Katrina’s guidebook
Food scene
Austin loves it's breakfast tacos and Veracruz doesn't disappoint - order online (often a decent wait on the weekend mornings) and walk through Patterson park and across Airport Blvd. to the food truck court (Mueller Trailer Eats). The coffee truck next door is a perfect match with breakfast tacos! Walk a few more steps and you can eat your tacos watching the ducks at Mueller Lake Park (a .5 mile walk from the house). $
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Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadAustin loves it's breakfast tacos and Veracruz doesn't disappoint - order online (often a decent wait on the weekend mornings) and walk through Patterson park and across Airport Blvd. to the food truck court (Mueller Trailer Eats). The coffee truck next door is a perfect match with breakfast tacos! Walk a few more steps and you can eat your tacos watching the ducks at Mueller Lake Park (a .5 mile walk from the house). $
A quick walk! Not just a coffee shop, this place has real roots in Austin and is great for it's outdoor atmosphere, beer selection, and a full menu with filling breakfasts, great burgers, tacos and po-boys. (.3 mile walk from the house) $
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Cherrywood Coffeehouse
1400 E 38th 1/2 StA quick walk! Not just a coffee shop, this place has real roots in Austin and is great for it's outdoor atmosphere, beer selection, and a full menu with filling breakfasts, great burgers, tacos and po-boys. (.3 mile walk from the house) $
This French-inspired gastropub has a great beer selection, and a relaxed European atmosphere. Get a private table in the back, hang out in the front pub area, or go to the back patio for dining al fresco. A rotating menu keeps things interesting. (EDIT: apparently they now have a liquor license!) $$
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Hopfields
3110 Guadalupe StThis French-inspired gastropub has a great beer selection, and a relaxed European atmosphere. Get a private table in the back, hang out in the front pub area, or go to the back patio for dining al fresco. A rotating menu keeps things interesting. (EDIT: apparently they now have a liquor license!) $$
Values-driven traditional Italian-inspired upscale dining. Nice for a fancy dinner out, this place has A+ cocktails and wine offerings, and the food can't be beat. $$$
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L'Oca d'Oro
1900 Simond AveValues-driven traditional Italian-inspired upscale dining. Nice for a fancy dinner out, this place has A+ cocktails and wine offerings, and the food can't be beat. $$$
If you want your grocery shopping to be an experience, this is your store. Top-notch produce section, great chef-prepared offerings... this is a specialty grocery store by H-E-B, but more upscale and comparable to Whole Foods in some ways.
This grocery store actually has a bandstand and hosts (very popular) live-music nights multiple times a week, popular with families and adjacent to 'Central Park' - a nice little outdoor circular trail through some historic live oaks and turtle ponds.
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdIf you want your grocery shopping to be an experience, this is your store. Top-notch produce section, great chef-prepared offerings... this is a specialty grocery store by H-E-B, but more upscale and comparable to Whole Foods in some ways.
This grocery store actually has a bandstand and hosts (very popular) live-music nights multiple times a week, popular with families and adjacent to 'Central Park' - a nice little outdoor circular trail through some historic live oaks and turtle ponds.
Launderette
2115 Holly StTrendy restaurant popular for brunch and dinner!
Mmmmm my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, and it's close by!
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El Chile Cafe y Cantina
1900 Manor RdMmmmm my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, and it's close by!
I keep hearing great things about this new seafood restaurant -the oysters and happy hour are said to be top-notch!
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Mongers
4119 Guadalupe StreetI keep hearing great things about this new seafood restaurant -the oysters and happy hour are said to be top-notch!
Stunningly beautiful - and splurgy- Tex Mex.. a very nice dining experience. They have a happy hour too! I hear a certain tech billionaire now local to Austin is a regular.
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Fonda San Miguel Restaurant
2330 W N Loop BlvdStunningly beautiful - and splurgy- Tex Mex.. a very nice dining experience. They have a happy hour too! I hear a certain tech billionaire now local to Austin is a regular.
This classic Tex Mex spot is smack dab in the center of South Congress hype, busy with good people watching when you're taking a break from exporting the shops on South Congress.
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Güero's Taco Bar
1412 S Congress AveThis classic Tex Mex spot is smack dab in the center of South Congress hype, busy with good people watching when you're taking a break from exporting the shops on South Congress.
