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By George
photograph by Kenny Braun
Audio/MusicAlpha Music Center (83) 611 W. 29th, 477-5009. Looking for the words to "Whoomp, There It Is"? Need the guitar tablature for "Classical Gas"? Look no further, Liberace; if they don't have it, chances are they can get it. Sheet music for all occasions.
Antone's Records (226) 2928 Guadalupe, 322-0660. Sister to the historic blues bar of the same name, this store boasts a killer selection of old records -- specializing in, you guessed it, the blues. Proficient staff will help the blues-deficient and those new to the local scene.
CD Warehouse (24) 2001-B Guadalupe, 477-3475. Mainly dealing in the purchase and sale of used CDs, they also offer a limited selection of new merchandise.
Disc Go Round (25) Dobie Mall, 2nd floor,
2021 Guadalupe, 479-7779. Amid the wide variety of CDs, new, used, indie, and mainstream, crops up an unusual selection of world music, brought to Austin by small-time importers, the foreign exchange students at UT. Six listening stations and a large poster collection.Duval Discs (226) 2928 Guadalupe, 236-1655. The backbone to any good used CD palace is having the latest releases before they're released (who sez there's too many rock critics in this town?), and on this front, no Austin music store is timelier than Duval Discs, which, in its new location on Guadalupe is no longer aptly named, but still sports a fine selection and friendly clerks.
Sound Exchange (D1) 2100 Guadalupe,
476-2274. Gimme indie rock! One of Austin's best all-around record stores: great used selection, cool zine variety, collectible posters, curmudgeonly sales staff, and vinyl, vinyl, vinyl.Stashus Mule Records (261) 3701 Guadalupe,
451-4808. Cool little store tucked away in a strip center where you'd least expect to find bargains and collectibles.Technophilia (D36) 2418 Guadalupe, 477-1812. Techno! Techno! Techno! Techno! Their new Drag location opening soon, recently relocated from the Bluebonnet Plaza.
Thirty-Three Degrees Records and CDs (264) 2821 San Jacinto, 476-7333. At what temperature do true music geeks thrive? Thirty-Three Degrees, of course, the true Austinite hipster's alternative to alternative to alternative to commercial, corporate meltdown.
Tower Records (D32) 2402 Guadalupe, 478-5711. Regular, free in-store performances from touring artists make this chain less chain-y.
Books, etc.Asel Art Supply (17) 218 W. MLK, 477-1762.
A Luddite paradise, Asel's offers an astounding array of art, drafting, and graphic supplies and tools, in an amazingly small space.Bevo's Bookstore (25) Dobie Mall, 1st floor, 2021 Guadalupe, 476-0013. Baby Bevo: Son of Bevo's on the Drag.
Bevo's Bookstore (D22) 2304 Guadalupe,
476-7642. Aside from the academic accessories, Bevo's boasts a bullish line of UT goods and apparal.Bookmarket (25) Dobie Mall, 2nd floor,
2021 Guadalupe, 499-8708. Specializes in used scholarly books.Folk Tales (105) 1806 Nueces, 472-5657. Exquisite collection of African-American books, posters, T-shirts, and cards. Folk Tales hosts the occasional reading and author signing, as well.
FringeWare (71) 2716 Guadalupe, 494-9273. They don't let the N.Y. Times tell `em what to sell. For sophisticated readers who like UFOlogy next to their Faulkner. Cutting-edge pop culture criticism, H.R. Giger, and tons of alt-culture mags.
Funny Papers (25) Dobie Mall, 1st floor,
2021 Guadalupe, 478-9718. Patrons and employees enjoy cafe-like camraderie and chat about role playing, collectible cards, and miniature war games. See Han Solo in life-size carbon casing.Half-Price Books, Records, Magazines
(246) 3110 Guadalupe, 451-4463. In a town full of books, this browser-friendly mainstay has some of the best deals on kids' titles, classics, textbooks, and computer ware.http://www.halfpricebooks.com/
Lobo (249) 3204-A Guadalupe, 454-5406. For the out and about or barely out, here's Austin's premier gay bookstore. Great cards and novelty items, too. Check out their selection of anatomically compelling "Billy" dolls.
