Cover Story
George Strait, Erykah Badu, Billie Eilish, and Black Pumas Highlight an ACL Fest Heavy on Texas Talent
Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion, Stevie Nicks & Dababy also top lineup
Blindspotting Premiering at ATX Television Festival
New Starz show joins Central Park, Mythic Quest, more
Austin Asian American Film Festival Goes to the Drive-In
Headliners heavy with local films for outdoor screenings
Paramount Summer Classics Are Back!
Celebration of classic cinema with Brando, Hitchcock, and 1971
JuiceLand Strikes, DipDipDip Ice Cream Spikes, Samuel Adams Likes Moms, and More
All the news that’s fit to get your taste buds quivering
Texas Book Festival Goes Hybrid in 2021
October fest blends the virtual and a return of live events
Watch Bright Light Social Hour Transform Into Weed Martyr and… Horses, I Think
Austin’s cosmic conjurers rein in their sound
Austin FC Falls Flat in SoCal as Chicharito Scores Seventh Goal
RECAP: Back-to-back losses have ATXFC feeling growing pains
Weekend Wine: Rugby to Rosé!
Gerard Bertrand’s wonderful Cote Des Roses
Actress
“Her work is always so centered in truth. I’ve never been disappointed.” – Valoneecia Tolbert Finalists: Lee Eddy, Savannah Welch
Local Video Game Developer
“Diablo is the bestest game ever. FACT.” – Bryan Sloane Finalists: Bioware, Chicken Waffle, Retro Studios
Lashes/Brows
“Her work is incredible, she is so friendly, and I can’t believe I get to live with brows like THESE on my face!” – Alison Arneberg Finalists: Kenzie Fresh Brows, Lash Genie, The Lash Lounge, Pink Lady Lash
Services Wild Card
“These badass ladies opened at the very beginning of the pandemic and have not only survived, but thrived. They are generous and inclusive and truly creating a sustainable wellness center for community.” – Jessica Zarowitz Finalists: Eye Candy Boudoir (portrait studio), Light Family Acupuncture (acupuncture clinic), Saving Face Austin (dermal fillers lounge), Torrid Boudoir (portrait…
Florist
“Best flower selection in town! Love that they support local growers. Amazing staff.” – Veronica Haig Finalists: Ben White Florist, Enchanted Florist, Freytag’s Florist, Mercedes Flowers
Visual Artist
“Mila is an amazing artist who shares her talents with underserved communities. She deserves this!” – Quana Smith Finalists: Gabe Langholtz, Curtis Ramstedt
Ice Cream/Frozen Treats
“Still so much whimsical personality + so much delicious.” – Gregory Matthews Finalists: Lick Honest Ice Creams, Luv Fats Ice Cream, NadaMoo, Sweet Ritual
Weekend Brunch
“Enough calories in one meal to last all weekend.” – Erin Geisler Finalists: Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Devil May Care, Smokin Beauty
Nightlife Wild Card
“The best emo night in the whole state of Texas.” – Tristine Land Finalists: Austin Public Library’s Craft Crawl, Sahara Lounge’s Africa Nights
Online Personality
“Adriene Mishler has helped many feel better about themselves and especially overcome the stresses of quarantine with her free yoga tutorials.” – Immidex Akinyi Finalists: Clarissa Cardenas (ATX Concert Queen), Sean Chandler (Sean Chandler Talks About), Evil MoPac (@EvilMoPacATX), Jane Ko (A Taste of Koko)
Exercise Class
“Easy on the body. Good for the soul.” – Ivan Benavides Finalists: Camp Gladiator, HIT Athletic, Love Cycling, Sky Candy
All-Ages Venue
“Everybody is a kid at the Thinkery.” – Rachel Helden Finalists: Central Market, High 5, Pioneer Farms
Best Grassroots PPE Pop-Up
Within the first two weeks of pandemic lockdown, personal protective equipment had already become scarce. To offset shortages, Austinites sprang into action and formed Masks for Docs Austin, one of 100 chapters spread across the globe dedicated to delivering PPE to undersupplied medical professionals by any means available. Headquartered at Native Hostel, our local division…
Best Monster Lovin’ Loot
Do you dream of dragons? Do you sigh wistfully at the thought of werewolves? Do you find aliens alarming yet arousing? If you’re saying yes to any of these questions, Strange Bedfellas might have the tools to fit your fantasies. A small crew of local sex toy makers with big creativity, SB makes their fantasy…
Best Prescription for Community
Still suffering a case of quarantine blues? We advise a slow drive-by of the underpass on Lamar at W. Fifth, where the walls are covered with art aimed at curing what ails you. Muralists Samara Barks, Kimie Flores, Niz G, Rex Hamilton, Carmen Rangel, and Uloang address health and self-care with the messages “Reconnect Yourself,”…
Best Jiggly Japanese Cheesecakes
Home to a variety of eclectic Asian-inspired beverages, treats, and street food, OMG Squee relishes cuteness. Its menu boasts character-designed macarons, taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake stuffed with fillings savory or sweet, and lately, kawaii mochi donuts. The pop-up-shop-turned-brick-and-mortar’s most iconic mainstays, however, are the Japanese cheesecakes, available in both traditional and ube flavors. Unlike…
Best Action in the Face of Deplorable State Failure
Mutual aid is a timeless concept, but in a year of constant crisis and state abandonment, the need for community care grows more glaring. When the pandemic began, Bobby Cooper and his fellow anarchist volunteers began delivering home-cooked meals, masks, tents, and other essentials to houseless people, and more recently raised funds to secure them…
Best Horse Stables With an Equity Mindset
Opting for a hands-on curriculum over standardized education, Idylwood Stables believes in the power of lifelong skill-building through horsemanship, such as physical and emotional balance, understanding, compassion, perseverance, and self-reflection and self-kindness. Idylwood Stables has strived to increase equity in horsemanship, and now offers a youth-of-color scholarship for young persons to participate in a sport historically…
Best “Dinner for the Kids Too” Brewery
A stellar location in a densely populated drinks desert put the Brewtorium on the map, but its exceptionally creative and approachable beer program kept the yoga moms and lager dads coming back. And with the breeders come the brood, which has to be placated by a celebratory vibe and a thoughtfully curated menu that they…
Art Gallery
“Cool spot, cool art.” – Victoria Rodriguez Finalists: Martha’s Contemporary, Prizer Arts and Letters, SAGE Studio, West Chelsea Contemporary
Movie Theatre
“Austin had a cathedral to film and fun and all that’s fantastic. It was the Ritz and I so often worshipped there.” – Owen Egerton Finalists: AFS Cinema, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, Violet Crown Cinema
Laundromat
“Always open and clean machines.” – Amy Romero Finalists: EcoClean, Laundry Day Wash
Spa
“Talented and kind staff make the best spa experiences.” – Teresa Sokolow Finalists: Divine Luxury Spa Studio, Spa Sway, VINYL Beauty Bar, Viva Day Spa
Furniture/Accessories
“Love this long-lived local shop!” – Martha King Finalists: Uptown Modern, Far Out Home Fittings, Four Hands, Hearth & Soul, Revival Vintage
Bakery
“David Norman is a baus.” – Ken Sepeti Finalists: Crema Bakery, Quack’s, Scull House Sweets, Upper Crust Bakery
Italian
“Best focaccia in town. Their tiramisu is to die for. Sitting outside on the patio is my idea of a perfect date.” – Sophia Ortiz Finalists: Juliet Italian Kitchen, Patrizi’s, Red Ash Italia, Vespaio
Winery
“Amazing wine and great staff. Makes you feel at home in their cute space.” – Jeremy Herrera Finalists: Infinite Monkey Theorem, Wine for the People
Outdoor Venue
“Smells like armpits, sounds like heaven.” – Reed Teckenbrock Finalists: Far Out Lounge, Mohawk
Photographer
“His eye for what captures the moment/climate is incredible. He also knows how to depict both tragic and beautiful images the way they should.” – Cliff Chong Finalists: Heather Leah Kennedy, Ismael Quintanilla III, Sarah Wilson, Todd V. Wolfson
Golf Course
“Love the ancient trees and history of Lions.” – Edy Chamness Finalists: Butler Park Pitch & Putt, Hancock Golf Course, Harvey Penick Golf Campus, Morris Williams Course
Birthday Cakes
“Upper Crust has the best Italian cream cake and carrot cake.” – Su Lim Finalists: Capital City Bakery, HayleyCakes & Cookies, Kitchen ELF
Best Heroes Fighting Hunger
As the COVID-19 crisis worsens food insecurity for thousands of our neighbors, Central Texas’ largest hunger-relief organization has continually stepped up to meet the community’s unprecedented need – and the numbers show it. In fiscal year 2020, CTFB distributed a record $64.5 million pounds of food, averaging serving nearly 300,000 individuals per month. Safety precautions…
Best Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt
Quilted jackets took over Instagram last fall, emblazoning multicolored Americana patchwork on cozy cold-weather silhouettes. Leading the charge locally is Psychic Outlaw, founded by Rebecca Wright, who began making her own clothes while working at Buffalo Exchange. Her Austin-based team of about a dozen sewing artists fashion bespoke chore coats from vintage blankets, accepting mail-in…
Best Quiet Giant
Over the past seven years, local indie imprint Keeled Scales has quietly built up a stacked roster and tastemaking reputation for a certain songwriter niche. Label head Tony Presley presents as unassumingly as his artists, but services an incomparable ear for underrecognized and deeply sincere songcraft, waxing local standouts (the Deer, Sun June, Jordan Moser,…
Best New Brewery
It is odd acknowledging Hold Out as a new brewery, given the gigantic profile they debuted with just last May and an overwhelming work rate that has them improving an already spectacular beer lineup as if veteran beer makers. But it’s the absolute truth. This time last year, Austin didn’t know anything of Last Light…
Best Band Stand
George Floyd died May 25, 2020. On June 12, more than two dozen UT athletes demanded racial reckoning at an institution with Black representation hovering around the mid-single digits. One week later, Longhorn Band saxophonist Judson Hayden founded LHBlacks, who represent an even lower percentage among 400 student musicians. Protesting alma mater “The Eyes of…
Shopping Most Innovative Pivot
“H-E-B should just run the state already. Make H-E-Buddy the state mascot.” – Natalie Cardenas Finalists: Coco Coquette’s DIY wig parties home delivery, Lone Star Nursery’s direct-to-consumer delivery service
Best Artificial Grass Surrounded by Late Capitalism
Early iterations of the Domain got the high-end shopping right but didn’t provide much for families and kids. The Domain NORTHSIDE fixed this. Not only are there multiple options for sweet eats and kids clothing, but there’s a big turf lawn right in the middle of everything. Is it surreal seeing children run and play…
Arts and Entertainment Wild Card
“Love how they’ve pivoted the live performances to virtual and gotten local breweries/distilleries involved with each new show.” – Erin Ashworth Finalists: The Cathedral ATX (gallery & co-working space), San Antonio Review (Austin-based literary/arts/ideas journal)
Muralist
“Zuzu has filled this city with color, light, and positivity. It’s great seeing her work scattered through the streets of Austin.” – Ruben Esquivel Finalists: Kimie Flores, Chris Rogers
Lawn Care/Landscaping
“Great service, awesome pricing. Once I started using Real Green, my lawn looked amazing. Very happy customer.” – Eduardo Ramos Finalists: Fertile Ground, Seedlings Gardening, Transformed Landscaping Co.
