austin lifestyle

Downtown Austin Link Roundup

Jude Galligan | June 24, 2011 |

The news didn’t stop to take a breath this week, at least as it relates to downtown Austin. Lots of announcements, lots of speculation. These are the stories we’re following.

1) 219 West is moving from Warehouse district to West 6th Street, into the old Union Park space. (link)

2) In “how will they fit it in there?” news: a proposed tower between Shoal Creek and Spring Condos, behind Tiniest Bar In Texas. (link) UPDATE: Zoning change approved (link)

3) The White Lodging Hotel on Congress Ave isn’t the only proposed hotel. In fact, there’s another player looking at the lot next to the Palm School, and they are not seeking any fee waivers. (link)

4) Austin City Council delays vote on the White Lodging (“Mega Hotel”) fee waivers. (link)

5) Permanent supportive housing should not be placed near other social services (link)

6) Gables Republic Park says they won’t build soon, or at least until Travis County gets a clear vision on its new downtown courthouse site. (link)

Second Bar + Kitchen in Downtown Austin

AG | June 18, 2011 |

Second Bar + Kitchen is aptly named for it’s Congress Ave @ Second Street location. But don’t think for a second that the food isn’t first-rate (wakka wakka!).

On a whim, I ventured over to Second a couple of Sundays ago (after a morning coffee at the Austonian’s Caffe Medici) and was pleasantly surprised by the food and the atmosphere of the restaurant. I was seated on the second story, which was a small, covered balcony with simple tables and faux grass carpeting: [Read more…] about Second Bar + Kitchen in Downtown Austin

Is Austin Bicycle Theft On The Rise?

dab | May 30, 2011 |

There were more bike thefts reported in the heart of downtown Austin during the first five months of 2011, compared to 2010, according to city police records I compiled. However, reports are down in the South Congress area.

I know this because I decided to do my best Council Member Chris Riley impression — sans silver hair — and work on reducing my car usage in favor of pedal power to commute to the Capitol area. I bought a bike over the weekend, did some research and promptly shelled out another $200 for accessories, aimed mostly at anti-theft.

Downtown Austin Home Bicycle Tour (Free Tickets – $44 Value)

AG | April 20, 2011 |

We are awarding 2 free tickets ($44 value) to 1 lucky DAB reader for this AWESOME bike tour happening this Saturday, April 23rd, beginning at 9:30AM. MEET UP AT WHOLE FOODS ON LAMAR. Winner will also receive 2 FREE Downtown Austin Blog t-shirts (priceless?)! [Read more…] about Downtown Austin Home Bicycle Tour (Free Tickets – $44 Value)