6 minute read
Trust Thy Neighbor
TRUST THY NEIGHBOR
6 local ATXperts share their favorite 'hoods for dining, shopping and more
By Darcie Duttweiler | Photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
Best Neighborhood for Dining:
EAST SIDE
JANE KO
Austin Food & Travel Blogger atasteofkoko.com
PHOTO IN FRONT OF “RHAPSODY,” BY JOHN YANCEY
Chances are you’re one of the almost 250,000 people who follows Jane Ko as @atasteofkoko on Instagram or TikTok for the best Austin restaurant recommendations, as well as travel suggestions from all over the world. Ko wrote the (literal) guide to Austin in 2019, and her blog A Taste of Koko was voted best Austin blog by the “Austin Chronicle” two years in a row. So she clearly knows her food stuff. As for her favorite neighborhood for dining, Ko says she loves visiting “both East Austin’s historic, old restaurants and newcomers in barbecue, Mexican, Asian and New American.”
Favorite Spots:
Tamale House East, Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar, Justine’s Brasserie, Launderette, Suerte, la Barbecue, Discada, Cuantos Tacos, Spicy Boys Fried Chicken
Best Neighborhood for Music:
EAST SIDE
MOBLEY
Musical Artist mobleywho.com
Musical artist Mobley grew up all over the world, from the Spanish Mediterranean to the California coast. Now he calls the Live Music Capital of the World his home. The dynamic and charismatic front man does it all: he’s a songwriter, producer, visual artist, filmmaker and, of course, musician. His second EP with label Last Gang Records will be released in September following last month’s single drop and national tour with The Arkells. When he’s not busy traveling and performing, you’ll find Mobley enjoying live music in East Austin. “That part of town just has so much hardearned culture and character and history,” he says. “Even as gentrification and commercial development change the face of things, there’s an undeniable spirit there that nowhere else can compare to.”
Favorite Spots:
Victory Grill, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, Six Square, Carver Museum and Library
Best Neighborhood for Nature:
LOST CREEK
MATTHEW GUTHRIE
Founder Hike Austin instagram.com/hikeaustin
Born-and-raised Austinite Matthew Guthrie created his Instagram account @hikeaustin in 2018 to showcase and promote the gorgeous natural spaces in Austin. When not producing “The Build Show,” he also serves on the board of directors of the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. Needless to say, nature is his thing. He loves the neighborhood of Lost Creek because “the area is packed full of hidden gems most folks don’t know about, with several neat swimming holes. With all the amazing trails right out your backdoor, and the close proximity to downtown, Lost Creek stands out above the rest for access to nature while still being in the city.”
Favorite Spots:
Barton Creek Greenbelt Hill of Life
Best Neighborhood for Nightlife:
SOCO
ALEXANDRA REICHEK
PR Specialist alexreichek.com
Alex Reichek is a real gal about town. As @chekmarkeats, you can watch Reichek nosh on sweets, swim laps at Barton Springs Pool and hit up several social events all in one day. Along with her personal brand, Reichek is a popular PR entrepreneur known for her work with local restaurants like Otoko, Koko’s Bavarian, Thai Fresh, Tiny Grocer and Lenoir. When this nightlife aficionado is ready to paint the city red, she heads to South Congress. She says: “I used to think it was too touristy, but I’ve found a plethora of spots to have any style of evening — from a nice, cozy tucked away spritz cocktail to my absolute favorite music clubs that are either hidden upstairs or off the beaten path. I’m all about a progressive evening and trying to visit as many places as possible, and South Congress allows you to keep making your way down the road and discovering new experiences all night.”
Favorite Spots:
C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, Watertrade, The Gallery at The Continental Club, The Meteor, Hotel San José’s courtyard, Soho House Austin, June’s All Day
Best Neighborhood for Families
MUELLER
SHRUTHI PARKER
Lifestyle Blogger insagram.com/thehonestshruth
On Shruthi Parker’s blog and Instagram account, you’ll find content ranging from food to faith and marriage to motherhood. Currently a mom of two (and soon to be three!), Parker entertains her followers with her authentic and passionate voice on everything from stretch marks to her relationship with God, and her kids are always a prime focus. So when tasked with picking a favorite neighborhood, Parker says the Mueller area is perfect for the whole family: “We’ve made so many wonderful memories there. There are so many options for the kiddos! They can eat, run and play all day long. Do they want ice cream from Lick? Check! Do they want to run around on a grassy field with a kite? Check! Do they want to play soccer and then feed the ducks? Check and check!”
Favorite Spots
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, Lick Honest Ice Creams, The Thinkery, L’Oca d’Oro, Colleen’s Kitchen
Best Neighborhood for Shopping:
NORTH LOOP
JEWLIE WILLIAMS
GM of Understated Leather instagram.com/hellojewlie
Although Jewlie Williams currently resides in South Austin, the former freelance fashion stylist lived in New York for many years, and she travels to California regularly. It’s no wonder her fashion sense runs the gamut of designer to vintage and pretty much everything in between (think chunky sneakers, poofy dresses and ’90s sunglasses). On Instagram the General Manager of Understated Leather shows off her fashionable styling skills and robust skincare collection, along with snaps of new tattoos and cuddly kitty Meatloaf. This fashionista’s favorite part of town to peruse the shops is the vintage-friendly strip of North Loop. “I think the vintage selection here is unmatched and a point of difference compared to other cities,” Williams says. “A lot of the spots in North Loop fly under the radar, so the selection rarely feels picked over or overpriced. I never come to this neighborhood and leave without at least one incredible find!”
Favorite Spots:
Blue Velvet, Breakaway Records, Big Bertha’s Paradise, Room Service
PHOTO AT BREAKAWAY RECORDS