Tailor/Alteration
“I won’t go anywhere else. The work is just wow.” – Tina Ponder Finalists: Gassane Tailors, J&B Alterations and Cleaners, Triana Tailors
Game/Gaming
“Not only are they an awesome shop, but they’ve been following CDC guidelines during the pandemic, and are an inclusive, diverse spot.” – Chris Romani Finalists: Emerald Tavern Games & Cafe, Game Over Videogames, Outlaw Moon, Tribe Comics & Games
Barbecue
“If I have to tell you why, you haven’t had it yet.” – Celina Martinez Finalists: Franklin Barbecue, la Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Stiles Switch, Terry Black’s Barbecue
Juice/Smoothie
“Consistently good, healthy, and all over town. The Wild Child rules.” – Greer Kofoed Finalists: Daily Juice, Soup Peddler, Vida Pura Juicery, The Well
Adult Club
“Best service, best vibes, and a local staple!” – Hannah Miller-Jones Finalists: Palazio, Perfect 10
Place for Sober Socializing
“It’s wide open spaces! What better place to be. I am not sure which is better – the people watching or the dog show.” – Alex Furlong Finalists: Central Library, Sans Bar, Zilker Botanical Garden
Podcast
“Love the spooky stories and the high production value.” – Rob Almaguer Finalists: Concert Queen Connect, The Kingcast, The Orange Tree, Pause/Play
Gym
“ABP has been so responsible throughout all of COVID while still providing a great place to exercise, climb, and safely connect with other people.” – Jack McCormick Finalists: Austin Simply Fit, Bodies By Design Workout Room, Castle Hill Fitness, Dane’s Body Shop
Family Festival
“Brilliantly staged, full of magic, totally safe. I’ve never loved Austin more.” – Eli Castro Finalists: ABC Kite Fest, Classic Game Fest
Best Housekeeping Advice
Vanesa Amaro wants you to love the home you live in, and not just because it’s good business. When the pandemic made life messier, Amaro began sharing secrets on TikTok (toilet bowl cleaner erases hard water stains!), drawing in over 3.5 million followers and a steady social media income. She’s now left most of her…
Best Place to Embrace the Sports-Card Craze
While many businesses have suffered during the pandemic, the market for buying and selling sports cards (and collectibles) has never been better, and the folks at CTOA are here to take your money. Whether you’re looking for the hot new rookie sensation, an autographed jersey, or even some Pokémon to round out your collection, they’ve…
Best Video Game Adaptation of a Chekhov Play
Manuela Malasaña’s gently interactive digital adaptation of the Russian playwright’s final work leans heavily into the “theatre of mood” concept. Its vaporwave palate and visual balance of comedy and tragedy helps the critique of aristocracy go down a bit easier without losing its farcical bite. Best of all, you move the action and dialogue along…
Best Pandemic Pizza
Austinites ate a lot of pizza during the pandemic, but few started their own fake pizzeria. Jeff Klein, of the band My Jerusalem, offered free doughy vaccination doses to eligible pals (“Friend Group 1A and Friend Group 1B”), served in hilariously designed boxes featuring a spiky coronavirus blob with pepperonis on it and several amusing…
Best Cooperative Code of Conduct
When Gov. Greg Abbott pulled mask requirements and hastily declared Texas “open and free” in March, Austin music venues proved they answer to a higher power. The Red River Cultural District rallied music entities under its “Safe in Sound” pledge, calling for 6 feet between groups, required face coverings, sanitization, and more upheld CDC guidelines.…
Arts & Entertainment Most Innovative Pivot
“I got to go to Sundance finally … in a historic farm with longhorn cattle?!” – Andrea Mellard Finalists: ColdTowne Theater’s ColdTowne TV, Master Pancake moves to Twitch, Midnight Menagerie Zoom burlesque shows, Mobley’s Curbside Tour, The Vortex Theatre’s drive-through performances
Best Edutainment for Li’l Texans
The Bullock has always been an excellent source of high-quality educational entertainment essential for building youngsters’ Texas pride, and shifting to all-virtual programming during the pandemic can’t have been easy. But they consistently add new content and activities and produce an online wealth of information that’s truly as big as Texas. Notable rabbit holes include…
Burlesque Performer
“Amazing. Every. Time. Every costume, every performance is incredible and unique! Diverse performances and an incredible talent and person.” – Kei Hoffmann Finalists: Serese Brown, Zenyth Gale, Chola Magnolia
A/C Repair/Installation
“These are the guys you want working on your problem.” – Charles Grice Finalists: ABC Home and Commercial Services, Altruistic AC & Heating, Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning
Lawyer
“Great advocates and great Austin citizens.” – Ted Siff Finalists: Batrice Law Firm, DC Law, FVF Law
Tattoo
“Very clean and professional. Artists really work to understand what you want.” – Stephanie Harrison Finalists: Austin Tattoo Company, No Good Tattoo, Studio Ink, True Blue Tattoo
Garden Store/Nursery
“This business goes out of its way to provide plants, education, and a very cool and inspiring environment. LOVE IT!” – Pat DeVincent Finalists: Carnivero, The Great Outdoors, Shoal Creek Nursery, Tillery Street Plant Co.
Breakfast
“The Queen Beak beats all other breakfasts sandies without trying.” – Jahcarrdi Grant Finalists: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Magnolia Cafe, The Well
Late-Night Dining
“Obviously, the best queso in town. And who doesn’t want queso at 2am?” – Kinsey Vallier Finalists: Devil May Care, Justine’s Brasserie, Magnolia Cafe, 24 Diner
Bar for Singles
“Reliably one of the most diverse crowds in this not-so-diverse city.” – Angela Epley Finalists: Devil May Care, Dirty Bills, Radio Coffee & Beer
Pool Hall
“OG Austin.” – Angelica Erazo Finalists: Slick Willie’s, Warehouse Billiard Bar
Politics and Media Wild Card
“The r/Austin subreddit has been the true hero of this year: giving us updates on toilet paper stock, information during the winter storm, and helping people find vaccines.” – Samantha Bull Finalists: Matt Largey’s tweets, This Dude Cooks in the Nude (web series)
Out-of-Town Hike
“Hike up a pink rock in the middle of nowhere.” – Sam Smith Finalists: Hill Country State Natural Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area, Palmetto State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park
Family Restaurant
“Love the little extras the Waterloo does for kids (like the drive-in movie during COVID) and kids and adults have great selections on their awesome menu. Loving the healthier items I’m seeing more lately too.” – Shelby Barnes Finalists: Chuy’s, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Hat Creek Burger Company, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, Maudie’s
Best No Waste, COVID-Safe Grocery Delivery
When COVID-19 made delivered groceries all the rage this past year, that meant sustainability often went out the window with triple bagged items, a plastic bag specifically for a roll of paper towels, and freezer bags galore. Enter Trashless. The zero-waste startup delivers the freshest sustainable ingredients and makes you feel great about it. They…
Best Store for When You Wanna Shop Everything Made by Queers
The name pretty much says it all, and how sweet it does sound: Housed in a one-room studio, co-owners and husbands Kirt Reynolds and Justin Galicz’s pop-up-turned-brick-and-mortar is the, and we mean the, spot if you’re in the mood to shop a fine selection of goods courtesy of the more artistically inclined friends of Dorothy.…
Best Virtual Listening Room
Due to the pandemic, there’s been a change of venue: Hard bop has gone virtual. Monks Jazz is known for its DIY pop-ups in some unlikely Austin spots (bike shops, off-hours art galleries), but their latest listening room turns out to be your own living room. Monks founder Collin Shook has been livestreaming performances from…
Best Peppery Popover for Pickup
The gruyere & black pepper popover at Foreign & Domestic will put an abrupt end to whatever conversation you might be having over dinner. It will become the sole object of your attention, as if the world were reduced to a pastry that’s lighter than a croissant, more golden than a brioche, and perfuming a…
Best Coverage of a Never-Ending Story
The curious adventures of Paxton and Paul – Ken, our state’s brash and battered attorney general, and his friend Nate, the whiz-kid mogul of an Austin property empire – may never be explained to our satisfaction. But much of what we do know stems from the messy unraveling in bankruptcy of Paul’s convoluted World Class…
Food & Drink Most Innovative Pivot
“The most fun I’ve had virtually throughout the pandemic – so educational and so much fun.” – Katy Gladhill Finalists: Bad Larry Burger Club’s socially distanced burger chute, Kemuri Tatsu-ya’s Omakase Club, Little Ola’s Biscuits, L’Oca d’Oro subscription boxes, Rosewood’s Rosebud meal kits
Best Free-Range Brewery
Moseying up to the Jester King front lawn feels like walking onto a field of dreams. Carved out of 165 acres, the South Texas machine shop that became a homebrewers’ HQ opens onto an expanse as distanced from urban (sur)realities as a W.P. Kinsella novel. Some 17 drafts and nearly as many wines and ciders…
Classical Musician
“Graham is excellent across disciplines and is a giver.” – Lisa Scheps Finalists: Javier Jara, Anton Nel, Ammon Taylor
Apartment Locator
“These guys worked hard for us when we decided to move Downtown.” – Ana Zuniga Finalists: A+ Apartment Locators, Apartment Experts, Austin Apartment Specialists, Austin Apartments NOW
Locksmith
“I’ve used them for years. Very satisfied with their work. Good staff.” – Bob Rubel Finalists: Chastity Lock & Key, Sharp Brothers Locksmith
Veterinarian
“Emancipet has helped me raise four fur babies at an affordable price. I really appreciate what they do for the community.” – Anna Strother Finalists: AM/PM Animal Hospital, Bluebonnet Animal Hospital, PAZ Veterinary, Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital
Jewelry
“Affordable, stylish, meaningful jewelry made by hand – and she’s keeping it green!! Checks off all the boxes.” – Nina Giacona Finalists: Benold’s Jewelers, Eliza Page, Limbo, Lisa Crowder
Brewery
“Electric Jellyfish is the best beer in Austin.” – Tristan Smith Finalists: Austin Beerworks, Austin Eastciders, Jester King, St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Margarita
“I mean that’s some good margarita.” – Merrick Tien Finalists: Baby Acapulco, El Alma, El Chile, Matt’s El Rancho
Bartender
“Sarah is a top notch mixologist and an overall wonderful person! If you don’t know what you want, just tell her what you like and her magic skills never disappoint.” – Monica Molina Finalists: Michelle Beebe Nabours (Donn’s Depot), Holly Coleman (The Tigress)