Curra's has existed elsewhere in Austin for decades but is a newcomer to the small commercial neighborhood of Duval around 44rd/45th street in Hyde Park - casual Tex Mex known for avocado margaritas - and margarita pitchers .
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Curra's Hyde Park
4215 Duval StreetCurra's has existed elsewhere in Austin for decades but is a newcomer to the small commercial neighborhood of Duval around 44rd/45th street in Hyde Park - casual Tex Mex known for avocado margaritas - and margarita pitchers .
Ah. Justine's Brasserie.. another French gastropub on my list. This one's a classic, nice date night place.
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Justine's
4710 E 5th StAh. Justine's Brasserie.. another French gastropub on my list. This one's a classic, nice date night place.
Sightseeing
A chilly 68-70 degrees year-round, this huge spring-fed swimming pool with natural limestone floor has been a feature of Zilker Park for 100+ years. It is the heart and soul of the city and is open year-round.
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrA chilly 68-70 degrees year-round, this huge spring-fed swimming pool with natural limestone floor has been a feature of Zilker Park for 100+ years. It is the heart and soul of the city and is open year-round.
Outdoor sculpture garden on the water at Laguna Gloria - meandering trails take you to surprising outdoor art installations and scenic views. Check hours before you go; a $10 admission fee will also get you access to the Contemporary gallery downtown (waived for seniors and students)
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th StOutdoor sculpture garden on the water at Laguna Gloria - meandering trails take you to surprising outdoor art installations and scenic views. Check hours before you go; a $10 admission fee will also get you access to the Contemporary gallery downtown (waived for seniors and students)
Gorgeous lookout point - climb the huge limestone staircase to the top - where you can look out onto the hills and impressive neighborhoods of West Austin, watch the sunset and see excellent views of the night sky.
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Mount Bonnell
Gorgeous lookout point - climb the huge limestone staircase to the top - where you can look out onto the hills and impressive neighborhoods of West Austin, watch the sunset and see excellent views of the night sky.
A sweet park with gardens, ponds, and lots of peacocks! Hiking too if you care to explore.
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Park i prirodni rezervat Mayfield
3505 W 35th StA sweet park with gardens, ponds, and lots of peacocks! Hiking too if you care to explore.
This fountain on the UT campus... where do I start? This probably wouldn't be noted on some other guidebooks, but this is my guidebook. It's gorgeous and weird, with torch-bearing Goddess Columbia flanked by soldier and sailor, all being carried on her ship by mermen on.. mer-horses.. It's a lot of fountain. Completed in 1933, it's World War 1 memorial - thanks to the Italian sculptor Pompeo Coppini, who convinced university benefactor George Littlefield away from his initial plans to commission a Confederate monument... (eww)
The fountain sits at the entrance to the University's South-Mall, you can take the opportunity to explore the '6-pack' buildings, view the UT Tower (yes.. that one), and generally the older, original areas of the 40-acres. Take note of the ornate decorations at the tops of these old limestone buildings. And if you look carefully you may spot some of the entrances to the original hidden tunnels which run under the campus...
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Littlefield Fountain
201 W 21st StThis fountain on the UT campus... where do I start? This probably wouldn't be noted on some other guidebooks, but this is my guidebook. It's gorgeous and weird, with torch-bearing Goddess Columbia flanked by soldier and sailor, all being carried on her ship by mermen on.. mer-horses.. It's a lot of fountain. Completed in 1933, it's World War 1 memorial - thanks to the Italian sculptor Pompeo Coppini, who convinced university benefactor George Littlefield away from his initial plans to commission a Confederate monument... (eww)
The fountain sits at the entrance to the University's South-Mall, you can take the opportunity to explore the '6-pack' buildings, view the UT Tower (yes.. that one), and generally the older, original areas of the 40-acres. Take note of the ornate decorations at the tops of these old limestone buildings. And if you look carefully you may spot some of the entrances to the original hidden tunnels which run under the campus...
