Rainey St.
We all know that downtown Austin has changed a lot in recent years. But as is characteristic of the city, another new bar/food scene has popped up in a little neighborhood that no one knew existed until a few months ago. Remember what Red River used to be like before Club DeVille and gourmet food-carts? How about West 6th before Molotov's? Nope, me neither! Welcome to Rainey Street, Austin's newest, "secret" bar scene...and also a cute residential neighborhood where real people still live. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future regarding noise ordinances and such. While it's awesome to have a "neighborhood bar," it's not so nice when it's literally in your neighbor's house and strangers from around Travis County are descending upon your quaint neighborhood. However, I have to admit that these little bungalow houses turned indy bar scene are pretty awesome and definitely relaxed in the old Austiny kind of way. I've only been to a few of these rogue bars so far, but I like the atmosphere a lot. This area is also home to similarly rogue, and abruptly famous food places like Garage-mahal (delicious trailer-Indian food), which are certainly going to contribute to a huge increase in popularity very soon. Just my own prediction...
Here are a few of the new bars to check out:
Lustre Pearl
As with many of the Rainey St. suds shops, this one sports a great outdoor seating area. I haven't been to Lustre myself yet, but Rob tells me that it's a casual place with the added bonus of actual, regulation ping-pong tables. This one has a prime location on the corner opposite a (currently) $5 parking lot.
www.lustrepearlaustin.com
Clive Bar
Located across the street from Garage-Mahal and other eateries, this place has a fantastic porch with rustic little wooden benches and crates for your comfort. More evidence that these are grown-up places: clean bathrooms with working doors and paper towels.
www.clivebaraustin.com
Icenhauer's
We didn't spend a lot of time here, but I will definitely be going back, mainly for the delicious drinks. This place is starting to become known for its classical bartending and signature drinks, many of which are made with fresh ingredients. My favorite is a light drink that is a mix of champagne and elderflower liquor. Another big hit that packs a little more punch is a vodka-based beverage with freshly muddled strawberries and basil. These are really amazing. You need to taste one for yourself!
Facebook | Icenhauer's
I've seen places that advertise a room for rent directly above a bar but couldn't imagine what it would be like living there. It's one thing if it's a hippie bar where people are kinda mellow but you get a few meatheads that are loud, aggressive and starting fights it's a totally different story.
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