Queer Party
“So welcoming and freeing! Marching down Sixth Street is awesome.” – Ammon Taylor Finalists: aGLIFF, Splash
Print Publication
“Like a visit with a small group of best friends every week.” – Martin Jones Finalists: Austin American-Statesman, Community Impact, Texas Monthly, Texas Observer
Outdoor Run/Race
“It’s an icon.” – Lori Lauron Finalists: 3M Half Marathon, CASA Superhero Run, Salmagundi Trail Race, Star Ranch Bare Buns Run
Kids and Family Wild Card
“My kids can play at Fortlandia for hours and look forward to seeing and exploring all the new creative and innovative structures and designs.” – Allyson Parma Finalists: Ashley’s Playhouse drop-in childcare, Boost Babies at-home physical therapy, Jungle Movement gym, Out Youth support for LGBTQIA youth
Best One-Stop Beauty Collective
The old Northcross Mall was a cruising spot for Eighties Austin teens on the make. Now it’s likely where those former teens and their children get bangs shaped, eyebrows plucked, and tired muscles massaged at Gallery of Salons, a labyrinth of independent beauty contractors. True to its name, owner Dana Funicelli keeps the walls of…
Best Use of an Empty Beer Can
Recycling is cool and all, but what if your discarded beer can could become a home for a living, breathing succulent? Cans That Succ will make treasure out of your empty Blue Owl, Austin Beerworks, or Rambler cans. And if you thought upcycling cans was cool, they recently expanded into using candle jars, too. The…
Best Visual Archive of Everything Going On Right Now
When the inevitable National Coronavirus Museum opens in 20-odd years, they’d do well to acquire Marshall Tidrick’s entire COVID body of work. The local photographer has spent the pandemic shooting Austinites in front of their homes and pairing the images with offbeat details: “When I arrived, they rolled me a beer from a safe social…
Best Way to “Give a Chute”
In a year full of hardship, nothing soothes the soul quite like smashed double-meat double-cheese burgers. Throw in ridiculous internet antics and a burger chute fashioned from a rain gutter and electrical tape, and you’re all but guaranteed an insane following in Austin. Matthew Bolick, co-owner of Better Half, created this recipe for success after…
Best Guardian of the Ballot Box
When something’s amiss in Texas’ election process, who you gonna call? Dana DeBeauvoir, that’s who. In a year where some state officials wanted to make voting more difficult, DeBeauvoir’s 34-years-long dedication to protecting our right to vote remained steadfast against a barrage of executive orders and court orders modifying most facets of the voting process…
Nightlife Most Innovative Pivot
“DJ Mel has kept my family sane for ONE WHOLE YEAR during this mess. We look forward to Saturday night safe at home jamming together. #Priceless” – Vanessa Ng Finalists: ACL Live at the Moody Theater as a wedding venue, Hotel Vegas’ Hotel Free TV, Sagebrush converting parking into an outdoor venue
Best New Young Author
Austin fourth grader Ellison Blakes isn’t even a full-time author, but he demonstrates the professionalism of a seasoned scribe. El’s Mirror – the 9-year-old’s debut book, written in tandem with local luminary father, Bavu – describes the challenges of El’s kindergarten year as a marginalized student facing the unexpected challenges of his learning environment. El’s…
Wrath of Man
Ritchie and Statham find a new, welcome gear in this bloody thriller
Comedy Club/Venue
“Cap City was home for a lot of people for many years. Here’s to hoping the new Cap can walk the walk.” – Rae Ward Finalists: ColdTowne Theater, Esther’s Follies, The Hideout Theatre, The Velveeta Room
Auto Repair/Service
“Best customer service and always peace of mind that the work is done correctly.” – Ruth Wheeler Finalists: B&B Muffler & Automotive, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, Juke Auto, Yost Automotive
Mani/Pedi
“Best nail salon around! Talented artists, LGBTQ+ safe space, inclusive, and adorable. Amazing nail art.” – Katherine Riordan Finalists: Diamond Nails, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, VINYL Beauty Bar, Viva Day Spa
Wax/Skincare
“I only trust the women at Viva with my skin and hair removal needs. They know how to help you achieve inner and outer beauty.” – Lauren Alana Finalists: Cute Nail Studio, Hey Gorgeous Waxing and Skin Studio, June’s Brow Co., Vixen Esthetics ATX
Liquor Store
“It’s where tequila comes from, right?” – Mitch London Finalists: The Austin Shaker, Old School Liquor & Market, Twin Liquors
Burger
“Truly the burger of the people.” – Russell Taylor Finalists: Dan’s Hamburgers, JewBoy Burgers, Hopdoddy, Plow Burger
New Restaurant
“Love it when a food truck is well-loved and supported enough to graduate to a brick & mortar. Go Mo!” – Davide Dickson Finalists: Aba, Smokin Beauty, Vic and Al’s, The Well
Cocktail Bar
“Best cocktails & lounge music. Authentic, rustic & chill environment.” – Fabian Rocha Finalists: Garage, Midnight Cowboy, Roosevelt Room, The Tigress
Sports Bar
“Best wings in Austin and best atmosphere to watch games.” – Mark Anzaldua Finalists: Black Sheep Lodge, FlipSide, Haymaker, Little Woodrow’s
Radio Host
“Afternoon or morning, got us through the pandemic. Appreciate the honesty, pursuit of truth, and humble approach that’s in serious need these days.” – Julian Reyes Finalists: Jody Denberg (KUTX), Laurie Gallardo (KUTX), Nadia Hamdan (KUT), Taylor Wallace (KUTX)
Personal Trainer
“Bri always keeps our workouts spicy and safety is her number one priority!” – Rachel Gilbert Finalists: Krista Bergeron, Beckie Lough, Sierra Nevels, Irene Tapia
Kids’ Clothing
“The owner is the best! Their brands are awesome and quality is good. My go-to to find new items for growing kids.” – Abby Alwan Finalists: Alexa James Baby, Austin Baby Collection, Lovely Little Things, Kid to Kid
Best Pet Portraits
A cherub, a sneaker, a mockingbird: Scroll through Austin Taylor’s Instagram, and it’s instantly clear that he’s a master of hyperrealistic tattoos. Yet nothing inspires more oohs and ahhs than his pet portraits, a few inches of black and gray shading that immortalize our beloved best friends. Taylor works quick, and like his colleagues at…
Best Way to Blow the Stink Off Your Home
Real talk: We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home, stewing in our own juices, and the resultant odor has not always been the most enticing. Enter the Burlap Bag’s addictive candles, which smell like the Platonic ideal of “homey” – warm, luxe scents like the yeasty Fresh Baked Bread, yuzu-forward Crazy Cat…
Best Way to See – Really See – the UT Campus
Just because you’ve seen the Tower and the football stadium, don’t think you’ve seen UT. Seeing buildings isn’t the same as seeing the history behind those buildings or the institution that placed them there. The Racial Geography Tour, created by the university’s Vice Provost for Diversity Dr. Edmund T. Gordon, visits campus landmarks from the…
Tastiest New Offspring From a Sugar Mama
Are donuts the new cupcakes? Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop owner Olivia Guerra O’Neal, at least, is setting her cap at these holey wonders with a walk-up window on Manor. Her cute (natch) hand-crafted brioche and cake donuts come in inventive flavors like Dr. Pepper, strawberry horchata, and peanut butter cookie dough cereal milk, but be warned:…
Best Insider Listen
As editor of the iconic Quorum Report, Scott Braddock knows everything that’s happening under the pink dome, and once a week he tells you all about it on this podcast, co-hosted with the Houston Chronicle’s Jeremy Wallace. Texas state government, and especially the Legislature in session, manufactures scads of storylines and generates a blizzard of…
Politics & Media Most Innovative Pivot
“Ahem Ted Cruz.” – Caroline Bhargava Finalists: Greg Abbott granting waivers for restaurants and bars to sell alcohol to-go during the pandemic, Travis County Clerk’s Office expanding number and size of polling places and allowing mail-in and hand-delivered ballots
Best Piratical Escape for Your Pod
Avast, mateys – who yearns for adventures on the high seas? Well, the pandemic may have put paid to dreams of an ocean life, but this neighborhood coffeehouse is offering something to tide you over. While it’s only been open for curbside pickup for the past year, Brentwood Social House kept up with its plan…
The Killing of Two Lovers
Traumatizing tale of a collapsing marriage is a taut masterpiece
Comedy Troupe
“Esther’s Follies will go down in history as one of the most iconic things about Austin.” – Lois Rodriguez Finalists: The Latino Comedy Project, Master Pancake, Victrola
Barbershop
“They made getting haircuts during COVID at least thinkable, and they’re real good folks too.” – Holt Lackey Finalists: Barbon’s Barbershop, Kings Barber Studio, Olde Soul Barbershop, Reunion Barbershop
Massage
“Incredible treatments every time. Doesn’t matter who you book with – you’re going to receive the best massage every visit.” – Lauren Spiers Finalists: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, Mantis Massage, Mantra Massage, Spa Sway
Wedding Venue
“Beautiful setting, perfect in every way.” – Mary Priddy Finalists: Barr Mansion, Camp Lucy, Chapel Dulcinea, House on the Hill
Men’s Clothing
“Very cool threads.” – Erin Finney Finalists: Que Rico T-Shirt Co., Sir Rat Leather and Gear, Service Menswear, Uptown Cheapskate
Cheap Date
“You had me at queso.” – Linda Henderson Finalists: Enchiladas y Mas, El Chilito, Patrizi’s, Smokin Beauty
Noodles/Ramen
“I dream about their broth.” – Nicole Harrison Finalists: Julie’s Noodles, Michi Ramen, Sazan Ramen
Dance Club
“THE GOAT.” – Jacob Potter Finalists: Coconut Club, Elysium
Trivia Night
“Long game, hard questions, great prizes.” – Valerie O’Neill Finalists: Austin Eastciders, The Butterfly Bar, Gibson Street Bar, The Highball
Radio Program
“Always hear something new. Their coverage on the Texas electric grid during the winter storm was very enlightening.” – Anita Frijhoff Finalists: The Breaks (KUTX), Dudley and Bob With Matt (KLBJ), Stronger Than Dirt (KOOP), Sunday Morning Jazz (KUTX)
Place to Camp
“Beautiful wildflowers in the spring.” – Susan Kung Finalists: Garner State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park
Online Tutoring / Children’s Education
“Great school!” – Emily Hong Finalists: Love the SAT, Mi Casa Es Tu Casa
Best Pet Store Watercooler Talk
Anyone else been caught talking to a tree, stop sign, or the pesky squirrel eating your plants? Yeah, us neither …. For the past year, social interactions have been few and far between. From stories about maskless encounters around town to surviving a near electric grid failure, Prime Pet owner Burton Cleveland and the rest…
