Art Issue 2023

VI SI T EAST AU STI N'S N E ON G R AV E YA RD T HIS FA LL P.16

THE CREATIVE

side

OF AUSTIN

These Walls

Talk

The Evolution of Austin Street Art

MARK SWEENEY, D.D.S.

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October&November

CONTENTS

08

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

10

21

THESE WALLS TALK

Discover how East Austin murals have woven a rich tapestry of art and community engagement, leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.

GET INVOLVED

Upcycling for Austin Artists

Diverting materials away from the landfill and into the hands of creatives

13

ART+ ENTERTAINMENT All Signs Lead Here

A theme bar celebrates Austin's institutions while sharing a bit of local history.

31

WORD OF MOUTH The Dark Arts

Master light at this local dark room that emphasizes the art of the process.

37

HOME+AWAY

A Weekend in Budapest

Skip over the City of the Lights and explore the Paris of the East!

43

SIP+TASTE

Progress is Back

The Austin coffee scene welcomes an old favorite turned café and bar.

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PMS: 1805U CMYK: 22 76 62 7 RGB: 185 89 87 HEX: b95957

TYPEFACES HEADER

SUB HEAD

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Questra (Regular, Medium)

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eastside | publisher's note

Keep Austin Creative

I

n East Austin's ever-evolving cultural landscape, the story of street art and murals is one that stretches over seven decades, a testament to the city's rich history and its dynamic present.

In this annual Art Issue, we embark on a journey through time, guided by Chris Ferguson, as he delves into the heart of Austin's public art scene.

nd ad a this g in e in iv r B l wa we'l ! fees tion plica 1 843 in ap

"Hi, How Are You?" Jeremiah, the smiling frog, has watched over Austin since 1993, a symbol of resilience surrounded by the city's transformative growth. This mural's survival is evidence of the community's dedication to preserving its artistic heritage. Yet, as Austin continues to grow, the relationship between art and the city's identity evolves.

$25 0 354

512-

The pioneers of Austin's street art scene, Seymour Fogel, Kerry Awn, Raúl Valdez, and John Fisher, laid the foundation for a diverse and vibrant mural culture rooted in identity and community engagement. Their works, now iconic, still grace the city's walls, telling stories of justice, resistance, and discovery.

VISIT OUR PROPERTY YOUR DREAM APARTMENT AWAITS YOU

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4646 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78723

As Austin headed into the 21st century, a new generation of artists emerged, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Artists like Sloke and Mez Data contributed to the preservation and expansion of the city's artistic legacy, while Bill Tavis brought mathematical murals to life.

However, as development surged, so did the challenges. The story of Chris Rogers' mural at 12th and Chicon illustrates the struggle to preserve the core identity of Austin's Eastside amid rapid change. The resilience of the community, with the support of organizations like Six Square, Something Cool Studios, and Raasin in the Sun, reminds us that art can empower communities to reclaim their voices.

Today, artists like Fabián Rey and Raasin in the Sun, continue to push the boundaries of public art, collaborating with local and corporate advocates to amplify voices and celebrate identity. The EastLink Trail's "Rosewood Pillars Project" and Bolm Road's mural project demonstrate the power of community engagement and funding to sustain Austin's vibrant street art.

Bearing witness to Austin's evolving art scene through the years, we have a front row seat to a city in transition, a city redefining the purpose of art and the various means by which it’s created.

Throughout this issue, we dip our brush into how East Austin galleries are adapting to prioritize local artists, ensuring they remain at the forefront. Additionally, we illuminate a new bar that plays a crucial role in preserving Austin's neon art, offering nostalgic adornment of the city's vibrant past. As Austin undergoes transformation, its art reflects the ever-shifting dynamics of its past, present, and future, becoming an authentic representation of the city's creative identity.

{READ} {Every} {Issue} EASTSIDEATX.COM @EASTSIDEATXMAG

8 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

Now, it’s time to get out and support the local arts. Tell them you saw them within the pages of EASTside Mag, and let’s keep Austin creative.

Thanks for reading, Will & Ashley Bowling

On the Cover

This mural can be found on the Campus of Huston-Tillotson University. The mural is called "Harvesting Hope." According to it's creator, Candy Kuo, the project was done in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, Raasin in the Sun, and ATX Mosaic Workshop and was tirelessly developed over multiple years and phases. The cover photo was taken by our talented photographer, Baptiste Despois.

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EAST THE REFRESHING

Austin, Texas 78722 eastsideatx.com

Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Business Development Graydon Laguarta Will Bowling Copy Editor Pam Bowen Media Relations Joanna Fuller

side

OF AUSTIN

Contributing Photographers Eric Morales, Baptiste Despois, Will Bowling, Tanya White, Shelby Bella, Leonid Furmansky Contributing Writers Jessi Devenyns, Ashley Bowling, Deven Wilson, Janine Stankus, Abby Johnson, Chris Ferguson, Jerod Morales, Melanie Faz, Tanya White, Joanna Fuller Distribution Will Bowling Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising advertise@eastsideatx.com

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors!

Tiffany Hentrup

CONNECT WITH US eastsideatx eastsideatxmag We promise we read every single comment!

Copyright © 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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eastside | get involved

Upcycling for Austin Artists One Person’s Junk is Another’s Treasure

WORDS BY MELANIE FAZ EDITED BY ASHLEY BOWLING PHOTOS FROM AUSTIN CREATIVE REUSE

From a unicorn composed of recycled material to community workshops to fashion shows, Austin Creative Reuse, serving as a thrift store for Austin artists, simultaneously breathes new life into thousands of pounds of repurposed materials.

N

Earth-Friendly Crafting award by the Austin Chronicle. Yet, their early years as an organization paint a contrasting picture to the rapidly growing impact they’re making today.

Just this summer, the organization hit a massive goal, diverting two million pounds of reusable materials from landfills. This effort is largely due to its dedicated staff and volunteers who sort and organize a monthly average of 45,000 pounds of donated creative materials.

However, it wasn’t until 2015 that the organization had an actual art center. Jennifer recalls the grand opening, “The first day we opened the doors, we weren't sure if anyone would show up, but they did!”

estled in Windsor Park, this 11,000-square-foot one-stop-artshop presents shop-goers with a colorful collection of unique crafting supplies from multicolored construction paper to goofy googly-eyes to fluffy fabrics.

Austin Creative Reuse’s (ACR) diverse inventory is comprised completely of donated materials, which allows it to offer inexpensive crafting supplies while prioritizing sustainability.

“Our current diversion rate is about 97%,” says Executive Director Jennifer Evans. “Of the materials that come to us, only about 3% ultimately end up in the landfill. That number is really important to us. We've been focused on trying to keep that number steady, even if our volumes have increased.”

Reducing waste is just one of many positive impacts ARC is making within the creative community. In 2021, ACR earned the Best

10 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

Starting as a community initiative, ACR was formed in 2009 by a group of like-minded individuals who saw the opportunity to bring an arts reuse center to Austin. The organization would host small collection drives and spread the word about the importance of reuse habits.

staff for how well they just creatively came up with ways to do these things,” Jennifer admits.

