Road Trip Day 4 & 5 Austin, TX
by Unknown
The drive between New Orleans and Austin was a relatively short 8 hours. We stopped in Houston along the way for lunch. Houston is a huge city dominated by freeways and suburban sprawl. It was probably my least favorite city along the trip that we stopped in. We got into Austin around dinner time and checked into our AirBnB rental before dinner. The hosts there were 4th grade teachers that gave great recommendations on what to eat an do while in Austin. We headed over to Rainey St. for some drinks and food. Rainey St. was in a run down part of town, but someone decided to give the area a chance and opened a bar there. Many others followed and its now a thriving nightlife district full of interesting local bars and live music. We went to Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden. The had 150 beers on tap from small brewers in Texas and around the country. I feel like this street captures the transformation of Austin in recent years perfectly. Austin is full of interesting local business and young people are flocking to the city in ever increasing numbers. From my experience in my short time there its become one of my favorite cities in the US.
BBQ IN AUSTIN IS INSANELY GOOD.
Sorry Kansas City and Memphis, Austin wins for me. We wanted to try the hugely hyped Franklin BBQ, but the wait is as insane as the food. Its a day long event. Our hosts even offered us lawn chairs if we decided to go, but we weren't going to waste our day in Austin waiting in line. We opted for John Meuller Meat Co. which is famed for beef ribs. It was painful to watch items being crossed off the menu as we waited in line. Were were too late to try the beef ribs, but got our hands on some brisket and pork ribs. The brisket is ridiculous. Salt, Pepper, and Smoke is all it is. Its so moist it falls apart under its own weight when you pick it up. I'm having Austin BBQ withdrawals writing this.
Sorry Kansas City and Memphis, Austin wins for me. We wanted to try the hugely hyped Franklin BBQ, but the wait is as insane as the food. Its a day long event. Our hosts even offered us lawn chairs if we decided to go, but we weren't going to waste our day in Austin waiting in line. We opted for John Meuller Meat Co. which is famed for beef ribs. It was painful to watch items being crossed off the menu as we waited in line. Were were too late to try the beef ribs, but got our hands on some brisket and pork ribs. The brisket is ridiculous. Salt, Pepper, and Smoke is all it is. Its so moist it falls apart under its own weight when you pick it up. I'm having Austin BBQ withdrawals writing this.
The Austin graffiti park reminds of the graffiti hall at UCSD that no longer exists.
To our surprise Austin has neighborhoods full of new modern homes being built. This is a refreshing contrast to the McMansion communities popping up everywhere.
