Queer Eye star Bobby Berk dishes on his favorite places in Austin

An eye for nice things

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Queer Eye decor guru Bobby Berk has spent more time in Austin than many visitors do. Off and on, he and the rest of the Queer Eye cast stayed in Austin for a number of months to film the sixth season of the Netflix lifestyle and fashion makeover show.

Armed with his insider-like knowledge of Austin, Berk has compiled a new list of his favorite spots for eating, drinking, shopping, recreating, and resting your head. The list appears on Flipboard; Berk is guest curator of Flipboard’s travel newsletter, Wanderlust.

With this list, "I’m giving you a peek into all the things I absolutely adore about Austin,” Houston-born Berk says.

Here’s a rundown of Berk’s picks for grabbing a drink or a bite to eat in Austin, along with his commentary about each place.

El Arroyo
"This Tex-Mex institution is most well known for its witty signs (where the Fab Five and I posed for pics). But you also need to try the amazing food — and probably loosen your belt when you’re done."

The Roosevelt Room
"For a special cocktail, head to the Roosevelt Room. This elegant speakeasy has stylish interiors and even better drinks (and also offers options to go)."

Café No Sé
"A bright and beautiful all-day café with something for everyone (including some mouth-watering desserts)."

Container Bar (now permanently closed)
"One of the most unique bars I’ve ever seen, it’s constructed entirely of shipping containers. A great spot to unwind after a long day of work — or, you know, transforming the homes of heroes."

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
"You’ll find amazing, fresh, and flavorful Mexican at Fresa’s. The Achiote and Citrus chicken is truly the stuff of food fantasies!"

Berk’s shopping selections are:

Four Hands Home, a home furnishings retailer
Nannie Inez (now online-only), a home goods store
Room Service Vintage, a retailer of vintage furniture, lamps, jewelry, clothing, and home décor
Stag Provisions, a men’s clothing shop
Daughters, a women’s clothing shop

Berk’s recreation picks are:

B Cycle, a bike rental service
Icosa Collective, an artist-run nonprofit gallery
Zilker Park
Barton Springs Pool

Berk’s lodging choices are:

The Proper Austin
Hotel Magdalena
Hotel San José
AC Hotel
The Carpenter Hotel

Photo by Julian Bajsel

These 6 Austin bartenders are serving up the city's best sips

Meet the tastemakers

To outsiders, Austin is all about the bars: the insanely crowded, virtually anonymous bars slinging alcohol as fast as possible. To insiders, it’s even more about the bars: the ones with drink menus that highlight unusual ingredients, with mocktails that make flavor top priority, and with friendly staff that protect the neighborhood's character. It all comes down to the bartenders to maintain that balance.

The 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards reflect how deeply connected and consistently innovative our favorite bars are. This year, five out of six nominees for Bartender of the Year have another Tastemaker connection. Some have past nominations, one even a past win. Others work with a current bar or restaurant nominee, or have even worked with each other.

Read about these six unshakeable Austin bar scene trailblazers. Then, come join us at Fair Market on April 28 for our annual Tastemaker Awards tasting event and awards ceremony. We'll unveil the winner in this category and many others — tickets are on sale now.

Erin Ashford, Olamaie
Olamaie appears four times across categories in this year’s Tastemaker Awards, and this time it’s thanks to the efforts of beverage director Erin Ashford. The Southern restaurant focuses partially on what one might expect — whiskey, bourbon, mezcal, and rye — but brings in other lighter flavors like melon with Texas-made Treaty Oak gin and midori, or as the star in a mocktail. Ashford won the bartending Tastemaker Award in 2018, has been featured in Imbibe, PUNCH, and The Somm Journal, and is working on opening a new cocktail bar this fall called Holiday.

Amanda Jones, Nickel City
Another cross-category Tastemaker Awards nominee, neighborhood bar Nickel City celebrates a corresponding nominee in bartending. Amanda Jones has been on the scene for 14 years, spending three of them at Nickel City. Jones is the people’s bartender, protecting Nickel City’s history as a dive, and bringing some fun new twists. Famous for its seasonal pop-ups, this bar is all about attitude, and great drinks are an added bonus.

Ricky Cobia, Big Country Foods
Ricky Cobia, a multi-year Tastemaker Awards nominee, is always doing something new. Best known for his time at Watertrade — the very moody, very upscale bar servicing omakase restaurant Otoko at the South Congress Hotel — Cobia has finally canned that bartending charisma. He lends his talent to Big Country, a hard seltzer brand, working on every step of the canned cocktail process from lab to marketing. The team has perfected two cans so far: a grapefruit and lemon “Cowpoke,” and a hibiscus and ginger “Jenny Lane.”

Justin Lavenue, The Roosevelt Room
The Roosevelt Room, up for Bar of the Year, has been a local favorite since 2015 for its extensive historical drink list and elevated atmosphere. Co-owners Justin Lavenue and Dennis Gobis are at the helm of it all. Whether Lavenue is teaching patrons about a particular liquor, giving bartending demos, or launching a gorgeously renovated mobile bar (with a jaw-dropping 75-drink menu), he’s all about elevating the community. Unwilling to slow down, the decorated bartender is currently pursuing a Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) Master's certification.