Today, they’ve expanded their reach to offer supplies to schools and teachers. Recently, they received a grant from Impact Austin to purchase a vehicle to take their school supply program on the road. “It's going to be some type of van or truck filled with school and classroom supplies,” Jennifer gushes.

Initially, the center was entirely volunteer-run and only open for six hours a week. It wasn’t until 2020 that they quickly outgrew their small space in The Linc and moved to Windsor Park.

The organization wants to continue inspiring people to consciously choose sustainable options as their first choice by providing high-quality products. “Our goal is to not duplicate the work of other great organizations in town,” Jennifer explains. “We really focus on creative materials, especially on things that you cannot take to another thrift store.” She encourages Austinites that the next time they see scraps or junk to remember they’re just reusable materials waiting to be reimagined by Austin Creative Reuse Center.

Three months into adjusting to their new location, the pandemic sent the entire country into lockdown. The organization implemented innovative solutions like an online store, non-contact pickup, and outdoor sale events to stay afloat financially. “I'm really proud of our

CONTACT: (512) 375-3041 2005 Wheless Ln. austincreativereuse.org

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Art+ entertainment

October +November

2023

14 invalu-

able art

A LOCAL GALLERIST PROMOTES TRUE ART APPRECIATION OVER APPRECIATING INVESTMENTS.

16 entertainment

FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO A PHOTOWORTHY EAST AUSTIN BAR.

16 event picks

FIND OUT ALL THE BEST HAPPENINGS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.

eastside | art

Investing in Connection The Business of Art

WORDS JANINE STANKUS PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

Investing in art isn’t about buying pieces just because you think they’ll appreciate, according to painter and gallerist Kevin Ivester. It’s about actual appreciation, which can take many forms: showing up, donating, and supporting artists and their message. “I don’t think you should collect artworks to flip them in the future,” Kevin asserts. “You should collect artworks that you love and that really speak to you.”

K

evin Ivester made a significant investment of his own when he opened Ivester Contemporary in Canopy Austin. He was originally L.A.-bound from Boston when a stopover in Austin altered his course. There’s something special in the Austin art scene. Noting the undersaturation of galleries compared to art world megaliths like New York and L.A., he explains, “I felt like I could actually provide a service—I could actually help.”

He was also attracted to the nebulous nature of Austin’s visual identity. “It’s different from the boats, bays, and buoys of Boston’s art world,” he points out. “Austin’s aesthetic just felt wide open. I'm not sure what it is; it’s exciting for me to be a part of that conversation as we sculpt what Austin is known for.”

14 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

“The thing that I love about art more than anything is that it's a way to communicate with each other…

It's a way that we can learn about ourselves, learn about each other, and then learn about the world. “

The Ivester gallery opened in September 2020, mid-pandemic.

Kevin was able to find affordable space at the time and slowly, yet safely, built his presence within the community. It was a dream realized for Kevin, whose passion for advocating for artists had propelled him through a myriad of jobs in the art industry. Ivester Contemporary represents emerging, Texas-connected artists, either locals or those with roots here, with the goal of connecting them to their dream opportunities.

When selecting artists for the gallery, Kevin looks for authenticity above all. “Beauty and quality are important, but I think of them as

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these portals into what the artist is really trying to communicate,” he explains. He’s not interested in art that sits pretty in the background.

“I want to see work and interact with work that is powerful enough to make people question and look deeper.”

That’s what Kevin enjoys most about being a gallerist: helping others connect to the artists’ message. “It’s a creative process to collect artwork—you can tell your own story through collecting.”

Often the first thing he asks clients is what works they have already and what do they love about those pieces. It helps him get a sense of what resonates with them.

AN ART FOR ARTS SPACE Ivester Contemporary boasts a dedicated Project Space for smaller showcases of more experimental works that Kevin believes should be seen and mostly aren’t for sale. “I do try to maintain my own genuine perspective of why art is important and not fall into the traps of it being just about money,” he says.

Kevin doesn’t hesitate to refer clients to another gallery, or an artist he doesn’t represent, when trying to connect people with the right works of art. He is invested in the prosperity of the community as a whole and making sure Texas fine art has a place on the global map. ”We’re definitely at a stage in Austin where all ships rise together,” he asserts. “We’re trying to show people that this is a town full of amazing artists, and we have a lot of room to grow into that.”

CONTACT: 916 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 107 ivestercontemporary.com @ivester_contemporary

GAINING PERSPECTIVES When asked what he is drawn to in an artist, Kevin admits that he tends to be interested in artists who have different backgrounds than himself. “The thing that I love about art more than anything,” he says, “is that it is a way to communicate with and learn from each other. It's a way that we can learn about ourselves...and then learn about the world.”

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Strange Bird Salon East 2235 E 6th St #101 Austin TX 78702 strangebirdsalon.com strangebirdsalon

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eastside | entertainment

A-MAZE-ING

What’s a bar without a good old-fashioned maze? The Sign Bar features a real maze that patrons can wander through as they sip on any of their specialty frozen cocktails.

All Signs Lead Here

Iconic Landmarks in a Playful Tribute WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

While some may see a sign without its signifier as defunct, Max Moreland has long seen the inherent nostalgic value in the neon letters and larger-thanlife figures of the city’s landscape.

16 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

F

rom a distance, The Sign Bar, an elaborate new themed bar in East Austin, may seem like an Instagram trap. The place is showy and just a little bit kitschy with its elaborate fabrications and over-the-top lights.

A prop wall displaying a scene out of an old western frames one side of the old salvage-yard-turned-bar, while another border is lined with immersive installations (inside shipping containers) that miniaturize old Austin staples, like I Heart Video. It’s a strange, but exciting, land.

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Alongside business partner Matt Luckie, co-owner Max Moreland began collecting unused restaurant and bar signs from all over the city while keeping a loose concept of what would be actualized 10 years later. When the right property presented itself, Max decided it was time to start building the homage of his dreams. He points out that while some of the monuments on the property once belonged to now-shuttered businesses, most come from owners who didn’t want to move their sign when they

relocated, and others are on loan from their owners. “[The Sign Bar] is not a graveyard; it’s a museum,” he notes.

After grabbing a drink inside, patrons are compelled to step outside and explore the main attractions. It’s an open-air funhouse marked by a familiar gargantuan genie, a certain big boy, and other recognizable figures offering a knowing wink to Austinites. Out of context, these familiar sights create a surreal sense of placelessness contrasted with hyper-specific moments in time. A sign that dotted a morning commute for over a decade or the façade that marked a once-frequented neighborhood bar will jump out from the mosaic of nostalgia and grab the eye, plunging patrons into memories of yesteryears.

The art on display here spurs

unexpected conversations between loved ones and new friends alike, much like it would in a traditional museum. And for those newer to the city or lacking a history with a particular sign, Max hopes to pass on a piece of local knowledge using QR codes at different signs scattered throughout that share a brief history of the represented establishment.

Many patrons arrive with a story about their favorite sign, waiting for the right moment to thrust a practiced anecdote into the conversation. For Max, his sign of choice is nothing flashy. “For me personally, my favorite sign is the Lavaca Street Bar sign. It's not a great sign, but it's where I met my wife. When I first moved to Austin, it was my haunt.

