it would be fun to go to a bar that feels like you are in history to watch the results. And this bar is old.

HOW OLD?

So old, I think…

Touche'
Neighborhood: Downtown

417 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

will h. writes: how is this place NOT called douche' ????

say it with me.
doo-shay....

Texas Picnic Company & Bakery
Neighborhood: Downtown

605 Sabine St
Austin, TX 78701

Alexandra L. writes: Since I started my new job on 12th & Red River in June 2006, I've either had my car or had packed a lunch.  But yesterday, I had neither, so it was time for a lunchtime adventure.  When I asked my colleagues what was within walking distance, they…

Bert's Bar-B-Q

610 W MLK Blvd
Austin, TX 78701

Drew W. writes: I am an equal opportunity barbecue lover....the place can look like a five star restaurant or be a shack with a smoker in the 'hood and I'll try both with equal fervor.

During my stay in Austin, my friend (a native) was so intent on showing me around…

Darwin's Pub
Neighborhood: Downtown

223 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

Jonathan W. writes: Hey, you know, it was a bit of a divey atmosphere, but we'd worn out our happy hour welcome on 4th St, which puts me in the mood to try strange places.  And I have a personal rule that if I EVER hear "Don't Stop Believin'" blasting from a bar, I WILL…

Hyde Denise Atty
Neighborhood: Downtown

812 San Antonio St
Austin, TX 78701

Colby B. writes: Denise was my attorney for my divorce. She was so much more than that, though.  When I needed to talk about things, she let me talk about things. When I needed to make fun of things. She let me make fun of things. When I needed to be angry, she let…

Jaime's Spanish Village
Neighborhood: Downtown

802 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701

Meridith H. writes: Is the food at Jaime's Spanish Village four stars?  No.  The margaritas?  Probably not.  So, why give Jaime's four stars?  Because it kicks ass!  The atmosphere is extremely cool and so close to the downtown bar scene.  The waitstaff is awesome.  So…

One-2-One Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown

121 E. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Kevin N. writes: I'd been in here a few years ago, prior to the addition of the rooftop deck, and at the time it was three stars fine.  Given that, I've been meaning to stop back in and give this place a whirl since they added a second level, and as they were on my…

Keepers-Exceptional Men's Apparel
Neighborhood: Downtown

515 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701

Robert P. writes: From my first interview suit while I was in school and Keepers was on 38th and Lamar, I was in love with this place.  This is what shopping should be.  When you walk in, they know you and they know how to make you feel good and make shopping fun.  

If…

Crimson Austin Restaurant
Neighborhood: Downtown

407 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

NoCal S. writes: A lunch special burger stuffed with cheese and jalapeno, and made from chipped filet instead of ground beef.  Damn if I didn't nearly cry.  Had the meatballs another time and they were perfect.  Use your best drag voice to order from the 'Nice' menu.…

Complete Clothing
Neighborhood: Downtown

106 E 8th St
Austin, TX 78701

Richard G. writes: I was actually looking for a KR Dunny when i stumbled upon this website. I ended up buying a T-shirt from them and they said in addition an extra $10 to ship so I said no problem. To my surprise, I got the shirt the next day From Texas.I know that…

Scholz Garten
Neighborhood: Downtown

1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701

Lara F. writes: Come during lunch because you will always find a seat and I've never seen a line.

I come here specifically for one menu item (and it's not the beer!).  When I'm craving a BBQ baked potato, I can always depend on the cooks to make me a stuffed potato…

Charlie's Austin
Neighborhood: Downtown

1301 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701

Artis T. writes: Charlies is great!!!

This bar is a far cry from the glitzy Rain and trendy Oilcan's.  

Charlie's is what it is, it's Charlie's!  There are no fancy lights or TV's to draw you in.  It's more of a locals bar, like a Cheers.  

I go to Charlies when I want…

Acc Bookstore
Neighborhood: Downtown

817 W 12th St
Austin, TX 78701

Larry M. writes: An easy stop and go. They have everything you want when you need it (MOST of the time), it has its on parking lot, its the most central location by being by 12th and Lamar, and they'll point you in the direction of another bookstore...at least they…

Paciugo Gelato
Neighborhood: Downtown

241 W Second St
Austin, TX 78701

Lorena O. writes: If it weren't a billiondy degrees outside I would have thought I was still in Italia and strolling into a Florentine Gelateria.  Alas, Italy was really 2nd street and that gelateria was actually Paciugo, one of the best stops that Austin's own…

Murphy's Deli
Neighborhood: Downtown

301 Congress Ave
Ste 105
Austin, TX 78701

Jackson R. writes: In addition to several laws, Murphy apparently owns a deli as well.

Murphy's Laws of the Deli:

Anything that can go into a pita will go into a pita.

Don't try to be exceptional, just try to do your job and feed people.

Charge a little bit more than other…

Room 710
Neighborhood: Downtown

710 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701

Corri M. writes: Room 710, my home away from home.  I used to love going to Emos when I was a young lass, but now I'm prone to sitting down for long periods of time whle I drink booze instead of running around looking at boys.
 I now let the boys come up to me and…