Most Intersectional Marketplace
Not only does this intentionally intersectional creative marketplace center women and BIPOC artisans, but the collective proved to be an invaluable community resource during Winter Storm Uri. Founder and director TK Tunchez – a maker of gorgeous flower crowns, jewelry, and graphic design pieces – rallied the vendor team and their fans to provide no-questions-asked…
Most Difficult Way to Beat a Difficult Game
Mike Villalobos, known to his viewers as LobosJr, is no slouch with a guitar, having spent time in local bands. He’s also beaten the notoriously difficult Dark Souls series enough times to laugh in the face of the games’ most enormous and deformed enemies. Finding ways to make the games more difficult takes up much…
Best AAPI Soundtrack
Typically host to thousands of annual guests across community events, the Asian American Resource Center creatively expanded online programming this past year while its North Austin building remained closed. Musical series Tones debuted in December, rounding up the serious wealth of local Asian American Pacific Islander talent on the second Thursday of every month. The…
Best Music Community Storm Response
Days into Winter Storm Uri’s aftershock, the need for a citizen-led initiative of hot food and bottled water distribution could not have been more dire. Within hours of putting out the alert for volunteers, the call from Austin Texas Musicians, the TMWC, and Amplified Sound Coalition was heeded and then some, resulting in a human…
Sports & Recreation Most Innovative Pivot
“More butts on bikes makes the world a better place.” – Tawny Villain Finalists: Esquina Tango livestream fitness classes, Sports fields in public parks giving way to wildflowers
Best Steal From the City and Give to the Artisans, Performers, and People
April at Sherwood Forest Faire counteracts T.S. Eliot annually, especially in “The Waste Land” of global pandemic (“April is the cruellest month,” reasoned the poet in 1922). Enchanted from the moment SFF players open the gates to the McDade Shangri-la some 35 miles east of Austin, proclaiming fealty to Robin Hood, a vast array of…
The Djinn
The dangers of a wish coming true in this childhood horror
Pet Store
“Best customer service of my life! They know my dog by name and always stop to give me advice.” – Kayla Santana-Linares Finalists: Bark ‘n Purr, Healthy Pet, Paws on Chicon
Comedy/Storytelling Showcase
“They bring in big name talent and it’s always a great time.” – Eva Meteye Finalists: BedPost Confessions, ColdTowne ThrowDowne, Campfire Queer Storytime, Mortified Austin
Bike Shop/Repair
“R.I.P. Bicycle Sport Shop. You’ll always be in my heart for the Real Ale Ride and the Poker Ride, not to mention great staff and attitude. Miss you so much!” – Tex Obie Finalists: Austin Tri Cyclist, East Side Pedal Pushers, Mellow Johnny’s, The Peddler
Services Most Innovative Pivot
“Helped a bunch of people keep income coming in when jobs were lost and helped people in the process. After the winter storm efforts to help our unsheltered citizens, they have a new special place in my heart.” – Amanda Hodges Finalists: Extragrams, performing telegram company founded during the pandemic to keep entertainers employed, SpaDash…
Adult Store
“Classic Austin.” – Adrea Craft Finalists: Dreamers, Package Menswear, Sir Rat Leather and Gear
Monthly Subscription Box/Service
“I never knew I needed so many beets.” – Jenny Carroll Finalists: Farmhouse Delivery, Good Apple, Restart CBD Flower Box
Chef
“I’ve eaten sushi on all coasts from Manhattan to San Fran, and Uchi is the best.” – Mike Jones Finalists: Alma Alcocer (El Alma), Thai Changthong (Thai Kun), Jon Oh (Nova Hospitality), Philip Speer (Comedor)
Pastry Chef
“Because it’s just so nice when talent and compassion combine.” – Tricia Edgel Finalists: Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Emmer & Rye), Chloe Henry (Chloe’s Bakehouse, Oakmont Food Company), Kendall Melton (Vivian’s Boulangerie), Julie Myrtille (Julie Myrtille Bakery)
Dive Bar
“Sahara Lounge makes room for everyone. It’s full of diversity and good vibes.” – Leticia Rodriguez Finalists: Deep Eddy Cabaret, Dirty Bills, The Liberty, The Lost Well
Activist
“Julie works tirelessly for voting rights, public health, and justice.” – Emily Walker Finalists: Greg Anderson, Emily LeBlanc, Tandera Louie, Chas Moore, Pooja Sethi
Radio Station
“This past year, it seemed like we needed KUT day and night.” – Laura Cottam Sajbel Finalists: KLBJ, KOOP Radio, KUTX, Sun Radio
Place to Hang With Your Pet
“Lots of space for the hounds to have a good time.” – Milton Washington Finalists: Auditorium Shores, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, Yard Bar, Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Party Place
“We love the nostalgia of the arcade games and always have a good time.” – Deborah Vasquez Finalists: High 5, Main Event, Thinkery
Best Radio Payout
Hometown solar-powered frequency Sun Radio brought their own alternative energy to support the community over the past year. Their Recharge Program launched last spring to help cover electricity bills of Central Texas musicians and even other community radio stations, donating about $100,000 to help over 1,000 neighbors. The program found purpose during the winter storm…
Best Bobblehead
Allen Danziger – aka Jerry the van driver in the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre – laughs when he gets called famous. He once joked that a famous guy would be immortalized with a bobblehead. So he had them made. The former social worker and Three Ring Service owner hasn’t acted since Chain Saw, but…
Most Well-Earned Screen Break
No Burnie Burns, no Rooster Teeth. That’s how it always felt – that it was impossible to imagine the Austin studio that did so much to pioneer streaming video and modern online fandom without its co-founder, creative force, and public face. Yet last June, Burns left the company to which he was so pivotal and…
Best Beers, Burgers, and Bears, Oh My!
After The Iron Bear’s move last year, walking into the new Downtown den of Austin’s only bear bar still feels like one big bear hug. Thanks to an on-site kitchen, you can now have your big daddy and eat ’em, too – check out their burgers if you don’t bear-lieve us – plus other tasty…
Best Musician on Dais
Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone of hip-hop duo Riders Against the Storm powerfully leads in an era polluted by performative activism. The current chair of the Austin Music Commission successfully advocated for 50% of the Austin Live Music Fund to go toward a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) creatives fund. He also created his own…
Kids & Family Most Innovative Pivot
“Fun & yummy.” – Susan Farias Finalists: Bake Austin classes with chef Pascal go virtual, Austin Allies’ #HelpingFromHome program
Best Way to Combine Science and Snacks
Ice cream is science! Hollandaise is science! Chocolate-covered pretzels? Yep, that’s science, too. Kate the Chemist, also known as Dr. Kate Biberdorf, is a chemistry professor at UT-Austin and self-described “science entertainer” who broke out at the beginning of the pandemic with a book of at-home chemistry experiments. Follow-up The Awesome Book of Edible Experiments…
The Great Green Wall
A grand plan for Africa from an African perspective
Record Store
“Legacy store. Great history. Attention to local artists.” – Nancy Totton Finalists: Antone’s Record Shop, Breakaway Records, End of an Ear
Comic Creator/Graphic Novelist
“Ben Sargent deserves a Presidential Medal for his decades of brilliance.” – Susan Farrell Finalists: Chloe Brailsford, Donny Cates, Drew Edwards
Cleaning Service
“They are very reliable and do a great job, including periodic inspections of their own cleaning teams, ease of recheduling, extra services, etc.” – Manuela Gutt Finalists: Maids and Moore, Peace Frog Specialty Cleaning, Penny’s Personal Touch Services, Texas Green Clean
Movers
“Best movers and have a great sense of humor to boot.” – James Tracy Finalists: Army Ant Moving Company, Kim Manthey & Company, MASH Movers
Arts and Crafts Store
“Our go-to for all our supplies, lifesavers during the pandemic.” – Sarah Schiff Finalists: Austin Creative Reuse, Hill Country Weavers, LetterPress PLAY, The Paper + Craft Pantry
Neighborhood Grocery
“All around great selection, delicious deli, best staff. And I appreciate their strict social distancing enforcement.” – Rachel Riskind Finalists: Dia’s Market, Fresh Plus, Rabbit Food Grocery, Royal Blue
Coffee Shop
“Amazing vibe, great coffee, always a good time.” – Shaun Barrett Finalists: Epoch Coffee, Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, Summer Moon Coffee, Texas Coffee Traders
Patio
“Safest outdoor space we’ve been to during the pandemic.” – Kerry Sieff Finalists: Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, Devil May Care, El Alma, Hula Hut
DJ
“Nasty’s, UT Basketball, Obama’s DJ, Living Room Dance Party, DJ MEL does it all and does it the BEST!!” – Madisen Davis Finalists: Chorizo Funk, DJ CRG, DJ Nyce
Elected Official: City
“Because Greg is out there every day trying to make life better in Austin for everyone.” – Billy Weaver Finalists: Steve Adler, Andy Brown, Natasha Harper-Madison, Ann Kitchen
Spanish-Language Radio Station
“Latino has the new songs that Millennials and Gen Z are listening to.” – Gabriela Aguirre Finalists: KOKE 1600AM Puro Norteño, 107.1 La Z
Place to Tube
“The Comal is always flowing, has less trash, and is an easygoing float!” – Bradford Fults Finalists: Don’s Fish Camp (San Marcos River), Texas State Tubes (San Marcos River)
Playground
“It’s huge and you can go hiking, splashing, dog petting, and people watching, too.” – Jenny Carroll Finalists: Brentwood Park, Mueller Lake Park, Pikopye’s Town, Play for All Abilities Park
Best Self-Care for Your Imagination
By the time you read this, your favorite library branch may be reopened to the public once more. Yet for much of the pandemic, a select handful have offered curbside delivery of choice materials directly to the trunk of your vehicle, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. In the heartbreaking absence…
Best Gallery Without Walls
What do you do when it’s unsafe for people to come see art inside your gallery? Just put the art outside. That’s what Northern-Southern Director Phillip Niemeyer has been doing during the pandemic. Office building parking lots, neighborhood cul-de-sacs, creek beds, golf courses, greenbelt trails, vacant lots, utility poles, parks … all these and more…
Best Bánh Mì to Comfort on a Bad Day