She was a bartender there, and I was an annoying customer,” he grins. More than lamenting a past

era, it’s these kinds of personal moments Max hopes The Sign Bar will preserve for the community while recalling the good ol’ days.

CONTACT: 9909 FM 969, Bldg. 3 signbartexas.com @signbaraustin

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eastside | events

& NOVEMBER

12THINGS WE LOVE IN

its annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration and fireworks show. The show kicks off a colorful evening to commemorate and celebrate the lives of loved ones passed and will take place at the Krieg Baseball Fields. planetktexasfireworks.com

OCTOBER

| 517 S Pleasant Valley Rd.

Cardio Dance October 17, 6pm

Dance your way into the week by joining Castle Hill Fitness and Esquina Tango for a night of moving your body. This instructor-led class welcomes all ages, dance abilities, and is open to everyone for free. No dance partner or experience is needed for this evening of two-stepping. While it is not required, it is requested for those attending to RSVP online. Can’t make it on the 17th? Jump in on October 24 for Salsa Night or on October 31 for Afro Latin Flow with live drumming. waterloogreenway.

Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar's Anniversary Party

org | 1401 Trinity St.

October 15, 11am-10pm

To celebrate their one-year anniversary, Vintage will be offering door prizes, a scavenger hunt, author interviews, Texas winemaker panels, store discounts, and more. All are welcome to join in this free event; no rsvp is necessary to celebrate at this birthday party! 1101 E 11th St.

vintagebooksandwine.com | @vintagebooksandwine

Oktoberfest

October 14, 11am-7:30pm

Pumpkin Nights

Now-October 30, 6-11pm Celebrate spooky season with a trip to Pumpkin Nights, a full display of more than 5,000 carved and painted pumpkins. Located on a one-half mile path, these pumpkins shine brightest after the sun goes down.

Tickets must be purchased prior to the event and start at $15 for ages 4-12 and $20 for ages 13 and older.

Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

pumpkinnights.com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. 18 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

Grab your Lederhoesen and get ready for this year’s Austin Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music, food, and even the event's special brew: Oktoberfest. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the German International School of Texas at Austin Pre-K and Kindergarten powered by the German-Texan Heritage Society. Tickets are $15 per person online or $20 at the door, and kids under 12 enter free.

germantexans.org/oktoberfest | 912 Red River St.

Stand-Up Science October 22, 1pm

What do you get when you mix science with comedy? Ben Miller’s Stand-Up Science. Using stories on topics ranging from his musculoskeletal condition to his childhood history with milk, scientist and comedian Ben Miller covers multiple points for scientific and comedic exploration. Tickets are $15 per seat at The Pershing.

eventbrite.com | 2415 E 5th St.

Austin Food & Wine Festival November 4-5, times vary

Get your tastebuds ready as Austin Food & Wine Fest returns for another year. With a wide selection of eateries such as Hillside Pharmacy, East Side King, and Jacoby’s Mercantile, there’s a dish (and drink) for all foodies to enjoy. Tickets start at $195 and include interactive cooking demos, tasting sessions, and more.

austinfoodandwinefestival.com | 900 W Riverside Dr.

Austin Celtic Festival November 4-5, 12-7 pm

Join the fun of old world traditions at the Austin Celtic Festival. With two days of Celtic artists, Highland Games, workshops and more, this 27-year-old festival allows guests to learn about Celtic traditions. Tickets must be purchased in advance and start at $12 for children ages 5-16 and $25 for ages 17 and older.

austincelticfestival.com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

Texas Fireworks: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration October 31, 9:30pm

Watch the sky be filled with a variety of colors as Planet K hosts WORDS ALISON BRYCE

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SEE THE EXHIBITION

Texas Book Festival November 11-12, times vary

Gather with book enthusiasts during the Texas Book Festival. With more than 300 literary talents for book-lovers young and old, there is sure to be something for everyone at this 28th annual tradition. Local food trucks will be on site to make a day of it. Be sure to check the website before heading to the event in order to plan which sessions you would like to attend as registration is not required, and availability is first-come, first-serve. texasbook-

choose, the Eastside is highlighted in the final weekend of the tour, while locations on the west and east will be open November 11-12.

The event connects artists and the public at creative spaces throughout the city, so be sure to get out and support all the local artists who will be set up at various studios in East Austin. bigmedium.org/

austinstudiotour | locations vary

festival.org | locations vary

The Crafty Adult: Constellation LED Embroidery November 16, 6-7:30pm

Austin Studio Tour November 18-19, 12-6pm

Support local artists during Big Medium’s annual Austin Studio Tour.

With three weekends from which to

Let your inner crafter out during The Crafty Adult’s Constellation LED Embroidery workshop. Learn the basics on how to stitch a tiny embroidered constellation with LED lights. The workshop is recommended for ages 18 and up and is free to the public.

library.austintexas.gov/events | 1161 Angelina St.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade October 28, 12-6pm

Mexic-Arte Museum’s 40th Annual Viva La Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event co-presented by Austin Convention Center. This year’s festival will begin with a grand procession at noon and festival activities run until 6 pm.

Participants can enjoy the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities and artist demos, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day. mexic-artemuse-

ON VIEW NOW

um.org | 4th St. & Congress Ave.

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19

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ike the fabric of the city itself, the threads that weave the history of Austin’s street art and mural scene have multiple origins.

Less than a block from Jeremiah, Seymour Fogel’s “Creation” is cited as Austin’s oldest mural, painted in 1949 within a recessed entrance to University Baptist Church. A colorful blend of allegory and abstraction, its fresco-like finish has left it well-preserved. Seymour taught at the University of Texas, having previously apprenticed under Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo and, in 1954, produced the iconic

22 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

modernist “American National Bank Mural” preserved today within the McGarrah Jessee Building downtown.

The coming decades would see muralism blossom, and 1974’s “Austintatious” by Kerry Awn, Tom Bauman, and Rick Turner was a critical catalyst. Its large scale and intricate details elaborately tell the story of both Austin and Texas against two sprawling walls bookending the Drag’s Renaissance Market.

The pioneering muralists created resonant work rooted in identity and place, and the Eastside yielded especially celebrated pieces like

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“Hillside Miracle,” painted by Raúl Valdez in 1978. Raúl prioritized widespread community engagement in his process, canvassing local neighborhoods and circulating hundreds of opinion surveys. His activist work incorporated themes of justice, resistance, and protest, derived from his Chicano heritage.

Likewise, John Fisher’s “Voyage to Soulsville” appeared on the Eastside in 1986. Dramatic, colorful, and enormous, it is located at the George Washington Carver Library, depicting “a voyage through the discovery of Black identity.”

The Carver Branch, which originally opened in 1933, was Austin’s first segregated branch serving Black Austinites. The Carver still stands today, centrally located in East Austin, serving to honor the heritage of Black citizens. Moreover, the “Voyage to Soulsville” has no intentions of leaving its permanent home on the Carver’s south wall and was recently restored to its original vibrancy.

John Fisher’s “Voyage to Soulsville”

Also in 1986, Austin Community College helped legitimize a very different kind of emerging street art, hosting an exhibition of graffiti curated by the East Austin photographer and historian Chale Nafus. By acknowledging the emergence of this guerilla art form while celebrating its ephemerality, techniques, and community of rebellion, artists like Al “SKAM” Martinez gained notoriety, reflecting a formative piece of Austin’s early identity back onto itself.

