After spending a few solid weeks in Austin, Texas, I'm starting to be swept away by its sunny skies, never-ending supply of tacos, and quirky vibe. A phrase I've continually heard throughout my time here is "Keep Austin Weird", and the locals are committed to doing just that.
In each new neighborhood I've been to, there's always a funky shop or two, an amazing food truck, or homes that are painted bright pink and orange. There's an overwhelming sense of pride in making sure that Austin stays original and one-of-a-kind. One place that has become sort of a home base to me during my time here is the Whip-In. The Whip-In could exist nowhere else but Austin.
A former gas station that sidles up to the highway, the Whip-In is a hip joint that is part Tex-Indian eatery, part cozy bar, part live music venue, and part general store, with one of the best beer selections I've seen. Basically, it's the ideal place to have just down the block from where I'm currently living. It means this homebody without a home really doesn't have to roam far away to feel kind of like she has one.
As they say at the Whip-In, "Namaste, y'all!"
(Images: Smith Schwartz)
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Austin is the ONLY place in Texas that appeals to me.
Yay for Texas Craft Beer Love!
I haven't yet made it to Whip In, since I'm a Houstonian and rarely get out to Austin, but it's on my list of "must-do"s
Houston is cool too, I promise. It makes me sad that only Austin gets love (although Austin is awesome).
We love the Whip In! The bartenders really know what's up when it comes to beer and the chili is incredible.
Just around the corner and down the street from my house. Lucky us. We love the Whip In.
Don't hate on non-Austin places in Texas. Yes, Austin is a little piece of heaven on earth, but it's kind of a lot of the good things from all over the state conveniently located in one city. There are truly Austin things, but even Austinites tend to appreciate what the rest of the state has to offer (the State Fair, tubing on the Guadalupe, Big Bend, Cadillac Ranch) their secret is no matter where they go they get to come back home to Austin.
That's OK @jazzminephoenix, just more Texas for the rest of us:)
Austin is the only place in Texas that I think I would like to live, but I'm from Portland. I would actually love to split my seasons between here and there. Sometimes I miss the sun, like right now. :(
Can't wait to move there in just a few months! :)
@acmtx speaks the truth - there's a lot of awesome spots in Texas, you just have to know where to look sometimes (and where to avoid). And getting to come home to Austin after going out to visit them is the icing on the cake. :D
I love Whip-In. Everyone, when/if you go, do yourselves a favor and order the Nutella & banana naan. Aaaahhhhhmazing.
So happy to see a profile for Whip-In! One of the things we were most excited about when we bought our house was being back close enough to have it be the place we just stop by to pick up our beer, after living further south for 6.5 years.
And yes, there are other places worth visiting in Texas, downtown Houston is particularly awesome now, but Austin's the only place I can call home:)
That's right @fancywaffles!
I really just wanted to actually say, "That's right FANCYWAFFLES!" What a fun phrase:)
@Fancywaffles- Haven't heard any insults here, only opinions. ;)
Besides, IMO if you're not from Texas and haven't been around the state, all you have to go on are stereotypes, y'know? I bet one could apply this logic to any state, but I think Texas has more widely-known stereotypes...
And yes, the Whip-In is pretty awesome!
As someone that grew up eating indian food, I find the Whip In rather mediocre. I was extremely let down when I went after hearing so much praise. I just don't get it.
It's interesting that people outside of Texas love Austin and while I like Austin I love Houston. Austin is actually pretty homogenized and segregated. It reminds me a lot of Portland in that respect, so the comparison is not off the mark, just not in a positive way to me. Not to be an Austin hater, because it really is lovely, but I'd rather have Hillal-croft than Whip In any day.
@FANCYWAFFLES Leslie did not coin the "keep Austin weird" phrase http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_Austin_Weird
Nobody else move here..seriously.
I mean, a bar/store/indian restaurant?!!
weird.
that Joydreamz is right. awful.
houston is better.
ssssso. don't move here.
thanks.