There is nothing more consoling than the perfect sandwich, and at Le Bleu their O.G. bánh mì has the ability to turn around a downer day. From the crunch of the toasted French bread to the fatty, luxurious paté that perfectly complements the pickled veggies, cold cuts, and pork belly, there is no other comfort…
Best Biergarten for the Masses
Something reassuring after social distancing has become habitual is seeing a sea of tables spread out over a large outdoor space. CMW’s enormous biergarten offers such a space, with plenty of room for kiddos and doggos too. Its converted warehouse has become a massive beer hall as well, from which taps aplenty pour out tasty…
Best Proof the News Doesn’t Have to Be All Bad
“Be informed. Make a difference.” So goes the motto of this nonpartisan news organization (formerly Austin EcoNetwork). Be it through their newsletter, their KOOP Radio show The Austin Common Radio Hour, or their illustrated guides on Instagram that make sense of tangly stuff like ERCOT and the special election, the folks at Austin Common know…
Best Inclusive Yoga Under an Ancient Oak
This nonprofit yoga studio works to intentionally create space for wellness with a clear focus on humanity through many styles of yoga, plus workshops like restorative yoga and writing, sound bath meditations, Greenbelt hikes, White Fragility training in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and more. Their canopy of giant ancient oak trees makes…
Best Way to Play With Needles
Sure, normally sharp pointy objects and small humans are not a smart combination. But when it’s a structured art project that requires just a few bucks and some patience? Sign us up. Sarah Patterson of Mountains of Thread, a local embroiderist and mom of three young’uns, offers original patterns in her lovely and approachable embroidery…
Army of the Dead
Latest zombie flick should just stay buried
Shopping Wild Card
“Such unique finds & love supporting small!” – Dixon Elizabeth Finalists: Clay Imports (handmade custom tile company), Ella’s Apothecary (vegan and cruelty free shop), Lights Fantastic (residential and commercial lighting), Modern Rocks Gallery (fine art rock photography)
Dancer/Choreographer
“Allison is an inventor. She is creating art that has never been done before.” – Liz Ferguson Finalists: Serese Brown, Stephen Mills, Kelsey Oliver
Computer Repair
“Best prices, best service, best selection.” – Kyle Nations Finalists: Frankenstein Computers and Networking, Happy Mac, MacTronics
Music Services/Equipment
“Strait Music has been rockin’ this town for 60 years!” – Rick Ingraham Finalists: Rock N Roll Rentals, South Austin Music, The Werd Company, Westbank String Shop
Austin Gifts/Souvenirs
“Tremendous support for Austin artists and the best selection in town for art and gifts.” – Lisa Zinna Finalists: Atown, Austin Gift Company, Parts & Labour, Planet K
Museum
“The Blanton shows diverse collections of art that open minds and eyes.” – Sally Van Sickle Finalists: Bullock Texas State History Museum, The Contemporary Austin, LBJ Presidential Library, Mexic-Arte Museum
Desserts
“The finest ice cream and such a fun spot to take visitors!” – Pamela E Ferguson Finalists: Quack’s, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, Sweet Ritual, Tiny Pies, Upper Crust Bakery
Pizza
“Detroit pizza reigns supreme.” – El Stearns Finalists: East Side Pies, Home Slice Pizza, Little Deli & Pizzeria, Pinthouse Pizza
Escape Room
“The best escape room ever.” – Paulina Torres Finalists: Lockout Austin, Maze Rooms Austin, Novel Escape
Elected Official: State
“A man of integrity.” – Veronica Jordan-Matlock Finalists: Sarah Eckhardt, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard, Eddie Rodriguez
Sportscaster
“Best play by play, the voice of UT, and his in-play/end of game calls often bring goosebumps of elation. Light the Tower and say goodnight to this one!” – Tyler Davis Finalists: Ed Clements (KLBJ), Dennis de la Peña (FOX 7), Jake García (KVUE), Roger Wallace (KXAN)
Pro/Semi-Pro Sports Team
“LISTOS! VERDE!” – Andrew Urban Finalists: Austin Bold FC, Austin Gilgronis, Round Rock Express, Texas Stars
Summer Camp
“Thanks to Chef Pascal, my kids can now cook us dinner!” – Karen Fligger Finalists: Austin Youth Fitness, Camp Paramount, kidsActing Studio
Best Virtual Facial
Not quite an online facial, though Neu Skin’s “contactless skin care” will give you a glowing complexion nonetheless. Owner Elizabeth Bentley offers several different holistic services from the comfort of your screen, including skin health consults and virtual Gua Sha (face massage) tutorials for existing clients, or a one-hour session for those who are brand-new…
Best Guide to Eastside History
Austin changes so rapidly that it feels like every time you blink, a piece of its history slips away – nowhere more so than in East Austin, where waves of condos and hipster bars are sinking the past. Fortunately, we have Harrison Eppright. He’s been soaking up Eastside history for six decades – the time…
Best Brisket Nachos
Qdoba over-salts, and Chipotle isn’t selling: As far as quick Tex-Mex goes, get your beef from Cabo Bob’s, the local chain that promises chill surfer vibes from its Subway-style ordering system. Huge portions for 10 bucks? We’re there. Throw in some homemade tortillas and sugar cane sodas while you’re at it. And with four locations…
Best Indoor Sunset
A breathtaking view to witness: The sun plunging down, swallowed up behind the towering Chisos Mountains, orange glow emanating before a purple twilight ushers in the nighttime stars. Spare yourself the nine-hour drive to Big Bend for this essential West Texas scene; you can enjoy a delightful approximation while drinking whiskey inside a South Austin…
Best Venue Champion
Technically, club owners get info about the Live Music Venue Preservation Fund from the City of Austin. And in theory, they’re handed Shuttered Venue Operators Grant rules from the Small Business Association. But if you ask any local club-runner where they’re getting updates, they say Rebecca Reynolds. Head of one establishment may have casually argued…
Best Nonfunctioning Windmill
Homesteaders Wylie and Effie Bennett are commemorated along the Johnson Creek Trailhead by a useless windmill constructed with stone. Apparently they used to live there. That’s about all the information you’ll find about this strange landmark tucked under the shadow of MoPac. Despite its proximity to Downtown and the six-lane highway, this stretch of the…
Most Forward-Thinking Trip Back in Time
Preserving the history of 19th century Texas, Pioneer Farms is a step back in time to the days of spinning your own yarn, blacksmithing, candlemaking, basket-weaving … and, facing the disasters of the last year, traditional skills are having a bit of a moment. They offer classes in all the aforementioned and dozens more, and…
The Get Together
Austin party movie is one perfect night in the velvet rut
Smoke Shop
“Austin funky to the core. Have found a way the give stoners viable jobs. Got to love that.” – Michelle Salas Finalists: Cosmic Smoke Shop, MaryJae, Oat Willie’s, Restart CBD
Drag Performer
“Everything about Louisianna is fire. Her pivot to online performance and video during the pandemic was brilliant and a great distraction from 2020, and she’s an actual goddess.” – Sarah Marloff Finalists: Alexander Danger, Miss Kitty Litter ATX
Doggie Day Care
“Lots of locations. Employees are passionate about dogs. Love that I can add puppy snuggles/couch time to my dogs’ stay.” – Erin Geisler Finalists: Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen and Bath, Fossil Ridge Doggie Playcare, Jackie’s Play & Stay, Mud Puppies
Online Adult Education
“ACC is the best bargain in education in Austin.” – Teresa Walters Finalists: Champions School of Real Estate, Femme Rock, Girl Guitar Austin, UT’s English Language Center
Bookstore
“They went above & beyond to stay in business while keeping both their employees and patrons safe in 2020. One of the few heartbeat-of-Austin businesses that we are lucky enough to still have around.” – Candy Steinman Finalists: BookWoman, Half Price Books, Malvern Books, South Congress Books
New Book by an Austin Writer
“I loved listening to McConaughey read his story. From the heart, honest, funny and a great self-reflection.” – Alex Furlong Finalists: Shades of the Deep Blue Sea by Jack Woodville London, The Life and Times of Alberto G. Garcia by Brad Rockwell, All I Ever Wanted by Kathy Valentine
Distillery
“God Bless Deep Eddy and all they did for Austinites and Austin restaurants during the winter storm. Not to mention their sweet tea vodka is ambrosia.” – Martha Francisco Finalists: Desert Door, Still Austin, Tito’s Vodka, Treaty Oak Distilling
Restaurant/Beverage Delivery
“Sourdough bread and pretzels straight to my door.” – Andrea Hilkovitz Finalists: 1618 Asian Fusion, Chi’lantro, TSO Chinese Delivery
Happy Hour
“Their frozen drinks are the bomb.com!!” – Amanda Blanchard Finalists: Kinda Tropical, The Tigress, Uchi
Film Critic
“Witty, insightful, always brings context and receipts.” – Sam Chang Finalists: Sean Chandler (Sean Chandler Talks About), Robert Sims (Lights Camera Austin), Eric Webb (Austin American-Statesman)
TV Anchor/Reporter
“Always Quita Culpepper. She’s a legend.” – Natalie Carroll Finalists: Sydney Benter (KXAN), Sally Hernandez (KXAN), Tony Plohetski (KVUE), Regina Rodriguez (Univision 62), Trevor Scott (CBS Austin)
Self-Defense Class
“Love the place, love the people. Practical self-defense work combined with sport fighting and fitness.” – Grant Hartline Finalists: Brazilian Fight Factory, The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness, Paragon Jiu-Jitsu, Sun Dragon, Warrior Family Muay Thai
Toy Store
“Fairy tea party, Christmas in July, and did you see their COVID response? SO respectful of the health and safety of their customers and employees.” – Jessica Tessler Finalists: Anna’s Toy Depot, Monkey See Monkey Do, Toybrary Austin, Toy Joy
Most Sustained Support of Austin’s Refugee Community
The Multicultural Refugee Coalition offers far-reaching opportunities for refugees living in Austin to earn livable wages, foster meaningful friendships, and develop marketable skills to support themselves and their families. MRC employs individuals at the Open Arms sewing studio and the New Leaf Agriculture regenerative farm, and they offer additional support through their ESL teaching program.…
Best Kitchen Sink Compilation
The perfect starter pack for scene novices, the third compilation from Big Bill’s Eric Braden, Austin Town Hall’s Nathan Lankford, and promotion company Howdy Gals crams unreleased tracks from 41 Austin artists in one delightfully dense package. Indie rock heavyweights (Spoon) mingle with French psychedelia (Lou Rebecca), rolling hip-hop (the Teeta), and country glam (Pelvis…
Best Can’t-Believe-It’s-Vegan Comfort Food