Street art flourished in the mid ’80s and throughout the ’90s, and stickers, slaps, stencils, and tags became synonymous with the city’s punkish identity as a creative slacker town with the world’s best live music. The vibrant graphic arts community flourished as well, their work affording the city an abundance of rich art landmarks.

These pioneer artists lent identity to their communities through their work. With plenty to say, the artists of this time produced a blend of style and heritage that, when taken collectively, could exist nowhere else.

{the creative side of austin}

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23

Stretchings a v n a C e h t A wth

An Era of Gro

s Austin careened into the 21st century, the public art scene evolved in tandem.

Some artists, like Sloke (@slokeone), emerged as a throughline between these eras, indicative of East Austin’s burgeoning influence upon the city at large.

Mez Data @mezdata

A prolific graffiti artist who credits SKAM for his start in the early 1990s, Sloke began producing commissioned murals and graffiti canvases in the early 2000s, helping to both elevate and preserve the vanguard of the early scene. Today, his work can be seen in galleries and throughout the Eastside, including a recent collaboration with PAWS (@dogslobber) celebrating Austin’s summer of style.

“New artists are emerging year after year, and it’s a beautiful thing to see,” Sloke explains in the foreword of ATX Urban Art, written and curated by J Muzacz. “But if a scene is to survive, it also needs to be passed on to the next generation. That’s what keeps it going.”

Bill Tavis @tayviss

Sloke @slokeone

24 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

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Chris Rogers @chrisrogersart

DIVE DEEPER: Take a comprehensive look at Austin’s art in ATX Urban Art: Layers of Graffiti, Street Art, Murals, and Mosaics in Austin, Texas, written and curated by local artist J Muzacz. jmuzacz.com

{the creative side of austin}

BOOK A TOUR: Local nonprofit Six Square offers group tours of East Austin’s significant Black murals. Visit sixsquare.org for details, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate.

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25

Looking around the Eastside today, it’s easy to spot the next generation, an emergent collection of diverse voices. Yet, just as present is the work of artists who sustained and expanded upon the efforts of the pioneers.

Also active since the mid ’90s, Mez Data (@mezdata) lent his signature portrait and writing style to this era, earning local and national acclaim for his immersive pieces and precise techniques.

Bill Tavis, whose art spans from writing graffiti to writing code, has an unmistakable visual identity that can be found across East Austin at places like the Austin Blessings Co-Op, Native Hostel, and The Yard, to name a few. His use of half tones creates vibrant, mathematical murals that resonate with a potent visual frequency.

As the city continued to boom, the Eastside became Austin’s art epicenter; yet, the pace of development often came at a cost.

In 2014, celebrated artist Chris Rogers (@chrisrogersart) contributed his first mural to the city, taking no pay for what would become a beloved illustration of Black musicians at 12th and Chicon, the place known as the heart of Austin’s Black community.

Three years later, it was abruptly covered in white paint – a literal whitewashing.

“We are headed into a public art renaissance, because people are beginning to see the power of the process in their communities. We can be that city that stands up and protects the art community here by continuing to elevate public art through policy, funding, and support from Austinites, giving artists an ecosystem where they can thrive.”

Make Work, Make Change

- Raasin McIntosh, Founder, Raasin In The Sun

T

aking the long view when reflecting on the evolution of Austin’s street art puts the stakes of the current moment into clear focus.

As the Eastside has grown, so too have the forces that affect its population of artists and the work they produce. The commercial popularization of murals has led to an influx of large, corporate commissions – a good thing for a community of artists at risk of displacement as costs of living rise.

An active muralist since 2015, Fabián Rey (@fabianrey) has imbued the murals and posters of corporate brands with a quintessential illustration style. His work for Austin FC is widely recognizable to soccer fans beyond Austin’s city limits.

Raasin in the Sun, a multicultural nonprofit founded by former Olympian Raasin McIntosh (@raasininthesun), has emerged as a critical facilitator for East Austin’s artists, the city, and its local and corporate advocates.

Few acts have so clearly personified the Eastside’s struggle to preserve its core identity, and the bellow of outrage from the local community led to a meeting between Chris and the new property owners. Within weeks, local nonprofit Six Square had agreed to commission Chris for a new mural in its place, which would also involve community input. “We Rise” was completed later that year, a befitting title for a piece so emblematic of a community empowered to reclaim its voice.

Rosewood Pillars Project, curated by Public City

26 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

wer of The Enduring Po Advocative Art

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“Harvesting Hope” by Candy Kuo Photo by: Leta Harrison

HOPE RESTORED: The iconic HOPE Gallery at Castle Hill, which closed in 2019, plans to reopen near Austin Bergstrom International Airport this fall. The park will feature public art and will have a space that is open to the public to tag.

ENDURANCE TEST: When the “Austintatious” mural was defaced in 2014, the mural’s original artists self-funded, along with donations, an 11-week restoration effort, citing the work’s importance as a connection to old and new Austin

{the creative side of austin}

Will Hatch Crosby @willhatchcrosby

Since 2015, Raasin and her team have engaged with artists and community stakeholders to promote the voices of women and people of color, helping to amplify identity-based work that serves broader community interests. As a steward of the art community and the city’s underserved populations at large, the organization helps maintain artist equity through public art activations, creative place-making, and service.

Recent initiatives include the expansive “Harvesting Hope” mural at Huston-Tillotson University, as well as a partnership with the City of Austin on the “Rosewood Pillars Project,” curated by Public City. The project invited six artists to contribute murals to the pillars supporting the Pleasant Valley Bridge at the EastLink Trail, providing documentary materials and workshops to aid the artists.

Will Hatch Crosby, one of the participating artists who grew up in Holly, focused his attention on Austin’s history of segregation and desegregation and the Eastside’s civil rights activism that resisted discriminatory policies, like city

28 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

trash burning, that once took place exclusively in East Austin’s lower income neighborhoods.

“Hola Friend,” one of Will’s first large murals in Austin, can be seen at the corner of Cesar Chavez and Robert T. Martinez Jr., a playful black and white homage to Daniel Johnston’s “Jeremiah the Innocent” featuring two whimsical creatures exchanging a cheerful, bilingual greeting.

Other recent forward-thinking initiatives from the city include Austin’s Neighborhood Partnering Program, which funded over 900 feet of murals along Bolm Road in Govalle, highlighting the neighborhood’s past, present, and future. The project was led by Raasin and her team in partnership with the Govalle Neighborhood Association.

As the city’s drumbeat of development continues its course, engaging – and funding – artists and their communities is critical to sustaining the advocacy of those who make the Eastside vibrant, resonant, and real.

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“Art comes from somewhere, and great public art comes from great local artists. If we want to have a city that generates and houses new pieces of work, we can’t forget about supporting the actual artists and their communities.”

- Will Hatch Crosby, Austin artist, illustrator, and muralist

Secret rt Street A Like the best parts of our city, Austin’s best murals are often harder to find. While some murals are on top lists and are registered on map apps for anyone to see, below are secretive examples of the creativity found east of I-35.