Cory Starr, Tiki Tatsu-Ya
When Tiki Tatsu-Ya arrived in Austin last October, this theme park of a bar created its own niche. Up for 2022 Bar of the Year in its first year, it never misses an opportunity to dazzle in the campiest way possible. Beverage manager Cory Starr dove straight into that excess with 200 bottles of rum, reported the Austin Chronicle. Tackling perhaps the most widely recognized (and heavy handed) genre in mixology, Starr’s strong sense of tiki whimsy is balanced by impeccable recipe-making skills honed over five years in Hualalai.

Sharon Yeung, Half Step/Daijoubu
Sharon Yeung, another multi-year Tastemaker nominee, just brought her pop-up Daijoubu out of Texas for the first time, heading straight to her hometown. Born in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Yeung teamed up with her Japanese-Californian friend Caer Maiko to bring “super Asian cocktails” to Texas bar-goers’ attention, after the pair noticed each other’s annoyance at the underdeveloped beverage lists at Asian restaurants. The charismatic bartender at Half Step has been featured in Esquire, Imbibe, and the Daily Beast.

Justin Lavenue.

Photo by Julian Bajsel

Justin Lavenue.

Photo courtesy of IVOX Media

New Texas-based streaming service showcases the best of Austin and the Lone Star State

ivox and chill

Fans of Texas culture and personalities who want to see even more coverage have a new outlet. Houston production house IVOX Media has launched IVOX+, a new streaming service available through multiple partner apps and devices, and featuring some very Austin-tatious content.

Boasting original local programming, independent films, classic movies, and music, IVOX+ is available for download for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as Google Play for Android phones and tablets.

For bigger screen options, the service is also available on Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, and on Samsung TVs, smart TVs, and other devices. Subscribers pay $5.99 per month for independent movies, short films, original series, and thousands of movie classics and old school TV shows.

“As an independent streaming service created in Texas, IVOX+ speaks directly to Texas culture, music, sports, and filmmaking,” IVOX founder Louie Comella tells CultureMap. “The independent spirit that is uniquely Texas can be found in many of the IVOX+ original programs, which highlight Texas brands, businesses, destinations, and people.”

On tap for original local programming are shows that highlight Austin City Limits, Austin-based singer-songwriter Kyle Park, boozy favorite Deep Eddy Vodka, the Continental Club, and the ever-popular SoCo neighborhood.

Texas filmmakers featured on IVOX+ include Courtney Glaude, Stan Hillard, Jantel Fontenot, and Bob Willems. Musical artists Zak The Tyrant, Dalton D’Rich, Jono Jono, Rxbyn, and Doug Westscott will be featured in the cinematic music series.

Plans for IVOX+ include linear and live channels over the next year for its media brands, including Comedy Show TV, Food Civilization, and IVOX MUSIC.

The streaming service was born from Comella (a commercial film executive producer), who, along with fellow cinematographer Gracie Henley, experienced the challenges faced by independent artists to get their work seen by an audience, a release notes.

“Considering all the streaming platforms available, there’s still no real entry point for independents to get their work actually seen by a global audience,” said Comella in a statement. “The days of meeting a studio executive to get the big break are long gone. IVOX+ was created to support independent filmmakers and content creators, as well as be a destination for indie movies, short films, and new artists.”

Other Texas topics, according to a press release, include:

San Antonio

The Blue Star Brewing Co.
The Phantom Rockers
Rico’s
Rebecca Creek Distillery
Sam’s Burger Joint
Pearl Brewery
The BlueStar First Friday event
SouthTown

Houston

The Art Car Parade
Chinatown
The Mahatma Gandhi District
The Navigation Esplanade neighborhood

Dallas

The Reverend Horton Heat
Ricki Derek
Lower Greenville neighborhood
Jimmy’s Italian Grocery

For more information or to stream the service, visit www.IVOXplus.com.

Photo by Jess Attie

Discover Austin mom-and-pop restaurants open during COVID-19 with this tool

Austin Supporting Austin

One of the defining mantras during the COVID-19 crisis has been: "Support the things you love now so they'll be around later." This means ditching Amazon and buying books, coffee beans, clothing, wine, and online exercise classes from locally owned businesses.

But when it comes to supporting local restaurants, that's proven harder. Austin boasts world-class eateries, but it can sometimes feel like the same 75 or so get all the attention. And the COVID-19 crisis has been no different. Even CultureMap's own running list of restaurants open for takeout and delivery has largely overlooked operations without an online or PR presence because, frankly, we don't always know about them.

Local public relations pro Stef Shapira knows the benefits of having a publicity team. For the past six years, she's represented some of the city's hottest restaurant and hospitality concepts. But when COVID-19 hit, and restaurants were forced to close or switch to takeout and delivery options, she saw how mom-and-pop shops without a social media presence suffered.

"I began to worry about those really small mom-and-pop restaurants who don't have the money to hire PR, or the knowledge to run social media or update a website, and felt they might be getting completely lost right now," she says. "Without people calling them directly, there was virtually nowhere listing that they're open. Media and even websites like TakeOutTracker.com are getting that info from publicists or social media, just like the average Austinite."

