Home Slice: Pizza and the Brilliance of South Congress

"The city promotes a sense of individuality."

I like pizza--obviously. I had never been exposed to some really exceptional pizza or even something famous and regional, but I as I thought, pizza is pizza.

I was wrong.

Located on South Congress, Home Slice is a dine-in New York-style pizzeria with a take-out slice stand next door.

(Dine-in)

(Take-out)

I arrived at an appropriate time for dinner on Friday evening. I wanted to eat at the dine-in pizzeria: 

But at an hour and a half wait, opted for the dining area inside the slice stand:

The atmosphere is pretty much anything you can imagine a pizzeria would be on a Friday evening, especially on mustache night, where a mustache, real or drawn, will merit a ten percent discount--light-hearted and fun, filled with hungry people anticipating an amazing slice of pizza. 

As for the pizza--it's good. It's really good. 

As my friend described the amazing New York-style pizza, it is thin, crunchy, and chewy. A large slice to be folded in half, served on the perfect, thin paper plate. It is delicious.

(Margherita) 

Home Slice offers pizza by the slice and as an entire pie. It was recommended to me to also get garlic knots, which are buttery and delicious, complete with marinara sauce. 

Slices range from $3.00 to $3.50, and garlic knots are $3.50.

Located in the deceptively humble neighborhood of trailers, Home Slice is surrounded by the beauty of the Austin skyline and the distinctive and exciting energy of South Congress. 

(View from South Congress)

(The Hearse Limo)

(Jo's Coffee)

Home Slice is filling, tasty, and something to be craved. I will be returning. Often.  

While eating my dinner, I noticed an elaborate, drawn-on mustache, and met a friendly couple.

"Team Skanks"

They preferred to be called "Team Skanks," an inside play on their last names, Skinner and Franks.

Team Skanks are 26 years old and have lived in Austin for a year and a half. They say that "friends and a job" brought them to Austin, and that the same friends and the "quirkiness" of the city keep them here.  

Franks said, "The city promotes a sense of individuality," and explained that unlike other cities, in Austin, the "norm" is not prized. "The band is as wide as possible."

They explained that they came to Home Slice because "we think it's the best pizza." Skinner added, "I crave it."

They enjoy going to movies, into town, down Congress, swimming at the community pool, and going to the gun range. They've been to the wiener festival, Eyore's (from Winnie the Pooh) Birthday Party, and enjoy experiencing "quirky Austin things."

Franks said, "I butcher the hell out of metaphors," the worst of which was comparing the way a girl walked to a freshly born horse. "They don't make any sense," Skinner said with a smile.

Skinner enjoys the presence of the "lone star" outside the Bob Bullock theater.

The two met their freshman year in college, and Skinner explained that she had a crush on his roommate. They both smiled. They are now engaged.  

Team Skanks favorite restaurant:

Vino Vino

4119 Guadalupe Street

A wine bar and restaurant that is "a fancier dinner that is not super expensive."

Austin's Hidden Treasure:

Cathedral of Junk

4422 Lareina Drive

Next week, Team Skanks send me to the Cathedral of Junk.

Barbarella: Insecurities Not Permitted

"It's the only place I'd live in Texas."

I was sent to Barbarella to dance. And dance I did.

I should probably preface this post by saying that I don't dance. In almost every circumstance I find myself with an opportunity to dance, I am the one standing awkwardly with my arms wrapped around me, completely still.

But there was something about the atmosphere in Barbarella that let me loose.

Located on 7th and Red River, Barbarella is hidden under a small neon sign in a window.

I have been told that Barbarella does not really "get going" until after 11, and that Thursdays and Saturdays are the best nights. I chose Saturday and arrived sometime between 10:30 and 11:00. 

There were not many people inside. Instead, steady dance music not found within the top 40, which was refreshing, and strobe lights. 

There are several bars within Barbarella, two downstairs and one upstairs, so each is never suffocating with people cramming for a drink, and there are water coolers and cups conveniently positioned in the corners by the bars. 

I began to worry after a while because there were still no people on the dance floor. 

I wanted to slip into the crowd and disappear to dance and get a feel for Barbarella. But after looking at an empty dance floor and lonely strobe light, decided that my friend and I would dance, even if it was only us. 

Within minutes, we were joined by some awesome ladies, and a few minutes later, more people joined. 

