Lone Star Round Up 2009--Eateries, Bars, etc--links included

Alright guys and dolls, First off, here is the link to the thread for info to the event itself started by El Jefe:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263838


Now, here is the promised list of places of interest (Grub+Grog+Guns+Boots) while in Austin for the Lone Star Round Up that I had promised!
I myself am a transplant from another part of Texas, but my wife has lived here for 25 years, so the following is a compilation I hope you find useful.

IF any of you have any specific questions , PLEASE PM ME and I will find the information, send it to you AND include it here for anyone else that may find your question/needs useful.
Feel free to add suggestions on the thread or PM me with them, either way I will add them to this initial post, reason being, for those that would like to print out just the first page and not the possible 27 pages it may be by the time April rolls around.
(See, I'm thinkin' of you outatowners!)

Laura writes:

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I tried to come up with a variety. There are some cool bars, some places that serve pub grub along with their beer, some good breakfast/brunch places and even a couple of 24 hour places (you can only eat so much IHOP.) I hope y’all find it useful!!

MEET UP PLACES:
Reggie's "To Be Announced"

LSRU HAMB Meet & Greet:
"To Be Announced"


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BESS BISTRO UPDATE:
COOL CUSTOMS AND HOT RODS WILL BE VALET PARKED UP FRONT!!
(yet another reason to bring the old iron instead of the Subaru Brat....Lord, does anyone even remember those??)
BESS BISTRO - Cuisine goes up first because let's face it, if your gal wants to be 'treated' for being a good sport about coming to the Round Up when she might rather be at home, this is the place to say 'thank you' and look like an Über-Stud doing it.
This is owned by an exceptional person who doesn't just insist on phenomenal entrees, but prices that won't send you home early (that's a fact).
Scan the menu and see for yourself. (Personally, I like the Croque Monsieur)

And YES, BlueJeans are OK, but any leg cuffs higher than 4" may be used as an ashtray...lol

http://www.bessbistro.com/
PHONE: 512-477-BESS (2377)

DOG and DUCK – A lot of Austin HAMBer’s hang out here already. Good beer selection, good grub, outdoor area for the smokers, nice dark pub interior, decent sized parking lot. http://www.dogandduckpub.com/

TEXAS CHILI PARLOR – excellent food, even if you don’t dig chili (try the nachos!) Yep, they filmed a big chunk of Deathproof there. There is no back porch! If you go during a weekday, you get to see all the government folks trying to eat chili without spilling it on their ties.
http://www.cactushill.com/TCP/home.htm

GINGERMAN - great beer selection. They’re moving at the end of the year, but their current location has a really great patio – I hope they keep that in the new place. Info will be on website. http://austin.gingermanpub.com/

HALCYON – need coffee and a muffin in the morning? Need a coffee after all that beer you drank? Need a fresh pack of smokes? Halcyon, baby! It’s a bar, it’s a coffee house, it’s a lifesaver on my walk from the bus stop - http://www.halcyonaustin.com/

FADO - Not the best beer selection I’ve seen, but if you like Guinness or Harp, you’re set. Really good food. Live music on weekends – nice outdoor area. http://www.fadoirishpub.com/austin/

HUT'S – great burgers. I’ve heard the other food is good, but I’m dedicated to the Richie Valens, so it may be a while before I find out about the rest of the menu. Excellent shakes as well. It’s on 6^th street, but not the party section. Parking can be a little tricky during the day. They don’t seem to have a website - 807 W. 6^th Street (just east of Lamar on 6^th)

OPAL DIVINE'S – 3 locations! One on S. Congress, one on 6^th (right by Hut’s) and one up on Parmer (far north Austin). Good pub grub (I like the cheese fries), good beer selection, all of them have nice outdoor areas for the smokers. Dogs welcome on the patios.
http://www.opaldivines.com/

TRUDY'S – My first pick for breakfast/brunch. But if you go for dinner, try the stuffed avocado. Good Mexican martinis. There are 4 locations, and they’re all probably about the same, distance/hassle-wise, to get to from the Expo center. Probably the easiest one is the north location, as it’s right off of 183.
http://www.trudys.com/

THE OMELETTRY – if you go on a weekend, there will be a line. The longest I’ve waited is 30 minutes and it is so worth it. Big, delicious omelets and gingerbread pancakes that make you want to slap yo mama. Also a location for some of Deathproof. CASH ONLY (unless things have changed recently.) 4811 Burnet Road