Together with Rebecca Le, a food blogger and founder of The Honest Foodist, Shapira began creating the list that would become upEats ATX, a list of "under promoted" (hence the "up") restaurants still operating during the coronavirus shutdown.

Shapira and Le combed through each restaurant's digital presence and confirmed each one did not have a PR firm helping them. The goal was not be exclusionary, rather it was to give these small businesses a platform to compete that wouldn't otherwise be available.

"It's important that no restaurant on the list has PR or a super active social media presence explaining details on what they're doing during COVID-19. If anyone does submit one of these places to our list, they won't be added and we suggest they add to one of the other more extensive lists that exist," Shapira says.

"This is in no way to say that PR work isn't important — it's even more important now than ever — but it is not the purpose of upEats ATX."

Shapira and Le partnered with Sav Shrestha, founder and CEO of Menuette, to create the online list, which is searchable by type of cuisine or keywords. Each spot is confirmed to be open before being added to upEats ATX, and menu and ordering details are included along with basic details like the restaurant's address.

But, says Shapira, the work is not done.

"With this being a community built list, we also need people to add their favorite spots so those places can be represented and others know to order from them and keep them alive," she says. Users can submit restaurants here or tag @upeatsatx or #upeatsatx on Instagram to get them on the site's radar.

"We need people supporting these mom-and-pop restaurants if we care about the culture of our city. Without our support, they may close permanently, and we'll be left with a lot less locally owned restaurants and a lot more Austinites struggling."

Casa Garcia.

Photo by Jess Attie

Casa Garcia.

Photo courtesy of Jester King

Austin restaurants transform into neighborhood grocery shops amid COVID-19 crisis

One-stop shops!

The current global pandemic has many Austin-area businesses scrambling to survive while adjusting to new restrictions. Meanwhile, residents are scrambling to adjust to hours-long trips to the grocery store and delivery services with days-long waiting lists.

If necessity is indeed the mother of invention, some Austin entrepreneurs are finding new ways to add revenue while helping neighbors access the food staples we all need. From Dripping Springs to Airport Boulevard, restaurants and bars across the region are transforming into makeshift mini-marts — albeit ones selling local veggies and organic dairy instead of soft drinks and salty snacks.

Though traditional grocery stores are working hard to minimize contact, these spots offer no-touch, drive-thru, or curbside options all while operating within CDC guidelines.

In Dripping Springs, Jester King is brewing up something entirely different to help get them through the next few weeks. With the brewery and pizza destination unable to operate normally per city and county regulations, Jester King is adding a "charming country store" to help boost revenue and give customers much-needed access to pantry staples — and toilet paper, of course.

"When we closed our restaurant to the public, we had a lot of grocery items left over," says owner Jeffrey Stuffings of the inspiration. Now, in addition to ordering pizza and beer to-go, the brewery is also selling vegetables, coconut milk, baking supplies, and offering free rolls of toilet paper for orders over $50.

In East Austin, Dai Due is offering $25 bushels of organic produce alongside its curbside menu, while nearby Sour Duck has transformed into a veritable grocery store with everything from coffee and eggs to pesto and acorn tea available for purchase.

On Webberville Road, The Cavalier is finding creative ways to adapt to our collective new normal — including creating a virtual farmers market. Along with to-go frozen cocktails and a menu of classic Southern fare, The Cavailer offers a selection of deli meats, fresh produce, dairy, and other pantry staples. Patrons can also snag meal prep kits and pre-packed picnics (and bonus music playlists!) to help break up the stay-at-home monotony many of us are facing in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"The Cavalier is committed to meeting the new needs and changing lifestyles of our community," explains co-owner Rachelle Fox. "Providing our neighbors with access to fresh produce and pantry staples is crucial to their quality of life."

In response to these rapid changes, Quality Seafood has temporarily moved operations into its North Austin parking lot. Customers can order lunch or dinner from the Quality food truck, along with eggs, milk, fresh produce, and, of course, toilet paper. Down the street on Airport Boulevard, Sala & Betty is selling a $100 box bursting with five pounds of ground beef, a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, a large variety of veggies, and salad dressing.

On nearby North Loop, Foreign & Domestic added a "staples" section to the to-go menu. In addition to the restaurant's food and booze menu, patrons can order up bread, eggs, milk, and some veggies.

South Austin's Aviary Wine & Kitchen is also getting into the market game, selling toilet paper; sugar; flour; eggs; and a $50 "bird box" stuffed with lettuce, citrus, beets, potatoes, broccoli, kale, and more. Nearby at Radio Coffee & Beer, customers can snag an ever-rotating menu of goods — including coffee, of course — at Radio's makeshift "drive-thru."

Our new reality has only just begun, and city leaders are indicating it will likely extend far past the April 13 deadline. As Austin small business owners adapt to this new normal, consumers too must begin to think creatively about how — and where — we get our groceries. If a trip to locally owned restaurant means bypassing the grocery store, it's not just helping curb exposure to COVID-19, it's ensuring that these businesses survive long after it's gone.

As the Cavalier's Fox says: "Though we may all be apart from one another, it is a time for us all to come together."

---

Kelly Stocker contributed reporting for this story.

