Mustache Rides

Lyft reveals Austin's most popular destinations for food, drink, events, and more in 2017

Native Hostel is one of Lyft's most visited places in 2017.

Photo courtesy of Native Hostel

Lyft , the best ride-hailing app of the year (according to me), has just announced the 2017 Austin Lyftie Awards. The number crunchers at Lyft have compiled all their destination data to determine Austinites’ favorite spots for food, drink, events, and more. So really, these are the best places to be according to all of us.

Looking at this year’s award winners, it’s no surprise that Austinites really dig local Austin businesses. We’re a loyal bunch, and we support our own. While these awards go to the businesses recognized, we deserve to pat ourselves on the back, too. The Lyfties prove that we all keep Austin thriving.

Without further ado, the winners of the 2017 Austin Lyftie Awards:

Most Visited Restaurant:Torchy’s Tacos
In a year marked by a divisive political climate, it’s no surprise that we have an insatiable appetite to chow down on a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. These are all “Damn Good Tacos” no matter who you voted for.

Most Visited Bar:Cheer Up Charlies
We love Cheer Up’s on Red River because it hosts the most eclectic crowds and events. If you want to hear great local bands, discover a new poet, or just sip on a fantastic cocktail, this bar is both popular and deeply emblematic of the Austin vibe.

Most Visited Event Space:Alamo Drafthouse
An Austin institution. There’s nothing like enjoying a great local IPA and chowing down on some delicious Buffalo cauliflower while watching Lady Bird come of age before your very eyes.

Most Visited University:University of Texas at Austin
Of course it is. Loyal to the last, we love our Longhorns. Hook ‘em!

Only in Austin:Banger’s Beer Garden
You like beer from, well, everywhere and handmade sausage? Sure you do. Banger’s impressive selection of both make Rainey Street worth the visit.

Trending Destination: Native Hostel Bar & Kitchen
A new and cozy spot for amazing cocktails, creative bar food (we could eat the Waffle Fry Nachos all day long). And if you don’t feel like taking a Lyft home, they’ve got bunk beds!

“The Lyfties represent the unique cultures of over 32 cities across the U.S., and show that Lyft riders intrinsically love local. Our 2017 Lyftie award recipients are a huge part of what makes Austin Austin,” said Aaron Fox, general manager of Lyft Austin in a release. “We love being able to tell the story of how Lyft is an integral part of the community, especially by contributing to local businesses.”

In honor of these award recipients, beginning at 10 am on December 6, Lyft will be offering exclusive discount rides all week long. Check out their blog for details, and congratulations to these amazing local businesses for giving all of us Austinites the best places to go.

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Self-driving Roller Coaster

More self-driving cars expected to roll out in Austin for 2025

Photo courtesy of Waymo via KVUE

Various brands offering self-driving cars are on-and-off in Austin.

Expect to see more self-driving rideshare vehicles, also known as robotaxis, on Austin roads next year.

Robotaxi company Waymo, which you may have already seen on Austin's roads, is partnering with Uber. At some point next year, customers will be able to use the Uber app to call a self-driving ride.

Austin-based company Avride is in the testing phase and plans to roll out its robotaxis next year.

Currently, Volkswagen ADMT and Amazon's Zoox are in the testing phase in Austin, while Hyundai's Motional is in the mapping phase.

Last year, robotaxi company Cruise paused operations in Austin after the California Department of Motor Vehicles revoked the company's permits to operate driverless vehicles in the state. And last week, General Motors said it would no longer fund the company because of the time and resources needed.

This way of getting around has come with its safety concerns and issues. The city is tracking those concerns. According to the Transportation Department, the problems span from blocking the roads and parking in front of people's homes for weeks with lights beaming through their windows, to actual wrecks.

Since July 2023, robotaxis have been involved in 75 incidents. Only 21 of those incidents happened in 2024. It's important to note that Cruise has not been operating in Austin this year.

Since July 2023, driverless rideshare vehicles have been involved in 22 near collisions, eight collisions and seven instances where driverless taxis ignored directions from the Austin Police Department (APD).

According to the data, at least four of those Austin police incidents happened in recent months. The issues varied from driving through police checkpoints, to malfunctioning and getting stuck at an APD road closure near pedestrians, causing safety concerns.

A Waymo spokesperson said their vehicles have gesture recognition capabilities, which they've been training APD officers on using.

As the report shows, sometimes it does not work and Waymo said it is working to improve that. The spokesperson said that as of just last week, Waymo's First Responder Program has been independently verified by TÜV SÜD, making Waymo the first autonomous vehicle (AV) company to receive third-party validation for our emergency response protocols. They also said the data to date indicates the Waymo Driver is already reducing traffic injuries and fatalities in the places where the company currently operates.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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