SCHOLZ BEER GARDEN - Oldest bar in Texas, y’all. Food and beer are both great. Huge outdoor area for the smokers/dog owners. It’s right by the Capitol, so at least stop in for one beer and a little history, even if you’re not a fan of the brat plate.
http://www.scholzgarten.net/default.htm

MAGNOLIA CAFE – open 24 hours!! Two locations – I’ve only been to the South Congress one. I like the black bean entrée. Lots of vegetarian options, but it’s not a strictly veggie restaurant.
http://www.cafemagnolia.com/

KERBEY LANE – your other 24 hour option. Great breakfasts. 4 locations. http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/

Looking for fast food? Try P. TERRY'S – it’s on the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs. Drive-thru or walk up, has a really nice outdoor area if you want to eat there. A cheeseburger combo will run you right at $5 and it’s WAY, WAY better than McDonald’s. (And better for you – they use real meat, not that scary stuff.)
http://www.pterrys.com/

GENE'S – over on the east side, excellent Cajun/soul food (and this is from a Louisiana girl.)
http://www.eatatgenes.com/

HOOVER'S –another on the east side. More of mama’s home cooking. http://www.hooverscooking.com/


Of course there is the SKI SHORES CAFE but I'm told most know of it anyway, but here is the site: http://www.skishores.com/


This just makes me think of more places! Jaime's (tex mex, 8^th and Red River), Guero’s (Mexican, S. Congress), Upper Crust Bakery (DELICIOUS little local bakery on Burnet and 45^th), Conan’s Pizza – multiple locations), The Hideout (coffee and alcohol! On Congress), Hickory Street (8^th and Congress – good burgers and a salad bar!), Amy’s Ice Cream (well, ice cream – locations all over the damn place). Sigh – now I’m all hungry.

Oh, and Jef wanted me to make sure to include Austin Speed Shop as an FYI for those that may want to swing by - http://www.austinspeedshop.com/ - they’re on South Lamar, right behind a Binswanger glass.

I hope this helps. Austin has a ton of neat little local restaurants and bars – there is no reason to eat at a Chili’s while you’re here. Enjoy!!
Best Regards,
Laura

ADDITIONS, courtesy of HAMBers (and my own poor memory):
THE SALT LICK: Great Bar-B-Q
http://www.saltlickbbq.com/history.htm

SAM'S BAR-B-Q: Close to the Expo on east side of town
http://samsbbq.com/

FLIP HAPPY CREPES: Plenty of outside seating (you'll get the joke when ya see it) http://www.fliphappycrepes.blogspot.com/

STAR SEEDS CAFE: DaPhantom recommends with huge portions!
http://www.starseedscafe.com/

Other suggestions:
DRAUGHT HOUSE: Now, I love this bar. I actually asked my wife to marry me here...(no lie), when you're there, you'll understand. Laura didn't initially put it on the list due to parking. But there is a business next door that isn't open on the weekends (which is where I usually end up parking). Old world pub, no loud music and plenty of outside seating as well. Hell, most just walk out the front door with their beer to sit in the parking lot (yes, at Draught House you can do that). This really is a recommended place to go....really.
http://www.draughthouse.com/

GINNY'S LITTLE LONGHORN: Nice joint and you can find parking. Live bands, friendly people (last time I was there anyway..lol)
http://www.ginnyslittlelonghorn.com/

CASINO EL CAMINO: Great pub-grub, I usually get the Pitts Burger (good addition chrislehr!)
http://www.casinoelcamino.net/index.php

ALLIGATOR GRILL: Great name, and I've heard great food though I myself have not been there yet.
http://www.alligatorgrill.com/

FREDDIE'S PLACE: Another good one. Plenty of room! And animal friendly!
http://www.freddiesplaceaustin.com/index.html

THREADGILL'S: Fantastic Liver and Onions, of course with Lone Star Beer...lol Very nice come in and sit down place, bring the kids!
Janis Joplin even used to play here before she hit it big! Be sure to peruse the walls for all the photographs. Threadgill's also owns the bragging rights to having the first beer license in the county.
http://www.threadgills.com/

HOME SLICE PIZZA: As HotRodLadyCrusr says, "the best pizza I've had since NYC", I haven't been there yet, but that's good enough for me. http://www.homeslicepizza.com/about/owners.html

Lockhart,TX--Just outside of town: BBQ CAPITAL link
Also in Lockhart, you have the Texas BBQ Trail link, a great place for BBQ and "Located in downtown Lockhart is Texas' oldest major barbecue restaurant continuously owned by the same family - since 1932"

JROD's (Jared) additions:

MANOR INN MOTEL
106 W Parsons St
Manor, TX 78653
Phone: (512)272-8516

Absolutely the best Mexican food around and WAS my secret but...
Mariachi Band on Friday nights
hit it up after the show before South Congress

RESTAURANT RAMOS
(512) 272-4495
116 W Parsons St
Manor, TX 78653

Ma and Pa kind of place ( Burgers and catfish, family friendly, on a quiet road in the middle of nowhere.)