News & Smokes (249) 3208 Guadalupe, 454-9100. Extensive selection of magazines, newspapers, and discounted tobacco products of both domestic and international stripes.
Texas Textbooks (D27) 2338 Guadalupe,
478-9833. It's Textbooks. It's Texas. Book `em Horns.University Co-Op East (301) 2902 Medical Arts, 472-6156. This sister store of the big textbook standard on the Drag offers a great line of fine art supplies and groovy papers. Specializes in Law and Nursing textbooks. Cool UT tower lamp highlights their upscale Longhorns novelties.
http://www.coop-bookstore.com/
University Co-op (D20) 2244 Guadalupe,
476-7211. Newly relocated (next door), the Co-op has dropped their general book selection (wail!), but remains independent as one of the area's finest text suppliers.http://www.coop-bookstore.com/
Variety Comics (206) 2801-A Guadalupe,
457-0071. Classic Silver and Golden Age comics, adult, and independent. Buy, sell, trade.
Cards, GiftsAny Occasion (D46) 2530 Guadalupe, 478-2255. Customized cards and gifts for Greek siblings and UT fans. Party props.
Atomic City (114) 1700 San Antonio, 477-0293. "Where America Shops," as they say.... Various and sundry pop-culture items and toys, postcards, and a world-famous shoe selection.
Batakoto (25) Dobie Mall, 1st floor, 2021 Guadalupe, 505-0199. Sculptures, masks, gifts, and jewelry to decorate your place or you.
The Cadeau (D24) 2316 Guadalupe, 477-7276. One of the Drag's prime shopping destinations. Their line of housewares and gifts will make any dump look like a palace.
Ecoworks (255) 3407 Guadalupe, 371-7505. Chic, eco-friendly store replete with interesting baubles and original knick-knacks, plus cards and an inventory well-suited for the task of finding that perfect gift.
Enchanted Florist (124) 1616 Lavaca,
477-3996. Full-service florist specializing in plant arrangements.Momoko (35) 705 W. 24th, 469-0232. Japanese imports, trinkets, and gifts.
Pitchforks & Tablespoons (321) 2113 Manor Rd. 494-1464. The sister shopping nook of the Eastside Cafe. You'll find all sorts of garden-themed gifts, pewter bugs, miniature wagons, and the like.
Renaissance Market (D21) 23rd & Guadalupe. 140 local artists sell original arts & crafts seven days a week, in the rain, sleet, and (rare) snow. An Austin tradition since the early Seventies.
Texas Blooms (25) Dobie Mall, 1st floor, 2021 Guadalupe, 474-7719. Carries a large variety of orange and white flowers for those of you who like to express your school pride in florals.
Toy Joy (215) 2900 Guadalupe, 320-0090. Like Toys R Us on acid. This fun-loving and sometimes twisted toy store is fun-plus for kids and adults alike.
Clothing/AccessoriesAl's Formal Wear (81) 2828 Guadalupe,
472-1697. Tuxedo sales and rentals.Atomic City (114) 1700 San Antonio, 477-0293. "Where America Shops," as they say.... Various and sundry pop-culture items and toys, postcards, and a world-famous shoe selection.
Austin Hemp Company (253)
3401 Guadalupe, 302-1088. You can rope it, weave it, sit on it... do a million things with it... it's all hemp and it's all legal. Austin Hemp Co. takes imported fabric and makes lovely, airy clothing for you to buy.Banana Bay Clothing (276)
2908 San Gabriel, 479-8608. Free-fitting, gauzy, and cotton print clothing ideal for summer wear. But don't call them Banana Republic.Baraka Clothing Exchange (233) 502 W. 30th, 494-1919. Trade this week's fashions for next.
Blue Velvet (306) 3203 Red River, 474-5147. Thrift can sometimes mean grift, but this flashy vintage clothing store sports chic duds for all you fly daddies. Too much drama for yo' mama.
Buffalo Exchange (221) 2904 Guadalupe,
480-9922. Vintage clothing and trades.By George (273) 2905 San Gabriel, 472-5951. Clothing for the chic, beautiful, and thin. Most of its polyester, silk, and velvet hip-huggers might be economically off-limits for some college hipsters -- but the store maintains fabulous deals on its upscale line with regular 50% off sales.