Photo by Alison Narro

All Austin restaurants rolling out delivery, to-go, or closing temporarily

COVID-19 Watch

On March 17, the City of Austin issued unprecedented restrictions on bars and restaurants in an effort to curb COVID-19. These restrictions are not expected to lift until May 1, and with hospitality the city's second largest industry, that means many folks are financially struggling or out of a job for the foreseeable future.

To help combat ease some of the financial loss, many Austin restaurants and bars are adding to-go, curbside, or delivery options for the first time, while others are closing temporarily. In the midst of coronavirus-induced chaos, make a commitment to only supporting locally owned restaurants, either through gift cards or the options below. Bonus? It's one less meal you have to cook at home.

A note: While we will keep this story updated, but please double-check before placing orders or heading to the restaurant.

APT 115 — Wine to-go, available for curbside or delivery. More info here.

Alfred's — Offering to-go coffee, tea, and take-away bites.

Amy's Ice Creams — Open for grab-and-go, pre-order, and delivery. Order online here or via the Amy's app. Third-party delivery apps also available.

Arlo Grey — Temporarily closed.

Asado's Taqueria — Call 512-387-6430 to order curbside until 2 pm. Menu available here. Delivery available via third-party delivery apps.

ATX Cocina — Order online here or call 512-263-2322.

Austin Java — Walk-in to-go orders are available and delivery options through Favor.

Austin Terrier — Offering to-go, curbside pickup, and delivery via third-party apps. Call 512-369-3751 to place an order.

Aviary Wine & Kitchen — To-go orders available. Call 512-916-4445. Online ordering coming soon.

Azul Tequila — Offering curbside to-go at both locations. View the menu here and call the individual restaurant to place an order.

Baby Greens — All menu items available via curbside to-go and walk-up window. Call 512-770-6255 or online here. Third party delivery apps also available.

The Backspace — To-go service can be ordered online here. Hospitality industry receives half-off each meal, menus change daily.

Bar Peached — Temporarily closed.

Barley Swine — Temporarily closed.

Barrett's Coffee — Take-out and bean pickup only. Delivery coming soon. Email orders@barrettscoffee.com

Bartlett's — To-go food and wine menu available. Menu updated daily. Call 512-451-7333 to order.

Better Half — Curbside to-go service can be ordered online here. Delivery also available.

Billy’s On Burnet — To-go food and beer, including growlers. Food menu here, beer menu here. Call 512-407-9305 to place an order.

Blenders & Bowls — Entire menu is available for takeout/curbside to-go and order online at all five locations.

Brew & Brew — To-go window open. Order online here.

Brewer's Table — Brewery open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-4 pm. Crowlers available for $10 for 32-ounces from the outdoor bar.

Buenos Aires Cafe — Online orders available for curbside to-go and delivery at both locations. Menu and online order option here.

Cafe No Se — To-go available. Call 512- 942-2061 to order for pick-up or or order delivery through Favor.

The Cavalier — Full menu available to-go and delivery within three miles. Also available is liquor, beer, and wine to-go. Menu here. Call 512-696-4318 or order online here.

Cenote — Cesar Chavez location open for to-go and delivery orders. Order online here.

Chez Nous — Curbside to-go service can be ordered by calling 512-473-2413.

Chinatown — Order online for all locations here or call 512-343-9307 for more information. Third-party delivery apps available.

Chi'Lantro — Most locations open, including Congress Avenue trailer, for online ordering, curbside to-go, and delivery. Online ordering here. Third-party delivery apps available.

Cisco's — Curbside to-go service can be ordered by calling 512-478-2420.

Clark's — Temporarily closed.

Colleen's Kitchen — Curbside to-go service can be ordered online here or by calling 512-580-2413.

Contigo — Full menu available via "Contigo Drive-Thru." Order online here.

Counter Cafe — Curbside and to-go available at East Sixth Street location from 7 am-3 pm. Menu here, call 512-351-9961 to order.

Counter Culture — To-go beginning May 2 from noon to 8 pm. Call 512-524-1540 to place an order.

Crema Bakery & Cafe — To-go available. Call 512-282-1300 to order. Delivery via third-party apps.

Crepe Crazy — Both locations open for curbside to-go. Order online here. Free delivery via third-party apps.

Cypress Grill — Curbside to-go. Delivery also available depending on location. Call 512-358-7474 to order.

Dean's One Trick Pony — Temporarily closed.

District Kitchen + Cocktails— Full menu available via to-go at both locations. Order online here or third-party delivery apps.

Dolce Neve — Gelato to-go via curbside pickup at both Austin locations. Call 512-804-5568 for South First Street and 512-551-3921 for Plaza Saltillo.

Domo Alley Gato— To-go available. Order online here. Delivery via third-party apps.

Easy Tiger - The Linc — Curbside pickup. Order online here.

El Alma — Curbside to-go, including margarita setups, mango mimosa kits, and family-sized meals. See here for order instructions.

El Chile — Temporarily closed.

El Chilito — Full menu available via window service and online ordering and third-party delivery apps.

El Meson — Curbside pick up Tuesday through Sunday, including a limited menu, family packs for four people, and margarita kits. Menu here. Call 512-442-4441 to order.

El Naranjo — Temporarily closed.

