Drinks and Snacks: The Unauthorized Biography

Everyone ballyhoos Austin's status as live music capitol of the world, but the pink elephant in the room that no chamber of commerce or visitors bureau would ever touch is that fact that Austinites truly like to get their drink on. More than that, they like their drinks served with snacks. You know it's true.

A few quick thoughts as we approach the summer drankin' and snackin' season:

In the category of best junk food in an upscale setting, we vote for the miniature hamburger and corndogs at 219 West. Seriously. A little Tanq and tonic or a nice champagne sometimes deserves more than pretzels and corn nuts - and this little litter of tarted-up junk-food makes for a sexy, guilty pleasure.

Selected $6 appetizers and Huckleberry Juice margaritas at the Roaring Fork Bar. Trust us when we tell you to order the fish tacos. Thank us after you order extra cole slaw on the side. Or go upstairs to the Stephen F. Austin Bar and sit on the patio, eat some wasabi peas and watch the world go by.

Feeling the pain on a Sunday morning? Don’t wallow in hung over guilt! Don’t go to church! Go to the Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill brunch buffet and stuff your face with Green Chile Cheese Grits and mimosas. Save your Sunday - delay your misery until Monday!

The girliest drink in town? Our vote is hands down the Champassion - a little easy-drinking champagne and raspberry thing at the Hotel San Jose. Paired with a San Jose spread of cheeses, apples, baguette, olives and grapes and even the most macho oily-type bohunk will kiss his gender issues goodbye.

We’ve mentioned it before, but we have our convictions and we’re sticking to them – pizza from East Side Pies + drinks at the Long Branch Inn = a super swell idea. We suggest Tito’s and tonic for a completely homegrown night.

Speaking of the east side, stop in at El Chile and gorge yourself on some delicious ceviche while drinking an orange and chile flavored Chilango Margarita or three. If you’re lucky, El Chile’s resident bon vivant, Aaron Bandy, will bless you with a story or three in the meantime.

Photo (c) batrace