GOOD LUCK GRILL
14605 FM 973 N
Manor, TX 78653
(512) 272-8777‎

COWBOY BOOTS!:
Laura was going to separate this into a list of where to get new boots and where to get vintage/used boots, but some of them sell both. So – here’s a straight list.

Shepler’s - http://www.sheplers.com/ - from what I remember, they’re a tad pricey....and snooty....and aloof....and...oh, why did I put this one on here?
Anyway, they got it if you're willing to be treated like a number. Not everyone has had a bad experience there, but mine got to 3, so I stopped going.

Allen’s boots – http://www.allensboots.com/site/page/pg1736-pn_Allens_Boots_Western_Wear_Austin_Texas.html

Cavender’s – www.cavenders.com - they have 2 locations. Weirdly, I’ve only been to the south one, even though I live closer to the north. Odd. Anyway, this is where Laura got her boots, ages ago. It’s also where she got her Rocky Mountains, the jeans that will create an awesome ass out of even the flattest pancake. (this is true, my Xwife wears them and I'd swear she didn't have that ass when we were married)

Lee Miller boots
2222 College Avenue
(512) 443-4447

Capitol Saddlery - http://www.capitolsaddlery.com/
Haven't been, so nothing to add. Any of yall go, let me know your experience and what you bought, if anything.

Tiny’s Western Shop
8403 Research Blvd #a
(512) 476-1277

Texas Custom Boots - http://www.texascustomboots.com/
Laura believes she had them do a half-sole on a pair of boots a few years ago. At the time, they had a really great selection of vintage boots. Prices ranged from $50 - $100.

Bear in mind, when dealing with vintage boots, they look at the amount of detail and the overall condition. Some boots that might look expensive for “used”, you could only get by dropping $350 on custom work now.


Blackmail - http://www.blackmailboutique.com/store.html - Good general vintage they’re on S. Congress

Uncommon Objects - http://www.uncommonobjects.com/ - good general vintage and great place to just putter around when you’re side and tired of the heat.

Not sure about boots, but
Room Service - http://www.roomservicevintage.com/ - is a really cool vintage shop that’s been around forever.


Read This:
If you have time, drive north on Lamar and keep an eye out for little hole-in-the-wall thrift/vintage stores. There’s a small patch of them in the 6300-6500 blocks, mostly on the right (east) side of the street.



MUSIC:
I had a HAMBer message asking specifically about bands playing, etc.
These are two good links (though not definitive) to give you a start:
Austin Links:
http://www.austinlinks.com/Music/
Austin Chronicle:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Calendar/MusicListings

Satan's Cheerleaders (^up there) could be seen with a lot of local Austin bands, here is the link to the squad: http://www.satanscheerleaders.com/start_frames.htm
They used to play with the Flametrick Subs, which is a band I've enjoyed on more than one occasion. Link: http://www.flametricksubs.com/
I put 'used to' and 'could' because I heard the Cheerleaders went into retirement New Years day....we'll see if they make it out. (Thnx C5Cruiser)

FIRING RANGE (INDOOR)
I have a couple of friends in Brisbane,AUS and since I'm aware of their gun-ban (wtf?), I figured I would add this as well for all of you coming in from countries that don't let ya own your own firearm. Figured this would not only be something to talk about once back home, but a great way to blow off steam---I'm thinking of you guys that won't be bringing your car with ya and will not be able to 'boil the hides' in the street.
RED'S GUNS:
http://www.redsguns.com/
They have guns you can rent and fire at their range. They are open SEVEN days a week and from 9am to 9pm! (this would be a great filler for the time between the RoundUp [I noticed most started leaving about 5pm] til you go to the Bars).
I spoke to Reds Guns and since I used to be a Deputy, I asked about an I.D. from another country. I was told that the person renting the firearm has to have a valid U.S. drivers license. BUT, if a person from another country is with someone from the U.S., the U.S. person can rent the firearm, then go to the range and the international person is welcome to fire it. They take into consideration there may be people from other countries so it only applies to the renter of the weapon. This has less to do with liability and more to do with who to look for if someone sneaks off with one of their guns!...lol