By George (D25) 2324 Guadalupe, 472-2731.
By George for Men (D28) 2346 Guadalupe, 472-5536. Swank men's clothing.
Capitol Saddlery (123) 1614 Lavaca, 478-9309. Don't have a horse? They also deal in luggage, boots, and shoes.
Eclectic Eyewear (D41) 2510 Guadalupe,
472-5881. Not your grandfather's spectacles: fashion frames from Harley Davidson, Calvin Klein, Cherokee, and Armani.Gap (D31) 2354 Guadalupe, 482-0355. The nation's most generic™ clothing store has been here so long, it almost seems like an old-timer on the increasingly mall-icious Drag.
Garb-a-Go-Go (18) 1906 Guadalupe, 708-1556. If Scarlet had vinyl drapes and a penchant for hot pants and crop tops, this is where she would shop. They also have an amazing selection of glitter-goo.
Gaud Awful Thrift (D7) 2118 Guadalupe. Once you've outfitted your bod with duds from Good Gaud, complete the theme with housewares and other junque.
Good Gaud Clothing (D6) 2118 Guadalupe. Wacky before wacky was wacky and Seventies before just about anybody (`cept maybe Travolta!). Good Lord.
In-Step European Footwear (239)
3105 Guadalupe, 476-5110. Specializes in Birkenstocks and other comfy European footwear.Johnstone Made to Measure (273)
2905 San Gabriel, 478-5637. Johnstone Made to Measure carries products well worth their cost. They specialize in custom-made shirts of both traditional and foreign fabrics -- shirts so fitting and classy, they'll lend star power to any wallflower.Manju's India Imports (D38)
2424 Guadalupe, 474-0637. Colorful and free-flowing skirts for summer, plus some fancy and daring nightwear. Also some unique and particularly jangly jewelry, all at moderate prices.Movin' Easy (233) 502 W. 30th, 474-0980. Find your red slippers here. Conveniently located across the street from the Austin Ballet, this store features a great selection of dancewear and apparel.
Nomadic Notions (D39) 2426 Guadalupe,
478-6200. Build your own Renaissance Market. This import and bead shop boasts a fabulous array of tools for jewels. Also lots of carved things -- dragons, African masks, Buddha statues, and soapstone knick-knacks.Renaissance Market (D21) 23rd & Guadalupe. Hand-made beadworks, tapestries, and jewelry tie-dye for. Local vendors set up shop daily on the drag's friendly outdoor market.
Service Menswear (25) Dobie Mall, 1st floor, 2021 Guadalupe, 476-1672. Located on second floor near north entrance of Dobie mall; specializing in menswear, both new and vintage; keychains, stickers & wacky toys.
Sunglass Hut (D30) 2350 Guadalupe, 494-0014. The future's so bright...Tamarind Vintage (262) 104-B E. 31st,
469-5852. Co-op of six dealers, with retro and vintage clothing, furniture, housewares, and collectibles from the Fifties to the Seventies.The Texas Clothier (273) 2905 San Gabriel, 478-4956. Tailored clothing for men along with a fine selection of sharp shoeware.
Urban Outfitters (D34) 2406 Guadalupe,472-1621. Trendy imported wares to soften the corners of that empty apartment. Brightly colored rugs and kitchen accessories, kooky bathroom reading, and offbeat clothing. Pay your rent first -- not a bargain store.
Whole Earth Provision Company (54) 2410 San Antonio, 478-1577. Wonderfully crunchy, quality outdoor gear for aspiring and seasoned adventurers. This globally-conscious company has been an Austin institution since the early Seventies. They also peddle foreverlasting clothing and Science n’ Nature-type gifts.
http://www.hyperweb.com/wepco/
Convenience/Variety7-Eleven (62) 2600 Guadalupe, 474-0885.
7-Eleven (110) 1814 Guadalupe, 474-6641.
7-Eleven (116) 408 W. 15th, 474-1060.
C Mart (50) 2400 Rio Grande, 476-5071.
Campus Store (A) Texas Union, 24th & Guadalupe, 475-6662. School supplies, beverages, and ice cream sandwiches.
http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/cstore/
Campus Store (H) Jester Center, 475-6662.
