Our first experience with Independence Brewing Company came just a few short years ago when browsing the beer aisle at a nearby Austin grocer. Shuffling past the quick favorites (Lone Star) and growing tired of the old stand-by's (Shiner) we came upon the logo of a shaggy-haired kid jumping, cannonball-style, into a pool not unlike our own Barton Springs. With curious mind and ever-growing soberness, we delved further to discover what has quickly become... more ›

music • Black Joe Lewis, Best Love in Town at Beerland more ›

FRIDAY [26] [party] Salvage Vanguard Theater opening party at 2308 Manor Rd (Free, 6-10pm) [link] [DJ] Escape Hatch with DJ Starsign at Shady Tree Studios (Free, 7-10pm) [link] [music] Liars, The Apes, and Deerhunter (inside) at Emo's [link] [music] Pinback and Mary Timony (outside) at Emo's [link] [music] Snow Patrol and the Duke Spirit at Stubb's [link] [music] Black Tusk, Vitality (Houston), Bitter End, Balls Out, Navajo Radio, G&G, Porch Crowd, Not The Government at... more ›

We live right off South Congress, so when First Thursday rolls around (especially the December edition), we can't get out of the nabe fast enough, even if there is a good sale at Hill Country Weavers (we have a little bit of a knitting problem, it's true) or a passel of rowdy Swedes spinning DJ sets at Factory People. Now, truth be told, we hadn't been down to 4th Street to dine lately, but... more ›

Stealing The Oasis' Thunder We told you yesterday that a fire broke out at the beloved Bitter End Bistro. Today, the Statesman reported that the damage will cost $250K, but it is covered by the restaurant owners' insurance. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen, but the brewing equipment was affected. Owner Reed Clemons who has had a bout of bad luck with restaurants lately (he recently closed Mezzaluna but is gutting it and... more ›

Well, not quite. But enormous smoke clouds are billowing out of what Austinist thinks might be the Bitter End - firefighters have been here for the last 45 minutes valiantly attempting to extinguish the blaze. more ›