11 Days Till SXSW09 – Quick Post on More Cool Places to Go While in Austin

On Friday, February 27, we went to Opal Divine’s at Penn Field for food and beer before The Gourds show at Ruta Maya.  We were all impressed by both places.  Food was good and the beer was cold at Opal Divine’s.  Don’t know about the other locations, but the Penn Field location is dog friendly.  We arrived late, but were still able to sit outside – Friday night was a beautiful night for sitting outside and drink beer.  Let’s just say, we will go again… Good times!

Ruta Maya is a cool Austin coffee house.  It was our first time to see a show there, and turned out to be a very nice music venue.  Once again, we would all go again!

The Gourds were great.  If you are coming to SXSW09 or if The Gourds are coming to your city/town, they are a must see/hear.  Fun was had by all.  Brought three newbies and left with three new Gourds freaks/fans.

Opal Divine’s and Ruta Maya at Penn Field will require a cab from the Austin Convention Center and downtown hotels.

 

Here are three more cool places within easy walking distance from the Austin Convention Center that we recommend:

Ace’s Lounge (6th St) – I will admit, I have not been yet, but I have Ace’s on my short list.  Then why am I recommending Ace’s?  It’s simple, I like the way Ace’s has become the go to club/bar/venue for fun Austin community meet-ups and charity events.  Ace’s hosted Twestival (Charity: Water) and Pleasure Fest (KLBJ FM), just to name two events.  I can’t think of two more different events, and I’ve only heard great things about Ace’s.  I think the owners get Austin and 6th St.  This club/bar/live music venue has the potential to become a very special place (many say, it already has)…  Looks like Ace’s Lounge owners get Twitter too (http://twitter.com/AcesJason and http://twitter.com/brendankp)   

Iron Cactus (6th St) – Cool restaurant and great drinking bar.  Love the rooftop deck…

Elephant Room (Congress Ave) – Home of live Jazz music in Austin.  Located in the basement of an office building on Congress Ave (downtown).

Please be safe, and have fun.  More to follow over the next 11 days… as always, comments are welcome…

Another Quick Post for Those in Town Jan. 29-31, 2009 – Live Music#2

Step 1 – Pick-up a copy of the January 30, 2009, issue of the Austin Chronicle

Step 2 – Turn to page 78 for names of clubs/venues, locations, and phone numbers (please call all venues before going to determine start time for the band, food, and cover) – there are many great clubs/venues and bands all over the city. You are not limited to the list below. The clubs/venues below represent quick recommendations for your convenience… 

Thursday night, January 29, 2009 - Antone’s, Broken Spoke, Continental Club, Elephant Room, Jovita’s, Lambert’s, Lucky Lounge, Mean-Eyed Cat, Momo’s, Ruta Maya, Saxon Pub, and Trophy’s. (FAVS – Clubs/Venues and Bands)

Friday night, January 30, 2009 - Antone’s, Broken Spoke, Cedar Street, Continental Club, Donn’s Depot, Elephant Room, Evangeline Cafe, Jovita’s, La Zona Rosa, Lucky Lounge, Momo’s, Saxon Pub, and Speakeasy. (FAVS – Clubs/Venues and Bands)

Saturday night, January 31, 2009 - Antone’s, Broken Spoke, Cactus Cafe, Cedar Street, Continental Club, Donn’s Depot, Elephant Room, Lambert’s, Lucky Lounge, Momo’s, Saxon Pub, and Speakeasy. (FAVS – Clubs/Venues and Bands)

Step 3 – Be safe and have fun….

Quick Post for Those in Town for the Next few Days – Live Music

Step 1 – Pick-up a copy of the January 23, 2009, issue of the Austin Chronicle

Step 2 – Turn to page 82 for names of clubs/venues, locations, and phone numbers (please call all venues before going to determine start time for the band, food, and cover) – there are many great clubs/venues and bands all over the city. You are not limited to the list below. The clubs/venues below represent quick recommendations for your convenience… 

Sunday night, January 25, 2009 2008 (I’m an idiot) - Antone’s, Artz Rib House, Cedar Street, Continental Club, Elephant Room, Hole in the Wall, Jovita’s, Lambert’s, Lucky Lounge, Mean-Eyed Cat, Momo’s, and Saxon Pub. (FAVS)

Monday night, January 26, 2009 2008 (I’m an idiot) - Antone’s, Artz Rib House, Cedar Street, Continental Club, Donn’s Depot, Elephant Room, Evangeline Cafe, Hole in the Wall, Lucky Lounge, Momo’s, and Saxon Pub. (FAVS)

Tuesday night, January 27, 2009 2008 (I’m an idiot) - Antone’s, Artz Rib House, Cactus Cafe, Cedar Street, Continental Club, Donn’s Depot, Elephant Room, Evangeline Cafe, Hole in the Wall, Lambert’s, Lucky Lounge, Mean-Eyed Cat, Momo’s, and Saxon Pub. (FAVS)

Step 3 – Be safe and have fun….