It was during these early stages, while the floor was still spacious, that I began to love Barbarella. The crowd felt inviting, accepting, and void of anything self-conscious. It was amazing, and the crowd slowly continued to build. 

This was the crowd right before I left:

(No flash)

(Flash)

And there was a long line of people outside waiting to get in. 

Before I discovered hidden dancing bravely, I grabbed some water at the bar and met a really friendly stranger.

Evita, "like the movie with Madonna," and friend

Evita has lived in Austin for four years and said that in addition to the eclectic music and "new people that I always meet," that keep her here, she moved to Austin because "It's the only place in Texas I'd ever live." 

I second that. 

Some of her favorite activities include going to Barton Springs, mountain biking in Walnut Creek Park, rock climbing at the Greenbelt, and Thursday night social bike rides through Social Cycling Austin. The latter of which is a large group bike ride that can draw up to 300 social cyclists in one outing. 

Evita said that she came to Barbarella because "I wanted to dance tonight," and explained that Thursdays at Barbarella offer an "awesome dance party."

She said that she likes to drink a beer when she is hung over, and recommends The Flying Saucer, located inside of The Triangle, for some good draught beer. 

Evita's Restaurant Recommendation:

G'Raj Mahal Cafe

91 Red River

"Food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is great, it's BYOB, and has a glow in the dark serpent."

Austin's Hidden Treasure:

Hamilton Pool

24300 Hamilton Pool Road

Dripping Springs

"Secluded from the city." "Another natural pool we're able to enjoy."

Evita sends me to Home Slice and the trailers of South Congress for some pizza. 

The Bats in Austin

"The night life is unmatched."

I went to Zax. I did. But I went too early. It was a very nice restaurant, very clean, but quiet so early in the evening. I decided to go elsewhere for some time with the intention of returning later.

It was suggested to me to go see the bats in Austin. I have heard of these bats before. "There are so many of them," I have been told, "it looks like smoke." Sounds impressive.

I have also been told it is not something that needs to be seen more than once.

Naturally, I was intrigued.

Most people sat on the lawn under Congress bridge. Others, including myself, stood on the bridge. Waiting. For a very long time.

The bats are supposed to come out at sunset while it is still light outside, and it is supposed to be amazing.

This is what it is supposed to look like:

Bats, kayaks, and people on the bridge

When I was there, by sunset, there were no bats.

This is what it looked like when they finally emerged:

I thought I took a picture of them, but obviously it was too dark to see.

I peered over the edge of the bridge, and in the glow of a boat's light, a wave of bats flooded from under the bridge. But that was as much as I saw. Other than kayaks. 

This is what I saw:

But when I manipulated the picture, the images of bats can indeed be seen.

(The glowing, white bat-shapes)

Apparently my camera saw more than I did.

Overall, the bats in Austin were a complete disappointment.

However, I will say that waiting for over an hour to watch the event of bats in Austin provides great opportunity to meet new people. There is not much else to do but stand and wait, and in my case, get to know the strangers standing next to you. 

Ryan and Jonathon

Ryan and Jonathon have been living in Austin for a year, and work in both marketing real estate and finance brought them both to Austin. 

Originally from Atlanta, they "love it here," and say that the people, laid-back and friendly attitude, beauty of the city and ease and ability to get everywhere is what keeps them here. 

Ryan said that he enjoys running, especially at Town Lake, because he finds the amount of people motivating. 

They enjoy going out for drinks, to the theater, and improv shows at Hideout (!).

"The night life is unmatched," Ryan said.

When asked what brought them to see the bats in Austin, Ryan smiled. "My mom!" he said and explained that his family was visiting.

Favorite activities include hanging out on a rooftop with a full bottle of wine or champagne and tubing at the river.

Ryan's mother proudly explained that her son still holds two high school swimming records, and Jonathon explained that he enjoys the simple pleasure of getting into a freshly made bed.

Favorite Restaurant agreed upon by Ryan and Jonathon:

Imperia

310 Colorado Street

"Good sushi, sea bass skewers, happy hour, and wine bar."

Austin's Hidden Treasure:

Paggi House

200 Lee Barton Drive

"One of the best brunches," they say, with great Bloody Marys and dollar mimosas. 

Next week, Ryan and Jonathon send me to Barbarella to dance. 

Thanks for the great company. 

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.