Praise to San Antonio for the blessing of import Project Pollo, a 100% vegan enterprise that recently set up shop here. Vegans will appreciate the legit mac & cheese and freedom to choose from the entire menu, instead of just finding the items marked with green leaves and asking follow-up questions. The star is the…
Best Jam-Demic
Of all the “bubbles” formed during the pandemic, one of the most thoroughly entertaining ones to peer into was a music studio in rural Wyldwood. Weekly or more since last February, the Purple Bee Crew – usually consisting of brothers Dustin and Evan Bozarth, “Grego,” and Big Mic Pereida – welcomed bands and collaborators into…
Best Virtual Political Social Club
Throughout her career in elected office, at Travis County and now the Texas Capitol, Sarah Eckhardt has held regular “Coffee Jolt” and “Policy Pints” sessions with friends, supporters, and constituents. During the pandemic, what’s been lost in actual hangin’-out intimacy has been offset by a much wider reach, allowing hundreds of Austinites at a time,…
Best Outdoor Workout
Staying healthy in the pandemic has been tougher than ever, and the team at Fuerte does everything they can to keep you well while you’re getting fit, including outdoor group classes with small caps and 8 feet minimum between you and the nearest workout buddy, plus no shared equipment. If being around people seems too…
Sweetest Relief
Miles and miles of Texas equals acres and acres of farmland. East of Georgetown on Hwy. 29, this sanctuary to “nutrient dense fruit” grows (to quote Jon Dee Graham) a big sweet life seven days a week, 9am-6pm. Strawberry plucking in the spring, corn maze in the fall, compete with farm animals, a petting zoo,…
Spiral
Chris Rock reinvents the horror morality tale for the BLM era
Sporting Goods
“A magical place to explore, so much fun stuff that you never knew you needed (but you do).” – Jo Eckler Finalists: Academy, Central Texas Gun Works, Duck Camp
Drag Showcase
“Rhonda puts on a show like no other! Watching her perform to a sold out crowd is always a treat.” – Juliet Rosso Finalists: Austin International Drag Festival, Boiz of Austin, Die Felicia!, Poo Poo Platter
Dry Cleaner
“Exceptional customer service, great prices, quick turnaround.” – Cassandra Ricks Finalists: EcoClean, Jack Brown Cleaners, Reid’s Cleaners and Laundry, ZIPS Dry Cleaners
Pet Grooming
“I didn’t recognize my dog when they finished.” – Wordy Thompson Finalists: Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen and Bath, Bravado Dog Grooming, Clean Critters, Mud Puppies
Bridal Shop
“They have a large selection of less traditional gowns and were very helpful with making everything accessible to me. My disability makes it hard to dress myself and the owner helped me find and try on the gowns that would both look and work the best in my wheelchair.” – Jennifer Henegan Finalists: Alexia Gavela,…
Nonfiction Writer
“She has shared her life openly and with such powerful grace.” – Billie Devine Finalists: Simone DeAngelis, Brad Rockwell, Lawrence Wright
Drive-Through
“If you haven’t been saved by some midnight P. Terry’s, are you really an Austinite?” – Trey Hollingsworth Finalists: El Tacorrido, Flyrite Chicken, Sandy’s, Top Notch
Service
“They provide real hospitality which provides a singularly unique experience to each guest. Ate there last night :)” – Lily Coleman Finalists: Garbo’s, Hestia, Nervous Charlie’s, TenTen
Intimate Live Music Venue
“Great booking, sight lines, and staff.” – Christina Rudofsky Finalists: Cactus Cafe, One-2-One Bar, Saxon Pub
Food Writer
“Well-rounded and extremely knowledgeable.” – Meagan Navarro Finalists: Addie Broyles (Austin American-Statesman), Jessi Cape (The Austin Chronicle), Jane Ko (A Taste of Koko), Matthew Odam (Austin American-Statesman)
TV News Station
“I appreciate their viewpoints, and the diversity among the reporters. I also appreciate that they spend a bit more time on some important stories.” – Mark Storey Finalists: CBS Austin, FOX 7, KVUE, Spectrum News Austin
Sports & Recreation Wild Card
“When you find yourself day drinking, fixated on a chicken, trying to asses the trajectory of their waste, my friends you are having a proper Texas Sunday.” – Sarah Statham Finalists: Barking Springs (unofficial dog beach), Footgolf at Harvey Penick, Minx + Muse (dance, music, and witchcraft studio), YourBikerGang.com (e-bike adventures)
Youth Arts Program
“Their counselors are great with the kids.” – Jenny Carroll Finalists: Austin Creative Art Center, Figment Creative Labs
Best Array of Art Supplies in a Vegan Coffeehouse
You could visit this Eastside gem of coffee and creativity for the house-roasted java, for the delightful array of locally sourced and 100% vegan treats, or for some of the friendliest counterfolk in this whole burgeoning burg of ours. But you’ll likely also be fascinated by the spread of art supplies and notebooks ready to…
Best Music Historian
The fat tomes about Willie, Selena, and Stevie Ray ought to be enough to rate this long-overdue award, but the former Texas Monthly scribe digs deeper in 2019’s Austin to ATX: The Hippies, Pickers, Slackers, and Geeks Who Transformed the Capital of Texas and 2020’s The Ballad of Robert Ealey and His Five Careless Lovers.…
Best Chinese Hamburger
Tucked away in a small lot off West 24th Street, Chef Hong, brother of Julie of Julie’s Noodles, is serving authentic hand-pulled noodles and handmade dumplings out of his unassuming orange trailer. For $4, you can’t beat his Chinese hamburger (roujiamo) as a grab-and-go comfort food. Get it with a side of liangpi or cold…
Best Lawn Care
After a year of drive-in shows and virtual streams, the Long Live Music outdoor series heralded the first real return to some semblance of normalcy for the live music capital. Hosted on the lawn of the Long Center and produced by Long Center and Luck Presents, the spacious grounds allowed for responsible open-air social distancing…
Best-Case Outcome for a Worst-Case Media Launch
When Texas Tribune alums Emily Ramshaw and Amanda Zamora first decided to start a brand-new media organization dedicated to reporting on gender, politics, and policy, they surely didn’t factor a worldwide pandemic into their pitch deck. But despite the unique challenges of launching during COVID, their nonprofit digital newsroom has not only jumped every hurdle…
Best Place to Take a Plunge With Your Pod
If you’re looking for a place to get some sun on a rocky shore, Tom Hughes Park offers ample room to bask, and it’s only a 30-minute drive from Downtown Austin. For folks who prefer to tread water in more tepid temperatures than Barton Springs, Lake Travis will feel like a delightful douse. However, reaching…
Best of Austin 2021
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Weird year, huh? Technically, it’s been 16 months since our last annual (ahem) “Best of Austin” issue. We celebrated this issue’s 30th anniversary back in November 2019. I don’t have to tell you why we skipped 2020 altogether. Even with the long break, I wondered if it was too soon…
Finding You
Dismal YA romance piles up Hollywood clichés and Irish stereotypes
Used Furniture/Antiques
“Coolest place to browse around.” – Barbara Williams Finalists: Far Out Home Fittings, Out of the Past, Room Service Vintage, Uptown Modern
Fiction Writer
“Prolific and wonderful storyteller. An Austin treasure.” – Libby Doggett Finalists: Owen Egerton, Amy Gentry, Loria Mendoza
Electrician
“Very helpful and quick to respond.” – Jean Hayes Finalists: Arbuckle Electrical, Grayzer Electric, Texas Electrical Services
Plumber
“Cute commercials on the radio. The married couple owners are relationship goals.” – Jaime Young Finalists: ET Plumbing, Reliant Plumbing
CBD Purveyor
“Quality products and female-owned.” – Manny Sanchez Finalists: HappyKarma Hemp, MaryJae, Radix House Coffee Shop, Reliv Organix
Outdoor Festival
“No contest. ACL always brings their A game, and there are choices for everyone.” – Mary Forma Finalists: Austin Trail of Lights, Pecan Street Festival
Established Restaurant
“Their food speaks for itself, but the way they treat employees (especially when the pandemic exploded the restaurant industry) is really admirable.” – Celeste Caswell Finalists: Chuy’s, El Chile, Matt’s El Rancho, Uchi
Steak
“Perfect little Bavette steak. Never disappoints.” – Sue Littlefield Finalists: Austin Land and Cattle, Justine’s Brasserie, Perry’s Steakhouse, Red Ash Italia
Jukebox
“Casino is a legend and an Austin cultural treasure.” – John Hood Finalists: Barfly’s, Casino Southside Lounge, Deep Eddy Cabaret, The Golden Goose
Journalist
“Ashley kept us informed through a pandemic, an election year, and a once-in-a-generation storm and kept the focus on our vulnerable, under-represented, and under-served neighbors.” – Molly McClurg Finalists: Michael Barnes (Austin American-Statesman), Jack Craver (The Austin Politics Newsletter), Ken Herman (Austin American-Statesman), Tony Plohetski (KVUE, Austin American-Statesman), Austin Sanders (The Austin Chronicle)
Weatherperson
“LEGEND. 100% chance of awesomeness.” – Owen Egerton Finalists: James Greenhaw (Pflugerville Weatherguy), Erika Lopez (KVUE), Chikage Windler (CBS Austin), David Yeomans (KXAN)
Sports Venue
“Love all the innovative events hosted at COTA!” – Kathleen Baker Finalists: Dell Diamond, Disch-Falk Field, DKR Memorial Stadium, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Youth Sports Program
“Supports many different activities in a safe environment for all kids.” – Vicki Dimock Finalists: Austin Youth Fitness, Life Ki-do Martial Arts, Lonestar Soccer Club, Soccer Shots
Best Art Book Supporters
Run by Clare Drummond and Marlon Hedrick, Spend Time debuted in a petite corner of a Clarksville home goods shop in 2019. The pandemic shuttered the brick-and-mortar, host to poetry readings and release parties. (Former storefront Open Invite now sells online.) Still, Spend Time has thrived digitally with participation in Printed Matter’s international Virtual Art…
Best Never-Ending Apocalypse
Who’s that shambling down your street? That would be the zombies of AMC’s zombie megafranchise. For the last three seasons, Fear the Walking Dead has filmed in and around Austin, hiring local talent, keeping local vendors busy, making honorary Austinites of its stars – and this year, they’ve done it all as a pandemic raged.…
Best Filipino Vietnamese Fusion
You can taste all the love that goes into the menu at married couple Kevin Truong and Rosie Mina-Truong’s new Eastside food truck. Take, for example, the sinigang wings: a mash-up of tamarind from the signature soup stew of the Philippines, fresh scallions, and super crispy fried chicken with a garlic ranch dip. Or maybe…
Best Livestream Performance to Bring the House Down, Henny.
