A Guide to Austin's Holes in the Wall, Hidden Gems & Dives

YouTube user WiseGeorge365 might not appear to be the most employable kind of guy, but he's got a pretty good gig utilizing YouTube in one of the most brilliant ways we can imagine. Over 365 days, he's going to a different tavern, beerjoint, honky tonk, saloon, icehouse, or lounge and videotaping his experiences. He films the exteriors, talks about the history of the neighborhood, gives you a vivid idea of what it feels like to be where he is, all without ever coming across as a tour guide. His visits are both uniquely Austin and somewhat surreal - juxtapositions between some of our favorite hiding spots and their neighboring condominiums are presented as both sad indicators of future demise and truly special glimmers of excellence.

He's kind of a legend to us, documenting places that existed before we were old enough to appreciate them, joints that continue struggling, transforming and reviving to adapt. As George says, "The way things are changing in Austin, video and memories are about all that will remain of some of these places in the coming years. I hope to chronicle the best of them before it is too late."

Follow the jump to see a handful of his tours. We're hoping to see Jenny's Little Longhorn and LaLa's there soon. Also, one of our favorite secrets is Rabbit's, on the corner of E. 6th & Chicon. Office chairs from Topp's roll around on the gravel and Rabbit comes and sits down with you, sharing stories of the building's history (which is long, storied and absolutely fantastic). We'd ask for G&S, but we know he'd probably get a baseball bat if he brought a camera in there. Hear more from WiseGeorge at his blog.

If you're in town for SXSW, and find the time (or interest) in breaking from the corporate showdown for your blood alcohol content to patronize a place that could really use your $2, swing by one of these gems.