"The Greenbelt' is an interconnected hiking trail that gets you out in nature and close to water. Several different access points/points of interest, personally am most familiar with Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. (Sometimes there's enough water to splash and swim, sometimes not: check out http://www.greenbeltnow.com/ to find out) Regardless, is favorite Austin hang out for exploring a bit of urban wilderness: https://austinparks.org/park/barton-creek-greenbelt/
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Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas Highway"The Greenbelt' is an interconnected hiking trail that gets you out in nature and close to water. Several different access points/points of interest, personally am most familiar with Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. (Sometimes there's enough water to splash and swim, sometimes not: check out http://www.greenbeltnow.com/ to find out) Regardless, is favorite Austin hang out for exploring a bit of urban wilderness: https://austinparks.org/park/barton-creek-greenbelt/
Zach Theatre
202 S Lamar BlvdOur premier local theater company!
Shopping
Our special bookstore! This place has it all. Downtown at 6th and Lamar.
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BookPeople
603 N Lamar BlvdOur special bookstore! This place has it all. Downtown at 6th and Lamar.
An exceptional grocery store not far from the house. Top-notch produce section, great chef-prepared offerings... this is a specialty grocery store by H-E-B, but more upscale and comparable to Whole Foods in some ways. If you ask me where to buy groceries, this is where I send you. (I suggest skipping the Fiesta on 38 1/2)
Central Market even has a bandstand and hosts live-music nights multiple times a week near its playground, popular with families, dancers, and adjacent to 'Central Park' - a nice little outdoor circular trail through some historic live oaks and turtle ponds.
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdAn exceptional grocery store not far from the house. Top-notch produce section, great chef-prepared offerings... this is a specialty grocery store by H-E-B, but more upscale and comparable to Whole Foods in some ways. If you ask me where to buy groceries, this is where I send you. (I suggest skipping the Fiesta on 38 1/2)
Central Market even has a bandstand and hosts live-music nights multiple times a week near its playground, popular with families, dancers, and adjacent to 'Central Park' - a nice little outdoor circular trail through some historic live oaks and turtle ponds.
An upscale outdoor shopping mall, well-designed, has a fine selection of restaurants and upscale brands and department stores including Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. There is a 'north' and a south' mall, most likely you'd drive to get from one to the other.
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The Domain
11410 Century Oaks TerraceAn upscale outdoor shopping mall, well-designed, has a fine selection of restaurants and upscale brands and department stores including Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. There is a 'north' and a south' mall, most likely you'd drive to get from one to the other.
If you're up for a drive to San Marcos, an expansive factory outlet outdoor shopping mall of name-brand stores known for good deals on merchandise.
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San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35If you're up for a drive to San Marcos, an expansive factory outlet outdoor shopping mall of name-brand stores known for good deals on merchandise.
Whole Foods Market is in fact headquartered right here in ATX and this downtown location is the masthead and a bit of an experience. Several bars/restaurants inside, and a playground outside & up the stairs.
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Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdWhole Foods Market is in fact headquartered right here in ATX and this downtown location is the masthead and a bit of an experience. Several bars/restaurants inside, and a playground outside & up the stairs.
Entertainment
This booming dinner-movie theater company has it's origins here in Austin. A unique preshow experience is shown in the half hour before showtime, with a curated selection of unique film footage themed to the upcoming movie (and not just the current blockbusters!). Many special events and screenings, with an order-from your-seats menu, the Alamo Drafthouse brand is rapidly expending into other states, but has it's origins here in Austin. (0.5 walk or short drive to Mueller)
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mueller
1911 Aldrich StThis booming dinner-movie theater company has it's origins here in Austin. A unique preshow experience is shown in the half hour before showtime, with a curated selection of unique film footage themed to the upcoming movie (and not just the current blockbusters!). Many special events and screenings, with an order-from your-seats menu, the Alamo Drafthouse brand is rapidly expending into other states, but has it's origins here in Austin. (0.5 walk or short drive to Mueller)
More than a unique bar setting, the largely outdoor seating area is also a natural butterfly habitat, and a relic of keeping Austin weird. A sister company to The Vortex Repertory theatre with many experimental (and eyebrow-raising) performances, as well as Patrizi's, a scratch-made Italian-American food truck, complete with red-and-white-checkered-tablecloths, add to the outdoor ambiance.
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The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdMore than a unique bar setting, the largely outdoor seating area is also a natural butterfly habitat, and a relic of keeping Austin weird. A sister company to The Vortex Repertory theatre with many experimental (and eyebrow-raising) performances, as well as Patrizi's, a scratch-made Italian-American food truck, complete with red-and-white-checkered-tablecloths, add to the outdoor ambiance.
The classic honkytonk in Austin - great for people watching and partner dancing!