PLACES TO STAY:
I've had a few ask me about a place to stay. Well there's just not enough room in my apartment, but this link here is a great place to start:
http://www.austinlinks.com/lodge.html

Also, the actual Lone Star Round Up page is a great place to look for suggestions:
http://www.lonestarroundup.com/lodging.html


Ok Guys and Gals, That is the list so far. If you have any questions about anything local, shoot me a PM and I will answer you as well as add it here!
Jef
http://www.lonestarroundup.com/

From me, Jef and my wife, Laura, we hope you enjoy the show, enjoy the city and enjoy the people of Austin, TEXAS.

For those of you driving your ride in, I found this:
(hope it helps!)

Old Car Prayer

Common baby, please turn over
Just tonight Promise I'll make you tight
Change your oil filter, that broken tail light

Common baby, you know she's waiting
Anticipating Sweet loving to come her way

Don't be jealous
She's flesh and blood
Can't take your spot in my heart
You take me places I'd never see
Provide for sweet pleasures
That comfort me

Common baby, you know she's waiting
Anticipating Sweet loving to come her way

In your seat I feel like a man
I feel like a man who still can
Fog up the windshield on the hot summer night
Make this screwed up world seem all right

Common baby, you know she's waiting
Anticipating Sweet loving to come her way

Nikola Neskovic


See ya there!

 

Great list of austin originals.

My adds:

For the "cruise to food" - Salt Lick BBQ. Food Network loves em, so will you.
For the in town BBQ, Sam's BBQ on the east side. Great close BBQ.
If you are near P Terry's, check out Flip-Happy Crepes one block over as well.

Im a bigger food nut than gear head. I hope to own a pre 65 before the show. Whether or not it is running, who knows.

 

Those are some good ones. Here is another breakfast joint: Star Seeds on the frontage road of 35 north just east of downtown has some huge portions and some vegetarian meals as well.

 

Oh, and for cool BARS that are great for CARS.

1) Draft House. (medical parkway on google)
2) Billys on Burnett cheap beer, TINY lot though
3) Ginny's little longhorn saloon
4) Casino El Camino (no parking lot here, but a GREAT bar)

OK, off to bed.

 

The round up and the hamb drags are must do events for me. Great times and great cars, no BS lawn chair stuff.

 

Is the Top Notch drive in still there? Worth checking out?

 

Yes, it is still here.
Yes, it is worth checkin' out.
http://www.dishola.com/dishes/view/72

 

For those who like a little punk rock with thier Car show...

The Jackalope. Fast becoming an Austin Standard, it has freakin amazing chow at a paupers price. (try the steak sandwich- an 8 ounce Rib Eye covered in Brie and What I assume is bernaise sauce. 8 bucks.) A full on Pizza kitchen (I like the "no sauce" pizzas they have) and a great selection of Beers and liquors. The sound system is turned up on Kill, and they play the Punk rock Standards You know and Love.

RuBy's Barbecue. Notice the Capital B?
Located at 31's and Gaudalupe, It is still My personal favorite Barbecue Joint, and I have eaten at all of them. Even if You are a vegetarian, They have something for You there. If You are a vegetarian...I reccomend the Ribs, Francis.

Missed the Sunday Morning drive and brunch? Try Nomad at Corona and Cameron. Nice place with icy cold A/C.

OR.

Drivre down Cesar Chaves on the east side and go to Taqiuera Chapala. Good Grub, and on Sundays, Roving bands of Mariachi's come in and play for thier breakfast. No, I am not making this shit up. Easily one of the funniest things You can do to folks who aren't expecting Los Tigres Del Norte to come in and put some twang in Your hangover. Try the Horchata (that's sweetrice water, Gringo.) but don't have 2. it's like 4000 times Your daily reccomended dose of Fiber. If You have a good stomach, they have the BEST Menudo I have ever eaten.....I think I'm gonna go get a bowl in a minute.

Juan In A million. No, The guy at the door doesn't actually know You, but he's gonna shake Your hand like he hasn't seen You in 10 Years and You are best friends. The Don Juan is a breakfast Taco. I bet You can't eat 2.