During the lockdown, we watched a lot of high-profile productions that looked like a lame Zoom call. Girls Like Us was different. Directed and produced by p1nkstar and Y2K and streamed via Hotel Free TV, this colorful and stylishly put-together feature-length showcase felt like a private performance in your living room by p1nkstar, Babiboi, Lorelei…
Most Productive Symbolic Moment
The protesters last year at Austin’s police headquarters didn’t have to go far to occupy the interstate that’s symbolized the city’s racial and social divides for more than 50 years. In APD leaders’ mind, blocking the highway was a self-evident threat to the community’s safety, and thus justified the traumatizing police response that followed, which…
Best Pleasant Walk in the Shade
When you need to be outside, getting your steps, taking a stroll, but it’s also Texas’ endless summer, don’t forget this friendly green space by Onion Creek, directly south of the airport. With 2 miles of well-groomed trails looping through old pecan groves and under the century-old Moore’s Crossing Bridge (that was once the Congress…
Profile
Undercover screenlife political thriller isn’t fooling anyone
Vintage/Consignment Clothing
“Absolutely adore this affordable, unique, and impeccably curated spot.” – Greer Kofoed Finalists: New Bohemia, Pavement, Room Service Vintage, Uptown Cheapskate
Film Festival/Series
“This year’s virtual festival was amazing!” – Shannon Sedwick Finalists: aGLIFF, Austin Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
Fencing
“Does quality installation with quality material.” – David Hogan Finalists: AusTex Fence and Deck, Campuzano Landscaping, Gary Burton Fence Replacement/Repair
Psychic/Tarot
“Angel is an amazing reader. A rare and true visionary and healer.” – Kaia Ivry Finalists: Ace of Cups, Austin Tarot Reader, Mak Jagger Tarot, Sister Palm
Comics/Fandom
“Huge selection. Friendly employees. And a cat.” – Jeff Johannigman Finalists: Anime Pop, Austin Books & Comics, Bat City Comic Professionals, Tribe Comics & Games
Performance Space/Theatre
“It’s Austin’s most historic and most beautiful performance space, and the programming is wonderfully eclectic.” – Mark Weiss Finalists: The Vortex, Zach Theatre
Fine Dining
“The food is fabulous, the price point is beyond reasonable, the staff is beautiful, and the atmosphere/ambiance is everyyyythingggg.” – Andrea Dane Finalists: Barley Swine, Jeffrey’s, Uchi, Uchiko
Sushi
“Best meal I’ve ever had.” – Daniel Scholl Finalists: DK Sushi, Komé, TenTen, Uchiko
Karaoke
“Old Austin favorite.” – Kris Dudley Finalists: Common Interest, Highball
Local Controversy
“Dear lord, he’s a hot mess.” – Mel Bratton Finalists: Steve Adler goes to Cabo, APD response to BLM protests, “Eyes of Texas” as UT’s alma mater, Ongoing battle over whether to reinstate the camping ban
Alternative Sports
“Badass bitches on quad skates. What else can I say?” – Jill Ivie Finalists: Austin Bouldering Project, Jungle Movement Academy, Laché Movement Co., Sky Candy
Swimming Hole/Lake
“The beauty of the pool after hiking down to get to it…” – Larry Duncan Finalists: Blue Hole, Campbell’s Hole, Hippie Hollow, Sculpture Falls
Youth STEM Program
“The young women who run this program are outstanding role models who have become mentors to my daughter. I can’t say enough about how valuable the Girlstart experience has been.” – Tiffany Garza Finalists: Austin Tinkering School, Latinitas, Snapology Austin
Best Curbside Queer Lit Hookup
As we live through constant massive historical events, what better time is there than now to dig into the herstory available through BookWoman’s online catalog? The Austin independent bookstore staple keeps all the usual bestseller accoutrement, but stands out in its selection of marginalized authors. During these pan-Demi-Lovato days where curbside is queen, BookWoman provides…
Best New Place to See Music
For its first 53 years, KMFA was all about the audio: sending classical music out to the world, being heard but not seen. That’s changed with the opening of the radio station’s new 18,000-square-foot facility; it was designed for the world to come into and see classical music being played and made. Visitors can watch…
Best Fine Dining Pandemic Persian Pop-Up
Amir Hajimalecki is undeniably one of the best chefs around, and dishes at every single one of the restaurants he owns with his business partner/brother Ali deserve awards. But here we’re spotlighting Roya, their upcoming Iranian restaurant slated for 2022. The highly anticipated Nowruz celebration pop-up in early March boasted family-style meals with comforting but…
Best Music Television
Unveiled last October, Hotel Vegas’ Hotel Free TV kickstarted an ongoing virtual series of local music residencies awash with classic public access accoutrements. Whether it’s a grouping of Sweet Spirit with Jackie Venson and Fat Tony, an advice call-in hour with Lord Friday the 13th, p1nkstar’s absolutely stacked Girls Like Us showcase, or the countless…
Best Eastside Vista
The western perspective of Mount Bonnell receives understandable hype as the finest vantage point of Downtown Austin, but on the other side of town, Red Bluff offers a comparably stunning panorama of the city center. A low-key vista, the cactus-lined hilltop clearing contains only a wood platform and a couple of pieces of donated patio…
Best Quick Detour Into the Wilderness
You’d think a trail that starts at Trailhead Park wouldn’t be much of a mystery, but this 4.5-mile out-and-back in Northwest Austin is surprisingly untamed. Good for runs and dogs (but on-leash only) but also for lazy wandering, communing with nature, and getting lost, without ever losing your cell phone signal or worrying about being…
The Human Factor
A rare look inside the failed Arab-Israeli peace process
Women’s Clothing
“Literally where I get ALL of my clothes.” – Kristyn Wickham Finalists: Adelante, Bloody Rose Boutique, Feathers Boutique, Outdoor Voices, Wear Art Thou
Filmmaker
“Always thinking outside the box. Always coming up with something new.” – Chris Humphrey Finalists: Owen Egerton, Chinwe Okorie, Robert Rodriguez, Ya’Ke Smith
Home Maintenance/Services
“Down-to-earth, awesome service. They really care!” – Jana Ortiz Finalists: Blue Diamond Remodeling, iHaul Austin, Wedo Home Improvement
Real Estate Agent
“She is the best and helped this first-time homeowner buy her home!” – Jovita Pardo Finalists: Don Harvey, Lilly Rockwell
Electronics Store
“Super knowledgeable and helpful service.” – Laura Doll Finalists: Discount Electronics, Switched on Austin
Stand-Up Comic
“Matt Bearden slays when he’s on stage and off. Class act with a heart of gold and a mouth of not gold.” – Matt Martino Finalists: Mac Blake, Chris Cubas, Ralphie Hardesty
Food and Drink Wild Card
“Because mutual aid rocks!” – Lori Scarmado Finalists: Austin Restaurant Weeks’ Feed It Forward program, Gossip Shack’s wings and waffles, The Rolling Rooster, Taco Fuego’s riff on discontinued Taco Bell menu items
Tacos
“The migas tacos are life changing.” – Amy Holland Finalists: El Chilito, Tacodeli, Torchy’s Tacos, The Vegan Nom
Large Live Music Venue
“Great view no matter where you are seated and easy access to bars and restrooms.” – Jen Colegrove Finalists: Mohawk, Stubb’s
Nonprofit/Grassroots Org.