Cash America Pawn (251) 3402 Guadalupe, 459-7021. ...aka, the mailing address for Austin musicians between gigs.
Chevron Food Mart (210) 2817 Guadalupe, 476-5516.
Eckerd's (229) 2927 Guadalupe, 474-2323.
Eckerd's (D19) 2222 Guadalupe, 477-4641.
Grande Food Mart (77) 2706 Rio Grande,
495-9764. Formerly Pronto, this food mart is still just as big and just as fast. A short cut to your beer, wine, and kegs.Malik's Food Mart (320) 2101 Manor Rd.,
no phone. This unassuming little convenience store has an impressive variety of snack and drink. Our out-of-town guests were more impressed by the drive-thru beer.MD Pharmacy (140) 1701 Lavaca, 472-3213. Grandma's favorite pharmacy since 1946. It's possible that they still carry lemon verbena.
Nau's Pharmacy (46) 2406 San Gabriel,
476-1544. A traditional, old-fashioned, mom & pop drug store with soda fountain/diner, office supplies, and a decent selection of cards and gifts. Not many of these places left.Quix (268) 2805 San Jacinto, 477-4259. Convenient and quick. Spelling needs improvement.
Quonset Hut (209) 2815-B Fruth, 494-1162.
Army surplus retail store.Speedway Market (262) 104 E. 31st, 469-0826.
Stop `n Go (218) 620 W. 29th, 477-7965.
Housewares, etc.Breed & Co. (220) 718 W. 29th, 474-6679. The ideal place for those perfectly off-kilter knick-knacks and those perfectly awful knicks. Housewares and hardwares never had it so good.
Danforth's Antiques & Gifts (122) 1612 Lavaca, 478-7808. Offering the finest in tchotches rescued from Great-Aunt Sadie's attic.
Oat Willie's (83) 617 W. 29th, 482-0630. Quirky, colorful bedding and housewares, crunchy-style: eco-friendly, tie-dyed, and au naturelle. No razors here. But they do show-case some interesting paraphernalia for your, uhh, nicotine.
SexAll-Star News & Video (20) 1910 Guadalupe, 474-4711. You must be over 18 just to walk in the door. Video arcades, rentals, magazines, and ehem, marital aids.
Dreamer's (315) 3401 N. I-35, 469-0539. As they say in the U.K.: Video nasties! Adult video and naughty novelties with one of the most helpful and informed crews in the biz.
Pleasure Land (83) 613 W. 29th, 478-0442. The name doesn't lie. Austin's own adult movie rental. You can even satisfy your prurient curiosity by previewing the films on the premises for a mere nickel.
ViceBud Stone's Pipe Shop (24)
2001-A Guadalupe, 474-4900. We think the name of this recent Drag addition might be a double entendre.Centennial (227) 2932 Guadalupe, 478-4646.Local liquor store within stumbling distance from campus; low on beer but high on wine selection, from swanky Dom Perignon to the three-buck Saturday night specials.
Dan's Liquor & Wine (119) 1600 Lavaca,
478-5423. Great selection. They often have sales on glassware bearing your favorite liquor logo.Junior's Beer & Wine (87) 705 W. 29th,
474-9724. This spare, drive-thru beer and wine store upgraded to cigars last year, but Junior's will always be known for what it does best: deliver kegs to folks who should stay put and float that pony.Oat Willie's (83) 617 W. 29th, 482-0630. Quirky, colorful bedding and housewares crunchy-style: eco-friendly, tie-dyed, and au naturelle. No razors here. But they do showcase some interesting paraphernalia for your, uh, nicotine.
Party Barn (250) 3300 Guadalupe, 451-8508. Convenient drive-thru alcohol.
Pipes Plus (54) Bluebonnet Plaza, 504 W. 24th,
478-7236. Mmmmmmmm... the fresh aroma of tobacco. We are happy to hear they are not leaving their charming, Bluebonnet Plaza digs. Great selection and terrific counter help.Select Cigar Shop (D5) 2116 Guadalupe,
469-5890. Recent upscale addition to the decidedly slacker aura of Quackenbush's. Plush velvet and leather seats lend a serenity to such deliciously stinky indulgence.
Original publication date: 8/29/97
Last udpated online: 8/29/97