AUSTIN BLESSINGS CO-OP MURAL Painted by local talent Bill Tavis, his signature halftone style brings a vibrancy to the bounty of food painted on the walls of the loading bay for the Co-Op. WILLOW ST. DISCO BALL Simply a hanging disco ball over Willow Street that shines a bit of weirdness onto the pavement when the light hits it just right. At any other time, it’s a delightful sight when wandering the neighborhood.

SAN MARCOS ST. SEWER GRATE MOSAIC Taking a typically mundane piece of street infrastructure, someone’s laid down a fish-like mosaic, adding a touch of aquatic magic to an easy-to-drive-past spot.

Amidst the backdrop of 70 years of history, Jeremiah’s question lingers. Hi, how are [we]? If art is a reflection of ourselves, then the tapestry of historic and emergent work found throughout the Eastside is reason for great optimism.

Like the pioneers, today’s artists not only shape the identity of our shared spaces but also act as liaisons to the communities they serve, amplifying their voices. At its best, this work can transcend influencing place; it has the power to establish a shared history.

In turn, those communities must protect and support their artists, through public art initiatives, independent commissioning, and civic action. In this way, the future of Austin’s art scene is ours to cultivate, together.

CENTRO AUSTIN MOSAIC On one of the latest developments to spring up around Plaza Saltillo, a stunning new blue and white mosaic overlooks a paseo that connects pedestrians from East 6th to East 5th.

JIMMIE JONES ALLEY Between East 22nd and East 21st streets on Salina Street lies a hyper-eclectic yard of tile skulls, stone arches, and a hodgepodge wonderland of reused art.

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The Dark Arts Making Images, Not Taking Them

WORDS JESSI DEVENYNS | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS & JESSI DEVENYNS

There is poetry to the simplicity of black and white photography. But capturing life in this manner is more than just a monochrome snapshot. It requires experimentation and a willingness to create an image of the world that, much like life, is formed by the detailed shades of gray that layer in depth and meaning.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW Anthony offers private lessons, darkroom bootcamps, photo critique classes, and guided photo walks.

Using methods whose technical terminology will sound familiar to anyone who has used digital editing software, students learn how to render a negative into a print that is physically developed, washed, dried, and preserved.

A

nthony Maddaloni, owner of Eastside Silver Prints, a community darkroom, has dedicated himself to teaching others how to immortalize the beauty hidden in the nuances of ordinary life.

“This is a darkroom for people who are curious and want to have fun,” he says. “I want to have fun. I want to entertain people. I want people to have a healthy outlet.” Access to this creative outlet often begins with individual darkroom lessons to build students into autonomous members with the necessary skills to create. Anthony stresses that because it takes years to perfect the art of developing and printing, he is always available to troubleshoot – even after the initial introductory courses are complete.

Darkroom photography is as much of a science as it is an art. Thanks to the influence of light, time, and a little bit of chemistry, what is seen in the world is not what appears in an image. And the 32 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

skill of making, rather than simply taking a photo, is the art at the heart of photography.

The one-room studio encourages close collaboration between members who are given access to an array of development materials as well as multiple enlargers for printing the hand-developed images. It is not uncommon to see experienced fine artists, amateur doctors, full-fledged printmakers, and even rookie movie stars drift into the studio looking for inspiration or to borrow a few film reels. What they all have in common though is an eagerness to create.

The desire to express their interpretation of the world is what often leads students to Eastside Silver Prints. “It's one of these things where you can know nothing about science and still be pretty good at it,” Anthony explains. “In the beginning, it's about as scientific as baking brownies from a box. You do this at this temperature, you pour this in here, you mix this, you put it into an “oven,” and find more at eastsideatx.com

then you get images.”

Those images can then be preserved through printing. The ability to print can be especially powerful for people who have inherited old family negatives and want to bring those memories to life.

Whether darkroom members are interested in preserving the past or are looking to the future by pushing the boundaries of processing and printing, Eastside Silver Prints is a space where chemicals, ideas, and community are mixed together to develop a new way of seeing the world.

CONTACT:

5305 Bolm Rd., Studio 11.1 eastsidesilverprints.com anthony@eastsidesilverprints.com

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eastside | the best

6

best

4 Colorful Cities to Add to the Bucket List

Vibrant, Must-see Locales from around the Globe

In the search for the next great travel destination, aesthetically breathtaking landscapes, and colorful hues in charming old towns undeniably top the list of determining factors. With that in mind, we rounded up the world’s most colorful cities. Pack a camera, and share your eye-catching travels.

1

Jaipur, India

See the world through rose-colored glasses with a trip to this radiant city in the Rajasthan region of northern India. This historic city, otherwise known as Pink City for its distinctive pastel hues, was painted pink about 150 years ago to commemorate the arrival of King Edward VII. Beyond the blooming concrete, Jaipur plays host to vibrant celebrations like the annual Bikaner Camel Festival and Holi, both making sure to add every color of the rainbow to this otherwise monochromatic cityscape.

–Abby L. Johnson

2

Charleston, South Carolina

A pastel paradise on the Carolina coast, Charleston continues to draw visitors in for the visual delight of colonial architecture. Baby blue hues and coral pink colonial homes line Rainbow Row, but even passed the destination street, cobblestone roads stretch out with grand detailed townhomes

and businesses with whimsical charm, forever hued in a soft watercolor palette of paints.

The city's lively arts scene, southern cuisine, and warm hospitality infuse every corner with an irresistible burst of color. –Deven Wilson

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Imagine a place where Old World elegance collides with New World Caribbean, creating a kaleidoscopic backdrop for experiences unequaled in other locales. Old San Juan remains the most vital and vibrant seaport on an island, now teeming with charm, adventure, and nature. Forts erected over five hundred years ago still stand in what is the oldest settlement under United States sovereignty, but San Juan is far from passé. Take time to linger in and out of shops on Calle Fortaleza, where bright candy-colored apartments line the colonial blue cobblestone streets. You might even find yourself under canopy of vivid umbrellas or pink butterflies.

–Jerod Morales

Willemstad, Curaçao

Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, Curaçao stands as a living canvas of colors. Its capital city, Willemstad, is alluring with its colonial architecture boasting a canvas of bright buildings lining sapphire coastal shores. Narrow streets wind through neighborhoods filled with lively markets that burst with a kaleidoscope of hues, mirroring the island's vibrant spirit. Stalls overflow with tropical fruits, handcrafted art, and an aroma of spices. The floating market, where boats from Venezuela converge, adds an exotic swirl of colors to the landscape. The tropical flora painted with lush blooms abut the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea. This island’s harmonious blend of nature's palette and historic Saint Anna Bay brilliance orchestrates a symphony of visual delight. –Ashley Bowling

5

Victoria, British Columbia

The fisherman’s wharf in Victoria is colorful in spirit and architecture. Find fresh-off-the-boat seafood stalls, browse local artwork, and see the brightly colored floating residences. Enjoy the storybook feeling during a walk along the wharf, boasting charming pastel facades and lively street art that adds splashes of creativity from residents who are accustomed to the looky-loos walking by. Lush gardens bloom with floral hues year-round in this coastal gem's welcoming community. –Tanya White

6

Cinque Terre, Italy

When royal blue waters begin dancing with vibrant colors of city walls, all harmoniously crashing into the cliffs, that’s the moment you have arrived in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre consists of five towns woven together by footpaths overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea. Each village (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) brings its own style, personality, and unique history. –Joanna Fuller Read more at eastsideatx.com as we dip our “brush” into each town in Cinque Terre and even more colorful destinations from ESM's travel editors.

