Experiential

Barrel O’ Fun

Sure, Austin might not have a real boardwalk to wander down, but there is Barrel O’ Fun. Everything from the painted posters to the lightbulb-lit signs is reminiscent of the vintage carnivals of yesteryear. But when the lights go down, the real fun begins. The “R-E-L” burns out on all the signs, and suddenly the space transforms into the Bar O’Fun for a relaxed adult vibe. 1911 Aldrich St., Ste. 120B, barrelofunatx.com

Antonelli's Cheese Shop

A trip to Antonelli’s is a guided tasting excursion through a world of cheese. Soft-ripened or firm? Cow or goat? The choices are numerous, and combinations are endless when one considers the accompaniments available to create a cheese board worthy of the dairy obsessed. If you still don’t know what to pick, sign up for one of the shop’s cheese education classes. 4220 Duval St., antonellischeese.com

Birdie’s

Think of this small space like a cafe teria where patrons can order a blue plate special served on mismatched plates with paper napkins, except the food is decidedly upscale. The only catch? It’s counter service and first-come, first-serve. No reservations are taken, so make sure to arrive early. Keep an eye on their social media to catch Birdie’s during one of their pop-up events, like the beloved Aiello's, where both the menu and the restaurant itself transform into a temporary new concept. 2944 E 12th St., Unit A, birdiesaustin.com

{the delicious side of austin}