The Ginger Man: Beer

"I don't work at places I don't like."

I like beer. That could be quite an understatement, but I like beer. I am constantly seeking out new flavors, dark richness, and good beers that have the slight, sharp bite. This is something I enjoy.

I came to The Ginger Man, and stood in awe of my new beer place in Austin.

Upon walking into The Ginger Man, located on Lavaca between 3rd and 4th Street, it looks like a regular dimly lit bar with a crowd of men around a basketball game in the corner.

When approaching the bar, however, I was quite surprised to discover draught beer.

A lot of draught beer.

And I smiled.

I ordered The Kraken, which was delicious, even in the disappointing mandated non-pint sized glass.

(Guinness, The Kraken)

Apparently beers with higher alcohol content are not served in full pint glasses. 

The atmosphere inside The Ginger Man is laid back and relaxing, a near requirement for a beer establishment. There was room to be comfortable, and had a nice outdoor patio.

While waiting at the entrance to The Ginger Man, I had a great "beer talk" with two employees and met a cool stranger. 

Massie

Massie, 31, has lived in Austin for two years. Originally from Virginia, he says that "family, friends, and experience" brought him to Austin, and it is what continues to keep him here. 

He enjoys working, drinking, swimming at Barton Springs, and playing music. 

A guitar player, Massie can be found playing "thrash metal, aggressive, adrenaline music" at the Dirty Dog, located at 505 East Sixth Street. 

Massie was insistent that he enjoys his job and loves The Ginger Man. His favorite beer offered at The Ginger Man is Double Bastard and he says The Ginger Man is the only place he will go for beer.

With an honest smile, he said, "I sought this place out. I demanded that I work here. It's by far the only place I would come to."

He looked at his laughing coworker and shrugged. "I'm very selective about where I work. I don't work at places I don't like."

Massie's recommendation for restaurant:

Zax

312 Barton Springs Road

Massie explains it as "one of those unknown places that's excellent and has a good beer selection." 

Austin's Hidden Treasure:

Hamilton Pool 

24300 Hamilton Pool Road

Travis Southwest, Texas

Next week, Massie sends me to Zax.   

Mohawk and Club De Ville: Live Music

"Awesomeness in various categories."

So apparently there is live music in Austin.

Michelle recommended that I explore some live music, and said that one of her favorite places is Mohawk, located on 10th Street and Red River.

Last Saturday evening, I ventured to Mohawk, but at 9:00 PM, I was way too early for a Saturday night. No one else was there. I went for a brief walk down Red River to kill a bit of time, and glanced at the other restaurant/bar/music venues. On my way back, I was stopped by the sounds of a good band. I listened from the street for a while before deciding that the five dollar cover would be worth it, even if I could only hear a few more songs.

The establishment was Club De Ville, located next door to Mohawk on Red River.

The band that had captivated my attention is called "The Couch" and would be classified as Rock.

I did not spend much time in the indoor bar, but I loved the outdoor patio area, complete with a large stage and cave-like rock backdrop, lit up with neon lights.

I really enjoyed "The Couch" and will be on the lookout for where they will be playing in the future.

Between bands the crowd was entertained by an acrobatic performance by, I believe, people who were there to enjoy their Saturday night and jumped on stage. It gave Club De Ville something extra, like we were all very welcome guests.

The next band was "Neon Cobra," and upon paying my cover and walking through the doors, the lead singer proclaimed, "You won't be disappointed." Over all, I had a nice time and really enjoyed watching the "super fans" jump around and sing with the band to showcase their support.

Wednesday evening brought me back to Mohawk.

Again, there is an indoor and outdoor option, but the bands play indoor. The indoor atmosphere reminded me of an interesting living room, complete with weird, old photographs, a fire place, and a deer mount.

The outdoor patio is very nice, and where I would like to spend my time, especially on a mild night with a nice breeze. Like Club De Ville, it is accented with protruding rock, and benefited with trees and creative lighting. I can imagine it would be a nice place to have a mellow night with friends, drink beer, and listen to the band downstairs. 

When I was indoors, waiting for the first band, "Royal Forest," to take the stage, I approached a group of two men and two women, and met Niki.

