Best of Austin 2011

Austin, don't panic. TC's, the blues bar you knew and loved, may be gone, but you can still swing by the old place and savor a slow beer and some good music at its new incarnation, the Sahara Lounge. Ibrahim Aminou saw it in a dream, and now he and the rest of his family of musicians own one of Austin's most magical corners. Except for some West African flare and a sweet new outdoor area, the bar is the same as ever. The calendar is packed with local bands (welcome back, Monday night blues) and DJs, plus a barbecue trailer is parked out front. It's still the epitome of a classic Texas juke joint, holding its own on the edge of town.