Elizabeth Street Cafe — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Emmer & Rye— To-go and delivery menu available here. Call 512-366-5530 ext. 4 to order and online.

Enoteca Vespaio — Temporarily closed.

Epicerie — Limited menu, beer, and wine curbside and free delivery within 5 miles. Plus, 20 percent off beer and wine. Call 512-371-6840 to order.

Fareground — — Temporarily closed.

Fixe Southern House — Curbside to-go and delivery, including wine and beer. Call 512-888-9133 to order.

Fonda San Miguel — Curbside to-go menu available. Menu on restaurant's Facebook.

Foreign + Domestic — Curbside to-go menu available, plus beer, wine, and bulk butter available, too. Order online here.

Franklin Barbecue — Same-day online ordering available for pickup in the parking lot. Click here to order.

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon — Fresa’s will close its South First location until further notice. Fresa’s Lamar location, which offers to-go service only through its drive-thru and walk-up window, will stay open daily from 11 am-8 pm. More info here.

Gelateria Gemelli — Available for take-out or delivery. Order online here or call 512-535-2170. Limited delivery area.

Golden Tiger — To-go available and expanded hours. Order online here.

Gourmand's — Orders can be made by phone by calling 512-610-2031. Delivery option coming soon.

Güeros — Limited food menu and margarita kit to-go. Call 512-447-7688.

Hat Creek Burger Company — Full menu available for pick-up, at the drive-thru, or for delivery. Order online here.

HausBar Farms — Purchase produce at cost directly from local farmers and pick-up from Rosewood (see below). Call or text Dorsey at 512-577-4731 with your order. She will arrange payment and inform Rosewood of goods that will be added to your pick-up order.

The Hideout— To-go coffee and pastries. Order online here.

Holy Roller — Curbside to-go for lunch and dinner orders. Call 512-502-5119 or order online here.

Home Slice Pizza — Orders can be made by phone, online at homeslicepizza.com, and walk-up through takeout windows at both locations. Third-party delivery apps also available.

Honest Mary's — Both locations are open and offering to-go curbside and delivery via Favor. Locations here, order online here.

Hopdoddy — Curbside to-go and free delivery through UberEats. Order online here.

Hopfields — Temporarily closed.

Hotel Saint Cecilia — The exclusive hotel is rolling out "Room Service at home" including food, wine, and cocktails to-go. Full menu here. Call 512-852-2400 to place your order and have it delivered at no additional cost within a 5-mile radius of the hotel.

House Wine — Food and wine available. Place an order for delivery through the House Wine app, order online for curbside, or call 512-322-5210.

Inari Austin — Food menu and sake to-go. Click here for directions and info.

Intero — To-go and delivery. Click here to order online. In-home cooking and Skype cooking classes also available.

Jeffrey's — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Jester King — Pizza, beer, wine, merch to-go. Order online here or call 512-661-8736.

Joann's — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Jo's Coffee — Jo’s walk-up window is open for to-go orders. Call ahead to Second Street location or have your order delivered through the ChowNow app. Frosé and frozen mimosas also available.

Josephine House — Temporarily closed.

Jugo — To-go service can be ordered online here. Hospitality industry receives half-off each meal, menus change daily.

JuiceLand — JuiceLand locations are now operating in a to-go format, and optimizing for online orders, delivery services, and grab-and-go meals. Locations here, online ordering here. Third party delivery apps available.

June's — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Juniper — To-go and delivery available via third-party apps. Check here for menu and to rder online or call 512-220-9421.

Juliet Italian Kitchen — To-go orders available by phone at 512-479-1800 or email at ciao@juliet-austin.com. Deliveries will be made via Uber Eats, as well as by Juliet’s staff. Wine and beer orders to be added in the coming days.

Justine's — To-go available Friday 4-9 pm and Saturday noon-9 pm. Call 512-385-2900 to order.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya— To-go available. Order online here. Delivery via third-party apps.

Kerbey Lane Cafe — Order online for delivery and curbside pickup. For every adult entrée purchased, receive one kids meal free of charge. Menu here. Order online here.

LA Barbecue — To-go orders, including whole briskets and pork butts, available. Call 512-605-9696 or email labarbecue@gmail.com.

La Cocina de Consuelo — To-go orders. Menu here. Call 512-524-4740 to order. Check Facebook daily for specials.

Lambert's — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Last Straw — To-go service for food, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Call 512-354-1480 to order. Third-party delivery apps available.

Launderette —Annnnd they're back! After temporarily opening and closing, Launderette has returned for curbside to-go orders. Call 512-382-1599 or use Favor for delivery.

Lenoir — Curbside to-go for food and wine. Order online here.

LeRoy & Lewis — The barbecue truck has set up a drive-thru in the parking lot at Cosmic. Full menu available and large-format dining, including whole Akaushi briskets, beef cheeks, whole hog, mac 'n' cheese, etc., available. Schedule a pre-order online here; for same-day orders, call 512-945-9882.

Lick Honest Ice Creams — Open with precautions in place. No dine-in eating.

L'Oco d'Oro — To-go service available. Call 737-212-1876 to order, and see online menu here.

Loro — Loro is offering to-go and delivery via DoorDash and Favor. Order online or call 512-916-4858 for curbside to-go.