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Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdThe classic honkytonk in Austin - great for people watching and partner dancing!
Neighborhoods
Just a cute little commercial intersection of classic Austin - Hyde Park is one of the older neighborhood developments, lots of craftsman-style homes and old Austin giving way to some newer development. Among the local businesses nestled in here, you'll find:
- Quack's 43rd Street Bakery (popular with students studying and good for cupcakes, pastries, and their smartly-designed sugar cookies, plus some food offerings
- Fortress - handcrafted leather shoes, a new addition to this little area with some really nicely designed footwear, quality products
- Antonelli's Cheese House - extra bougie cheese store, offers some events and classes, and charcuterie boards.
- Julio's Cafe - friendly little Mexican cafe with yummy enchiladas - I 'm told they now accept credit cards!
East 43rd Street & Duval Street
Just a cute little commercial intersection of classic Austin - Hyde Park is one of the older neighborhood developments, lots of craftsman-style homes and old Austin giving way to some newer development. Among the local businesses nestled in here, you'll find:
- Quack's 43rd Street Bakery (popular with students studying and good for cupcakes, pastries, and their smartly-designed sugar cookies, plus some food offerings
- Fortress - handcrafted leather shoes, a new addition to this little area with some really nicely designed footwear, quality products
- Antonelli's Cheese House - extra bougie cheese store, offers some events and classes, and charcuterie boards.
- Julio's Cafe - friendly little Mexican cafe with yummy enchiladas - I 'm told they now accept credit cards!
Walking distance from the house - this newly-built mixed-use area was designed and built over the remnants of the old airport, this place is really built for people (and families) to enjoy. Walk around the small lake, see the ducks, check out the playgrounds if you have little ones, various shops, restaurants, and new businesses and employers popping up here - all close to chockablock urban living. Some highlights:
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Loco D'Oro Italian restaurant ($$$)
- The Thinkery children's museum
- food truck area
- Sunday farmer's market
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Mueller
Walking distance from the house - this newly-built mixed-use area was designed and built over the remnants of the old airport, this place is really built for people (and families) to enjoy. Walk around the small lake, see the ducks, check out the playgrounds if you have little ones, various shops, restaurants, and new businesses and employers popping up here - all close to chockablock urban living. Some highlights:
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Loco D'Oro Italian restaurant ($$$)
- The Thinkery children's museum
- food truck area
- Sunday farmer's market
An odd little stretch of 53rd street that hosts a number of vintage shops and a strong counter-culture bent.
- Possom Park - vegan food trucks
- Room Service Vintage - eclectic mix of retro home furnishings
- Monkey Wrench Books - a community-run radical bookstore
-Forbidden Fruit - keeping Austin kinky
- Blue Velvet Vintage - vintage clothing
- Breakaway Records - for your vinyl connection
- Drink. Well - nice spot for well-made cocktails and upscale snacking
- Tigress Pub - also great cocktails
- Home Slice - the BEST New York Style Pizza
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North Loop IBIZ District
An odd little stretch of 53rd street that hosts a number of vintage shops and a strong counter-culture bent.
- Possom Park - vegan food trucks
- Room Service Vintage - eclectic mix of retro home furnishings
- Monkey Wrench Books - a community-run radical bookstore
-Forbidden Fruit - keeping Austin kinky
- Blue Velvet Vintage - vintage clothing
- Breakaway Records - for your vinyl connection
- Drink. Well - nice spot for well-made cocktails and upscale snacking
- Tigress Pub - also great cocktails
- Home Slice - the BEST New York Style Pizza
Classic Austin shopping destination. Lots of shops, vendors, food trucks... there's a whole happy infectious atmosphere here on sunny weekend afternoons.
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South Congress
Classic Austin shopping destination. Lots of shops, vendors, food trucks... there's a whole happy infectious atmosphere here on sunny weekend afternoons.
Bars, clubs and restaurants! This little area popped up in the last decade or so as a favorite area for bar-hopping. Usually blocked off from traffic on the weekends, this is a great walkable area for getting drinks and people watching - heavy on the nightlife atmosphere. Food trucks too!
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Rainey Street
Rainey StreetBars, clubs and restaurants! This little area popped up in the last decade or so as a favorite area for bar-hopping. Usually blocked off from traffic on the weekends, this is a great walkable area for getting drinks and people watching - heavy on the nightlife atmosphere. Food trucks too!
