News You Can Eat
5 delectable Austin food and drink events to kick off the new year
Antonelli's hosts multiple events every week — just sign up early.
Editor’s note: In this special edition of our weekly food news roundup, we're focusing on some delicious events you can attend the first week of 2023 — and can keep coming back to throughout the year. Consider these your first resolutions, smashed as soon as you hit that RSVP.
Trivia Night at Butterfly Bar — January 3
The last thing most of us want when cutting back alcohol is to hang back from social events. Attached to The Vortex, which hosts some of the best fringe shows in Austin, Butterfly Bar serves creative cocktails with and without alcohol. (Plus, the Patrizi’s truck is onsite every day serving pasta.) The first weekly trivia night of the year is on January 3, sandwiched between jazz, indie, and other musical shows for the rest of the week. Check the calendar at butterflybaraustin.com.
Sharpen Your Knife Skills at Central Market — JJanuary 4
Getting into a committed foodie lifestyle can be daunting and expensive, but Central Market is saving the day once again, with lots of accessible classes coming up. On January 4, Sharpen Your Knife Skills at Central Market covers one of the most important facets of home cooking, whether you’re making sushi or chopping up veggies for pizza (both available among other classes this month). It’s still an investment, but less expensive than most similar classes. Tickets ($65) available on Eventbrite.
Mezcal Tasting at Bar 508 Mezcalerita with Pelon's Tex-Mex — January 4
Some of us need to burn 2022 out of ourselves (no judgment), and mezcal can get that job done. Head over to Red River Cultural District neighbors Bar 508 Mezcalerita and Pelon’s Tex-Mex on January 4 to try six mezcals while learning about production, taste, and cultural context. That’s the only event slated right now for those two businesses, but finding Mezcal tastings in Austin is like finding a blues guitarist on South Congress. Tickets ($55) available on Eventbrite.
Social Series: An Evening Out at Antonelli's Cheese — January 5
It’s always a good time to learn about cheese, especially thanks to Antonelli’s packing its calendar with opportunities — outings, cheese-centric tastings that aren’t just boards, and a fun way to brush up on cheese knowledge. One upcoming event on January 5, Social Series: An Evening Out at Antonelli's Cheese, shares information about the “seven styles of cheese” and fun pairings including chocolate and pickles, with time to chat and make friends. Tickets ($45) and information on other events available at antonellischeese.com. Book early; many fill up fast.
Open Mic Night at Kick Butt Coffee — January 8
Getting together for drinks and snacks is a great starter plan, but 2023 calls for really putting yourself out there. Kick Butt Coffee hosts one of the city’s most popular open mic nights every Sunday at 7 pm, including January 8, and comedy open mics on Wednesdays. The long-running venue is also known for having lots of vegetarian options alongside its coffee and cocktails. This spot is atmosphere all the way, day or night. Check the calendar at kickbuttcoffee.com.
Could sit in this airy shop all day.Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Eberly's Atrium will host a creative dinner with visual artists.