WORDS ESM TRAVEL EDITORS | PHOTO JOANNA FULLER

34 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

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38 home MODERN, MODEST, AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL: A DREAMY STRUCTURE BECOMES A HOME THROUGH THOUGHTFUL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.

40 away

ESCAPE THE MUNDANE AND EXPLORE THE STUNNING SIGHTS AND CULTURE OF THE 'QUEEN OF THE DUNABE.'

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Simple Elegance

Economies of Space WORDS JANINE STANKUS PHOTOS LEONID FURMANSKY

As Murray Legge puts it, “You could call it a “reverse coconut” or “a kind of geode,” or simply a “box with a hole.””

The smooth expanse of white stucco is interrupted by boxy bay windows and bisected by a central breezeway, which offer glimpses of rich, warm interiors.

38 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

W

hat Murray Legge Architecture firm calls “The Canterbury House” can be described in many ways; however, none captures the meticulous detail that went into designing this modern, yet modest, home.

The architects modeled several iterations, starting with a multidimensional design that was whittled down to a sleeker, rectangular shape. “A complicated form is actually the easiest thing to do,” explains Murray. “You don't need to try and resolve something in a very clear and precise package.”

This 1,680 square-foot home includes two bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a flexible office/studio guest quarters, and an open concept kitchen, dining, and living space—plus a walkway across the courtyard, conceived as its own library space.

The courtyard is Murray’s pièce de résistance. It’s framed in golden wood paneling and canopied by a steel brisesoleil that makes patterns of light and shadow. Both secfind more at eastsideatx.com

tions of the house look out onto the courtyard and into its partner section, making the house feel infinitely larger. “Being able to inhabit [the outside space] with your mind is probably more important than with your body,” says Murray. “It’s about being able to see and project yourself into it…It adds a certain magic to the house.”

The Canterbury House was part of a four-house project, initiated by three clients who co-purchased the same lot on Canterbury Street. Murray and his firm fondly call it “The Canterbury Tales” because the structures bring together so many different stories. For this particular construction, they contracted with builder Graham Davidson who Murray credits to fully bringing their vision to life.

For Murray, this house represents more than an architectural challenge but a chance to do something that deviates from the traditional vision of a family home that dominates the market. “In Austin, you have people doing all kinds of things, and it’s exciting to embrace that

and try to come up with new forms of housing.” The flexibility of the spaces in this design reflect his ethos: rooms that can function as guest rooms, offices, media rooms, and studies that can be purposed to the owner’s lifestyle.

CONTACT: 1701 Emilie Ln., Unit B murraylegge.com @murray_legge

As the Austin housing market continues to explode, and property values with it, Murray says that his idea of “ambitious architecture” remains rooted in a few key things: “a moving experience, quality of light, a feeling of deep connection, a kind of poignancy, but done with very modest means and unexpected materials.”

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DOING DOGTROT JUSTICE The Canterbury House emulates traditional Dogtrot architecture which became popular in the late 19th/early 20th centuries for its passive cooling capabilities. It’s characterized by a covered outdoor space that cuts through two sections of the house (typically with one side being the cooking quarters) and funnels an attractive breeze. eastsideatx.com

39

eastside | away

A Weekend in Budapest The Queen of the Danube Sparkles

WORDS & PHOTOS TANYA WHITE

In 1873, the two cities of Buda and Pest combined to create one of the most glamorous capitals in the world. The city known as “The Queen of the Danube” rivals Paris with its culture, food, and dazzling lights.

IF YOU GO…

Day One Floating along the Danube, sipping plum wine on the deck of an elegant river ship is a calm and majestic way to arrive in Budapest.

Formed in the late 1800s when two cities merged to become one, two distinct cultures still remain.

Hop off the boat and hop onto a double-decker bus tour, a fun and informative way for travelers to orient themselves in the city.

Make a stop for sustenance in District V near the river between the Chain and Liberty bridges. Stroll 40 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

through cobblestone streets, sampling Hungarian cuisine or enjoying pub food.

For an evening on the river, numerous boat tour options are available. The ideal time to go is just before sunset, so that the boat is out on the water as all the lights across the city activate. It’s sparkling and leaves no one guessing why many call Budapest the “City of Lights.”

Day Two The ‘Buda’ side of the city, on the west side of the Danube, was once the home of Hungarian royalty.

Explore Castle Hill, a quaint area filled with

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shops, cafes, and museums. The Matthias Church has been serving citizens since the early 1000s and has the unique experience of being both a Catholic Church and a Mosque. The views are awe-inspiring.

Carve out an hour to tour the Hospital in the Rock, a bunker within the six-mile long cave system hidden underneath the hill that was built during WWII. This spot was a secret military hospital and only opened to tourists in the early 2000s.

To finish day two, experience firsthand why Budapest is also known as the

GETTING AROUND: Walking is the simplest way to get around. Use a taxi or car share service to navigate between districts.

FORECAST: There is a typical cold winter, hot summer cycle, nothing extreme on either end, although most tourists visit in summer to avoid crowds.

THINGS TO KNOW: Pre-book any tickets wherever possible, e.g. museums, the parliament.

FUN FACT: You may hear half a dozen languages spoken, including Hungarian, English, German, Romanian, Croatian, and Serbian.

“Thermal Baths Capital of the World.” With a dozen thermal baths and over a hundred hot springs in the surrounding area, it’s easy to find the perfect temperature for everyone’s liking.

Day Three Wake up energized from the mineral soak and get ready to explore the east side of the Danube, formerly known as Pest. Start at the Parliament buildings, tour the Gothic Revival edifice and watch the changing of the guard. Walk across the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge and continue along the river pathways to the Liberty Bridge. Complete

the loop by crossing back to the east side and enjoy the afternoon at the Great Market Hall. Head upstairs to the food court to sample various Hungarian cuisine, from tasty casseroles or goulash to sweet pastries. Pick up paprika spices for culinary friends back home, either sweet or spicy, and keep an eye out for the most intricate and extravagant handmade needlework at ridiculously low prices.

Finish the day at the city’s original ruin pub, Szimpla Kert, in District VII. Enjoy craft cocktails and street food in an eclectic environment and swap stories with other visitors enthralled with this enchanting city.

DID YOU KNOW? This interactive map of the city is helpful when considering neighborhoods to explore further: hoodmaps.com/budapest-neighborhood-map.

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Sip+ taste

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44 taste

FEAST MORE THAN JUST YOUR EYES ON DELECTABLE MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE.

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An Erev Tov “W at Ezov

Eats that Entice & Engage WORDS TANYA WHITE PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

Step into an environment of art, music, and food that will transport visitors to the Middle East. Ezov offers something unique for Mediterranean food lovers such as uncommon food and spice combinations, dished out in a vibrant and buzzy space, that surprise and delight the tastebuds.

