I'll be going to Austin this year, for SXSW predictably. I'll be there for a week so please give me any ideas that aren't watching bands, of things to do. I'm thinking food, interesting stores, museums. Anything other than bands really.

What does one do in Austin?

Polvos Mexican food - http://polvos.ypguides.net/

Is this a restaurant run by the band Polvo?

Kerbled

I have nothing to add, but that has a few suggestions. I'd assume going during SXSW would be a little different than just going to Austin though.

honeyisfunny wrote:Polvos Mexican food - http://polvos.ypguides.net/

Be careful with the margaritas at fucking Polvos, they put everclear in them! Bellini went there to celebrate Giovanna's birthday and we got completely shit-faced.

chrisc wrote:Kerbled

I have nothing to add, but that has a few suggestions. I'd assume going during SXSW would be a little different than just going to Austin though.

That thread pretty much covers everything well, except that Waterloo might be the best record store, but before you buy a single thing from there, stop by Cheapo's-- the best *used* record store-- first to see if you can't find the same thing used. Waterloo also has the nasty habit of selling the same shit in both the regular priced main section and the $5 bargain bin near the vinyl. Caveat emptor...

Have a swim in Barton Springs if the weather permits. Good excuse to get the fuck away from everyone during SXSW. You know you'll want to at some point. I can't believe that wasn't mentioned...

Ditto on Salt Lick scraps. And randomly wondering down 6th. For that matter, 5th and bits of 4th, too (Stay out of eyeshot of a club called "Planeta," though. That area is ghetto as shit.) SoCo is cool. Renting a kayak to go down the Colorado to check out the bats under the Congress St. bridge at sunset is something everyone must do once. Just be sure to be far away from the bridge-- guano, etc. etc.

Another sunset must-do is to get shitfaced at the top of Mount Bonnell. Not before, during. That stair climb is a major buzzkill. It's a state park, so you'll want to flask it.

I'd also like to add my personal alcoholic endorsement of Jackalope as the best bar (I visited) in Austin.

But seriously, I know my bars. Consider this the same thing as Jose Luis Borges recommending a bookstore.

Matthew Taylor wrote:

honeyisfunny wrote:Polvos Mexican food - http://polvos.ypguides.net/

Be careful with the margaritas at fucking Polvos, they put everclear in them! Bellini went there to celebrate Giovanna's birthday and we got completely shit-faced.

I hear you...

Forget Waterloo and hit End of an Ear on 2209 S 1st. A lot less crowded, much easier to look through the bins and I almost always find some scores.

Try and eat at Magnolia Cafe on S Congress. Eat the Mud.

Also on S Congress is the best pizza in Austin - Home Slice.

Oh and don't go during SXSW you'll be miserable.

Well, there must be something kickass about this town, as Athens just lost Parker Noon of the Low Lows to Austin's warm embrace.