One of the most seemingly lighthearted and fun people I have encountered, Niki is in her late 20s and has lived in Austin for two years. She is originally from the East Coast, and moved to Austin because she was "done with very long winters." She said that she stays in Austin for its "awesomeness in every category" and its "non-sucking at being cold."

She enjoys the "urban heights" of Austin, especially all the bars on Red River and the Warehouse District, which Austin Entertainment calls, "the upscale cousin to 6th Street." It is located west of the business district, is "a bit trendier" and with higher prices, "caters to a slightly older crowd than the other downtown entertainment areas."

Niki was adamant in explaining that she came to Mohawk to watch the band "Bird Lips" perform and stated that she has been following the band's music from when she lived on the East Coast.

Niki was very friendly and carried an attitude that she has fun with her life. She explained that her birthday is an amazing seven-day event, and when asked for something interesting about her, she said that her grandfather dropped a bomb on Christmas Island. "Fact," she said.

Niki's recommendation for restaurant:
Perla's
1400 South Congress Avenue
Niki says that there is a great Sunday brunch and that the food, drinks, patio, and staff are all amazing.

Austin's Hidden Treasure according to Niki:
"My patio."
Gotta love her honesty.

Next week, Niki sends me to The Ginger Man to have a good beer.

Alamo Drafthouse: Atmosphere and Experience

"A great low-key Saturday night."

On Taylor's recommendation, I ventured to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar last Saturday for the 10:10 PM showing of Thor 3D.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a movie theater that caters to a more mature audience and allows audiences to have a meal, drink cold beer, or eat something other than the tired stock of snack food at traditional movie theaters while watching a film. In striving to create an exceptionally enjoyable experience for adults, most shows require audiences be 18 years or older or accompanied by a parent. Alamo Drafthouse also has a zero-tolerance policy for cell phones and in-film text messaging, and proudly claims on the website that they will gladly kick out any perpetrator. Additionally, Alamo Drafthouse does not display any advertisements on screen before the show.  

Upon walking in, I was immediately struck by the amazing atmosphere created in the structure of the lobby. The walls were lined in elaborate film-related artwork that gave the impression that I was about to experience something more than just watching a film. I was also surprised to see that there were long lines leading into the theaters, especially when I arrived nearly an hour before the showtime. However, I am not sure if this was because it was opening weekend for Thor, or if people regularly arrive early for the opportunity to claim the best seat.

The atmosphere inside the theater is even better. Understanding that I would watch a film while eating, I pictured a supper club and round tables scattered across a tiered room. I was surprised to see that it is set up like a traditional movie theater except there is a countertop bar that extends across every row and has sufficient legroom. I instantly noticed that the typical one-dimensional screen of advertisements was pleasantly absent, and while waiting, we were entertained with several snippets of pop culture references to Thor, including a 1966 cartoon and a clip from Adventures in Babysitting. Thor was not my first choice for a film to see, but the creative use of time before the show produced a sense of anticipation and excitement, even in me.

I ordered a hamburger and a pint of Stella Artois and greatly enjoyed myself. I was not a fan of the film as I would have preferred a more unique or classic showing, but the experience was so strong that it trumped my displeasure with Thor. I will be returning often, and I feel as though Alamo Drafthouse will become one of my favorite venues in Austin.


A few minutes before the line was emancipated into the theater, I approached a couple and met my next stranger.

(The line moved before I could take a picture.)

A late 20s professional, Michelle has lived in Austin for four years. She moved for work in web design and stays because she loves the scenery, people who are very friendly, and live music. She enjoys outdoor activities of hiking and bike riding, and likes to spend time at the Greenbelt.

With a can of Coke in hand and sitting on a bench in a suffocating line of people against the wall, Michelle said she comes to Alamo Drafthouse for the atmosphere. It is a more laid back and great low-key Saturday night, she said. When asked why she chose the Alamo Drafthouse over other theaters, the answer was not surprising: "to get a drink and a bite to eat while watching."

Michelle's recommendation for restaurant:
Vespaio
1610 South Congress Avenue
Although she has never personally been to the restaurant, Michelle says it comes very highly recommended to her.