44 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

e’re doing something unique and different,” says Ezov’s Executive Chef Berty Richter. “Like with all of our concepts, we break the mold a little bit with what’s expected and how we do things. The way we feature this type of food is different, and I’d like everyone to come and experience that.”

The masterminds behind Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group are critical contributors to the East Austin restaurant scene, with the opening of Canje in 2021 and then Ezov in 2022. Chef Berty has been a part of the hospitality group team for a

few years now, collaborating with them on the TLV restaurant concept once housed at Fareground and is now the creative behind the colorful menu at Ezov.

The entire menu is a reflection of Chef Berty’s tastes of home, and he has designed flavor combinations that astonish and delight those who enter. The Smashed Cucumber, for example, combines the mildness of labne with the spice of nigella, turning this typically mundane vegetable into a taste sensation.

The richness of the hummus, in itself mouth-watering, is taken into a new direction with oyster mushrooms and

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hazelnuts. The tartness of pomegranate, combined with the smooth, earthy crunch of pistachios, come together explosively in a bright albacore crudo dish. The Halloumi is paired with the warm spice of dukkah and the sweetness of molasses. The menu is small and powerful, reflecting the creative chops that Chef Berty has developed working in kitchens internationally.

Each Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group concept restaurant strives to deliver a signature bread to guests, and the Frena at Ezov does not disappoint. Frena is a puffy kind of pita bread, soft and fluffy, and easy to pull apart in order to

NOT TO WORRY. One item guests won’t ever find on the menu are tarantulas. On a trip to Cambodia, Chef Berty ate a tarantula. “It was a delicious, crunchy snack,” he describes.

“It’s not typical to the regional food we’re serving here. So not to worry, it won’t ever be on the menu, even though supply might be plentiful in Texas.”

scoop up piles of hummus.

The summer heat had everyone in the kitchen shifting gears as farmers weren’t able to deliver some of the items typically on the menu.

Dishes built around ingredients had to be revisited and thought out differently. “We have notebooks upon notebooks of ideas,” explains Chef Berty, “and we are in constant communication with farmers. Our cuisine is rich and versatile enough that we can play with a lot of things.”

Chef Berty and his team work directly with area farmers to plan dishes and special menus, ensuring that ingredients match availability. With seasons changing and cooler weather ahead, the chef is tight-lipped about imple-

menting new menu ideas coming this fall for Austin’s Eastside Mediterranean treasure.

Regardless the season, any visitor to Ezov will experience the unique vibe intended to transport guests to another continent and culture.

Chef Berty grins, “This food is my passion…because that’s where I grew up. It’s a blend of so many cultures, and this is a place to be able to host and share the love, those flavors, and the food.”

CONTACT: (512) 305-1118 2708 E Cesar Chavez St. ezovatx.com @ezovatx

PIERCING STUDIOS EAST AUSTIN 1901 E 7TH ST. | (512) 981-MODS (6637)

NORTH AUSTIN

DALLAS

13219 RESEARCH BLVD #200

502 S FITZHUGH AVE.

(512) 953-SKIN (7546)

(214) 235-9473

WWW.SHAMANMODS.COM

{the creative side of austin}

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eastside | food scene

Lucky Seven

Happy Hours: A Good Time & A Great Deal WORDS DEVEN WILSON | PHOTO SHELBY BELLA

Post afternoon slump survivors can skip rush hour and savor their time at the happiest hour of the day. Gather friends and skip the stress of crawling the streets in traffic to join a bar crawl at some of the best watering holes on the Eastside instead.

1 LICHA’S CANTINA

Tuesday-Friday 4-6 pm Hidden in a jungle on East 6th is an oasis of margaritas and masas made in a metallic-roofed house. Ocho is the magic number here as the cocktails and antojitos on their happy hour menu all cost $8, while chelas range from $12 to $25 for buckets of beer.

Now tastebuds and budgets can rejoice with an amazing quesadilla in one hand and a Paloma in the other, all for under twenty bucks. lichascantina.com | 1306 E 6th St.

2 CISCO’S

RESTAURANT

Everyday 3-7 pm Mix timeless classics with arguably some of the best breakfast tacos and huevos rancheros in town, and you get Cisco’s. Cisco’s has the know-how to dominate happy hours on the Eastside with $5 margs and $1 Pearls. This historic institution is priced like its opening day in 1948. With half-off nachos, queso, and guac, there's a reason Cisco's has held as a firm favorite through the years. ciscosaustin.com | 1511 E 6th St.

3 SKINNY’S

OFF-TRACK BAR

Monday-Friday 4-7pm As if preserved from simpler days of bell-bottom jeans and jukeboxes, the nostalgia extends into the happy hour deals at Skinny’s. Inflation takes a back seat in this throwback dive bar with half-off bites like $6 wing baskets and 46 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

$3 wells that are sure to have visitors swell with sentiment for the seventies. skinnysotb.com | 1806 E 12th St.

4 MOUR CAFE

Everyday 4:30-6:30pm Escape the chaos of the workday and have Mour open a half-off bottle of wine while grazing over a cheese board, which is also 50% off. With bites that are also half the price, guests can get truffle fries for $4.50, a healthy serving of herb guac and chips for $5, and ceviche for $6. Mour’s HH makes for a perfect indulgence from the pre-rush hour traffic and allows for more time spent sipping an excellent bottle for a great price. mourcafe.com/ drink | 1414 Shore District Dr.

5 UPTOWN

SPORTS CLUB

Everyday 2-5pm With an early lead, Uptown Sports

Club is quickly closing the gap on long-established happy hours on the Eastside. Grab an $8 martini or $6 spritz for a marathon meal with a significantly marked-down raw bar.

Slurp down discounted oysters, dunk Zapp's chips into their Smoked Trout Dip, feel healthy with a Crab Louie, or bite into their juicy burger. Any path across their menu will make a club member out of happy hour patrons. uptownsports.club | 1200 E 6th St.

6 MARUFUKU RAMEN

Monday-Thursday 5-6pm, Friday 2-5pm Ramen may be the name of the game when going to Marufuku, but their bites are the real stars of this San Franciscan import. Get adventurous with Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Ika Karaage (Japanese-style fried squid) as their happy hour offerings of draft sake for five bucks, draft

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beer for $2, and $2 off Echigo Beers change going from a random treat to a weekly occurrence. marufukuramen.com/austin | 1900 Aldrich St.

7 VIXEN'S WEDDING

Wednesday-Sunday 5-6pm Beyond the bar food often found at the typical happy hour, Vixen's Wedding allows guests to indulge in snacks blending Indian and Portuguese cuisines with a Frozen Mango Lassi in hand. Made with cachaça, vodka, mango, yogurt, coconut and lime, one sip of this $8 frozen cocktail will have guests ready to dance the night away. But the happiness doesn’t stop there. Vixen's Wedding has flavorful snacks ranging from $5-8, beer and cider for $4, and a delish grapefruit Frógroni for $8. vixensweddingatx.com | 1813 E 6th St.

