It's like some opium-fueled steampunk dream, the interior of this posh eatery and bar that incorporates the industrial and fine-art metalwork of owner Mickie Spencer and features a few big works by mad-scientist sculptor Steve Brudniak. Such a setting's an oddly compelling fit for the locally sourced weekly menus of Executive Chef Sonya Cote, the potent handmade concoctions and mixological miracles wrangled from unique spirits and native herbs by executive barkeep Chauncy James, and the crowds of savvy foodies who've turned the sweetly lit joint into a mealtime and music-gig mecca of bustling proportions.

view this award on its own page ›

In this time of fiscal belt-tightening, you can feel both your belt and your wallet loosening as you step into the expansive room lined with a huge bar, a Tardis taking you to the 19th century. Here, there's absinthe. Lots of it, since it was relegalized in 2007. The ritual is the same as ever: the glass with the bulging stem, the slotted spoon, the sugar cube, the drip of ice water from the ornate urn. The only thing missing is the thujone, but it's easy to make up for that with endorphins from the luxe entrées that include duck, lamb, and beef. If you don't feel up to working your way through all the varieties of absinthe tonight, the smartly turned out and helpful bar staff can also make traditional cocktails with your liquor of choice, from Blood and Sand to French 75. Time to party like it's 1889.

Péché
208 W. Fourth
512/494-4011
www.pecheaustin.com

view this award on its own page ›

It's like some opium-fueled steampunk dream, the interior of this posh eatery and bar that incorporates the industrial and fine-art metalwork of owner Mickie Spencer and features a few big works by mad-scientist sculptor Steve Brudniak. Such a setting's an oddly compelling fit for the locally sourced weekly menus of Executive Chef Sonya Cote, the potent handmade concoctions and mixological miracles wrangled from unique spirits and native herbs by executive barkeep Chauncy James, and the crowds of savvy foodies who've turned the sweetly lit joint into a mealtime and music-gig mecca of bustling proportions.

view this award on its own page ›

They may have you wondering, "Is she or isn't she?" Well, you, dear readers, selected these two performers as the "Best of Austin," so you might as well know. The answer is: "Yes. They are." Are what? Faaabulous. Each takes a radically different approach to performing in drag, and both can entertain the grumpiest of audiences and have them rolling on floor – either in admiration, hilarity, or pain. Saffire (Olin Meadows) does glam and classic Hollywood and Broadway, often with a sense of humor that belies how serious his performance is, and Rebecca … well, Rebecca (Paul Soileau) defines glam in her own messy and hysterically twisted way. With one or the other performing regularly around town, no matter what they're doing, be assured you will flip your wig.

Rebecca Havemeyer
www.rebeccahavemeyer.com

Saffire Trinity Stone
www.facebook.com/saffire.stone

view this award on its own page ›

By no means is this jukebox like the Waffle House ones of yore, with songs lauding the burgers and fries and wings, though that would be wholly justified. No, this jukebox has for years held a rotating playlist of rock and punk rock classics old and new, with quirky gems like Johnny Cash and Serge Gainsbourg filling out the mix. Despite recent competition from bars points east and digital jukeboxes, Casino still upholds the gold standard of what bargoers should expect from a jukebox, even if you're nearly done with your food by the time your songs play.

Casino el Camino
517 E. Sixth
512/469-9330
casinoelcamino.net

view this award on its own page ›

In Austin, we like to tipple dry. As in desert dry. As in tequila dry. As in: Shake, don't stir and with tequila, not gin, please. While the beloved margarita may be a more ubiquitous Austin libation, it's her not-so-distant "martini" cousin that has whetted our readers' boozy appetites in this first-time category. Like the traditional margarita, it's all in the preparation: Some use bottled mixes; some squeeze limes. All versions have their diehard fans. Taste and compare to find which has the shake that best complements your palate. Ladies and gentlemen, may we present the cocktail of Austin, for Austin, and by Austin: your favorite, the Mexican martini!

view this award on its own page ›

Just because the place draws raves internationally doesn't mean that locals aren't wise to the keep-Austin-weird splendor of the Alamo Drafthouse, the house that Tim and Karrie League built and are now expanding across the country, where the newest or the biggest or the freakiest films are only part of the brilliant programming that includes sing-along nights, videoke, celebrity hoedowns, Master Pancake Theater, Foleyvision, the annual Butt-Numb-a-Thon, and the sweetest movie-based spectacles this side of David O. Selznick.

Various locations

view this award on its own page ›

It's all about the patio. Whether it's the misted and lit-by-gas-station Nomad or the expansive sea of picnic tables at Liberty, we like to do our inebriating outside. Heat be damned. Escape from the increasingly crowded East Sixth Street strip or just avoid Downtown altogether. Either way, you're getting drunk.

Knomad Bar
1213 Corona
512/628-4288
www.fb.com/nomadbaratx

The Liberty
1618½ E. Sixth
512/514-0502
www.thelibertyaustin.com

view this award on its own page ›

In less than a year, Barbarella (aka Barbs) rocketed into the stratosphere of legendary Red River clubs. Its success is based on a string of smart choices by the management. First, there's the support of local movers and shakers like the Glitoris, whose TuezGayz have become the weeknight gay night. Second, there's the interaction with fans. New Noise, Barbarella's Saturday themed night focusing on new indie and dance, calls for contributions from attendees. The audience programs much of the music to which it boogies. Third, there's the dance floor, surprisingly larger for a smaller bar. Barbarella took the focus off plush surroundings and fancy, expensive drinks and placed it where it belongs: the music and the dancing. Small wonder it's been such a success.

Barbarella
611 Red River
512/476-7766
fb.com/barbarella.austin.9

view this award on its own page ›

In less than a year, Barbarella (aka Barbs) rocketed into the stratosphere of legendary Red River clubs. Its success is based on a string of smart choices by the management. First, there's the support of local movers and shakers like the Glitoris, whose TuezGayz have become the weeknight gay night. Second, there's the interaction with fans. New Noise, Barbarella's Saturday themed night focusing on new indie and dance, calls for contributions from attendees. The audience programs much of the music to which it boogies. Third, there's the dance floor, surprisingly larger for a smaller bar. Barbarella took the focus off plush surroundings and fancy, expensive drinks and placed it where it belongs: the music and the dancing. Small wonder it's been such a success.

Barbarella
611 Red River
512/476-7766
fb.com/barbarella.austin.9

view this award on its own page ›

Everywhere you look, Vino Vino is nudging you to take it home, like a sultry late-night encounter. But this won't end in a walk of shame; the staff know their grapes, and their grapes are good. So good, in fact, by the taste, glass, or bottle, you'll be shouting this name twice. Vino! Vino!

view this award on its own page ›