Austin's Hidden Treasure:
Reimer's Ranch Park
23610 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs

This week, Michelle sends me to experience live music at Mohawk.

The Hideout Theater: Improv, Beer, and Laughter

"I love Austin for giving me these beautiful things."

If I was asked to name a unique place in Austin that I really enjoy, I would say The Hideout Theater. So that is where I decided to begin my project.

Located on 7th Street and Congress, The Hideout Theater is a coffee house that serves beer and a pretty descent turkey croissant and has an improv theater upstairs. I am lucky to know about The Hideout Theater as I am not a member of the acting, theater, or improv communities in Austin, and am not sure if I would have stumbled upon it myself.

I went to the 8:00 show Saturday evening, featuring the last performance of The Violet Underbelly, "Hardboiled improvised plays inspired by film noir." My only regret is that it was the last performance and I missed every earlier one. I found myself laughing, clapping, and completely immersed in a show that was happening less than two feet away from me. 

The atmosphere inside The Hideout Theater is difficult to explain. But it is good. I arrived about thirty minutes before the show, and I was surprised at how few people were inside. There were people scattered around the tables downstairs, lounging, talking, drinking; but not as many as I would have expected. However, when the ticket booth opened and we were allowed to take seats upstairs, people poured in. The theater was completely full, and after the show, the coffee house was filled.

While waiting for the ticket booth to open and trying to smother the nausea and fear of approaching my first stranger, I noticed a group of four women of differing ages walk in. One nodded to someone I knew to be a performer, and I was intrigued. When they sat at the table next to me, I decided I would attempt to meet my first stranger.

And I met Taylor.

Taylor is an extremely friendly film student who accepted my poorly worded and slightly awkward offer for conversation with enthusiasm. She is in her early twenties, has lived in Austin for five years, and moved with her family from St. Louis because of a parental work transfer.    

As a film student, she explained that one of her favorite activities either alone or with a group of friends is, surprisingly, to watch films. Her favorite theaters are The Paramount Theater and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which are both unique theaters in downtown Austin. The Paramount Theater is a historic theater and showcases both film and live theater performances, including music, dance, and Broadway plays. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is described as an entertaining and mature cinematic experience, catering to an 18 and older audience. 

Taylor explained that she really enjoys watching theater screenings of classic films. Cupping the air as she spoke and smiling through her words, she said, "I love Austin for giving me these beautiful things."

Taylor spent the evening watching the show with members of her family as her boyfriend was one of the main performers. She said that she comes to shows at The Hideout Theater about two to three times a month, and really enjoys the atmosphere in the theater upstairs as it is "intimate and not awkward." Since the theater is small, there can never really be a big crowd, but it is an involved audience, and Taylor says, "always has the best shows."

For other live performances, she recommends City Theater and Salvage Vanguard Theater.  

Dressed in a pair of cut off ankle boots, skinny jeans, and a white flowy top, Taylor was effortlessly cool. Her passion for film and the arts was evident as she explained the places she loves with animation and joy. She is really looking forward to the next aspect of her life, and holds a deep love for Austin. 

She is what she considers to be a "C-list" youtube celebrity, as a video (without her) that appeared on her channel went viral in Spain and has received over two million views. The channel, sunshinetaylor, is hilarious. I completely recommend watching. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/sunshinetaylor#p/u/0/4eJJF11bIxM 

Additionally, Taylor says that "when it is ten or later at night, when you are lying in your bed, that is the best feeling in the world." And something that makes her happy: "When you know you have to wake up in an hour, but know you get to eat breakfast!"

Taylor's recommendation for restaurant: 

Foreign & Domestic

Located at 306 East 53rd Street

She describes it as upscale, experimental food with few options where one can watch the food being cooked, and that it "blew me away." 

Austin's Hidden Treasure according to Taylor: 

Austin Zoo

Located at 10807 Rawhide Trail

She explains that the zoo rescues animals, has a great Austin feel, and most importantly, "There's a lot of shade!"

Taylor sends me next week to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to meet my next stranger.

It was lovely meeting you.