The Austin Independent Business Alliance & the City of Austin have officially declared April Local Business Month. That means IBIZ (independent business) districts will have sales, special offers, and parties throughout the month to emphasize shopping locally. We’ve navigated the long list of participants and came up with a list of some favorites.
North Loop: Thirsty Thrifting.
Epoch Coffee is a good place to start if you plan on doing North Loop for the long-haul. Great coffee shop that has an open-24-hours buzz at all times. In the same newly vamped up shopping center lies Breakaway Records and Blue Velvet, both of which contain some truly unique finds.
Down the road to the main part of the strip are three great options for drinks: Tigress for intimate cocktails, Workhorse for local pints, and Drink.Well which offers inventive American pub fare and a bar staff that knows their stuff. The North Loop Spring Fling is April 26th!
Art on South Lamar: Austin Art Garage
Since 2007 this place has become a launchpad for local artists. Founders Jake Bryer and Joel Ganuchea created an art gallery reflecting the essence of Austin while avoiding sometimes intimidating art gallery prices. Local artists can find solace in the Austin Art Garage knowing its purpose is to shine a light on overlooked talent. Original art ranging from abstract to design heavy, sculpture and photography, the Austin Art Garage is the perfect place to purchase one of a kind Austin-centric pieces. The gallery is open 6 days a week and the entire inventory is available online.
Lo Burn: Uptown Modern
A new spin on furniture stores, Uptown Modern specializes in restored vintage Danish and mid century modern furniture. From sofas to coffee tables to desks, Uptown restores their products hoping they will enhance your living experience.
North Drag Noms: Thai Kitchen & Conan’s Pizza
Where else can you order a “Tiger Cry” or a “Tears but Joy”? No other place that Thai Kitchen, not only a favorite for local Thai food, but also a preferred late-night option since their kitchen is open until 1 a.m. on weekends. A couple of blocks down Guadalupe is the Austin mainstay, Conan’s, which has been serving Austinites since 1976. The deep pan is Vegan-approved and their thin crust in whole wheat or white is not to be messed with. They’ll have pizza samplings at The North Drag Bazaar at Spiderhouse on Sunday, April 26th!
Don’t forget to RSVP to the Armadillo Awards on April 24th, a free celebration of those local businesses that have contributed something essential to Austin culture.
This article appears in April 11 • 2014.