Lou's — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Macho Taco — To-go service. Call (512) 291-5104 to order. Menu here.

Malibu Poke — Curbside service at Seaholm location. Just order online and call 512-609-8510 upon arrival, and someone will run the order out to your car.

Mañana — To-go and delivery via Favor. Call 512-872-3144 to order.

Mattie's — To-go from noon to 8 pm. Menu here. Call 512-444-1888 to place an order.

Mi Madre's — To-go breakfast all-day, from 7 am-8 pm.

Mikado — Curbside to-go, delivery within three miles. Order online here or call 512-833-8188. Third-party delivery apps available.

Monger's Market & Kitchen — Curbside to-go service. Call 512-215-8972 to order.

Olamaie — Temporarily closed.

Odd Duck — Temporarily closed.

Old Thousand — Curbside to-go service can be ordered online here. Delivery within three to five miles of the restaurant.

Olive & June — To-go service can be ordered online here. Hospitality industry receives half-off each meal, menus change daily.

Oseyo — Curbside to-go. Food, wine, and beer available. Check menus here. Call 512-368-5700 to order or order online here.

P. Terry's — Drive-thru and delivery service through Favor and DoorDash only. More info here.

Papalote Taco House — Offering curbside to-go at all three locations. View the menu here and call the individual location to place an order.

Parkside — To-go service can be ordered online here. Hospitality industry receives half-off each meal, menus change daily.

Patika — Online ordering available for curbside to-go at the South Lamar location. Coffee drinks and coffee beans also available.

Patika Luncheonette — Online ordering for curbside to-go available.

Peached Tortilla — Curbside available from 5-9 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Online ordering available here.

Peached Social House — Offering a variety of Social House Family Meals with reheating instructions for delivery within 3-mile radius. Order form here.

Perla's — Temporarily closed.

Polvo's — Curbside to-go service and makeshift "drive-thru." Call 512-441-5446 to order from South First location. Third-party delivery apps also available.

Pool Burger — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Posse East — Curbside to-go, including food, beer, and wine from 11 am-10 pm. Menu here. Call 512-477-2111 to order. Third-party delivery apps also available.

Prohibition Creamery — Take-out available on weekends. Delivery available via third-party apps.

Provision — Full menu (excluding mussels pot) available for curbside to-go orders. Call 512-345-6999 to place an order.

P6 — Temporarily closed.

Ramen Tatsuya — To-go service at all three Austin locations. Order online here.

Revelry Kitchen + Bar — Curbside to-go by calling 512-322-5223 (open for late-night pickup and delivery 4 pm-midnight) and third-party delivery.

Revelry On The Boulevard — Curbside to-go by calling 512-861-5685 and third-party delivery.

Rosewood — Food and alcohol menu available. Meals available in either two- or four-person either hot or with warm-up instructions. Order by email at jesse@rosewoodatx.com or call 512.838.6205 24-hours in advance and we will follow up to confirm your order. For every meal ordered, Rosewood will donate a meal to its staff.

Royal Blue Grocery— All locations open. To-go orders only (no dining in).

Russian House — To-go orders and delivery via third-party apps. Menu here. Call 512-428-5442 to order.

Salt & Time — Open regular hours, but with social distancing policies enacted in the store. Also opening at 9 am exclusively for the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Salty Sow — Curbside to-go (and half-off bottles of wine with every to-go order). Order online here or call 512-391-2337.

Scholz Garten — Offering curbside and delivery through DoorDash of its MASH (Mobile Austin Sausage Haus) menu.

Ski Shores Café— Full menu available for curbside (and dock-side) to-go orders. Call 512-394-7511 or email info@skishoresaustin.com.

Second Bar + Kitchen — Downtown location offering full menu for to-go; Domain Northside offering limited menu and boxed lunches. Menus here. Call 512-827-2750 for Congress Avenue location and 737-300-4800 for Domain Northside location.

Shore Raw Bar & Grill — Offering to-go curbside service daily from 4-8 pm. Call 512-618-6400.

The Soup Peddler — Take-out and online orders available at all locations.

Sour Duck Market — Curbside to-go orders can be placed online here or by calling 512-394-5776. Third-party delivery apps available.

Soursop — Soursop’s full menu is available for pre-order to-go. Order online here.

Southside Market & Barbeque — Orders may made by phone (512) 838-3600, online here, and through the to-go line.

Spicy Boys — Curbside service and delivery to your car. Order online here. Can also include six-pack of Zilker Brewing beer.

Sway — To-go available from West Lake Hills location, and delivery available from West Lake Hills and South First via Favor. View menu and order online here.

Swedish Hill — Curbside to-go service. See here for instructions.

Tacodeli — Curbside and to-go options only. Adding dinner service for first time and extending hours to 8 pm. Special throwback menus and gift card deals also available. Order online here or call nearest location.

Tamale House East — To-go, curbside, and delivery via third-party apps. Call 512-495-9504 to order or email tamalehouseeast@gmail.com for large orders. Menu here.

Texas French Bread — Dining room temporarily closed. Open-air "TFB Mini Market" held in garden Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 8-11 am.

Thai Fresh — Curbside to-go service. Order online here.