Now, to be fair, there is the Red River distrect. Starting at Emos and running all the way to Mowhawk (so from 6th to 10th) it is covered in everything from Seedy corner bars (Which I know and Love) Like Beerland(not so seedy) to Red Eyed Fly and Stubbs (Downright nice) with everything in between. Try a Hot Dog King bratwurst or some Hoboken Pie Pizza. it's a good time, but remember that some of the Locals do not play nice on Red River.

I am glad this thread is up so early...I always forget something!

 

GLAD to hear it! I wanted to get it up earlier for the outtatownpeople that have to plan way ahead for something like this as time goes by.
PLUS, my own selfish reason, is my memory is lousy and I know I will be adding MUCH more to the first list.
AS WELL AS LODGING! To those that have asked, my wife is working on the Lodging list and I should have it up in the next week or so.
Cheers! And thanks LUX BLUE for the additions.
Jef

 

Anybody mention What-A-Burger?? It's one of the main things I miss about TX. Open all night, and some of the best burgers you can get for a "fast-food" place.



.

 

Thanks for the tips. I made my first Pile-up this year and hope to make my first Round-up next year. Any guidance you can give me is appreciated. Booked my rooms already so I hope it all works out.
Later,
Dick

 

Jef & Laura,
Great info...thanks a lot for posting!

 

Hahaha, well yeah...there's Whataburger and since some are from outtatown, then yeah, you may as well get one...Ya wont regret it, they are huge.
This is for TudorJeff...
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Hahaha.. I wonder how many takes it took ol Mel to make those commercials.. Thanks for making me a little more homesick Jef. I'll be there in April!



Jeff

 

Whataburger is ok....if you use the drive thru you could possibly burn up a half of tank of gas waiting for that "Whataburger". If you are looking for fast food...may not be the place for you.

 

Jef Ill update as I remember any thing else to help out. Let me know if you need anything.

A few places a couple miles from the Expo Center where Round Up is held

290 Cafe, right down the road from the Round Up right here in Manor. Southern home cooking. Fried Everything and the infamous Chicken Fried Steak.

Quality Inn on hwy 290 in Manor. For those of you who dont need to stay close to downtown Austin. ( 15-20 min drive to S. Congress)

 

Jared, dude! Yes, thank you. Since Laura and I got married in Manor, I think we ate at the 290 Cafe once on one of our many trips out there setting things up.
Good eats people! JRODHOTROD is on the money with that! And it's a short trip to the Expo Center.

 

For BBQ, make the short drive to Lockhart and tear up some brisket at Smitty's BBQ. I dream about Smittys and wake up with my mouth watering. It may be drool, but you get the point.

 

ENUFF SAID!!! Breakfast there is what I look forward to every trip to Austin, Roundup or not.

 

Definitely gotta visit us in Lockhart for the BBQ. We are known as the "BBQ Capital of Texas" and it's a short 30 mile jaunt straight down 183.

 

Home Slice on Congress for the best pizza I've had since NYC.

 

Thanks for this post! I knew of some of those spots, but it is always good to have some other options. It gets crowded around congress ave, so I'll cruise around to some of these locations.

 

Thanks for the info....I'm planning on comming for the first time.

Is there a hotel that is "the" place to stay??

 

Lockhart has been added! Guys and Gals, not going to Lockhart for BBQ would be like going through Brady,TX and not going deer hunting...it's just not done. 'nuff said.

 

Good choice! Added to the list!

 

In the 3 years I've been to the Roundup,I've never had the patience to wait an hour or more for a slice of pizza!

 

HOME SLICE is the shiznitt for Pizza. Order up and walk over to the Continental club, have a drink and some killer music as well.....

 

The band was just in Texas a couple of weeks ago and I'll reinforce the Home Slice Pizza suggestion. It made me say the "F" word out loud after my first bite. Apparently they close up once a year and send the staff to NYC to show em how to do it. I also had an awesome breakfast at a place called "El Chile". I think my favorite thing down there was breakfast tacos served everywhere for under $2 and just the right size!

 

Thanks to Firefly, the list has now been updated again with a few more additions.

From music to firearms!

I'll be 'bumping' this thread a bit more often as April draws near.
~Jef

 

Man, you guy's are killing me, the food is real good in Austin, if I lived there I'd be 500lbs in no time, like so many others.
I can't wait to have that delicious "queso" again.
Round up 2009, here I come.