“The services CTFB have provided during the past year (through COVID, the winter storms) has literally kept many Austinites fed and alive. We are lucky to have such a wonderful organization in our community.” – Janet Janssen Finalists: Austin Justice Coalition, Austin Mutual Aid, Austin Pets Alive!, IssueVoter
Bowling Alley
“RIP dear friend, you are missed.” – Katharine Garza Finalists: High 5, Highland Lanes, Mel’s Lone Star Lanes, Westgate Lanes
Swimming Pool
“Nothing else like it in the world.” – Barbara Klitch Finalists: Big Stacy Pool, Deep Eddy Pool
Best Conversation Starter
In the heady early days of the pandemic, Big & Mini’s big idea was first hatched: to ease the social isolation by connecting seniors (the Bigs) and teens (the Minis) for free, teleconferenced chats. Melding a philanthropic spirit with startup hustle, the founders – UT classmates Aditi Merchant and Allen Zhou and Zhou’s younger brother…
Best Dead Flowers
Normally we wouldn’t recommend giving your mom something dead for Mother’s Day. Somehow, Second Bloom calls that recommendation into question. The floral company takes a careful approach to preserving flowers, using a desiccant preservation process that can take up to four weeks. Want to make art of those flowers from a special day? Second Bloom…
Best Pandemic Beautification Project
With South by Southwest canceled and virtually all businesses closed due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, Downtown Austin had never looked so desolate. Boarded up buildings along Dirty Sixth made the normally bustling corridor feel particularly haunting. True to their moniker, the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Campaign rallied local street artists to paint inspirational murals…
Best Food Truck Milkshake
A wondrous refuge for anyone with the dangerous combo of a sweet tooth and a penchant for indulgence, Cold Cookie Company whips up a variety of delectable ice cream staples. You’ll find your reliable scoops and waffle cones, as well as cookie sandwiches and floats. But the pièce de résistance lies in their shake, which…
Best New Craft Cocktail Program
In a city overflowing with booze, curating a cocktail menu to stun Austin’s thirsty patrons is no small feat. Honey Moon – named for the pandemic-delayed nuptial celebrations of owners Adrienne Wiggins and Reed Calhoun – is highly stylized with This Old House original wood floors, funky art walls, gilded mirrors, and lush fabrics. Even…
Best Green Thumb Inspiration
In March of 2020 – you know, one of the most terrifying months on record – Jennymarie Jemison sought to soothe her own nerves while also creating some much-needed positivity and human/Earth connection during the long monotony of quarantine and shelter-in-place orders. So, she launched an offshoot of her gardening website Joy Max Jardín to…
Best Unbeaten Path
Just past the county line, by the rustic little hamlet of Smithwick, lies this pleasantly rough-edged LCRA park fronting the very northwest tip of Lake Travis. It’s more than 500 acres of semi-developed open space, with more than 5 miles of interlocking trails for foot, hoof, or bike tire, some very challenging, plus room to…
There Is No Evil
Iranian anthology walks the line between life and death
Actor
“A Texas-sized personality that’s plenty weird enough for Austin.” – Bradford Fults Finalists: Judd Farris, Jared Padalecki, Marc Pouhé
Graphic Artist
“Matthew Rodriguez’s (Dear Ninja) art is by turns funny, profound, and subversive.” – Marshall Lee Finalists: Billie Buck, Dan Grissom, Cayce Matteoli, Mike Mitchell
Hotel/Motel
“It’s beautiful and lovely and the staff is perfect. Run by a bunch of strong women. Great location!” – Sydnee Farr Finalists: Austin Motel, Carpenter Hotel, Commodore Perry Estate, Inn Cahoots
Salon
“Excellent stylists, amazing color wizards. They’re fun, funky, and professional. All the best things rolled into one spot!” – Valerie Sadorra Finalists: 29Eleven The Salon, Headspace Salon and Co-op, Spoleti Salon, VINYL Beauty Bar
Farmers’ Market/Farmstand
“Best way to spend a Sunday. It’s a real treat to be able to pick up fresh local produce and talk to the farmers who grew it.” – Blaire Babyak Finalists: Boggy Creek Farm, Johnson’s Backyard Garden, SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley, Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline
Theatre Director
“Hardest working person in the theatre world.” – Ted Branson Finalists: Rudy Ramirez, Dave Steakley
Food Truck
“Veracruz has the best tacos in Austin. Austin has the best tacos in the world. Therefore, Veracruz has the best tacos in the world.” – Amanda Lipstein Finalists: Patrizi’s, SXSE Food Co., Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, The Vegan Nom
Vegan/Vegetarian
“I love their chipotle pecan pesto, Tarzen’s Big Salad, and vegan brownie with ice cream.” – Shraddha Iyer Finalists: Beer Plant, Counter Culture, Mr. Natural, Rebel Cheese, The Vegan Nom
LGBTQIA Club
“Cheer Ups is building a bigger table for all kinds of queer folks to sit at.” – Joshua Collier Finalists: Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th
Online Media Outlet
“Always have their fingers on the political pulse.” – Debjeet Sarkar Finalists: Austin.com, Austin Monitor, Do512, Texas Lifestyle & Travel Magazine
City Trail
“Too many people agree with me!” – Paul Normandin Finalists: Brushy Creek Lake Park, Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, Shoal Creek Trail, Violet Crown Trail, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Yoga
“A wonderful, supportive yoga studio that’s involved with the local community.” – Liane Gayler Finalists: Black Swan Yoga, Flow Yoga, My Vinyasa Practice, Wild Heart Yoga
Best Furniture Flipper Gone Viral
Ever spent hours trying to find the perfect piece of furniture, but it’s just a little (read: hundreds of dollars) outside of your price range? Austin’s furniture-flipping TikTok extraordinaire, MW Home Goods, is trying to empower shoppers to DIY those luxury items. Meghan Wheeler’s time-lapsed videos walk users through the steps to transform old, worn…
Best Earth-Friendly Crafting
The local favorite relocated smack-dab in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, but that wasn’t gonna break their stride. They consistently provide thoughtful updates and fun virtual contests so creative Austinites can compete with eco-friendly iterations of gift wrap, planters, packaging, and more. ACR’s entertaining tutorials teach how to reuse items to…
Best Pandemic Polymath
Mobley demonstrated his multi-instrumental musical prowess during a year ravaged by unprecedented uncertainty. The Austin dweller brought together a stacked roster of 30-plus local artists for a raw, collaborative visual album (A Home Unfamiliar) last July, then followed up with a one-man/one-van curbside tour to promote his “James Crow” single. Its sponsoring EP, February’s Young…
Best Homemade Pop-Tarts
Kellogg’s coined a junk food staple, but this West Campus coffee shop elevates the hand pie with fresh ingredients and a personal touch. Bring your laptop and your pup (the joint’s “Puppies & Coffee” mantra insists) to the flagship’s Space 24 Twenty patio, order a banana Nutella, spinach feta, or our favorite, blueberry lemon hand…
Best Potentially Haunted Downtown Basement Bar
Nestled in the middle of the Downtown warehouse district, this cozy underground speakeasy offers a uniquely sultry ambience. With virtuoso bartenders serving a staggering drink selection, DuMont’s finds a delicate balance between sophistication and easygoing warmth. Drop in for their incredible happy hour for $7 (or less!) cocktails, and you may also run into the…
Best Group Activity for Hospitality Folks
The pandemic dumped a tremendous amount of additional stress on the food and beverage industry, but this running group, established in early 2019, provided much relief to its members, many of whom found themselves suddenly furloughed. Comedor Run Club strategically makes space for health and healing in their beloved but demanding industry, one rife with…
Best Way to Upgrade the Backyard
Not everyone has access to a swimming pool even in a good year, but when coronavirus snatched away public pools on top of everything else, Kelly Francis West and Michelle Daly joined the select group of brave humans that launched a business during a global pandemic. This “women, veteran, LGBT owned biz” offers turnkey service…
City Lays Out Slow, Steady Plan to Enact Prop B
Arrests will be a “last resort” in phased plan to move camp residents over coming months
Austin’s Best Food and Drink Events This Week
Dinner parties, farmer’s markets, beer, wine, and more for the week of May 13, 2021
State Employee Unions Look Askance at Texas Lege’s Pension Changes
Unions give a hard pass on cash balance plan proposed in Senate Bill 321
Arts Listings
Virtual galleries, streaming improv, and more
Death Watch: How Much Remorse, Repentance Is Enough?
Family of victim – and killer – wants sentence commuted
Free Will Astrology
Your weekly horoscope, May 14-20
We Have an Issue: Everybody’s a Winner
Celebrating the “Best of Austin” Awards
Qmmunity: Save the Date
Et tu, Dutton? Days after the anti-trans student athlete bill Senate Bill 29 failed to pass out of the Texas House Public Education Committee on Tuesday, May 4, committee Chair Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston (yes, a Dem), moved to reconsider SB 29 on Friday, May 7, for no apparent reason other than personal spite, after…
The Verde Report: Ring’s Red Steers Austin FC Season Off Track
Team captain’s red card leaves ATXFC vulnerable in upcoming LA Galaxy match
Opinion: Time to Retrofit Our City for the Transit System Voters Approved
Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison offers a manifesto of sorts for transit-oriented development
Day Trips: FM 457 Bridge, Sargent
I can see for miles
Faster Than Sound: KindKeith Has What You Need
A dreamy alternative R&B debut and a few major venue reopenings, too
New Austin Music Worth Your Bandwidth This Week
What we’re listening to
The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
When the Austin author leads you into the Piney Woods for her new thriller, the trip is sultry and surprising
Austin at Large: The City That Never Shrinks
“Austin’s rapid growth” has become background noise. We should bring it up front.
The Luv Doc: Premature
There is only one alternative to getting older, and it definitely involves not getting laid.
Headlines / Quote of the Week
Vax Here, Vax There: The drive-through COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Circuit of the Americas has moved to the Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker Ln.). The Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative will continue to provide vaccines to the community with no appointments required. Your Next Police Chief: City Manager Spencer Cronk has brought in…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
In today’s dollars, The Flinstones’ weekly budget would be more than $500,000. At the time, it was $65,000 and the most expensive 30-minute show to produce. If you see palm trees in Ireland, they’re not palm trees at all but a New Zealand native called Cordyline australis or “cabbage tree.” Supposedly New Zealand settlers thought…
Public Notice: Strange Bedfellows Indeed
Do AJC, SAN, really see eye-to-eye on homeless policy?
Voting Debate Turns House Into a History Class
After heated debate over Senate Bill 7 dominated much of the Texas House’s week, the “election integrity” measure finally passed by a 78-64 party-line vote last Friday. Although technically SB 7 has passed both chambers, the House version is basically a different bill – the former House Bill 6 – so a conference committee will…
Scooters Flock Back, More Sustainable Than Ever
As Austinites adjust to the post-COVID world, usage of micromobility vehicles, including shared scooters and electric bikes, has shot up. While that might mean more scooters flocking on your sidewalk, or perhaps more viral posts of scooters in places they shouldn’t be, it also means the city of Austin and micromobility companies are working to…
Co-Op Conversions “Best Bet for Cultural Preservation”
Local businesses find strength in cooperation
APD “Reimagined” Training Academy Still a Work in Progress
Adoption of new curriculum for pilot cadet class scheduled for May 31
Hopdoddy Goes Fusion, Tso’s Gets a Jjim/Bom Bonus, Antonelli’s Appears IRL, Garrison Bros x South Congress Cafe, and More
All the news that’s fit to get your taste buds quivering
Texas House Passes Near-Total Abortion Ban
SB 8 allows anyone the right to sue a provider
