Austin by Night

During my stay in Austin, I encountered a mass exodus of millions of bats, a guy named Brett driving a Hummer-Uber, incredibly slow walking people (they would never last a day in NYC), actual longhorns grazing in a field and barbecue from a truck-the best I’ve ever tasted. But what stood out the most? How nice everyone was! They had no reason! Scott and I are mean, hardened people from New York City! Austin is truly a place filled with friendly, happy people (what IS that about?) with such pride for their little town. This kindness and openness is reflected in Austin’s nightlife.

Walking down 6^th street, I felt like I was a part of something, even though I was just walking down the street. All the bars had opened doors and windows, spewing music into the street. Rainey Street was even better. It’s a street filled with all different themed little houses that are actually bars. It looks like a neighborhood in a small rural town. It was warm when we went out on Saturday night and the street was roaming with chill 20-30 year-olds. Some of the bars warranted games like cornhole in the backyard, or lawn chairs in the front yard. I loved how each bar made me feel special, like I was being welcomed into someone’s home, and they were whipping up a secret family cocktail recipe just for me. Bar hopping on Rainey Street

Container Bar

Starting on the North end of Rainey, Container Bar is one of the first that you will see. It’s actually made of shipping containers – you can choose to go into a heated container, or sit outside near the fire pit on the patio. Recommended drink:

Lazy Day – $7, Four Roses Bourbon, Kings Ginger, Yellow Chartreuse, & Orange Juice served on the rocks with rosemary Icenhauer’s

Stark, but strangely homey. It felt like a very modern rustic cottage…or a house you would find in  the woods of Germany. Not sure, cause I’ve never been to Germany…Anyway they had delicious cocktails (rather pricey, but I swear it would be $20 in NYC for that kind of quality). Check out which drinks we sampled below. Note that they give out free chicken and waffles with a live band every third Sunday of the month.

The Emily $11, Tito’s Handmade Vodka with muddled strawberries and basil, basil-infused syrup, and a splash of fresh lemon juice

The Kasey $9.75, Muddled jalapeño and cucumber with Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup Lucille’s My MOST FAVORITE bar. Lucille’s has it all. They have a refreshing cucumber cocktail, a front porch to do some great people watching, games inside and out, friendly bartenders and fun décor. It just works.

Chili Cucumber-Tini $8, Cucumber vodka martini with a chili-rim Food trailers like Tapas Bravas and Art of Tacos are available on the street as well. For a late night snack or dinner on the go.

If you’re going to Austin anytime soon, do NOT miss Rainey Street. It’s like no place I’ve ever been – an absolutely impressive feature of Austin that makes me almost want to fly back and live there. (But obviously I can’t do that, since I already purchased this domain name.  I’m committed to Manhattan at this time.)

While this may be the end of the “Mary in Austin” series. Let me know if you’re going to Austin, and I’ll give you my personal parts 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. @MaryinManhattan.

Check out Austin by Day!