'Dirty 6th.' This street is often compared to New Orleans' Bourbon Street and historically closed to traffic on the weekends on account of the crowded swarm of drunken college students in search of the sirens' call of "TWO DOLLAR SHOTS!!!" Sadly not quite as compelling as it's pre-covid grandeur.. many of the establishments now boarded over. After you check this one out, hail a pedicab over to nearby Rainey Street, also on this list.
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West 6th Street
West 6th Street'Dirty 6th.' This street is often compared to New Orleans' Bourbon Street and historically closed to traffic on the weekends on account of the crowded swarm of drunken college students in search of the sirens' call of "TWO DOLLAR SHOTS!!!" Sadly not quite as compelling as it's pre-covid grandeur.. many of the establishments now boarded over. After you check this one out, hail a pedicab over to nearby Rainey Street, also on this list.
A classic little stretch of South Austin with classic hippie/bohemian vibes, unique little shops. Some old, some new.
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South 1st Street
South 1st StreetA classic little stretch of South Austin with classic hippie/bohemian vibes, unique little shops. Some old, some new.
Bars
Kitty Cohen's
2211 Webberville RdA great little eastside bar with a kitsch 70's theme
THE classic honkytonk in Austin - great for people watching and partner dancing!
From the website (06/2022):
DANCE LESSONS ARE BACK!!!
Terri White - Dance Instructor
Wednesday - Saturday 8-9PM!!
Dancehall opens at 7:30pm Wednesday - Saturday
ALL AGES WELCOME! WE DO REQUIRE MINORS TO BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A PARENT.
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Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar BlvdTHE classic honkytonk in Austin - great for people watching and partner dancing!
From the website (06/2022):
DANCE LESSONS ARE BACK!!!
Terri White - Dance Instructor
Wednesday - Saturday 8-9PM!!
Dancehall opens at 7:30pm Wednesday - Saturday
ALL AGES WELCOME! WE DO REQUIRE MINORS TO BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A PARENT.
More than a unique bar setting, the largely outdoor seating area is also a natural butterfly habitat, and a relic of keeping Austin weird. A sister company to The Vortex Repertory theatre with many experimental (and eyebrow-raising) performances, as well as Patrizi's, a scratch-made Italian-American food truck, complete with red-and-white-checkered-tablecloths, add to the outdoor ambiance.
145 preporuka/e lokalaca
The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdMore than a unique bar setting, the largely outdoor seating area is also a natural butterfly habitat, and a relic of keeping Austin weird. A sister company to The Vortex Repertory theatre with many experimental (and eyebrow-raising) performances, as well as Patrizi's, a scratch-made Italian-American food truck, complete with red-and-white-checkered-tablecloths, add to the outdoor ambiance.
A++ cocktails in this swanky bar. I think the owner Justin was once on the cover of GQ or something.
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The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th StA++ cocktails in this swanky bar. I think the owner Justin was once on the cover of GQ or something.
A hidden gem: superb cocktails and charming decor at this speakeasy bar; look for the door with a 'V' leading upstairs)
Check hours before you go; June 2022:
HOURS OF OPERATION
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
5PM - AFTER MIDNIGHT
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Small Victory
108 E 7th StA hidden gem: superb cocktails and charming decor at this speakeasy bar; look for the door with a 'V' leading upstairs)
Check hours before you go; June 2022:
HOURS OF OPERATION
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
5PM - AFTER MIDNIGHT
My favorite cocktail bar on Rainey Street - order off the menu or tell the bartender what you like (savory, sweet, boozy, etc) and they'll make something special.
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Half Step
75 1/2 Rainey StMy favorite cocktail bar on Rainey Street - order off the menu or tell the bartender what you like (savory, sweet, boozy, etc) and they'll make something special.
One of the very first bars to pop up on Rainey a little more than a decade ago, paving the way for massive change on what was a sleepy little residential street. Casual spot good for a beer, a yard game, and ordering food from the on site food truck (last visit was a chicken wing place)
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Lustre Pearl
94 Rainey StOne of the very first bars to pop up on Rainey a little more than a decade ago, paving the way for massive change on what was a sleepy little residential street. Casual spot good for a beer, a yard game, and ordering food from the on site food truck (last visit was a chicken wing place)