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Artists have lived on the cheap in Austin for years, so when your bank account has more tumbleweeds than dollar bills, take heart. Here's how to get the most bang for your recessionary buck.
Fifty bucks will probably buy you at least three or four books at this well-stocked shop. Pick up some reads here, then stroll down S. Lamar for budget-friendly vegetarian eats at Mr. Natural.
At Whole Foods, you can probably buy a couple of organic melons and some nuts with $50. But Fiesta Mart, you could conceivably buy ingredients to host a dinner of 10. Have fun!
A sweet Burnet Road thrift store with a nonprofit mission, Top Drawer can handily make over your wardrobe with $50. Yes, that kicky vintage dress may smell like someone peed on it, but fortunately there's a grocery store down the street with a well-stocked detergent aisle.
The "mas" stands for the sheer abundance of other cheap Mexican food deliciousness available here. To give you a sense of things: Huevos Rancheros cost $4.25, which is the exact same price as the waspy soy latte I get at Starbucks.
One hour massage, no tipping? You won't find a better deal in town for massage, which typically run at the very least $60 a pop (or more). The students here have to practice, and you, my tense bundle of nerves, will reap the benefits of their education.
A shoulder-length cut, blow dry, and style at Birds will cost you $39; a short cut (for guys or girls) a mere $21. Seeing as how other salons will charge you the equivalent of a monthly car payment for the same services, Birds is clearly your best budgetary bet.
It's conceivable you could buy a round for the whole bar with $50 at Liberty, where few drinks cost over $7 (and most are much, much cheaper than that). This is important to remember after you've done your taxes, and are upset at the outcome -- at The Liberty, you're never too broke to drown your sorrows.
What's a "puccia?" Why, only the most delectable Italian invention in the world! Part panino, part pita pocket, its a round, pressed-hot sandwich. Lucky's "Mini" costs $4.75, and really isn't all that mini -- stuffed with your choice of ingredients, including some fancy ones like olive tapenade, it's a steal for lunch.