Tiny Pies — Curbside to-go. Call 512-916-0184 for Burnet Road location and 512-460-9697 for North Lamar. Third-party delivery apps.

TLV — Curbside available at Emmer & Rye. Order online here

Tso Chinese Delivery — Delivery available. Also offering a free meal to those in need. Email tsogiving@tsodelivery.com for more information. In a place to give? Donate to Tso's relief meals here. One-hundred-percent of donations go to Austinites in need of a meal.

Tumble 22 — To-go curbside via online ordering or through the temporary drive-thru at the restaurant on Burnet.

Turnstile Coffee Beer and Spirits — To-go orders online here.

Walton's Fancy & Staple — Offering curbside to-go from 8 am-6 pm; call 512-542-3380 to place an order. Third-party delivery also available.

Wheatsville Co-op — Hours at both the Guadalupe and South Lamar locations are temporarily changing to 10 am-9 pm. Thursday $5 dinners have been suspended, self-serve food areas have been eliminated.

Wholy Bagel — Full menu available for carry-out at both locations.

Wholly Cow Burgers — Counter to-go service. Order by calling 512-394-8156, online here, and third-party delivery app.

Uchi — Curbside to-go, DoorDash delivery available as early as March 20. Call 512-916–4808 to order for curbside take-out. Follow @uchiaustin for detailed instructions.

Uchiko — Temporarily closed.

Uncle Nicky's — Temporarily closed.

Vamonos — To-go service can be ordered online here. Hospitality industry receives half-off each meal, menus change daily.

Via 313 — Curbside to-go at brick-and-mortar locations and trailers. Order online at here.

Veracruz All Natural — All locations except Mueller are open. All orders will continue to be fulfilled as to-go only and pre-made, grab-and-go tacos are available.

Wink — Limited food menu and wine available to-go. Menu changes daily at 5:30 pm. Call 512-482-8868 to order.

Yard Bar — Kitchen and bar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12-8 pm. Order online here for to-go or order delivery via third-party apps.

Yellow Jacket Social Club — To-go orders for food and alcohol. Menu available here or Instagram @yellowjacketsocialclub. Call 512-480-9572 to order.

Yuyo — Temporarily closed.

Z'Tejas — Limited menu available to-go or for delivery. Call 512-478-5355 for downtown location and 512-346-3506 for Arboretum location.

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Charming Austin suburb is the fastest-growing city in the country, plus more top stories

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Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From Georgetown to Brenham, and of course inside Austin proper, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Charming Austin suburb is the fastest-growing city in the country, with neighbors close behind. Georgetown had a 14.4-percent population increase from 2021 to 2022, bringing the city's total population to more than 86,500 residents.

2. Austin dethroned from top spot in new ranking of top summer travel destinations for 2023. Some Austinites are happy to hear the summer will be less crowded, but tourist revenue may suffer.

3. Lengendary Texas ranch resort makes waves on the market with $15 million price tag. It's a stretch to call it rustic, but this resort for sale includes horse stables, wildflowers, and an organic farm.

4. This is how big Austin apartments get for $1,500 a month. Unsurprisingly, it's not as much square footage as you can get elsewhere in Texas, but it's still not even close to Manhattan.

5. Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this holiday weekend. The Memorial Day weekend brings chances to try great barbecue, take a walk with faeries, and hear lots of live music.

Dip your toes into these 7 Austin pools with passes, snacks, and summer events

Wet Hot Austin Summer

Memorial Day is here, which means so are the days of sitting in a lounge chair and sweating while looking unreasonably fabulous. Whether it's to beat the summer heat or to show off a new swimsuit, Austinites may have more options than they think to take a swim at the many pools around town. Even if you haven't committed to an overnight stay, most hotels offer day passes, and some even offer other deals or poolside programming.

One great way to find passes not just to pools around town, but also to spas and other hotel amenities, is to browse ResortPass. (Not sponsored, just cool.) There are 26 Austin options on the site right now.

But we wanted to let you know what's going on beyond the pass — who will set you up for a great meal, who lets you drink out of a coconut, and whose views (or lack thereof) provide the best ambiance for your day off. Some of our choices aren't even on the platform.

Go grab your sandals, and save us a towel.

Greater Austin YMCA
Let's start with the less glamorous before we break out the poolside fashion. The YMCA is a family staple for a reason, and if your goal is just to get in the water regularly throughout the summer, especially with kids, it's a great place to start. There are "interactive hours" at the outdoor pools (more fun than swimming laps) at the East Communities, Hays Communities, Northwest Family, Southwest Family, and Springs Family YMCAs, as well as the YMCA at Camp Moody. The Y is semi-affordable; It would probably be cheaper to visit a hotel pool once or twice, but a Y membership includes a month of access, guest passes, and much more, and may replace your gym membership for the summer. $69 per month, with age and household discounts. austinymca.org

Hotel Van Zandt
If your pool visit doesn't include spritz and giggles, why are you even there? Hotel Van Zandt is opening up its stylish rooftop pool for the "Spritz & Giggles Poolside Happy Hour & Sunset Swim" event series. Every Monday through Thursday, visitors can enjoy $8 frozen Aperol spritzes, $8 specialty cocktails, and a special pool menu with items like a refreshing green salad, pork belly al pastor tacos, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich. Geraldine's, the main restaurant, is right inside for even better drinks, expanded bites, and sometimes live music. Starting at $48 per day for adults, $15 for kids. hotelvanzandt.com