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O U R FAV E R E S TA U R A N T S

pick 15

ON THE EASTSIDE

EASTSIDE

dining guide Mour Cafe

Featuring a rotating selection of the world’s most satisfying dishes, Mour Cafe is where gastropub meets comfort. They serve environmentally conscious ingredients, sourced from local farmers, which bring flavor that’s uniquely Austin to each soul-filled dish. 1414 Shore District Dr., Bldg. 3, Ste. 120 mourcafe.com

Flyrite Chicken

Disrupting the fast food industry one sandwich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.

2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com

Cisco's

The menu at Cisco’s provides flavorful TexMex options for any meal of the day. Order favorites like their mouth-watering breakfast tacos or comforting cheese enchiladas for dinner. Either way, the food and the service will have you wanting more.

1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com

Kebabalicious

Kebabalicious's Turkish-style meats and wraps are mouth-watering. Ingredients are locally sourced, and the lamb is Texasraised and grass-fed. After one taste, visitors never visit a chain kebab shop again. 1311 E 7th St. | kebabalicious.com

S-H Donuts Li'l Nonna's Pizzeria

They're back on the Eastside serving up delectable New York-style pies to veggie and meat-lovers alike. This unsuspecting vegan food truck has the secret sauce to convince even the carnivores to indulge in a slice of their house-made vegan mozzarella or their Crispy Sicilian Brussel Sprouts.

3421 N IH-35 | lilnonnas.com

Casa Colombia

Long-time Austinites know that a visit to Casa Colombia offers an authentic culinary journey, serving up traditional Colombian dishes made from scratch like empanadas, arepas, and bandeja paisa served alongside an array of bright, fresh-squeezed fruit bevs.

2409 E 7th St. | casa-colombia.com

Marufuku Ramen

Nestled in the heart of Mueller, Marufuku is the next best thing to the authentic taste of Japan. With its rich, flavorful broths and tender noodles, this cozy neighborhood joint offers a Japanese fusion experience that invites guests on a culinary journey.

1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 180 | marufukuramen.com 48 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

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This unassuming store-front houses an outstanding array of fluffy-light donuts, a variety of kolache flavors, and savory breakfast croissants. Even if the food wasn’t enough, the warmth of the owners Sochea and Sarong makes the trip to S-H worth it every time. 5313 Manor Rd.

Hillside Farmacy

Something about Hillside Farmacy's weekend brunches, patio dinners, and cocktails just makes sense. Perhaps that’s due to its historical location in the lovingly renovated 1950s Hillside Drugstore. Or perhaps it’s because the fresh, carefully selected seasonal food that comes from local farms and onto your plate is just good medicine. Enjoy an “Adult Happy Meal” every Wednesday night: Texas grass-fed beef or house-made veggie burger, fries + an old fashioned for only $20.

1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com

De Nada

This charming cantina serves up tacos and margaritas with a smile. The handmade corn tortillas make a soft bed for barbacoa, carnitas, pollo, and more. 4715 E Cesar Chavez St. denadacantina.com

Jacoby’s Restaurant

Fruta Feliz

A happy place where breakfast is served all day. Of course, you can also get lunch, but why would you when you can have chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and authentic breakfast tacos at 8PM? 3124 Manor Rd.

Industry

Spacious and welcoming, Industry is perfect for a night out with friends or family gatherings. Their extensive menu takes cues from Texas cuisine, resulting in familiar, fun, and low-key healthy options from breakfast to late-night snacks. This, combined with their 30+ beers on tap and happy hour deals, has locals coming back over and over again. 1211 E 5th St.

This Southern-inspired menu features family-raised beef that comes directly from the Jacoby Ranch, served with heaping sides of veggies to match its freshness. Enjoy their signature chicken fried steak or a juicy burger on their cozy patio overlooking the Colorado River.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St. | jacobysaustin.com

Xian Sushi & Noodle

Fresh, hand-pulled noodles are the star of the show at Xian. Enjoy a bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry or the Dan Dan where noodles are pulled to guest’s preferred thickness then drenched in authentic Asian flavors.

1801 E 51st St., Ste. C370 | xianfresh.com

KG BBQ

KG BBQ is a carnivore's paradise, where the smoky aroma of Texas barbecue 'meats' middle Eastern cuisine. This truck is earning its spot in the Austin food scene as an unforgettable dining experience that fuses traditional Egyptian flavors with a Texas twist: think Smoked Lamb Chops with mint chimichurri and Brisket Shwarma.

3108 Manor Rd. | kgbbq.com {the creative side of austin}

Breakfast & Coffee Weekdays at 9AM

Weekday Happy Hour 3PM - 6PM & 10:30PM - Close

EASTSIDE.INDUSTRYTX.COM 1211 E 5TH STREET, STE. 150 eastsideatx.com

49

eastside | sip

Progress is Back More to Sip & Savor

WORDS DEVEN WILSON | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

An icon of coffee since the early aughts, James Benson and Scott Withers have brought Progress Coffee back into the coffee shop game. While a nostalgic comeback can fall flat in the face of a new scene, Progress Coffee + Beer is hitting the ground running with more than just beans.

W

alking into Progress, there is an immediate shift from the loud rush of cars flying by on the I-35 frontage road. The oldschool feel of the renovated mechanic shop and large wall of windows looking into the roastery feel worlds away from the highway, and the friendly laidback atmosphere is only heightened by the fresh scent of roasted coffee beans. “I’m an old school patron of Radio and [coffee shops] like that,” Scott reflects on what brought Progress back as a shop. Falling in love with that concept inspired Scott and James to focus the new Progress concept around being community centered: an all-day and all-night place where people can gather to work or for a first date with a coffee or cocktail in hand.

an amazing Americano or Espresso martini (both on the menu), their decaf is the ultimate proof of their roasting prowess. “We actually don’t dark roast our beans for decaf,” James explains. “We wash the caffeine off.” Called the Swiss Water Process, Progress gently soaks green coffee beans in an organic water solution for over eight hours. This unusual trick pays off in a decaf espresso pull so rich and vibrant, it easily could trick a coffee aficionado into believing it’s full caff. It's a simple, yet effective, trick that proves Progress has lost no time since 2013 in leading the charge for how coffee is brewed in coffee shops and will continue to be a leading name as it makes its prodigal return on the Eastside.

Progress made its imprint on the Austin coffee scene in 2004 under the leadership of Joshua Bingaman (founder of Helm boots). They were one of the first coffee shops in Austin roasting their own beans.

Their roastery took off, and after selling the space in 2013, Progress was solely focused on fine-tuning roasting. Ten years later, led by James and new co-owner Scott, Progress returned to the same roastery space as a coffee shop.

CONTACT: 3421 North I-35 orders@progresscoffeeroasting.com progresscoffeeroasting.com @progresscoffee

Progress brings a higher standard of espresso pull as a roaster, thanks to having complete control of the process by directly buying and processing their beans in-house. While it’s easy to expect EAT

The backyard selection of food trucks behind Progress turns a quick coffee stop into a full day. Picking up their legacy of working with up-and-coming names in the food game (Progress was the original home of Franklin's BBQ), co-owners James and Scott take great care of who sets up shop. With stellar tacos from Pueblo Viejo, top vegan pizza from Li’l Nonnas, and a full-on trailer speakeasy inside Visitant Social Club, there's something iconic growing in their backyard.

50 EASTside | Oct/Nov2023

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