What Starts Here Is No. 32 in the World

University of Texas at Austin claims rightful place as No. 1 school in the state

University of Texas at Austin tower aerial

The University of Texas at Austin was named one of the best schools in the world.

Sorry, Rice. Go gig 'em somewhere else, Aggies. This week, the University of Texas at Austin was named the No. 1 school in the state and No. 32 in the world by U.S. News and World Report.

While beating out other Texas schools gives UT bragging rights, the international ranking is even more impressive. Out of 1,250 institutions in 74 countries, the university was ranked No. 32 in the world, beating out schools like University of Copenhagen (No. 37); Kings College London (No. 41); University of Tokyo (No. 57); and, yes, University of Maryland, College Park (No. 50).

Though the magazine has released university rankings for the past four years, this is the first time the magazine has included areas of study in its report. Eleven UT subjects made the grade with computer science (No. 2); chemistry (No. 10); and mathematics (No. 13) taking top billing.

According to U.S. News, the rankings were determined by a pre-determined set of criteria such as global and regional research reputations and number of publications produced. Researchers also sent out surveys to academics around the world in order to "create a comprehensive snapshot of [their] opinions about world universities."

So just where did our fellow Texans land? Rice University was closest at No. 81; Texas A&M ranked No. 118; and Baylor College of Medicine came in right behind at No. 126. Locally, Texas State University at San Marcos landed at No. 1,233.

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Take Another Swing

Austin pickleball club reopens with Bill's Oyster spin-off food truck

Photo by Henry Selis Photo

Other Racquet Social Club is back after city woes.

Pickleball players at Austin's new Other Racquet Social Club were placed on a forced rest this summer as the sports venue dealt with city permitting complications, but it'll be back in action November 1. It brings with it a brand-new food truck from the folks behind the immediately popular and also relatively new downtown restaurant Bill's Oyster, called Bill's Dips.

Its mandated hiatus notwithstanding, Other Racquet opened in late 2023 as a members-only venture, but opened to the public a few months later, in early 2024. Now, members still get certain perks, but anyone can book a guest court or stop by to enjoy the bar and food trucks — a big part of the initial draw. Guests don't even need to book a court to stop by and hang out.

“It’s been a hell of a journey, but we’re grateful to be reopening our bar after being closed for seven months,” said Other Racquet owner Matt Wolski in a press release. Wolski is also the founder of Pursuit Concepts, which brought Austin places like Idle Hands, Parlor & Yard, and Victory Lap.

“This process has been challenging to say the least, but the goal from the beginning was to have Other Racquet fill a need on our strip of Manor," Wolski continued, "one that’s a space where everyone can enjoy not only pickleball but great food and drinks in a welcoming, laid-back environment.”

Bill's Dips will open with Other Racquet right away, on November 1. It joins farmers-market-stand-turned-food-trailer B. Cooper Barbecue, forming a meaty duo. Bill’s Dips focuses on "classic comfort fare," according to the release, which includes the signature Bill’s Burger alongside chili cheese dogs, queso blanco, and soft-serve dipped cones.

“Our Bill’s Burger has become a fan-favorite, so much so that we wanted to create a standalone destination where our guests could conveniently get their burger fix in East Austin,” said Bill's Oyster managing partner Dylan Salisbury. “Parking at Other Racquet felt like a natural segue for our guests that come into Bill’s, and we were able to create a menu that reflects the laid back vibes of the space.”

Other Racquet Social Club is located at 2717 Manor Rd. and is open Mondays to Thursdays from 4-11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am-midnight, and Sundays from 11 am-11 pm. The existing cocktail bar is open the same hours, but closes an hour early except for Fridays and Saturdays. Finally, Bill's Dips will be open Thursdays and Fridays for dinner service, and Saturdays and Sundays all day. It accepts orders in person, online at billsdips.com, and via major delivery platforms including Uber Eats and DoorDash.

More information about Other Racquet Social Club is available at otherracquet.com.

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Fans of Austin sports and Austin food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm December 12 at Distribution Hall. Find out more about it here.

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