Uncovering Gems in the Unlikeliest of Places
As an avid pub enthusiast, I’ve always been on the hunt for those hidden gems – the watering holes that ooze character and charm, the kind of places that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret. And let me tell you, the journey to uncover these unique establishments is half the fun.
The Thrill of the Chase
One of my latest explorations took me deep into the heart of East Austin, where the city’s burgeoning bar scene is starting to take shape. Now, I’ll admit, I’m not always the most graceful when it comes to navigating new territory. In fact, my friends would probably describe me as a bit of a dweeb when I’m out of my element. But hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?
As my trajectory took me along Seventh Street and into the depths of Webberville Road, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The bars and restaurants were scattered about, each one seemingly hiding its own personality. It was like trying to piece together a puzzle without the box top for guidance.
Uncorked: A Refined Oasis
Our first stop on this pub prowl was Uncorked, a place I’d heard quite a bit about from my wine-loving friends. As we stepped through the doors, I couldn’t help but notice the rather subdued crowd – a mix of middle-aged gentlemen and their blond “trophy dates,” as my colleague Melanie so eloquently put it. But hey, who am I to judge? This was their turf, and I was the interloper.
The real star of the show, though, was the menu. I couldn’t resist ogling the muscular beef tenderloin with blue cheese, perched atop a bed of roasted baby potatoes. And Melanie? Well, she was all about the Uncorked Crab Salad, raving about the juicy orange slices and heaps of cool crab meat. As for the drinks, the bartender was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, guiding us through the wine flights with the precision of a sommelier.
Takoba: Where Margaritas and Mole Collide
After a brief pit stop at the North Door (a story for another time), we found ourselves at Takoba, a two-year-old interior Mexican restaurant that had quickly become one of my favorites. The place was pleasantly crowded and noisy, the service prompt and friendly without a hint of pretentiousness.
I indulged in a mango margarita, though I’ll admit it wasn’t the sexiest choice compared to the gigantic michelada or the crisp white sangria. But hey, when the mango habanero margarita your colleague Rachel ordered sets your lips into a happy pucker, you know you’re in for a good time.
And the food? Magnifique! The guacamole was fresh and spicy, and the tacos al pastor, with their thin shavings of pork and nicely charred pieces of pineapple, might just be among the best I’ve had in town. Even the humble sides of beans and rice were delightful.
Gourmands: Where the Geeks and Locals Collide
As we continued our pub prowl, we stumbled upon Gourmands, a neighborhood hangout just north of Seventh Street. Now, this place didn’t exactly scream “prowl-worthy,” but there was something about its cozy pub vibe that drew us in.
According to the Austin Chronicle, Gourmands is the kind of place where “East-siders come to play pool or to flex their cerebral muscle with the Geeks Who Drink pub quiz on Wednesday nights.” And let me tell you, the beer selection is nothing to sneeze at, with a significant local-brewery presence that had my colleague Rachel practically salivating.
Sure, the booze situation might not have been to my liking, but the sandwiches and soup? Absolutely divine. I’m particularly fond of the Cleopatra sandwich, served on a super-soft hoagie. And when the weather cools off, you can bet I’ll be back for a cozy bowl of broccoli-cheese soup.
Frontier Bar: Where the Punk Scene Lives On
Our last stop on this pub prowl was the Frontier Bar, a place that felt like a veritable time warp. As we walked through the doors, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia – it was like stepping back into the pit at Fitzgeralds in Houston, circa 2000.
According to the Austin Chronicle, the Frontier Bar is the kind of “anti-style establishment” where the “flame is kept alive” by a crowd of metal heads, middle-aged punks, and black-clad artists. And let me tell you, the vibe was anything but subtle. The outside yard was so smoky, it practically permeated the air inside.
As for the entertainment? A friendly ex-acquaintance and a vaguely familiar psychobilly band onstage. It was like a blast from the past, a reminder that punk may have never truly died. And you know what? I kind of loved it.
Embracing the Unexpected
These are the kinds of places that make my heart skip a beat – the ones that defy convention and ooze character from every nook and cranny. Whether it’s the refined oasis of Uncorked, the lively collision of margaritas and mole at Takoba, or the unapologetic punk spirit of the Frontier Bar, these watering holes are the epitome of what makes the pub scene in this city so darn captivating.
Sure, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of bars and restaurants can be a bit of a dweeb-fest at times. But that’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it? And trust me, when you stumble upon a hidden gem like these, the thrill of the chase makes it all worthwhile.
So, my fellow pub enthusiasts, I encourage you to strap on your proverbial walking shoes and join me on a journey of discovery. Who knows what unexpected delights await us around the next corner? After all, the days never over until it’s over. And with The Up & Under Pub as our trusty guide, I have a feeling the best is yet to come.
