Originally posted by SneakyPete
6th Street is where all the clubs and bars are.
I second that. Lots of good clubs around; they shut down 6th street at night (on weekends?) to road traffic. way cool. You can probably just walk from one place to another to another to another... you may want to check out 1) The Library, 2) Polly Esther's (though that may have closed...), ummm... there are others... really, just go there and walk around... you're sure to find some sort of music you like.
Also if you're
not a vegetarian I suggest getting someone to take you to
The Salt Lick for dinner, which has all you can eat BBQ. It's excellent. They also have a booth in the Austin Airport, for you to "snack" on during your AUS->DFW or AUS->Houston flight (if you're flying).
If you've got time, take a tour through the history (of Texas) museum. or go out to Gruene music hall for some bad-ass bluegrass. and if you think like,
breakdancing is impressive... you should see these people do
swing. JEEEBUS.
Other excellent restaurants are: Shady Grove, Ze Tejas (pricey), The Oasis (best view at sunset) and Hula Hut where you can have a 'hammers only' crab meal. Oh, oh... and go get a "Monster Burrito" from Freebird's. also, any "mexican" place you walk into will give you good food. just remember 1) salsa is hot, pico de gala is cold. 2) Dos Equis goes best with lime. They also have some amazing sushi restaurants.
take sandals. and shorts. Sure it's December, but it's probably about 20 down there.
Beer selection:
STAY AWAY from anything that may look remotely 'canadian', a la Moosehead. Apparently we only ship the stuff that isn't fit to drink. Get a Fat Tire beer, or Black Cat (it's spicey... good with catfish or southern-fried steak)
Also, you might want to go to a beer barn just for the experience. and you probably want to rent some sort of SUV for touring around, if at all possible. like a Jimmy or something.
also, for the love of god, don't actually say "Y'all" to anyone if you can help it. Imagine every single fucking canadian in a sitcom that says "eh" (that' how you know he's Canadian). That's about the same thing. you will probably get punched in the face.
Also to keep in mind: The population of the Univeristy of Texas rivals some large cities in Canada. While in Austin, you should get used to the expression "Go Longhorns", and a large number of 'twentysomething' people that own beemers. and landrovers.
And of course, Plan 'B' is to just keep on given'er.
links:
http://www.austincityguide.com
http://www.austin360.com