Carpenter Hotel
If one day at the Carpenter Hotel pool is just not enough, the hotel has now added monthly passes. In addition to unlimited access to the secluded pool in the Zilker neighborhood, a pass gets a $30 discount for the new monthly BBQ Pool Parties (bringing attendance down to $25). That will include a great spread of less commonly seen barbecue items like grilled bay scallops, mushroom skewers, elotes, deviled potato salad, and more. Monthly pass holders also get to bring one child under 8 for free. $40 daily, $200 monthly. Both Monday through Thursday. carpenterhotel.com

South Congress Hotel
The South Congress Hotel is right in the middle of where many Austinites want to be on a summer day, if it weren't so dang hot. This rooftop pool solves that problem in style, with daily pool passes every day of the week, as well as cabana rentals. Café No Sé supplies poolside drinks and snacks, and downstairs, Austin's Best New Restaurant Maie Day offers a hearty meal after a day of napping in the sun. Cabanas can be rented for four people and include self-parking, bottled water, and a bottle of champagne or bucket of High Noon. Days for $40 and cabanas for $300 on weekdays; days for $75 and cabanas for $400 on weekends. southcongresshotel.com

Hotel Viata
Hotel Viata is a bit of a sleeper hotel among Austin boutiques, as it's located a little beyond West Lake Hills. Still, if you want a taste of Italy, the drive to this retreat will be worth it. Not to mention, with the extra room these downtown hotels can't offer, a pool pass includes access to a hot tub, fire pits, and great views of the hills around the city. Pool passes are available, but if you want to see it for free before you spend, wait for June 10; The hotel invites guests 21 and up to check out the pool for free at the "Summer Festa in Piscina" party, with a "Taste of Italy" add-on ($55) for Aperol Spritz, limoncello lemon drops, and negronis all day. $45 per day for adults, $25 for children. resortpass.com

Wax Myrtle's
This rooftop bar and pool is known for its never-ending events calendar, and of course that energy extends to poolside entertainment. There will be live music on the weekends, plus live DJ sets on Saturday nights, alongside whatever other programming happens to be going on inside. Even if it's a do-nothing day, these large, over-the-top drinks will give you a delicious challenge. The "Boot Scootin Fruity" mixes rum, an aperitivo, hibiscus, and lime in a cowboy hat punch bowl ($90); the luxe "Mojito 75" combines Moët & Chandon with rum and mojito must-haves in a disco ball ($230); and an unnamed cocktail is worth trying just to enjoy it from a real coconut. Starting at $15 for adults, $10 for children, and more for daybeds and cabanas. waxmyrtles.com

Austin Motel
Perhaps one of the best known pools in Austin for its retro vibes, fun events, and accessibility to on-foot wanderers is the Austin Motel. This is a great, less expensive choice that's probably more fun for casual pool revelers who would feel a little put out by having to dress up and behave in a more luxe hotel setting. There are also frequent poolside events at this motel, like the free "Bounce Motel" series with live DJs, or the body-positive "Chunky Dunk." The pool is offers daily passes every day, even when there's nothing on the calendar. $25 on weekdays, $45 on weekends, or $600 in three-and-a-half-month "waves." austinmotel.com

Photo by Andrea Calo

Austinites don't need to stay at a hotel to be invited to the pool. (Pictured: The Carpenter Hotel)

6 Austin museums are offering free admission for military families all summer long

spread the museum love

Half a dozen Austin museums are honoring active-duty military personnel and their families with free admission through the Blue Star Museums initiative, May 20 through September 4, 2023.

Established by the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums program annually provides military families free access to 2,000 museums nationwide throughout the summer. The program begins yearly on Armed Forces Day in May and ends on Labor Day.

Free admission is extended to personnel currently serving in the U.S Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard (including those in the Reserve), and all National Guardsman. Members of the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps are also included in the program.

Those who qualify can use their military ID to bring up to five family members – including relatives of those currently deployed. More information about qualifications can be found here.

There is no limit on the number of participating museums that qualifying families may visit. Admission for non-active military veterans, however, is not included.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts website, the initiative was created to help "improve the quality of life for active duty military families" with a specific focus on children. The site states two million have had a parent deployed since 2001.

"Blue Star Museums was created to show support for military families who have faced multiple deployments and the challenges of reintegration," the website says. "This program offers these families a chance to visit museums this summer when many will have limited resources and limited time to be together."

Among Austin's participating museums, the Blanton Museum of Art recently held its grand opening celebration to debut their new grounds, complete with a new large mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera.

“As a museum that has long been at the forefront of collecting work by artists of Latin American descent, as well as the place where Ellsworth Kelly realized his last great work of art, entering the collection at this moment marks a high point in my long career," Herrera said.

Here's a look at all the museums in Austin that participate in the Blue Star Museums initiative.

For those looking to take a drive around Central Texas, the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum and Taylor's Moody Museum are also participants in the Blue Star Museums initiative.

More information about Blue Star Museums and a full list of participants can be found on arts.gov.

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