Hipster Central, or 'Bro Turf? You decide. The once-dark alleyways of Rainey St. are being colonized by Austinites faster than ants on Twinkies, so here are a handful of spots to go stake your claim.
The Switzerland of Rainey St., where frat guys and vegetarian graphic designers commune in harmony. There's an overall 20-something vibe here, so whether or not that's you, brace yourself for vodka shots at SOME point in the night.
Low-lit and spacious, with a large wooden deck and a slight Brat Pack vibe, Clive Bar is one of the calmer Rainey St. offerings -- a welcome respite after your ears have been blown out from Lustre Pearl's assiduously hipster jukebox.
Rainey Street District's glorious little Indian food trailer/pavillion: their huge garlic naan is not only portable, but hits the spot after one too many shots at Lustre Pearl.
The sports of Rainey St., Bar 96 is a safe haven for proud, non-ironic football spectators. They're yard games in the backyard, as well as a food truck from Back Stage Grill (think wings, sirloin sliders, chorizo nachos).
The 6th St.-sounding name of this bar belies its sophisticated, modern interior and craft cocktail list, which includes a slew of inventive, infused vodkas.
Banger's has quickly turned into one of my favorite round-up-everybody-you-know-and-let's-go-drink-some-beers kinda place. With a staggering beer selection and DIY sausage menu (pick your bun, pick your meat, pick your toppings), plus the outdoor stage, picnic benches and dog run, it's the wonderful kind of restaurant setting that feels easy and broken in, even though it's brand new.
A "Hill Country Soul" bar, founded by four buddies with hearts for beer sippin' and dance halls. The ranchy feel of Javelina permeates its menu, too, which is concocted by its own kitchen (rather than a food trailer), yielding some pretty tasty eats: The sweet potato fries are popular, as is the Javelina Burger, topped with messy, yummy green chile pork.